Forest Bug Nymphs

From back in early June: a final instar nymph of the forest bug, Pentatoma rufipes (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae).  The developing wings can be seen as the dark stubs on each side of the back (behind the blue 'shoulders').

This is a slightly earlier instar nymph of the same species from back in May.  The wing stubs have not yet started growing.

Photos taken Whiteknights Park, Reading University grounds, Reading, UK, on 2011-06-01 and 2011-05-13, respectively.

Sphaerocerid Fly

From back in May: a small black fly, probably a Copromyza sp (Diptera: Sphaeroceridae).  ID by Paul Beuk here.

Photo taken in Whiteknights Park, Reading University gronds, Reading, UK, on 2011-05-13.

Lacewing

From back in early summer: a green lacewing, probably Chrysopa perla (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae).

Photo taken in the field below Chazey Wood, near Caversham, UK, on 2011-06-09.

Black Bulgar Fungus

Black bulgar fungus, Bulgaria inquinans, growing on a fallen oak tree.  The first time I have seen this species.

When young they are like a cup fungus; when old they open out to be more like a black jelly fungus such as Exidia glandulosa.

Photos taken in the Wilderness, Whiteknights Park, Reading University grounds, Reading, UK, on 2011-10-28.

Sciomyzid Flies

A pair of orange flies mating: a Pherbellia sp, possibly Pherbellia scutellaris (Diptera:Sciomyzidae).  Identification by Stephane Lebrun here.

Photos taken in Chazey Wood, near Caversham, UK, on 2011-10-23.