Sun 2009-12-20 
From the beginning of September: small black fly with a distinctly humped back. The wing venation, as far as I can make it out, is consistent with that for scuttle flies (Diptera: Phoridae). Indeed, there seems to be a fairly good match with the species Diplonevra nitidula (also see here). However, only a tentative identification, I think.
Photos taken in Whiteknights Park, Reading University grounds, Reading, UK, on 2009-09-05.
Sat 2009-12-19 
A dock bug, Coreus marginatus (Hemiptera: Coreidae), on a dock or sorrel plant (Rumex sp).
[Note added 2009-12-20: According to Michael Chinery (Complete British Insects, Collins, 2005), one of the distinguishing marks of this species are the two tiny 'horns' between the antennae. These are clearly visible in the above photo.]
Photo taken in Whiteknights Park, Reading University grounds, Reading, UK, on 2009-06-04.
Fri 2009-12-18 
One of a group of three roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) that Zoe and I saw in Bousdale, near Guisborough, in August. I had heard that there were deer in and around Bousdale many years ago, but I had only once before seen them there, on a summer evening back in the early 1980's when one walked across the path ahead of me as I was walking alone. This time Zoe and I saw this family group of three on two different days, which suggests that they are both more common and less afraid of people than they used to be.
Photos taken in Bousdale, near Guisborough, North Yorkshire, UK, on 2009-08-08.
Thu 2009-12-17 
From back in early June, a snipe fly, Chrysopilus cristatus (Diptera: Rhagionidae). For another photo of this species taken a month later see here.
Photo taken in Whiteknights Park, Reading University grounds, Reading, UK, on 2009-06-04.
Wed 2009-12-16 
A couple of days ago I was surprised to come across this small green chalcid wasp. It was probably a Torymid wasp (Hymenoptera: Torymidae), similar to the ones that I saw in October (see here and here). However, back in October they were on oak leaves, which have now all gone; this one was on an ivy leaf (Hedera helix). Whether this means its must be a different species, I don't know.
Photo taken in Whiteknights Park, Reading University grounds, Reading, UK, on 2009-12-12.
