Bracket Fungus

A bracket fungus, probably Heterobasidion annosum, growing on the stump of what I think was a birch tree (Betula sp). 

I took a small sample from the edge to examine with a magnifier at home.  It showed 2 to 3 pores per mm on the underside.  The pore tubes were about 5mm long.  Under x600 on the microscope I was unable to find any clamp connections. These details are consistent with the fungus being H. annosum.

[Note added 2012-12-24: I managed to get some spores from a small sample of this fungus.  These spores were about 10 x 8um.  This is too large for H. annosum.  It is more likely a Ganoderma sp, maybe Ganoderma resinaceum.]

Photos taken in the Wilderness, Whiteknights Park, Reading, UK, on 2012-11-22.

Crust Fungus

A Stereum crust fungus, probably Stereum gausapatum, growing on the trunk of a dead birch tree (Betula sp).  This fungus is recognizable by its mainly ochre and grey colour, white margins, and by the fact that it bleeds red liquid when scratched:

Photos taken in the Wilderness, Whiteknights Park, Reading, UK, on 2012-11-22.

Shieldbug Nymph

A shieldbug nymph, probably of species Acanthosoma haemorrhoidale (Hemiptera: Acanthosomatidae).

Photos taken in Whiteknights Park, Reading, UK, on 2012-11-14.

Sawfly

From two and a half years ago: sawfly Tenthredo mesomela (Hymenoptera: Tenthredinidae). 

The name Tenthredo mesomelas is sometimes used but, according to the species' page at the  NBN Gateway, that name is a mispelling.

Photo taken in Whiteknights Park, Reading, UK, on 2010-06-20.

Snipe Fly

From back in early summer: a female Rhagio tringarius (Diptera: Rhagionidae).

 Photos taken in Whiteknights Park, Reading, UK, on 2012-06-04.