Pug Moth

A drab-looking moth, probably an ochreous pug moth, Eupithecia indigata (Lepidoptera: Geometridae).  This species is associated with scots pine and larch trees.  I think there some larch trees near where I took these photos but I will check this next time I am up there.  [Note added 2011-04-12: I was unable to find any scots pine or larch trees in the area, but there are lots of yew and maybe some cypress and fir trees too.] [Note added 2011-05-06: There are yew and cypress trees nearby but no pine, larch or fir trees.]

Photos taken in the Wilderness, Whiteknights Park, Reading University grounds, Reading, UK, on 2011-04-06.

Field Wood-Rush

Field wood-rush, Luzula campestris.  White fuzzy anthers protruding from dark brown flowers, allowing the pollen to be scattered in the wind.  Also long white hairs around the stalk.

Photo taken in Whiteknights Park, Reading University grounds, Reading, Uk, on 2011-04-02.

Mining Bee

A tawny mining bee, Andrena fulva (Hymenoptera: Andrenidae).  This is a female; the males do not have such a deep reddish-brown colour (see here).

Photo taken in Whiteknights Park, Reading University grounds, Reading, UK, on 2011-04-02.

Leaf Miner Moth

An oak leaf miner moth, Eriocrania subpurpurella = Dyseriocrania subpurpurella (Lepidoptera: Eriocraniidae).  Similar to the Micropterix aruncella that I saw in the same oak tree last spring, but with a wilder 'hair-do' (extending down over its 'shoulders'), more subdued colours, and over a month earlier.  This species seems to be the only UK Eriocrania that mines oak leaves; the others mine birch.

Photos taken in Whiteknights Park, Reading University grounds, Reading, UK, on 2011-04-02.

Morel Mushroom

A common morel mushroom, Morchella esculenta, growing in wood chips.

Photo taken in Whiteknights Park, Reading University grounds, Reading, UK, on 2011-04-02.