Stag Beetle

A female stag beetle, Lucanus cervus, (Coleoptera: Lucanidae).

Photo taken in Reading, UK, on 2009-05-23.

Brain Fungus

Crystal brain fungus (Myxarium nucleatum = Exidia nucleata) growing on the end of a decaying log.  The white nuclei are clearly visible on the left hand side of the photo.

Photo taken in Whiteknights Park, Reading University grounds, Reading, UK, on 2010-01-29.

Tachinid Fly

From late last summer: tachinid fly Tachina fera (Diptera: Tachinidae) with its proboscis extended.  The plant it is feeding on is probably a hybrid mint (Mentha sp)

Photo taken in Whiteknights Park, Reading University grounds, Reading, UK, on 2009-08-22.

Corn Cockle

 

From the height of last summer: a half-open corn cockle flower, (Agrostemma githago).

Photo taken in Whiteknights Park, Reading University grounds, Reading, UK, on 2009-06-28.

Forest Bug

A forest bug, Pentatoma rufipes (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae).

Photo taken in Whiteknights Park, Reading University grounds, Reading, UK, on 2009-07-19.