Tue 2011-04-12 
A male frit fly, probably Thaumatomyia notata (Diptera: Chloropidae). Note the everted yellow sacs at the tip of the abdomen which release a pheromone to attract females (see here for further details). These flies are really tiny: only 1 or 2mm long.
Photos taken in Whiteknights Park, Reading University grounds, Reading, UK, on 2011-04-09.
Mon 2011-04-11 
A male longhorn moth, probably Adela reaumurella (Lepidoptera: Adelidae). One of several that I saw on my walk round the lakes on on Saturday. Photo taken in Whiteknights Park, Reading University grounds, Reading, UK, on 2011-04-09.
On the following afternoon I saw several several swarms of these moths on a walk to Mapledurham. The swarms seemed to consist of only males, all vigorously twirling their long antennae. I did see one female (much shorter antennae and a greenish-gold sheen rather than a silvery black - see here) but it was by itself down in the undergrowth, well away from the swarms. Photo taken in Chazey Wood, near Caversham, UK, on 2011-04-10.
Sun 2011-04-10 
My first Tachinid flies of the year: two Gymnocheta viridis (Diptera: Tachinidae).
Photos taken at Dinton Pastures, Winnersh, near Reading, UK, on 2011-04-07.
Sat 2011-04-09 
A small shieldbug, probably the bishop's mitre bug, Aelia acuminata (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae).
Photos taken in Whiteknights Park, Reading University grounds, Reading, UK, on 2011-04-06.
Fri 2011-04-08 
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.
