Ichneumon Wasp

Another ichneumon wasp.  I have no idea of the species nor genus.  Out on the web, I was only able to find one image of anything similar (here), and there the front and middle femurs are much darker than on the above specimen.  However, these little red-bodied ichneumons seem to fairly common in the long grass, this year at least (I can't speak for previous years).  They seem very restless, flying this way and that, between the grass talks, pausing only occasionally, for no more than a few seconds at a time; frustratingly difficult to photograph.

Photo taken in Reading University grounds, Reading, UK, on 2009-06-16.

The Evolutionary Approach to Ethics

This BBC radio program almost passed by without me noticing.  I put this down to its unpromising title: Thought Experiments.  In it, Oxford philosopher, Janet Radcliffe Richards explains how experiments inspired by evolutionary thinking are shedding light on moral attitudes and how people make moral decisions.  The program should be available for listening to until Sunday 5th July, but there is a program transcript here, which should be available permanently. I feel the need to do some reading in this area now.

Scarlet Pimpernel

Scarlet pimpernel, Anagallis arvensis, growing on recently (last 6months) disturbed ground.

Photo taken in Reading University grounds, Reading, UK, on 2009-06-21.

Ringlet Butterfly

A ringlet butterfly, Aphantopus hyperantus (family Nymphalidae, order Lepidoptera).

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

Small Skipper Butterfly

A small skipper butterfly, Thymelicus sylvestris (family Hesperiidae, order Lepidoptera) on a corn cockle flower (Agrostemma githago).  Note the long thin proboscis which it proceeded to insert into the centre of the flower to feed on nectar.  In this species the tips of the antennae are orange, while those in the similar Essex skipper (Thymelicus lineola) are black.  The large skipper butterfly (Ochlodes sylvanus) is also similar but has a pattern of lighter patches on its wings (as well as being slightly larger).

Photo taken in Reading University grounds, Reading, UK, on 2009-06-26.