For once it didn't fly away as I gradually crept closer to get a better shot:
A pristine Comma Butterfly.
On our way back home as we passed one large bush covered in bright yellow flowers I could see it was surrounded by hundreds of tiny black insects flying around and covering many of the flowers:
The next day I saw some of the same bugs investigating my yellow marigolds.
In spite of getting some closer shots I haven't yet managed to identify these 2mm long beetles which seem to ignore all other colours of flowers. These usually appear every year, normally around harvest time.
Many thanks to Adrian of Adrian's Images for identifying the Pollen Beetles.
That comma is a beauty!
ReplyDeleteWilma: Makes a change to find a perfect one which stays still.
DeleteJohn, the Comma is pristine. A beauty.
ReplyDeleteThe little black bugs live on oil seed rape and are attracted to anything yellow. Phil told me years ago what they are but I have forgotten. Now I will have to remember. I'll sleep on it and pop back tomorrow.
John they are Pollen Beetles; Meligethes aeneus. I do have some recall but had to ask Google for the Latin bit. I need a faster processor installing in my head.
ReplyDeleteAdrian: Thanks for that. I knew I had identified them in the past but just couldn't find the info. Plenty of oil seed rape grown round this part of the county.
DeleteAh ha! Thanks for the identification. These little blighters took up residence in both my sweet pea and rose heads this year. I gave up bringing bunches indoors because at around 5pm, they began a mass exodus towards the light, covering my nice new French tablecloth! Ewww. Thankfully they were only seasonal and are now only a few remaining. I'm looking forward to being able to bring cut flowers indoors again. Interesting that the colour yellow attracts them. I had inherited two tall, yellow rose bushes and have recently planted two more yellow ones. Perhaps not the best choice of colour then!! Also it seems that once they are here, they are happy with any and every colour of flower. Thanks again.
DeleteThanks for the identification. These little blighters took up residence in both my sweet pea and rose heads this year. I gave up bringing bunches indoors because at around 5pm, they began a mass exodus towards the light, covering my nice new French tablecloth! Thankfully they were only seasonal and there are now only a few remaining. I look forward to being able to bring cut flowers indoors again.
ReplyDelete