Descriptions of the Insects* on Stanpit Marsh in the Gallery

*Insects - we are categorising under "insects" all creatures that are not animals and birds.
On this page we will be describing interesting facts about the insects found on Stanpit Marsh and as photographed and displayed in our Gallery - these are your photos so this page will only grow as the gallery grows and it all depends on you! You don't even have to know the name of the insect!
Send your Stanpit Marsh insect photo
You can also send text about the insect or leave it to us

We also have a page on:
Plants on Stanpit Marsh
Animals on Stanpit Marsh
Birds seen on Stanpit Marsh

 

Insects on the Marsh in our Gallery

19. and 19a. Crab Spider
Crab spiders make up the Thomisidae family of the Araneae order. They are called crab spiders because they resemble crabs, with two front pairs of legs angled outward and bodies that are flattened and often angular. Also, like crabs, Thomisidae can move sideways or backwards. They are very maneuverable in tight places.
Crab spiders do not build webs to trap prey. They are hunters and ambushers. Some species sit on or among flowers, bark, fruit or leaves where they grab visiting insects. Misumena vatia is one of these. The female can change its colour between white and yellow to match the flower it sits on. Males are small and brown. Crab spiders use their powerful front legs to grab and hold onto prey while paralyzing it with a venomous bite. it is not poisonous to humans. They are found in Europe and North America and other parts of the world.

25 and 26. Skipper butterfly
This is a Small Skipper, taken in Ashtree meadow.
The other Skipper is an Essex Skipper a fortnight ago, an unusual species here.

28. Gatekeeper
The gatekeeper is a Gatekeeper! and is current.

27. Dragonfly
This is a Common Darter by the Purewell Stream both taken this early August 2008,

29. Buff-tailed Bumble-bee. Bombus audax.
This was photographed at nest entrance in turf of North Scrubs.
They nest deep in the ground, sometimes as deep as 1 metre; they also sometimes take over empty mouse or mole holes. The nest is lined with dry grass and moss.

30. Dragonfly
Can you identify this dragonfly?

Insects on Stanpit Marsh