Andy Skinner @andyinsandy.bsky.social · 03/08/2026Looks a bit like Batman Hoverfly Myathropa florea but wings look shirt and deformed? 100 0
Reposted by Andy SkinnerRSPB @rspb.bsky.social · 10/04/2026To reduce disease, we all need to make some urgent but simple changes to how we feed our garden birds. See our website for the latest guidance: brnw.ch/21x1t4w 16652325 0
Andy Skinner @andyinsandy.bsky.social · 30/03/2026coleoptera.org.uk/curculionoid...coleoptera.org.ukWeevil identification guides | UK Beetle Recording 121 0
Andy Skinner @andyinsandy.bsky.social · 30/03/2026Looks like Hadroplontus trimaculatus based on Mark Gurney's weevil guides 130 0
Andy Skinner @andyinsandy.bsky.social · 28/03/2026www.bumblebeeconservation.org/news/bumbleb...bumblebeeconservation.orgBumblebees and farming: What the latest Sustainable Farming Incentive changes mean for bumblebees - Bumblebee Conservation TrustWe dentify some of the most significant changes to the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) and discuss what these will mean for farmers and bumblebees. 041 0
Andy Skinner @andyinsandy.bsky.social · 13/02/2026That does look fun! You'll have to give me a demo as to how you produced that. Plenty of low scoring squares to fill in 😉 Beetle maps must look similar! 110 0
Andy Skinner @andyinsandy.bsky.social · 05/02/2026Extracted internal flagella from aedeagus of Oulema using same pin. The aedeagus is just over 0.2mm in diameter 020 0
Andy Skinner @andyinsandy.bsky.social · 05/02/2026My dissecting pin. Pin is 0.3mm dia with bent tip 0.1mm wide 220 0
Andy Skinner @andyinsandy.bsky.social · 05/02/2026With beetles I hold aedeagus steady with fine pin in bulb end and then tease out internal sacs with the hooked end. Can be fiddly for sure but usually works and as I say j found it far easier than trying to hydraulically evert 010 0
Andy Skinner @andyinsandy.bsky.social · 05/02/2026Ah yes. Problem I had with trying to force out hydraulically was I could never seem to get a good enough seal around inserted tube so fluid just seeped out around edges hence why i went down the inserting fine need in apex and gently pulling out. Just watching rugby at mo but I'll send pic of pin 010 0
Andy Skinner @andyinsandy.bsky.social · 05/02/2026During PhD many moons ago I used very fine glass tubes to artificially inseminate guppies and zebra fish. Created those by gently heating narrow bore glass tubes in centre and gently pulling two halves apart to form very fine tips. If you can source small glass tubes might be worth a try? 110 0
Andy Skinner @andyinsandy.bsky.social · 05/02/2026I presumed that's what you meant. As I say I have used this very fine hooked pin to evert the internal sacs of things like Pterosticus nigrita/rhaeticus aedeagi and Oulema melanopus agg. having previously tried and failed to do same thing you're trying by inserting tube at bottom end 210 0
Andy Skinner @andyinsandy.bsky.social · 05/02/2026Created it by dragging tip of pin along glass slide and then mounted it in a cocktail stick. Have never managed to recreate same thing again so this one's about 10 years old now. Terrified of losing it! 120 0
Andy Skinner @andyinsandy.bsky.social · 05/02/2026I use a very fine pin with a tiny hook on the end to extract beetle bits and have even used it to extract the internal sacs of aedeagi too. Not sure if it would work on moths though? 220 0
Andy Skinner @andyinsandy.bsky.social · 04/02/2026Stunning piece of artwork! If that doesn't inspire you to love beetles then nothing will 😁 010 0
Andy Skinner @andyinsandy.bsky.social · 03/11/2025Not sure what hope there is for the rest of us then 🤣 050 0
Andy Skinner @andyinsandy.bsky.social · 10/09/2025I think it sometimes times out after long periods. If I have a very long list I'll add some then go back later and add the rest by editing one of the existing records. You're given option to edit single record or see the whole list. I do the latter and then just add more species to the list 010 0
Andy Skinner @andyinsandy.bsky.social · 17/08/2025Are they looking to restore the pond there? Heavily shaded and infilled. I'm actually finishing off some beetle samples I collected from the site last summer hence why I recognised the image 😅 100 0
Andy Skinner @andyinsandy.bsky.social · 17/08/2025Recognise the line of willows along stream next to public footpath 🙂 010 0
Andy Skinner @andyinsandy.bsky.social · 31/07/2025Ah yes, I always um and ah about these two without the comparison side by side. Some look more obvious than others 😆 010 0
Andy Skinner @andyinsandy.bsky.social · 16/06/2025Is this a known association @britishbugs.bsky.social 120 0
Andy Skinner @andyinsandy.bsky.social · 16/06/2025Doh! Answered my own question. It appears to be a Dwarf Comfrey seed a patch of which I have growing by the front door next to where I've seen the bugs. Presumably able to feed on these in addition to forget-me-nots? 020 0
Andy Skinner @andyinsandy.bsky.social · 16/06/2025Anyone able to suggest what this is? I've seen three Forget-me-not Shieldbugs struggling to walk in garden which on inspection have had one of these objects stuck to the underside. They are about 3mm long and fairly hard to touch. Not opened one up yet but wondering if parasitic egg case or seed? 250 0
Andy Skinner @andyinsandy.bsky.social · 15/06/2025That should have said "for year or more and nicely relaxed...." 🙄 010 0
Andy Skinner @andyinsandy.bsky.social · 15/06/2025Hi Ben, I freeze everything then after few days transfer into pots with small amount of vinegar wetted tissue in the bottom. I've had specimens sit like this for year or Morland nicely relaxed and easy to card. I mainly collect beetles, bugs and ants and works fine with them 210 0
Andy Skinner @andyinsandy.bsky.social · 13/06/2025Hybrid with pseudocyperus? Handbook has known hybrid with rostrata. I can see 3 stigmas on some of the zoomed in images 110 0
Reposted by Andy SkinnerVC40Ladybirds 🐞 @vc40ladybirds.bsky.social · 15/05/2025@vc40orthops.bsky.social and I are pleased to announce the publication today of the “Micro ladybirds of Britain and Ireland”, in collaboration with the FSC: www.field-studies-council.org/shop/publica... 75117 0
Andy Skinner @andyinsandy.bsky.social · 23/03/2025Some more figures....pre-drought average numbers 308 males vs 79 females. Post drought average 134 males vs 25 females so males knocked back by over 50% but females by 70% 000 0
Andy Skinner @andyinsandy.bsky.social · 23/03/2025Their breeding pond is large and deep and never dries up but pattern on numbers is so clear now that I suspect the drought must have really affected them post-breeding in their summering quarters. Anyone else seeing similar pattern? @froglife.bsky.social 100 0
Andy Skinner @andyinsandy.bsky.social · 23/03/2025Female numbers from 2018-2022.....78, 103, 81, 60, 74 then since 2023......25, 29, 21. We're on the Greensand Ridge here with many toads migrating off the floodplain onto sandy soils and now suspect that the drought in 2022 must have really hammered females disproportionately 100 0
Andy Skinner @andyinsandy.bsky.social · 23/03/2025Shout out to fellow #ToadPatrol. Anyone else seen a real noticeable affect on female numbers after the 2022 drought year. I've been concerned about dwindling female numbers on my Sandy, Beds patrol for few years and looking at data this evening there was a serious decline between 2022 and 2023 100 0
Andy Skinner @andyinsandy.bsky.social · 02/03/2025Lucky to have seen this in my garden in Bedfordshire including in the moth trap. Also seen in Suffolk and Surrey. Always been associated with Birch Polypore brackets when I've seen it. Gorgeous beetle and hopefully seems to be showing signs of spreading 110 0
Andy Skinner @andyinsandy.bsky.social · 20/02/2025And so it begins for another year......a small effort but it all adds up 🙂 #toadpatrol 0101 0
Andy Skinner @andyinsandy.bsky.social · 03/02/2025Definitely a fave of mine too. Still yet to see an adult though! 110 0
Reposted by Andy SkinnerThe Coleopterists Society of Britain and Ireland @colsocbi.bsky.social · 14/01/2025We are the Coleopterists Society of Britain and Ireland!🐞, Our aim is to further beetle research, standardise and promote recording, and to develop and encourage public awareness and conservation of the 4,000+ species of beetles found on these islands. Check us out: www.colsoc.orgcolsoc.orgHome | Coleopterists Society of Britain and IrelandColSoc is the Coleopterists Society of Britain and Ireland, dedicated to the study of the 4,000+ species of beetles found on these islands. 01710 0
Reposted by Andy SkinnerFreshwater Habitats Trust @freshwaterhabitats.bsky.social · 31/01/2025"It’s not the first time we’ve heard newts being used as the scapegoat for development delays. But, let’s be clear, it’s simply not true." Read our CEO @jeremybiggs.bsky.social' response to the Chancellor's speech on proposed planning reforms. freshwaterhabitats.org.uk/news/are-new...freshwaterhabitats.org.ukAre newts really holding up development? - Freshwater Habitats TrustIt’s not the first time newts have been used as a scapegoat for development delays. But it’s simply not true, says Jeremy Biggs. 0123 0
Reposted by Andy SkinnerBat Conservation Trust @batconservation.bsky.social · 31/01/2025🦇 Nature vs Growth? The false choice threatening our future: www.bats.org.uk/news/2025/01... . Should developers 'stop worrying about the bats and the newts'? They don't have to; pitting nature against development is dangerous, irresponsible and unnecessary.bats.org.ukNature vs Growth? The false choice threatening our future - News - Bat Conservation TrustShould developers 'stop worrying about the bats and the newts'? They don't have to; pitting nature against development is dangerous, irresponsible and unnecessary. 25931 0
Reposted by Andy SkinnerDr Marcus Rhodes @marcusrhodes.bsky.social · 31/01/2025Today’s launch of the Land Use consultation is an important step. Land is a finite resource, and we have multiple demands on it for biodiversity, ecosystem services, food, timber, minerals, housing, energy and infrastructure. A strategic plan is essential if we are to reconcile these different uses. 12712 0
Reposted by Andy SkinnerJeremy Biggs @jeremybiggs.bsky.social · 31/01/2025By now, everyone’s probably aware that the Government’s speech-writers love taking cheap shots at newts. Here's what we think about this at Freshwater Habitats Trust! freshwaterhabitats.org.uk/news/are-new... 0184 0
Andy Skinner @andyinsandy.bsky.social · 31/01/2025Are you able to share a copy of your paper? Interested to read more. And Happy Birthday! 110 0
Reposted by Andy SkinnerButterfly Conservation @savebutterflies.bsky.social · 30/01/2025Thank you to everyone who joined us for our annual UK Moth Recorders' Meeting on Saturday In case you missed it, all the brilliant talks from the day are now available to watch back on our YouTube channel! Grab a cuppa and catch up here 👉 youtube.com/watch?v=qLhn... #UKMRM #MothsMatter 04311 0
Reposted by Andy SkinnerWildlife and Countryside Link @handle.invalid · 30/01/2025Environmental rules are vital to protect wildlife, but with intelligent planning it is perfectly possible to boost development & nature together🏘️ Government must stop demonising nature protection Read more on our response to yesterday's speech from the Chancellor👇 www.wcl.org.uk/response-to-...wcl.org.ukResponse to Chancellor Rachel Reeves' speech on growthWildlife and Countryside Link reacts to today's speech from Chancellor Rachel Reeves, and nature being pitted against development 0156 0
Reposted by Andy SkinnerRSPB @rspb.bsky.social · 29/01/2025Stop worrying about bats and newts? No Rachel Reeves MP – start worrying about the future of our economy if we tear down the nature it depends on. Nature isn’t a blocker; it’s the foundation of growth. 721458511 0
Reposted by Andy SkinnerMark Avery @markavery.bsky.social · 23/01/202549,000 signatures for banning driven grouse shooting - thank you for your strong support. Plz sign & share petition.parliament.uk/petitions/70... Looking forward to 50,000 soon.petition.parliament.ukPetition: Ban driven grouse shootingChris Packham, Ruth Tingay and Mark Avery (Wild Justice) believe that driven grouse shooting is bad for people, the environment and wildlife. People; we think grouse shooting is economically insignifi... 412771 0
Andy Skinner @andyinsandy.bsky.social · 22/01/2025Pirri-pirri Burr Acaena novae-zelandiae is a management menace on at least one acid grassland in Suffolk. Very hard to control once it gets established and spreading rapidly 210 0
Reposted by Andy SkinnerBSBI Scotland @bsbiscotland.bsky.social · 21/01/2025Uh oh, invasive species alert! This is Two-spined Acaena, a South American plant which produces burs with hooks that snag on passing animals (or botanists!) to spread its seeds. Unfortunately on the rise in central Scotland, where it can carpet woodland floors. plantatlas2020.org/atlas/2cd4p9... 13612 0