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Andy Skinner

@andyinsandy.bsky.social
261 followers 473 following 44 posts

Ecologist, beetles are my main passion. Bewitched, bothered (by its state!) and often bewildered by the natural world as a whole. All views my own

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Andy Skinner @andyinsandy.bsky.social · 03/08/2026
Short not shirt!
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Andy Skinner @andyinsandy.bsky.social · 03/08/2026
Looks a bit like Batman Hoverfly Myathropa florea but wings look shirt and deformed?
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RSPB @rspb.bsky.social · 10/04/2026
To 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
A Robin perched on a branch, its beak full of food and other material.
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Andy Skinner @andyinsandy.bsky.social · 30/03/2026
coleoptera.org.uk/curculionoid...
coleoptera.org.uk
Weevil identification guides | UK Beetle Recording
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Andy Skinner @andyinsandy.bsky.social · 30/03/2026
Looks like Hadroplontus trimaculatus based on Mark Gurney's weevil guides
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Andy Skinner @andyinsandy.bsky.social · 28/03/2026
www.bumblebeeconservation.org/news/bumbleb...
bumblebeeconservation.org
Bumblebees and farming: What the latest Sustainable Farming Incentive changes mean for bumblebees - Bumblebee Conservation Trust
We dentify some of the most significant changes to the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) and discuss what these will mean for farmers and bumblebees.
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Andy Skinner @andyinsandy.bsky.social · 13/02/2026
That 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!
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Andy Skinner @andyinsandy.bsky.social · 05/02/2026
Extracted internal flagella from aedeagus of Oulema using same pin. The aedeagus is just over 0.2mm in diameter
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Andy Skinner @andyinsandy.bsky.social · 05/02/2026
My dissecting pin. Pin is 0.3mm dia with bent tip 0.1mm wide
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Andy Skinner @andyinsandy.bsky.social · 05/02/2026
With 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
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Andy Skinner @andyinsandy.bsky.social · 05/02/2026
Ah 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
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Andy Skinner @andyinsandy.bsky.social · 05/02/2026
During 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?
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Andy Skinner @andyinsandy.bsky.social · 05/02/2026
I 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
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Andy Skinner @andyinsandy.bsky.social · 05/02/2026
Created 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!
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Andy Skinner @andyinsandy.bsky.social · 05/02/2026
I 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?
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Andy Skinner @andyinsandy.bsky.social · 04/02/2026
Stunning piece of artwork! If that doesn't inspire you to love beetles then nothing will 😁
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Andy Skinner @andyinsandy.bsky.social · 03/11/2025
Not sure what hope there is for the rest of us then 🤣
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Andy Skinner @andyinsandy.bsky.social · 10/09/2025
I 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
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Andy Skinner @andyinsandy.bsky.social · 17/08/2025
Are 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 😅
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Andy Skinner @andyinsandy.bsky.social · 17/08/2025
Recognise the line of willows along stream next to public footpath 🙂
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Andy Skinner @andyinsandy.bsky.social · 17/08/2025
Looks like Strawberry Hill in Bedfordshire
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Andy Skinner @andyinsandy.bsky.social · 31/07/2025
Ah yes, I always um and ah about these two without the comparison side by side. Some look more obvious than others 😆
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Andy Skinner @andyinsandy.bsky.social · 31/07/2025
Helophorus aequalis?
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Andy Skinner @andyinsandy.bsky.social · 16/06/2025
Is this a known association @britishbugs.bsky.social
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Andy Skinner @andyinsandy.bsky.social · 16/06/2025
Doh! 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?
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Andy Skinner @andyinsandy.bsky.social · 16/06/2025
Anyone 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?
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Andy Skinner @andyinsandy.bsky.social · 15/06/2025
That should have said "for year or more and nicely relaxed...." 🙄
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Andy Skinner @andyinsandy.bsky.social · 15/06/2025
Hi 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
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Andy Skinner @andyinsandy.bsky.social · 13/06/2025
Hybrid with pseudocyperus? Handbook has known hybrid with rostrata. I can see 3 stigmas on some of the zoomed in images
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Andy Skinner @andyinsandy.bsky.social · 23/05/2025
Properly jealous! Nice find 😊
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VC40Ladybirds 🐞 @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...
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Andy Skinner @andyinsandy.bsky.social · 23/03/2025
Some 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%
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Andy Skinner @andyinsandy.bsky.social · 23/03/2025
Their 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
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Andy Skinner @andyinsandy.bsky.social · 23/03/2025
Female 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
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Andy Skinner @andyinsandy.bsky.social · 23/03/2025
Shout 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
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Andy Skinner @andyinsandy.bsky.social · 02/03/2025
Lucky 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
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Andy Skinner @andyinsandy.bsky.social · 20/02/2025
And so it begins for another year......a small effort but it all adds up 🙂 #toadpatrol
Bucket with five male Common Toads and one Smooth NewtMale Common ToadSmooth Newt
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Andy Skinner @andyinsandy.bsky.social · 03/02/2025
Definitely a fave of mine too. Still yet to see an adult though!
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The Coleopterists Society of Britain and Ireland @colsocbi.bsky.social · 14/01/2025
We 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.org
colsoc.org
Home | Coleopterists Society of Britain and Ireland
ColSoc is the Coleopterists Society of Britain and Ireland, dedicated to the study of the 4,000+ species of beetles found on these islands.
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Freshwater 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.uk
Are newts really holding up development? - Freshwater Habitats Trust
It’s not the first time newts have been used as a scapegoat for development delays. But it’s simply not true, says Jeremy Biggs.
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Bat 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.uk
Nature vs Growth? The false choice threatening our future - News - Bat Conservation Trust
Should developers 'stop worrying about the bats and the newts'? They don't have to; pitting nature against development is dangerous, irresponsible and unnecessary.
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Dr Marcus Rhodes @marcusrhodes.bsky.social · 31/01/2025
Today’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.
Mist rising from the Dart valley at dawn.
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Jeremy Biggs @jeremybiggs.bsky.social · 31/01/2025
By 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...
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Andy Skinner @andyinsandy.bsky.social · 31/01/2025
Are you able to share a copy of your paper? Interested to read more. And Happy Birthday!
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Butterfly Conservation @savebutterflies.bsky.social · 30/01/2025
Thank 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
Green Silver-lines moth resting on a green leaf. Text overlay reads 'UK Moth Recorders' Meeting 2025' with Butterfly Conservation's logo.
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Wildlife and Countryside Link @handle.invalid · 30/01/2025
Environmental 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.uk
Response to Chancellor Rachel Reeves' speech on growth
Wildlife and Countryside Link reacts to today's speech from Chancellor Rachel Reeves, and nature being pitted against development
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RSPB @rspb.bsky.social · 29/01/2025
Stop 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.
Screenshot of a BBC Politics tweet shows Chancellor Rachel Reeves speaking at a podium during a live broadcast of her speech. The quote at the top reads, “We are reducing the environmental requirements placed on developers when they pay into a nature restoration fund… they can focus on getting things built and stop worrying about the bats and the newts,” as she addresses the audience. In the background, there are large screens displaying the live stream of the speech, with a banner at the bottom reading “Kickstarting Economic Growth.”
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Mark Avery @markavery.bsky.social · 23/01/2025
49,000 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.uk
Petition: Ban driven grouse shooting
Chris 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...
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Andy Skinner @andyinsandy.bsky.social · 22/01/2025
Pirri-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
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BSBI Scotland @bsbiscotland.bsky.social · 21/01/2025
Uh 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...
Two-spined Acaena (Acaena ovalifolia) bur snagged on my shoelace, at a popular walking spot at Cambusbarron Quarries near Stirling. It now carpets much of the ground here.A close up of Two-spined Acaena (Acaena ovalifolia) bur snagged on my shoelace, showing the twin spines on each fruit with hooks at the endThe Two-spined Acaena (Acaena ovalifolia) seedhead on its stalkEach Two-spined Acaena (Acaena ovalifolia) fruit has two spines with hooks at the end. When you try and remove a bur it disintegrates into the individual fruits, helping them spread even more.
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