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Finally, after many years of searching, I've managed to find an Orange-tip pupa!!! Nestled away on a dried Hedge Garlic stem, an amazing structure, and incredibly well disguised.

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Joe Stockwell @joestockwell.bsky.social · 30/09/2026

Presumed Great Black-backed X Herring just now at the Swannery, any opinion greatly recieved, these things are beyond me!

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Matt Ames @mattames6.bsky.social · 21/09/2026

Stopped off at Painswick yesterday whilst passing, a fascinating and very picturesque place. Lots of Pellitory-of-the-wall in the churchyard, some covered in mines of Cosmopterix pulchrimella including an adult. Also found Bedellia somnulentella larvae, and a Speckled Bush Cricket in the lavs.

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Matt Ames @mattames6.bsky.social · 16/09/2026

Decided to walk home after a dentist visit today, glad I did as I ended up with 2 new species of moth and a plant 'tick'. Evergestis limbata disturbed from grass along a footpath, Bucculatrix frangutella mines in Buckthorn. Trifid Bur-marigold (Bidens tripartita) among a host of other finds.VC30

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Matt Ames @mattames6.bsky.social · 13/09/2026

Ran the trap on Friday night, first time in ages. Decent result of 126/33 including Clancy's Rustic nfm, 2nd and 3rd garden records of L-album Wainscot and Pediasia cotaminella respectively, and a garden first Mottled Shieldbug by the trap. VC30 Bedfordshire

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Matt Ames @mattames6.bsky.social · 10/09/2026

Some random interesting things from a quick walk near home today.. Keifferia pericarpiicola galls on Wild Carrot. Coleophora argentula case on Yarrow. Lyonetia prunifoliella pupa on Blackthorn and a bizarre six-winged Norway Maple samara. VC30 Bedfordshire

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Dave Newcombe @belperbirder.bsky.social · 03/09/2026

Do any of my mothing chums reside & trap near Cornwall's west coast? We're heading down to St Agnes on Saturday, & obviously, the actinic is coming along. Just wondering what trapping has been like there of late, & is there anything I could expect that I wouldn't get here in Derbyshire #teammoth

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Matt Ames @mattames6.bsky.social · 01/09/2026

Bits and bobs down the allotment this evening.. Coleophora potentillae case on cultivated Bramble, Coptotriche marginea mines in wild Bramble. 4 Scrobipalpa ocellatella on Perpetal Spinach along with Rhombic Leatherbug (Syromastus rhombeus) VC30 Bedfordshire

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George McGavin @georgemcgavin.bsky.social · 31/08/2026

Data centres are springing up everywhere, using massive amounts of energy and water. I’ve signed @friends-earth.bsky.social’s petition calling for a pause on new data centres until the government gets a grip on the situation. Will you join me? action.friendsoftheearth.uk/petition/put...

action.friendsoftheearth.uk

Stop data centres draining our precious resources

Add my name Data centres are springing up all over the UK – using massive amounts of electricity and, in many cases, huge amounts of water. The UK is already facing water shortages, high energy demand...

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Matt Ames @mattames6.bsky.social · 31/08/2026

Nice to find at least 3 Redstart on my home patch today, presumably a family group. A bigger surprise was kicking up 15 pristine looking Vestal from the long grass there. 7 Grey Partridge and 3 Clouded Yellow also of note. VC30 Bedfordshire

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Matt Ames @mattames6.bsky.social · 30/08/2026

Bladder Campion from Bedfordshire for the #Wildflowerhour #seedheads challenge. Very scarce on my home patch, I only know of these 2 small patches. I collected a few seeds to try and propagate as this area is earmarked for 3000 houses.

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Matt Ames @mattames6.bsky.social · 30/08/2026

The Isles of Scilly is home to amazing marine life, but South West Water plans to pump untreated sewage straight into these protected waters. They deserve the best sewage treatment, not a cheap fix. Help protect this beautiful ecosystem and add your name: you.38degrees.org.uk/petitions/gi...

you.38degrees.org.uk

Stop untreated sewage polluting the Isles of Scilly

South West Water plans to pump untreated sewage into one of the UK's most protected marine environments. Add your name to demand the highest standard of sewage treatment for the Isles of Scilly and he...

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Reposted by Matt Ames

Paul Bowerman @severnsidebirds.bsky.social · 28/07/2026

Fortunately the 1st summer Bonaparte's Gull was relocated on the evening high tide at New Passage and appeared to roost with the Black-headed Gull flock so fingers crossed for the morning. A Mediterranean Gull & Sandwich Tern were also seen. Please park sensibly & allow room for the Bin collection.

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UKBMS @ukbms.bsky.social · 27/07/2026

Don't forget, the UKBMS website (and other Indicia sites such as iRecord) will be offline TOMORROW and are expected to be back up from Weds. You'll be unable to access or enter data during this time. Thanks for your patience whilst the team at @ukceh work to boost the storage capacity of the system

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Matt Ames @mattames6.bsky.social · 24/07/2026

I'm glad I took a closer look at a moth nectaring on the Buddleja yesterday evening as it turned out to be a Dewick's Plusia, a smart little thing, only the 2nd garden record. VC30 Bedfordshire ##teammoth

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Matt Ames @mattames6.bsky.social · 23/07/2026

I've had some nice moths to the wine ropes over the last couple of weeks. Last night I finally got my 'annual' Red Underwing after brief views of a Catocala species the previous 2 nights. One of my favourite moths. Bedfordshire VC30

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wildflowerhour @wildflowerhour.bsky.social · 15/07/2026

Phew it’s been so hot lately!This week’s challenge is to find those wild & naturalised plants that are surviving the drought conditions & are #StillFlowering! Share your finds for #wildflowerhour this Sunday 8-9pm!

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Matt Ames @mattames6.bsky.social · 06/07/2026

Was great to see larval feeding signs of Choreutis nemorana on Fig at the allotment again this year. Even better was managing to rear one through and finally get to see the adult, a really striking moth. VC30 Bedfordshire #teammoth

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Portland Bird Observatory @portlandbirdobs.bsky.social · 03/07/2026

A diary date for Obs members: it's only a fortnight until this year's AGM that'll be held at the Obs at 4:30pm on Saturday 18th July - if the mental stimulation of the meeting isn't enough for you then we will have very good refreshments on offer afterwards! drive.google.com/file/d/1437W...

drive.google.com

AGM agenda 2026.pdf

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wildflowerhour @wildflowerhour.bsky.social · 23/06/2026

It’s #InvasiveSpeciesWeek & for the #WildflowerHour challenge we are focusing on those non-native naturalised plants that are proving problematic! Find one in bloom & share you pics this Sunday using the hashtag #InvasivePlants. Read more here bsbi.org/blog/2026/06/i…

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Friends of Hill Hook Local Nature Reserve @hillhookfriends.bsky.social · 17/06/2026

We’re getting ready for our Wildlife Garden planting day on Saturday! The first lot of plants have arrived and are being looked after in our Chair’s back garden until then! If you fancy helping out, we’d love to see you. @rosybeeplants.bsky.social @bosfonline.bsky.social

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Matt Ames @mattames6.bsky.social · 06/06/2026

The weather has turned a bit unsettled lately, but that hasn't stopped the local Bryony Mining Bees (Andrena florea) from being active. At least 3 seen yesterday on a fairly large White Bryony (Bryonia dioica), their sole foodplant. VC30 Bedfordshire

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Matt Ames @mattames6.bsky.social · 05/06/2026

Another day, another random encounter with a quality micro. This time a Carpatolechia fugitivella potted (at the second attempt!) off a car boot, just as I was leaving the allotment this evening. Think it's a new one for me. VC30 Bedfordshire #teammoth

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Matt Ames @mattames6.bsky.social · 05/06/2026

Golden-bloomed Grey Longhorn Beetle (Agapanthia villosoviridescens) on a verge near home today. Roughly one or two sightings a year for me on average, always puts a smile on my face, and always puts me in a panic trying to get a photo before it zooms off again! VC30 Bedfordshire

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Matt Ames @mattames6.bsky.social · 04/06/2026

Noticed a moth in with the split maize at a pet food store today. c12-13mm long. I think it might be Mediterranean Flour Moth (Ephestia kuehniella), would appreciate other's opinions. VC30 Bedfordshire.

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AJCann @ajcann.bsky.social · 25/05/2026

iRecord and NatureSpot Unavailable iRecord and NatureSpot will be unavailable due to maintenance from 5pm on Wednesday 27th May until noon on Thursday 28th May.

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Matt Ames @mattames6.bsky.social · 24/05/2026

A bit late for #Wildflowerhour but thought I'd chip in with one of my favourite plants, Grass Vetchling (Lathyrus nissolia) seen today in abundance near home. A bit of a subtle one for #WildFlowerShow in that at first it wasn't apparent how much was present, until I got my eye in and POW!!!

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Matt Ames @mattames6.bsky.social · 24/05/2026

Lots of interesting by-catch in the moth trap on Friday night here in Bedfordshire inc Diaperis boleti, 10-spot Ladybird, Phoenix Fly and the beautifully marked Miris striatus.

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Matt Ames @mattames6.bsky.social · 23/05/2026

Not the greatest pic (phone snap in fading light) but great to see Bee Orchid in flower on my home patch. Not one of the rosettes I found earlier in the year, but a sneaky singleton on arable margin. County flower of Bedfordshire, appropriately.

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Matt Ames @mattames6.bsky.social · 22/05/2026

Had a productive time nature-wise whilst tending the allotment yesterday. My first Wasp Beetle of the year, nearby amorous 7-spot Ladybirds and Podagrica fuscipes Beetles on the Hollyhock. Also managed to record Puccinia malvacearum rust on some of the leaves. Bedfordshire VC30

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Alex Prendergast @bramblebotanist.bsky.social · 20/05/2026

I created this list shortly after the Xodus of the botany community to Bluesky. I feel it probably needs people adding now we’ve put down roots over here.. suggestions of other brilliant UK & Irish botanists below please bsky.app/profile/did:...

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Rob Edmunds @vc28nature.bsky.social · 18/05/2026

Our bay leaves are newly growing and the Psyllid Trioza alacris is making galls on them Please iRecord any found in Norfolk for the scheme with @norwichbirder.bsky.social

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Ruth Newby @ruthnewby.bsky.social · 13/05/2026

I recently became chair of this group who manage my local nature reserve which I’ve often mentioned in my posts. I’ve just set up a BlueSky account for them, so please consider following them bsky.app/profile/hill...

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Matt Ames @mattames6.bsky.social · 04/05/2026

Managed to find 2 of my target species on yesterday's walk. Puccinia adoxae rust fungus on Moschatel (Adoxa moschatellina) and Puccinia aegopodii on Ground Elder (Aegopodium podagraria).

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Matt Ames @mattames6.bsky.social · 03/05/2026

A couple of Buttercup encounters for this week's #Wildflowerhour An nice display of what I think are Bulbous Buttercup (Ranunculus bulbosus) with reflexed sepals. Secondly, what I presume is Goldilocks Buttercup (Ranunculus auricomus), the final flower of a small patch found in ancient woodland.

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Matt Ames @mattames6.bsky.social · 01/05/2026

Nice to get in on the recent Painted Lady influx today. Fortunately settled long enough for a record shot. Also found a few tiny Grapholita compositella among the Bird's-foot Trefoil and disturbed several Diamond-back Moths from the grass.

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Matt Ames @mattames6.bsky.social · 27/04/2026

Umbelifer Longhorn (Phytoecia cylindrica)on Wood Avens (Geum urbanum) today in the afternoon sun. NE Somerset

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AJCann @ajcann.bsky.social · 26/04/2026

Can we ask you a question? NatureSpot is working on a new look for our website with improved functionality and we need your help: www.naturespot.org/node/266067

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Edward Pollard @epollard.bsky.social · 21/04/2026

Birders, unless you are doing a point count there's not a lot of point in submitting butterfly records in BirdTrack. The location data are rarely precise enough to be of value. For butterfly records, can you please use iRecord, or iRecord butterflies. With at least Tetrad (e.g TL1234) resolution

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Matt Ames @mattames6.bsky.social · 22/03/2026

Another day, yet another Shieldbug, this time a Mottled Shieldbug (Rhaphigaster nebulosa). Found among Ivy on a Hawthorn tree down the allotment, the first time I've encountered this particular species. Underside view shows the characteristic spike. VC30 Bedfordshire

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Matt Ames @mattames6.bsky.social · 21/03/2026

Found my Gorse and Hairy Shieldbugs of the year this evening, soaking up the last rays of the sun on a Leylandii. Closer inspection revealed a dozen 7-Spot, 6 Pine and 2 Harlequin Ladybirds also present. I wonder what else might be hiding in there..? VC30 Bedfordshire

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Helen Czerski @helenczerski.bsky.social · 12/03/2026

A new ocean research ship is a rare and exciting event, but today the Netherlands said an official hello to its brand new ship RV Anna Weber-van Bosse. 🌊🌊 80 metres long, 47 berths and with high sustainability ambitions. Hello Anna! www.nioz.nl/en/facilitie...

A picture of a blue research ship with "sea research" on the side.

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wildflowerhour @wildflowerhour.bsky.social · 11/03/2026

Can you find any wild or naturalised plants that have white blooms? That’s the #wildflowerhour challenge this week! Share your finds this Sunday 8-9pm using the hashtag #WhiteFlowers. Happy flower hunting! @bsbibotany.bsky.social

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Matt Ames @mattames6.bsky.social · 08/03/2026

#SignsofSpring for #Wildflowerhour from my home patch today, what I think are male flowers of Goat Willow (Salix caprea) and female flowers of Grey Willow (Salix cinerea). Hopefully providing lots of fuel for the early emerging bees and moths..

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Richard Fox @richardfoxbc.bsky.social · 08/03/2026

If you fancy listening to me talking about butterflies, moths and how to help them in your garden, there’s a new podcast from the fabulous folk at Garden Organic www.gardenorganic.org.uk/our-views/th...

gardenorganic.org.uk

Garden Organic | The Organic Gardening Podcast

Garden Organic's popular podcast - The Organic Gardening Podcast - gives you monthly tips, inspiration and advice on how to grow, the organic way.

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Meg Skinner @megabunus.bsky.social · 06/03/2026

It's tomorrow! Join us for a family friendly invertebrate fair with a range of talks, activities and exhibitions!

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Matt Ames @mattames6.bsky.social · 03/03/2026

Amazed to stumble across this Oil-beetle yesterday, something I rarely encounter. I'm leaning towards Black Oil-beetle as opposed to Violet as the rear margin of the (squarish) thorax appears relatively straight, but I'd welcome other's opinions.. #coleoptera

A large black beetle clinging to an Arum leaf. There are hints of purple around the legs and antennae, and the surface of its exoskeleton bears a series of deep punctures.

A large black beetle resting on the back of a hand.

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Matt Ames @mattames6.bsky.social · 01/03/2026

A positive week for #Wildflowerhour with several new-for-the-year things. Surprised and chuffed to find a patch of Moschatel just opening up. Viola odorata var.dumetorum and both Lesser and Greater Periwinkle.

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Rob Edmunds @vc28nature.bsky.social · 25/02/2026

Does anyone know if The beetles of Britain and Ireland volume 4 by Duff will be reprinted? It seems unobtainable at present

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