Nature & wildlife pictures

Another new one for me yesterday. Watching a caterpillar turn into a pupae/ chrysalis.

   

Today it looks like this.

   

I think it’s a red admiral butterfly. Will know for sure in 7 to 14 days apparently. Which is very exciting.

Two of these dragonflies in the garden today. At first I thought it was a hornet as yellow on the sides.

   

Looks like female broad body chaser

Large Skipper. I didn't realise they lived up here in NW England, I've always thought of them as being southern softies.

   
   

Another new one for me yesterday. Watching a caterpillar turn into a pupae/ chrysalis.



Today it looks like this.



I think it’s a red admiral butterfly. Will know for sure in 7 to 14 days apparently. Which is very exciting.

Butterfly emerged from it chrysalis today. 

   

I was wrong it’s a peacock not a red admiral.
Here he/she is being help outside to go find some food.

   

I didn’t attempt to move it outside until I was 100% sure it had fully dried and pumped up its wings.  Basically not until it tried to get out of the window. Then I went and pick a little buddleia flower for it to feed on and sit on while I took it outside. It decided my fingers were a better mode of transport.

Fascinating, I expect your hand was warmer than the buddleia

   

Second year that i have had orchids growing in my grass.

I found this beauty resting on my bean leaves.  My picture doesn't do his colours justice, the reds and oranges are washed out.

   

For those more knowledgeable than me, is he/she/they (depending on gender identity)   a Scarlet Tiger Moth?

I think you're right.

https://butterfly-conservation.org/moths/scarlet-tiger

Yes, JJB, It is. I found 2 of them, deceased, just inside GH2 this week. Haven't spotted any on the shed door this year though. https://gardenandgossip.org/showthread.p...tiger+moth