Long Legged Fly

A gloomy and mostly wet day. The long legged fly does not need sunshine to bring out its colours. Although only 4 or 5 mm long the flashing colours make it very visible. Parentia sp.

Mantis Diary 8   Today I found no less than 11 newly hatched mantis nymphs on the curry plant. There could have been more because the bush is large and sprawling. One of them is in extra shots. I continue to see both hatchlings and second instar nymphs about the garden. The other day I found an adventurous second instar nymph on my bed! It must have come in the window.

Poppy of the day in extra shots. There are hundreds of poppies in bloom at present, but few are undamaged by wind and rain.