New to Britain

As a result of climate change, many continental species of invertebrate are heading north across the Channel. So far this year, Chris and Pete have each recorded five new species to Britain, which gives some idea of the scale of change, though it has to be said that they have spent more time than usual in Kent, which is one of the first counties where such species are often recorded.

Today I had the job of photographing one of these species, so that it can be sent to other expert entomologists for verification. It will probably also be used later in the autumn at an online exhibition meeting, as all actual meetings have been cancelled because of Covid-19. 

The Thread-legged Bug has a wide distribution, occurring in Australia, New Zealand, North America, South Africa and Europe, where it has been spreading in recent years. A hop over the Channel is not unexpected!