Insects

Insects are very important but many people underestimate them.
There are around 1.5 million species of insects that have been named, they come in many shapes and sizes, while most are completely harmless, a small amount are harmful to humans.

Insects pollinate many of our fruits, flowers and vegetables and are a very important part of the food chain, they are a food source to many birds, reptiles and amphibians. 

Insects feed on both plants and meat meaning they are omnivorous, they also aid us by helping to break down some of our waste.

Out in the field I found the perfect spot to sit and do some insect watching.
On the ground the grass was a dry, hay like mess. The lack of rain over the last few weeks means the ground is cracked and dry. (Although as I write this blog it has been raining all day).
Sitting surrounded by crops on one side, wild flowers to the other, behind that a hedge of Hawthorn, Hazel, Cow parsley and the odd Oak tree. The air is full of thistledown and the sound of buzzing and humming.
I could hear the Grasshoppers in the grass.
Grasshoppers make their noise by a row of pegs along the inside of their hind leg which they rub against the forewing which creates the sound. The crickets make a sound by rubbing their forewings together which is quite different.

I normally like to take photos of larger mammals such as badgers and hares, or birds, sitting in the field using Macro to capture the tiny insects was something different for me.
Even in such a small area there were a large variety of insects and spiders, a lot of which I didn't get photos of.

Hover fly

Soldier beetle

Meadow Grasshopper

Cinnabar moth caterpillar

Meadow Grasshopper

Spiked Shield bug

Long winged Conehead

Long Winged Conehead

Seven Spotted ladybird larvae

Gate keeper