Tag Archive for ‘Photography’

Insects

Insects

The insects are so very important for the biodiversity. They are also often very beautiful like the flowers they pollinate. They can also bug you. Buzzing around your ears when all you’re interested in is having a beer and a cozy blogg reading in the shade.

This beautiful little fellow is unknown to me. I think it is some kind horse-fly or even a small butterfly. The small ones is a small bee that can hoover in the air.

Don’t kill insects just because you can. They are needed for our survival. The more insects we exterminate the more pandemic’s will we see in the future. Ha de Gött!

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Slow worm

Slow worm

The serpent, adder, snake, viper, has many names and in many cultures a bad name. This is not a snake but a legless lizard. The slow worm (Anguis fragilis) is sometimes also called deaf adder or blind worm. The eyes are small but fully functional. It can be found, in several subspecies, all over Eurasia. In Swedish it’s called “Kopparödla” that translates to Copper lizard. Looking at the color the name makes perfect sense. It sometimes shed its tail as a defense. Don’t worry it grows back.

Speaking of snakes I cannot fail to mention the fantastic TV series Black Adder starring Rowan Atkinson from the 80:ties. The sidekick Baldrick played by Tony Robinson is, for me, the real hero. With a cunning plan, ha de Gött!

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Caucasian stonecrop

Caucasian stonecrop

Not much information to find about this little plant, the Caucasian stonecrop (Phedimus spurius). In Swedish it’s called “Kaukasiskt Fetblad” that translates to fat leaf from Caucasus. The name probably has something to do with the thick moisture filled leafs. Needs well drained soil in a sheltered place with full sun.

Ha de Gött!

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Butterflies

Butterflies

Yesterday morning I went for a walk in the forest to find some mushrooms. I decided to bring the camera. I was glad to see so many butterflies, but getting them to pose for the camera was quite a challenge. When they sit still on a flower to collect nectar with their proboscis they close their wings so you only see the backside. They open up to only to fly of. Patience needed but it is hard when the other insects in the forest take advantage of the situation and try to have a piece of you.

Trying to name the species prove to be even more difficult. There are almost 175 000 species identified all over the world. I think I’ve been able identify a Brimstone who refused to show its wings. Then the Small heath that was kind enough to spread its wings long enough for a picture. Also the Black-veined moth I think I nailed. If you know the name please leave a comment.

Spread your wings into the summer and ha de gött!

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Aspen

Aspen

There is a Swedish expression “darra som ett asplöv” “tremble like an asp leaf”. It describes the aspen tree (Populus tremula) in an elegant way. The leafs from this fast growing tree easily trembles even in low wind speeds. The rustling sound has made me look out the window many times thinking it’s raining. It spreads with root sprouts up to forty meters from the parent tree, creating clones. The tree also spreads through pollination.

Close-up of an aspen leaf.

Sit in the shade and ha de Gött!

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Day-lily

Day-lily

The orange day-lily (Hemerocallis fulva) are in full bloom. This year more than ever. Perhaps the warm weather does the trick. It comes originally from Asia but are now grown in many gardens around the world. Can be very tall, up to 1,5 meters. It has gone rouge and is now considered an invasive species. Oh yes, there is a human factor. Dumping them on the road side has given them the name ditch-lily where they spread and suffocates native species.

Always think twice before you dump, ha de Gött!

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Grasshopper

Grasshopper

The little black and white grasshopper
signed up, wanted to be a 'copper'
to his dismay, all he got was a ticket
had to go and see, the boring cricket

Hop on, hop off, ha de Gött!

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Hard working

Hard working

For many people summer means lacy days in the sun or in the shade. But for the insects summer is a busy time. So also for this Small tortoiseshell (Aglais urticae). It was a challenge to get a good shot as the wind was moving the flowers, while the butterfly collected nectar in super speed. Moving fast from one clover to another.

Ha de Gött!

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Gooseberry

Gooseberry

The Gooseberry (Ribes uva-crispa) or in Swedish, “Krusbär”, differs from most berries with its lime green color. Originates from Caucasus but is now grown in many gardens. The Swedish name is almost a straight translation from its Latin name. Grape with rippled leaf. This time the English name is more fun. If I say gooseberry bush will you native English speaking blush? Ha de Gött!

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