The Portrait of a Lady

The Painted Lady   Vanessa cardui   (Nymphalidae)



 

 

 

 

 

 

The Painted lady is found in grassy places where flowers are in bloom. When feeding néctar from flowers such as the Lantana, the Painted Lady is usually oblivious to the approach of na observer. It's wing span is 6cm, and flight period from March-November or further north, April-October.

The Crab Spider

The Crab Spider
 

Misumena vatia
 

The white crab spider is the most common of the crab spiders, and the yellow, the less common. They are mainly slow-moving, squat-bodied spiders, which bear a striking resemblance to crabs.While lying in wait on a flower, the two pairs of long front legs, strongly armed with bristles on their inner edges, are held out in anticipation, ready to fold inwards in a pincer movement on insects which approach too closely, and then the spiders fangs go for the neck. The spiders powerful nerve poison quickly paralysis the victom. The Misumena vatia seems adept at subduing stinging insects such as hive bees, bumblebees, and the meadow brown and marbled white butterflies are frequently caught by the Misumena. 

Squirrel Selection

I just want to cuddle this squirrel.

 

An add for shampoo perhaps! 
 

Chubby Chops.
 

I think there is something feline looking about this squirrel.
 

This squirrel was looking right at me.

 

Cheeky fellow joined me for breakfast.
 

Cute bear cub look-alike.
 

 

They really are quite different in appearance from one another, and it makes it even more enjoyable to watch them. 

Autumn Colours

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jays

The Jay  
 Garrulus glandarius

 

 

 

 

In the woods where we live there have been far more Jays than usual this year, so I have taken many photos to share.