Insect Moments in Europe

 This post is by way of an addendum to the previous post and shows some insect moments that I have enjoyed in Europe during the last couple of decades. 

Libelloides coccajus (male) (Ascalaphid sp.)

(29.5.2010, The Cevennes, France)

Stag Beetle (Lucanus cervus)

This species of beetle is very localised in SE England and I have only ever seen two females. It is however a common and widespread species in France.

(male, 4.7.2013, Gironde, France)

(male & female, 9.7.2013, Charente-Maritime, France)

Hoplia caerulea (Chafer sp.)

(5.7.2013, Gironde, France)

Oberea oculata (Longhorn sp.)

(16.8.2015, Haute-Savoie, France)

Western Clubtail (Gomphus pulchellus) (male)

(10.7.2013, Charente-Maritime, France)

Large Pincertail (Onychogomphus uncatus) (male)

(8.7.2013, Gironde, France)

Yellow Clubtail (Gomphus simillimus) (male)

(7.7.2013, Gironde, France)

Zygaena osterodensis (Burnet sp.)

(2.6.2010, The Cevennes, France)

Convolvulus Hawkmoth (Agrius convolvuli)

This species is a regular migrant to Britain in varying numbers. It is very common and widespread in France. I found this one roosting on a granite kerbstone in Chamonix.

(20.8.2015, Haute-Savoie, France)

Goat Moth (Cossus cossus) (larva found wandering across road)

This species is very localised and uncommon in the UK and I have never come across it. It is common and widespread in France and this huge larva was one of several wandering across a rural lane, amongst a few squashed carcasses. 

(22.9.2009, Gironde, France)

Bright Wave (Idaea ochrata)

This species only occurs on a very few sites in Kent, England and I have never seen it. It appears to be widespread in France.

(4.7.2013, Charente-Maritime, France)