Whilst it is always nice to take a 'plate-flat' image of a butterfly or dragonfly, I am always on the look-out for interesting behavioural shots such as those that show predation, courtship and mating or an adult emerging from its pupa or nymph.
At this time of year, I regularly find mating insects when out in the field and here are some images taken over the last few weeks.
Large Skipper (Ochlodes sylvanus) (male on right)
Ringlet (Aphantopus hyperantus) (male is the darker insect)
Silver-washed Fritillary (Argynnis paphia) (male on left)
Common Blue Damselfly (Enallagma cyathigerum) (male is blue)
The first image shows the pair in tandem and the second shows the same pair in mating wheel.
Strangalia quadrifasciata (Longhorn Beetle sp.) (male uppermost)
