Andy Musgrove
@andymus.bsky.social
All-taxa naturalist, on a journey to understand what biodiversity really means. Freelance ecological consultant. Norfolk Sawfly Recorder. BUBO founder. Pan-species Lister.
Reposted by Andy Musgrove
Is it safe to call this Callitula pyrrhogaster or are there any confusion species? I can't find a relevant key but it looks like other photos of this species and it's supposed to be distinctive. It's 1.5mm long and was found by suction in late July in grass at the edge of wet woodland in Norfolk.
November 21, 2025 at 4:46 PM
Is it safe to call this Callitula pyrrhogaster or are there any confusion species? I can't find a relevant key but it looks like other photos of this species and it's supposed to be distinctive. It's 1.5mm long and was found by suction in late July in grass at the edge of wet woodland in Norfolk.
Good to see our local MP speaking out on this. Thanks @bengoldsborough.bsky.social
I’m calling on the UK Government to seriously review its presence on X (formerly Twitter) and then leave. It’s not just a communication channel anymore. Read more:
www.politicshome.com/news/article... 1/10
www.politicshome.com/news/article... 1/10
Labour MPs Call For A More Serious Review Of The Government's Use Of X
Labour MPs are calling for ministers to take control of decisions over the government’s continued use of X, as concerns grow about the platform’s s...
www.politicshome.com
November 20, 2025 at 2:04 PM
Good to see our local MP speaking out on this. Thanks @bengoldsborough.bsky.social
Reposted by Andy Musgrove
A question for moth trapping people. I needed a new MV bulb, so bought a cheaper online. When it came out said metal halide in the box (L). I assumed I got the wrong type so I bought 2 MV bulbs from WatDon. They are exactly the same but the metal halide label is covered over with sharpie (R).. (1/2)
November 12, 2025 at 6:13 PM
A question for moth trapping people. I needed a new MV bulb, so bought a cheaper online. When it came out said metal halide in the box (L). I assumed I got the wrong type so I bought 2 MV bulbs from WatDon. They are exactly the same but the metal halide label is covered over with sharpie (R).. (1/2)
Great to see the paper by @ecology-digest.bsky.social and I on the new British woodlouse (Chaetophiloscia elongata) now available. Check it (and other great material) out at bmig.org.uk/view/resourc...
November 10, 2025 at 8:45 PM
Great to see the paper by @ecology-digest.bsky.social and I on the new British woodlouse (Chaetophiloscia elongata) now available. Check it (and other great material) out at bmig.org.uk/view/resourc...
Reposted by Andy Musgrove
I'm currently updating and making corrections to the Ephydridae key prepared for the @dipteristsforum.bsky.social workshop. Please let me know if you've noticed any errors or anything that might need updating. Comments, DM or email to sjthomasbotanyATgmail.com please.
#Diptera #entomology
#Diptera #entomology
November 8, 2025 at 10:25 AM
I'm currently updating and making corrections to the Ephydridae key prepared for the @dipteristsforum.bsky.social workshop. Please let me know if you've noticed any errors or anything that might need updating. Comments, DM or email to sjthomasbotanyATgmail.com please.
#Diptera #entomology
#Diptera #entomology
According to www.naturespot.org/species/forg..., I'd be able to identify Sehirus morio on the basis of its distinctive male parameres. Can anyone point me towards a reference that shows these please? I've got a load of likely candidates from the Brecks @ajcann.bsky.social @britishbugs.bsky.social
Forget-me-not Shieldbug | NatureSpot
www.naturespot.org
November 6, 2025 at 7:44 PM
According to www.naturespot.org/species/forg..., I'd be able to identify Sehirus morio on the basis of its distinctive male parameres. Can anyone point me towards a reference that shows these please? I've got a load of likely candidates from the Brecks @ajcann.bsky.social @britishbugs.bsky.social
Reposted by Andy Musgrove
Yesterday, @britentsoc.bsky.social published the 4th edition of the popular Field Guide to the Smaller Moths of Great Britain and Ireland. Completely updated and free to download in 3 digital formats: PDF, spreadsheet, and an Android App! Further details at www.benhs.org.uk/publications... #TeamMoth
A FIELD GUIDE TO THE SMALLER MOTHS OF GREAT BRITAIN AND IRELAND (4th Edition-Digital) - British Entomological & Natural History Society
www.benhs.org.uk
November 2, 2025 at 8:34 AM
Yesterday, @britentsoc.bsky.social published the 4th edition of the popular Field Guide to the Smaller Moths of Great Britain and Ireland. Completely updated and free to download in 3 digital formats: PDF, spreadsheet, and an Android App! Further details at www.benhs.org.uk/publications... #TeamMoth
Reposted by Andy Musgrove
Another superb example of #biomimicry reinforcing the intrinsic significance of protecting all biodiversity including the newts, bats & invertebrates demonised as barriers to development by Rachel Reeves
As this study demonstrates one day they may literally save your life.
phys.org/news/2025-10...
As this study demonstrates one day they may literally save your life.
phys.org/news/2025-10...
Smart cutting system used by female sawflies could transform surgery and reduce patient harm
Scientists at Heriot-Watt University have unlocked the secret behind how female sawflies make specific cuts to plants—a discovery that could revolutionize surgical instruments and dramatically reduce ...
phys.org
October 29, 2025 at 2:52 PM
Another superb example of #biomimicry reinforcing the intrinsic significance of protecting all biodiversity including the newts, bats & invertebrates demonised as barriers to development by Rachel Reeves
As this study demonstrates one day they may literally save your life.
phys.org/news/2025-10...
As this study demonstrates one day they may literally save your life.
phys.org/news/2025-10...
Reposted by Andy Musgrove
If you happen to be located along the West coast of Britain, or in Ireland (anywhere with a Lobarion community), keep an eye open for the shiny green discs of Abrothallus welwitschii growing on the thallus of Sticta lichens. In the right light, the discs really shine out! Quite eye-catching really.
October 28, 2025 at 6:53 PM
If you happen to be located along the West coast of Britain, or in Ireland (anywhere with a Lobarion community), keep an eye open for the shiny green discs of Abrothallus welwitschii growing on the thallus of Sticta lichens. In the right light, the discs really shine out! Quite eye-catching really.
Poor photos, but I think this aquatic bug could be a 2nd for Britain - looks like Sigara longipalis from what I can tell. Only other record(?) from Norfolk in 2006. I found this on my farm survey in Suffolk last month. If anyone knows more about this species, I'd be interested to hear.
October 21, 2025 at 3:32 PM
Poor photos, but I think this aquatic bug could be a 2nd for Britain - looks like Sigara longipalis from what I can tell. Only other record(?) from Norfolk in 2006. I found this on my farm survey in Suffolk last month. If anyone knows more about this species, I'd be interested to hear.
Reposted by Andy Musgrove
Just to remind me it was warmer and summer-like only last week, in some places, here are a couple of pics from St Agnes. Hoopoe and Clouded Yellow, neither of which I am likely to see again this year! #ukbirding #mybutterflyyear
October 15, 2025 at 8:36 PM
Just to remind me it was warmer and summer-like only last week, in some places, here are a couple of pics from St Agnes. Hoopoe and Clouded Yellow, neither of which I am likely to see again this year! #ukbirding #mybutterflyyear
Reposted by Andy Musgrove
Amidst a big nocturnal passage of thrushes last night, this Ring Ouzel passed over my Cambridge garden. Detected using the BTO Acoustic Pipeline's nocmig classifier xeno-canto.org/1047905 @cambsbirdclub.bsky.social #UKBirding 🔉
XC1047905 Ring Ouzel (Turdus torquatus)
xeno-canto.org
October 14, 2025 at 12:32 PM
Amidst a big nocturnal passage of thrushes last night, this Ring Ouzel passed over my Cambridge garden. Detected using the BTO Acoustic Pipeline's nocmig classifier xeno-canto.org/1047905 @cambsbirdclub.bsky.social #UKBirding 🔉
Here's a mutANT. Identification via standard keys fails. It's actually an aberrant individual of a Myrmica species where the petiole has fused with the thorax (and the usual spines have disappeared also). Found on St Martin's (Scilly) last week. Thanks to Andrew Jarman for confirming my suspicions.
October 13, 2025 at 12:07 PM
Here's a mutANT. Identification via standard keys fails. It's actually an aberrant individual of a Myrmica species where the petiole has fused with the thorax (and the usual spines have disappeared also). Found on St Martin's (Scilly) last week. Thanks to Andrew Jarman for confirming my suspicions.
Great stuff. Someone put me onto this - I think it was @bramblebotanist.bsky.social perhaps posting about it?
Plymouth Thistle (Carduus pycnocephalus) at (where else?) Plymouth Hoe and Plymouth Thistle selfie with @janettem34.bsky.social on the way back from the SW. Thanks to @andymus.bsky.social for the quality gen. Three plants in flower in this area #wildflowerhour
October 12, 2025 at 7:22 PM
Great stuff. Someone put me onto this - I think it was @bramblebotanist.bsky.social perhaps posting about it?
Reposted by Andy Musgrove
Least Adder's-tongue (Ophioglossum lusitanicum) on Wingletang, St Agnes, today on a fine sunny day with @andymus.bsky.social @janettem34.bsky.social About 40 plants seen in 2 tiny patches of habitat #wildflowerhour
October 5, 2025 at 9:10 PM
Least Adder's-tongue (Ophioglossum lusitanicum) on Wingletang, St Agnes, today on a fine sunny day with @andymus.bsky.social @janettem34.bsky.social About 40 plants seen in 2 tiny patches of habitat #wildflowerhour
Reposted by Andy Musgrove
This is the story of my daughter Milly and Lyme Disease. There was no rash, no "summer flu", NHS blood tests negative. And she's been ill for a quarter of her life.
www.theguardian.com/world/2025/s...
Thank you @lymediseaseuk.bsky.social & @lymeresourcecentre.bsky.social for raising UK awareness.
www.theguardian.com/world/2025/s...
Thank you @lymediseaseuk.bsky.social & @lymeresourcecentre.bsky.social for raising UK awareness.
As my daughter got sicker and sicker, our quest for answers dragged on. How did we all miss the bacteria taking over her body?
I write about nature, but when Milly got sick with a mystery illness, it never occurred to me that a long-forgotten tick bite could be the cause
www.theguardian.com
September 28, 2025 at 8:20 AM
This is the story of my daughter Milly and Lyme Disease. There was no rash, no "summer flu", NHS blood tests negative. And she's been ill for a quarter of her life.
www.theguardian.com/world/2025/s...
Thank you @lymediseaseuk.bsky.social & @lymeresourcecentre.bsky.social for raising UK awareness.
www.theguardian.com/world/2025/s...
Thank you @lymediseaseuk.bsky.social & @lymeresourcecentre.bsky.social for raising UK awareness.
This male Tachina from Shotesham (E Norfolk) in August looks pretty spot-on for the newly colonising (or at least newly recognised) T. magnicornis
September 28, 2025 at 8:02 AM
This male Tachina from Shotesham (E Norfolk) in August looks pretty spot-on for the newly colonising (or at least newly recognised) T. magnicornis
Species 8,298: Macrosteles sardus, a hopper beaten from Great Willowherb on Shotesham Common, 100m from my desk. Thanks to @tim-hodge.bsky.social for the suggestion!
September 26, 2025 at 5:24 PM
Species 8,298: Macrosteles sardus, a hopper beaten from Great Willowherb on Shotesham Common, 100m from my desk. Thanks to @tim-hodge.bsky.social for the suggestion!
Reposted by Andy Musgrove
Well Merveille du Jour finally crossed my peepers today thanks to @laurasharp.bsky.social and Helen Rowe, also Ypsolopha parenthesella and a stunning (and wonderfully named) Carabus problematicus beetle #teammoth
September 26, 2025 at 5:01 PM
Well Merveille du Jour finally crossed my peepers today thanks to @laurasharp.bsky.social and Helen Rowe, also Ypsolopha parenthesella and a stunning (and wonderfully named) Carabus problematicus beetle #teammoth
Absolutely, a classic @panspecieslisting.bsky.social song!
See also 'Bee of the Bird of the Moth' by the above-mentioned.
September 25, 2025 at 4:03 PM
Absolutely, a classic @panspecieslisting.bsky.social song!
Reposted by Andy Musgrove
A reminder that we have a weekend of NNNS fungi-related events coming up. On Saturday 27th Sept 2025 at 10:30, national fungus expert & author Geoffrey Kibby will be leading a walk at Litcham Warren. See norfolknaturalists.org.uk/wp/events-pa... for meeting point details.
September 24, 2025 at 8:22 PM
A reminder that we have a weekend of NNNS fungi-related events coming up. On Saturday 27th Sept 2025 at 10:30, national fungus expert & author Geoffrey Kibby will be leading a walk at Litcham Warren. See norfolknaturalists.org.uk/wp/events-pa... for meeting point details.
Reposted by Andy Musgrove
On Sunday 28th September 2025, 10:30-4, county fungus recorder Dr Tony Leech is putting on a whole-day fungus identification workshop at Wheatfen, inc both lab & field parts. There is a cost of £15 & places are limited, so please book with Tony, details on norfolknaturalists.org.uk/wp/events-pa...
September 24, 2025 at 8:26 PM
On Sunday 28th September 2025, 10:30-4, county fungus recorder Dr Tony Leech is putting on a whole-day fungus identification workshop at Wheatfen, inc both lab & field parts. There is a cost of £15 & places are limited, so please book with Tony, details on norfolknaturalists.org.uk/wp/events-pa...
Reposted by Andy Musgrove
Marginal veins of Nymphaea alba (left) and Nymphaea candida (right) for comparison.. Veins of candida join to form closed loops, those of alba end at the leaf edge. Of course there’s a hybrid too, which is common where they meet.
September 24, 2025 at 4:30 PM
Marginal veins of Nymphaea alba (left) and Nymphaea candida (right) for comparison.. Veins of candida join to form closed loops, those of alba end at the leaf edge. Of course there’s a hybrid too, which is common where they meet.
Reposted by Andy Musgrove
Finding pseudoscopions. Our compost bin had Pselaphochernes scorpioides in it. To search: scoop out top layer of kitchen/garden waste & put in bucket. Sieve next layer down using garden riddle over a bowl. Then use finer potting sieve over tray. They are small, around 2mm. 1/2
@duleyp.bsky.social
@duleyp.bsky.social
September 22, 2025 at 3:20 PM
Finding pseudoscopions. Our compost bin had Pselaphochernes scorpioides in it. To search: scoop out top layer of kitchen/garden waste & put in bucket. Sieve next layer down using garden riddle over a bowl. Then use finer potting sieve over tray. They are small, around 2mm. 1/2
@duleyp.bsky.social
@duleyp.bsky.social