Lightnews — Scholar-powered news

Pond Watcher

@watcherpond.bsky.social

950 followers 150 following 320 posts

Interested in natural history, particularly ponds. Yorkshire based.

Posts Media Videos Starter Packs

Pinned

Pond Watcher @watcherpond.bsky.social · Dec 20

Ponds and other small freshwater bodies matter. A well written supporting case here freshwaterhabitats.org.uk/news/charter...

Charter for Small Waters - Freshwater Habitats Trust

In the Charter for Small Waters, we’ve joined forces with a coalition of environmental charities calling on Government to recognise the vital importance of small freshwaters, and promote their protect...

freshwaterhabitats.org.uk

3 9

Pond Watcher @watcherpond.bsky.social · 3d

@tc271.bsky.social

Pond Watcher @watcherpond.bsky.social · 4d

c.12 mm Water Beetle from Leconfield DST 21 Sept. Keyed out using Friday to Ilybius fenestratus. Very narrow lateral part of metasternum. @palustris.bsky.social

1 1

Pond Watcher @watcherpond.bsky.social · 3d

Dettener lists 28 different chemicals (including steroids) in the prothoracic defence glands of this species. He notes it can be amphibious with steroids against fish predators and possibly an alkaloid against small warm-blooded vertebrates!

1 2

Pond Watcher @watcherpond.bsky.social · 3d

@tc271.bsky.social for info. At Leconfield DST I found this species in Swan Mere last month & in 2022. Also Whydham Lake in 2022. Are these both fishing lakes?

Palustris @palustris.bsky.social · 4d

A local species of permanent water, usually lakes, larger drains and canals. I fenestratus secretes a particularly potent cocktail of steroidal chemicals to deter predators, so it's one of the few dytiscids to thrive in fish-stocked waters.

1 2

Pond Watcher @watcherpond.bsky.social · 3d

That is very interesting.Thanks for providing more info. I thought a lot of dytiscids can secrete steroids.

1 1

Pond Watcher @watcherpond.bsky.social · 4d

Thanks

Pond Watcher @watcherpond.bsky.social · 4d

Another Water Beetle. Noterus clavicornis. Leconfield DST 21 Sept. c. 6mm long. Prosternum with ridge and narrow neck

Pond Watcher @watcherpond.bsky.social · 4d

c.12 mm Water Beetle from Leconfield DST 21 Sept. Keyed out using Friday to Ilybius fenestratus. Very narrow lateral part of metasternum. @palustris.bsky.social

2 1 6

Reposted by Pond Watcher

joemyers2k.bsky.social @joemyers2k.bsky.social · 4d

A quick video of an Argyroneta aquatica replenishing it's oxygen from its underwater web. @britishspiders.bsky.social

2 15 44

Reposted by Pond Watcher

Yorkshire Naturalists' Union @ynuorg.bsky.social · 5d

Hull Natural History Society has been recording & observing the wildlife of Hull & the East Riding since 1880. They welcome members of all levels of expertise and have a regular programme of activities - weekly meetings, outings, day trips and weekends away. Find out more: www.hullnats.org.uk

Hull Natural History Society

www.hullnats.org.uk

Reposted by Pond Watcher

WWF UK @wwf.org.uk · 7d

"We are deeply saddened by the passing of Dr. Jane Goodall.

She was a force for nature, tirelessly advocating for the protection and restoration of our natural world.

Her presence will be sorely missed." - Tanya Steele, CEO WWF UK.

Jane Goodall in forest habitat standing with a chimpanzee in her arms, as she purses her lips as if to kiss the chimpanzee.

4 46 270

Pond Watcher @watcherpond.bsky.social · 11d

On Tuesday (23rd Sept) lots of dead Ash visible from train just south of Pickering, on east side of track. Most of these dead trees had dark growths which appeared to be the fungus Daldinia concentrica (King Alfred's cakes).

Pond Watcher @watcherpond.bsky.social · 12d

An amphipod crustacean

Pond Watcher @watcherpond.bsky.social · 12d

Interesting info about the Locust Blowfly here, incl records from north coast of Scotland
www.northwestinvertebrates.org.uk/an-unexpecte...

An unexpected garden visitor - The Locust Blowfly (Stomorhina lunata) - North West Invertebrates

Like many others, I’m spending even more time in my garden than usual with the current Covid situation. Although I’ve been photographing the insects in my Southport garden for over a decade, this extr...

www.northwestinvertebrates.org.uk

1 1

Pond Watcher @watcherpond.bsky.social · 12d

@whitbynats.bsky.social for info

Pond Watcher @watcherpond.bsky.social · 13d

Locust Blowfly, Stomorhina lunata, Fen Bog, N Yorkshire 24Sept @ynuorg.bsky.social @suillia.bsky.social

Pond Watcher @watcherpond.bsky.social · 12d

I think the Birch was Himalayan Birch B. utilis (had peeling bark). If that helps narrow down the Euura sp.

1 1

Pond Watcher @watcherpond.bsky.social · 13d

Locust Blowfly, Stomorhina lunata, Fen Bog, N Yorkshire 24Sept @ynuorg.bsky.social @suillia.bsky.social

1 3 19

Pond Watcher @watcherpond.bsky.social · 13d

Bronze Shieldbug, Troilus luridus, has used its long rostrum to stab a sawfly larva. Disturbed from a Birch (ornamental?) Castle Howard, N Yorkshire today. @suillia.bsky.social @rockwolf74.bsky.social

2 2 14

Reposted by Pond Watcher

Armando Rosario-Lebrón @rosariolebronentomology.com · 15d

A Hentzia sp jumping spider perched on the edge of a one pound coin. 🪲🪳 #Salticidae #Invert #bugsky 🌿

A close up macro photograph of a Hentzia jumping spider positioned at the edge of a British one pound coin. The spider is facing the camera directly, showing off its characteristic large forward facing eyes in a row across the front of its face. Its body is small and light brown with darker markings, while its front pair of legs are lifted and extended outward, appearing almost as if it is in a stance of curiosity or readiness. The coin beneath is sharply detailed, its gold colored ridged edge contrasting with the silvery patterned interior, which fills the background. The composition highlights both the intricate anatomy of the tiny spider and the striking size difference between it and the currency. The image is crisp and professional, drawing attention to the fine textures of the spider’s hairs, eyes, and the metallic coin surface.

1 6 53

Reposted by Pond Watcher

History and Heritage Yorkshire @handhyorkshire.bsky.social · 21d

No longer needed for farming, they remain part of the landscape’s story and, thanks to groups like the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust, are being restored as quiet havens for wildlife. Image courtesy of Yorkshire Wildlife Trust. See their article at www.ywt.org.uk/wolds-dew-po... 2/2

Wolds dew ponds | Yorkshire Wildlife Trust

Gazing across the rolling Yorkshire Wolds, you may spot glimmers of water among the farms and fields. These are the mysterious dew ponds - providing a glimpse into past farming practices. Our restorat...

www.ywt.org.uk

7 33

Reposted by Pond Watcher

NEYEDC @teamneyedc.bsky.social · 17d

Our species taking spot #93 in our #YorkshireIn100Species series is the Brown China-mark moth, brought to us by Dick Shillaker. This moth has an intriguing life history, being one of only a small number of species with aquatic larvae! www.neyedc.org.uk/100-species/... 💧