Tarantula hawk sp., possibly Hemipepsis mauritan, at the Asprokremmos dam, Cyprus. Tarantula hawks are said to have the second most painful sting in the insect world behind the bullet ant. Some tarantula hawks can grow up to 5cm long, but this one was around 3cm.
And here's its prey, the European tarantula Lycosa Tarantula. Quite common in Cyprus, this particular individual was running along the edge of our swimming pool. If the tarantula hawk wins the battle, it kills the spider by stinging it and then lays it's eggs in its victim.
Violet dropwing Trithemis annulata, a new species for me, Zakaki Marshes, Cyprus.
Broad scarlet Crocothemis erythraea, Zakaki Marshes, Cyprus.
Lesser emperor Anax parthenope, Zakaki Marshes, Cyprus.
Southern skimmer Orthetrum brunneum, Zakaki Marshes, Cyprus.
Epaulate skimmer Orthetrum chrysostigma, Nata village, Cyprus.
Slender skimmer Orthetrum sabina Zakaki Marshes, Cyprus.
Red-veined darter Sympetrum fonscolombii, Nata village, Cyprus.
Male black darter Sympetrum danae, Highfield moss, Lowton. This is one of the few local sites for this species. Colliers (Bold) moss in St Helens used to have a few but I believe that the species preferred habitat has now been lost at that site.
Female black darter, Highfield moss, Lowton.
Emerald damselfly Lestes sponsa, Highfield moss, Lowton.
Common hawker Aeshna juncea Highfield moss.
Humming bird hawkmoth, Troodos, Cyprus.
Oriental hornet Vespa orientalis, Nata, Cyprus.
Hoverfly sp., Paphos Lighthouse.
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