BROWN HAWKER DRAGONFLY (Aeshna grandis) [Pair copulating, only the male has a blue tint to the eyes and blue marking on S2 of the abdomen] Lullymore West Bog, I.P.C.C. Nature Reserve, Lullymore, Co. Kildare, Ireland

CLICK ON PHOTO TO SEE HIGHER QUALITY IMAGE
Click here for detailed species information

The Brown Hawker (Aeshna grandis) is of the family Aeshnidae which is in the genus Aeshna.

HAIRY SHIELDBUG (Dolycoris baccarumm) Lullymore West Bog, Lullymore, Co. Kildare, Ireland

CLICK ON PHOTO TO SEE HIGHER QUALITY IMAGE
Click here for detailed species information

Click here to see identification guide to British and Irish Shieldbugs

 

The Hairy Shieldbug (Dolycoris baccarum) or Sloe Bug, is of the family Pentatomidae which is in the genus Dolycoris. Shieldbugs go through five instar stages before becoming adults.

Patrick J. O'Keeffe / Raw Birds

RED ADMIRAL BUTTERFLY (Vanessa atalanta) Lullymore West Bog, I.P.C.C. Nature Reserve, Lullymore, Co. Kildare, Ireland

CLICK ON PHOTO TO SEE HIGHER QUALITY IMAGE
Click here for detailed species information

The Red Admiral Butterfly (Vanessa atalanta) is of the family Nymphalidae which is in the genus Vanessa.

ROUND LEAVED SUNDEW (Drosera rotundifolia) with ensnared VARIABLE DAMSELFLY (Coenagrion pulchellum) Lullymore West Bog, I.P.C.C. Nature Reserve, Lullymore, Co. Kildare, Ireland

CLICK ON PHOTO TO SEE HIGHER QUALITY IMAGE
Click here for detailed species information

The Round-leaved Sundew (Drosera rotundifolia) or Common Sundew is of the family Droseraceae which is in the genus Drosera. It occurs in northern Europe, parts of North America and Asia as well as New Guinea. This carnivorous plant is commonly found in bogs and fens.

Patrick J. O'Keeffe / Raw Birds 

VARIABLE DAMSELFLY (Coenagrion pulchellum) Lullymore West Bog, I.P.C.C. Nature Reserve, Lullymore, Co. Kildare, Ireland

CLICK ON PHOTO TO SEE HIGHER QUALITY IMAGE
Click here for detailed species information

The Variable Damselfly (Coenagrion pulchellum) is of the family Coenagrionidae which is in the genus Coenagrion.

GARDEN BUMBLEBEE (Bombus hortorum) Lullymore West Bog, I.P.C.C. Nature Reserve, Lullymore, Co. Kildare, Ireland

CLICK ON PHOTO TO SEE HIGHER QUALITY IMAGE
 Click external link here for detailed species information

Click external link here to see identification guide to Irish Bumblebees 

 

The Garden Bumblebee (Bombus hortorum) is of the family Apidae which is in the genus Bombus.

MARSH SNIPE FLY (Rhagio tringarius) Lullymore West Bog, I.P.C.C. Nature Reserve, Lullymore, Co. Kildare, Ireland

CLICK ON PHOTO TO SEE HIGHER QUALITY IMAGE
Click here for detailed species information

The Marsh Snipe Fly (Rhagio tringarius) is of the family Rhagionidae which is in the genus Rhagio.

YELLOW DUNG FLY (Scathophaga stercoraria) Lullymore West Bog, I.P.C.C. Nature Reserve, Lullymore, Co. Kildare, Ireland

CLICK ON PHOTO TO SEE HIGHER QUALITY IMAGE
Click here for detailed species information

The Yellow Dung Fly (Scathophaga stercoraria) is of the family Scathophagidae which is in the genus Scathophaga.

SILVER WASHED FRITILLARY BUTTERFLY (Argynnis paphia) Lullymore West Bog, Lullymore, Co. Kildare, Ireland

CLICK ON PHOTO TO SEE HIGHER QUALITY IMAGE
Click here for detailed species information

 

The Silver-washed Fritillary Butterfly (Argynnis paphia) is of the family Nymphalidae which is in the genus Argynnis. This very large species occurs throughout the temperate regions of the Palearctic. In Britain, it is found in the southern half of England and Wales. It has a very scattered distribution in Ireland.

Eggs are laid in tree crevices close of it's larval foodplant Common Dog-violet (Viola riviniana). The larvae hatch in August and immediately hibernate. They emerge the following April and then feed on the foodplant. Pupation occurs during May and the adult flight season is from July to late September.

Patrick J. O'Keeffe / Raw Birds

FLOWER CRAB SPIDER (Misumena vatia) female with bumblebee prey Lullymore West Bog, I.P.C.C. Nature Reserve, Lullymore, Co. Kildare, Ireland

CLICK ON PHOTO TO SEE HIGHER QUALITY IMAGE
Click here for detailed species information

The Flower Crab Spider (Misumena vatia) is of the family Thomisidae which is in the genus Misumena. It occurs in the temperate regions of Europe and North America where it is known as Goldenrod Crab Spider or more simply Flower Spider.  

Only the female can change colour normally either from white to yellow or visa versa but this can be a protracted process. The minute black and white male can be a real challenge to locate.

 Patrick J. O'Keeffe / Raw Birds

MEADOW FROGHOPPER (Phyllobius pomaceus) Lullymore West Bog, IPCC Nature Reserve, Lullymore, Co. Kildare, Ireland

CLICK ON PHOTO TO SEE HIGHER QUALITY IMAGE
Click here for detailed species information

The Meadow Froghopper (Philaenus spumarius) also known as Meadow Spittlebug, Common Froghopper or simply Froghopper is of the family Aphrophoridae which is in the genus Philaenus. It has a widespread distribution throughout the Palearctic region and is also found as an invasive species in parts of North America. 

When the larva hatches out, it self-generates a foam nest which is commonly known as Cuckoo spit that can be found on a variety of plant species. After 50 days and a series of instar stages, the adult emerges from the now dried casing. 

Patrick J. O'Keeffe / Raw Birds

NETTLE WEEVIL (Phyllobius pomaceus) Lullymore West Bog, IPCC Nature Reserve, Lullymore, Co. Kildare, Ireland

CLICK ON PHOTO TO SEE HIGHER QUALITY IMAGE
Click here for detailed species information

 

The Nettle Weevil (Phyllobius pomaceus) is of the family Curculionidae which is in the genus Phyllobius. This small species has a scattered distribution in Britain and Ireland but can be locally common in some areas. It overwinters as a pupa and emerges as an adult in late April. The adults feed on the leaves of Common Nettle (Urtica dioica) and Meadow Sweet (Filipendula ulmaria) until late June.

Patrick J. O'Keeffe / Raw Birds

COMMON BLUE BUTTERFLY [Female] (Polyommatus icarus) Lullymore West Bog, IPCC Nature Reserve, Lullymore, Co. Kildare, Ireland

CLICK ON PHOTO TO SEE HIGHER QUALITY IMAGE
Click here for detailed species information

The Common Blue Butterfly (Polyommatus icarus) is of the family Lycaenidae which is in the genus Polyommatus. This species has a widespread distribution across the Palaearctic region and in 2005 was found as an invasive species in Mirabel, Quebec, Canada where it has continued to extend and colonise new areas. In southern Europe, the flight season is protracted, from early March into November, over a number of generations. In Britain and Ireland, it is on the wing from May to late September, over two generations 
The male has striking blue upper wings and lighter brown and blueish washed under wings compared to the female's brownish upper and under wings although her upper wings can be blueish brown in some populations. Males are very territorial and are constantly in search of receptive females. When the sexes meet, copulation occurs immediately, usually without any courtship ritual. Eggs are laid on the preferred larval food plant Birdsfoot Trefoil (Lotus corniculatus) or on plants from pea and bean family (Leguminosae). It overwinters as a larva (caterpillar) which emerges from hibernation the following season to continue feeding on its larval plant.

Patrick J. O'Keeffe / Raw Birds 
 Reference: 
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Common_blue

BROWN BOOBY (Sula leucogaster) Greystones South Beech, Greystones, Co. Wicklow, Ireland

CLICK ON PHOTO TO SEE HIGHER QUALITY IMAGE

Click here for detailed species information

Click here to see distribution map and to hear calls

The Brown Booby (Sula leucogaster) is of the family Sulidae which is in the genus Sula. This large seabird has a pan-tropical range and very rarely occurs in North East Atlantic waters.

Found on 13th July 2020, this is the third Irish record but unfortunately had to be taken into care today (14th July) when its condition deteriorated. There are two previous Irish records, a tideline corpse in Co. Cork on 2nd January 2016 and one seen from a fishing trawler off Co. Kerry on 13th and 14th August also in 2016. 

Patrick J. O'Keeffe / Raw Birds

Four subspecies are recognised; map showing the world distribution

     Sula leucogaster plotus     Sula leucogaster nominate     Sula leucogaster etesiaca     Sula leucogaster brewsteri

Reference:

 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brown_booby

COMMON POND SKATER [Nymph] (Gerris lacustris) Lullymore West Bog, IPCC Nature Reserve, Lullymore, Co. Kildare, Ireland

CLICK ON PHOTO TO SEE HIGHER QUALITY IMAGE
Click here for detailed species information

The Common Pond Skater (Gerris lacustris), also known as Common Water Strider, is of the family Garridae which is in the genus Gerris. This predatory insect occurs throughout Europe including Britain and Ireland. 

The middle and rear legs are covered in sensitive hairs which detect movement of prey items and the front legs are used to capture victims. After overwintering as adults, they emerge in late April to commence mating and then egg laying. When the eggs hatch, there are five instar or nymph stages before becoming brown coloured adults. Hibernation away from water commences in late October.

Patrick J. O'Keeffe / Raw Birds

RINGLET BUTTERFLY (Aphantopus hyperantus) Lullymore West Bog, IPCC Nature Reserve, Lullymore, Co. Kildare, Ireland

CLICK ON PHOTO TO SEE HIGHER QUALITY IMAGE
Click here for detailed species information

The Ringlet Butterfly (Aphantopus hyperantus) is of the family Nymphalidae which is in the genus Aphantopus. This species has a widespread distribution in the Palearctic region, but is absent from northern latitudes. The flight season is from mid June to late July, peaking in late June. It overwinters as a larva (caterpillar).

Patrick J. O'Keeffe / Raw Birds

PELLUCID FLY [Female] (Volucella pellucens) Lullymore West Bog, IPCC Nature Reserve, Lullymore, Co. Kildare, Ireland

CLICK ON PHOTO TO SEE HIGHER QUALITY IMAGE
Click here for detailed species information

The Pellucid Fly (Volucella pellucens), also known as Pellucid Hoverfly or Great Pied Hoverfly, is of the family Syrphidae which is in the genus Volucella. This bee mimic occurs in much of the Palearctic region, including Britain and Ireland. It is one of the larger species of hoverfly and the flight season is from May to October. 

The female lays her eggs in the nests of either the Common Wasp (Vespula vulgaris) or the German Wasp (Vespula germanica). When the larvae hatch they feed on nest debris which includes dead wasps and grubs. The larvae overwinter in the nest and emerge as adults in early summer.

Patrick J. O'Keeffe / Raw Birds

Reference and highly recommended reading:

 Britain's Hoverflies A field guide 2nd edition Stuart Ball and Roger Morris

CRYPTIC WOOD WHITE BUTTERFLY (Leptidea juvernica) [Pair, courtship display by male on left with extended proboscis] Lullymore West Bog, I.P.C.C. Nature Reserve, Lullymore, Co. Kildare, Ireland

CLICK ON PHOTO TO SEE HIGHER QUALITY IMAGE
Click external link here for detailed species information

The Cryptic Wood White Butterfly (Leptidea juvernica) is of the family Pieridae which is in the genus Leptidea.

COMMON DARTER DRAGONFLY (Sympetrum striolatum) [Female] Lullymore West Bog, IPCC Nature Reserve, Lullymore, Co. Kildare, Ireland

CLICK ON PHOTO TO SEE HIGHER QUALITY IMAGE
Click here for detailed species information

The Common Darter Dragonfly (Sympetrum striolatum) is of the family Libellulidae which is in the genus Sympetrum. This is the commonest dragonfly that occurs throughout Eurasia. In the southern part of its range the flight season is year round. In Britain and Ireland it is on the wing from June to late October. Separate with care from the very similar Ruddy Darter (Sympetrum sanguineum) which has all black legs and a slightly tapered mid abdomen.

Patrick J. O'Keeffe / Raw Birds

FOUR BANDED LONGHORN BEETLE (Leptura quadrifasciata) Lullymore West Bog, Lullymore, Co. Kildare, Ireland

CLICK ON PHOTO TO SEE HIGHER QUALITY IMAGE
Click external link here for detailed species information

Click external link  here to see distribution map for Ireland

The Four Banded Longhorn Beetle (Leptura quadrifasciata) is of the family Cerambycidae which is in the genus Leptura. It occurs throughout the northern and central Palearctic region. In Britain it has a wide spread but local distribution. Based on published reports, it is an uncommon and very local species in Ireland and has only been recorded from fifteen locations.
The wood boring larvae feed on dead and decaying trees. The pollen eating adults feed on a variety of plants including umbellifers. The life cycle lasts 2 or 3 years but the adults are short lived which might account for the lack of records.

Patrick J. O'Keeffe / Raw Birds 
 Reference:  https://maps.biodiversityireland.ie/Species/75569

COMMON BLUE BUTTERFLY [Pair copulating, male on right] (Polyommatus icarus) Lullymore West Bog, IPCC Nature Reserve, Lullymore, Co. Kildare, Ireland

CLICK ON PHOTO TO SEE HIGHER QUALITY IMAGE
Click here for detailed species information

The Common Blue Butterfly (Polyommatus icarus) is of the family Lycaenidae which is in the genus Polyommatus. This species has a widespread distribution across the Palaearctic region and in 2005 was found as an invasive species in Mirabel, Quebec, Canada where it has continued to extend and colonise new areas. In southern Europe, the flight season is protracted, from early March into November, over a number of generations. In Britain and Ireland, it is on the wing from May to late September, over two generations 
The male has striking blue upper wings and lighter brown and blueish washed under wings compared to the female's brownish upper and under wings although her upper wings can be blueish brown in some populations. Males are very territorial and are constantly in search of receptive females. When the sexes meet, copulation occurs immediately, usually without any courtship ritual. Eggs are laid on the preferred larval food plant Birdsfoot Trefoil (Lotus corniculatus) or on plants from pea and bean family (Leguminosae). It overwinters as a larva (caterpillar) which emerges from hibernation the following season to continue feeding on its larval plant.

Patrick J. O'Keeffe / Raw Birds 
 Reference: 
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Common_blue

COMMON SNOUT HOVERFLY (Rhingia campestris) female, Lullymore West Bog, IPCC Nature Reserve, Lullymore, Co. Kildare, Ireland

CLICK ON PHOTO TO SEE HIGHER QUALITY IMAGE
Click here for detailed species information

The Common Snout Hoverfly (Rhingia campestris) is of the family Syrphidae which is in the genus Rhingia. It commonly occurs in the Palaearctic region. The flight season is from late March to mid November and there are two generations. This is a very striking species with a long snout and its larvae are found in dung or silage.

Patrick J. O'Keeffe / Raw Birds

Reference and highly recommended reading: 

Britain's Hoverflies A field guide 2nd edition Stuart Ball and Roger Morris

COMMON BLUE BUTTERFLY [Male] (Polyommatus icarus) Lullymore West Bog, IPCC Nature Reserve, Lullymore, Co. Kildare, Ireland

CLICK ON PHOTO TO SEE HIGHER QUALITY IMAGE
Click here for detailed species information

The Common Blue Butterfly (Polyommatus icarus) is of the family Lycaenidae which is in the genus Polyommatus. This species has a widespread distribution across the Palaearctic region and in 2005 was found as an invasive species in Mirabel, Quebec, Canada where it has continued to extend and colonise new areas. The female lays eggs on the preferred larval food plant Birdsfoot Trefoil (Lotus corniculatus) or on plants from pea and bean family (Leguminosae). In southern Europe, the flight season is protracted, from early March into November, over a number of generations. In Britain and Ireland, it is on the wing from May to late September, over two generations. It overwinters as a larva (caterpillar) which emerges from hibernation the following season to continue feeding on its larval plant.

Patrick J. O'Keeffe / Raw Birds