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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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