The Spotted Longhorn Beetle

I've been on the Suffolk Coast today with no internet access, so was delighted to return home and find so many lovely comments - really heart-warming :) I'd like to thank each of you personally, but as I'm out fieldworking for the next three days, that might not prove possible. Thanks too for the congratulations for Chris...he didn't turn out too badly :))

On the hottest day of the year, the coast was definitely the place to be. Sheltered areas were still sweltering, but an onshore breeze picked up during the afternoon and took the edge off the heat. In the morning I walked round Dunwich Forest with Rosie, and was struck by the large numbers of this very common longhorn beetle Rutpela maculata, feeding voraciously form the bramble blossom. We had a bit of a rest at lunchtime and then walked down to meet Chris at Walberswick.

It's time for bed now, as I have another trip to a different part of Suffolk tomorrow - and we're planning to leave before six to try and get as much work done as possible before the heat becomes unbearable.