Steph Skipp

Marchesinia mackaii ,or rock treacle as I call it ,growing across the Carboniferous Limestone outcrops in the Wye valley last weekend @BBSbryology

Close-up on the third eye What looks like a sparkling gemstone is the median ocellus of a wild bee – one of three simple light sensors on its head. Unlike the large compound eyes that deliver images, ocelli only detect brightness and the polarization of light. They help the bee instantly recognize the horizon, stabilize flight attitude, and even “see” the sun on cloudy days – perfect for daring maneuvers between flowers. In many insects, ocelli are also linked to the internal clock and support navigation according to the circadian rhythm. Three tiny dots, massive superpower Sources: Rossel, S. (1989). Polarized Light in Insect Vision. In: Comprehensive Insect Physiology, Biochemistry and Pharmacology. Warrant, E. J. (2017). The remarkable visual abilities of nocturnal insects. Journal of Experimental Biology. Labhart, T. & Nilsson, D.-E. (1996). Ocelli in insects: Structure and function. Arthropod Structure & Development.

A grotty Saturday morning i went up to check up on the Cotswold stone wall top Grimmia Pulvinata Cushions at a site that holds all three Octospora species that are host specific to Grimmia pulvinata, here Octospora Grimmiae doing the best I have seen it .

Dung beetle, Geotrupes spiniger. Fascinating hairs on the eye of this amazing beetle.

Mecynorrhina torquata ugandensis, ink & coloured pencil

Bazzania trilobata (Greater Whipwort) in the hanging Woodland on Moel y Gest last Wednesday near Porthmadog, i remember seeing this beuty of western Atlantic Oak-woods for the first time at Ganllwyd NNR and my eyes widened,they still do when ever I see it 💚 @BBSbryology

Marchesinia mackaii (MacKay's Pouncewowort) on rocky outcrops amongst the hanging Woodland on Moel y Gest near Porthmadog last Wednesday @BBSbryology

The party has just started 🥳 Lemon disco fungus ( Bisporella citrina) always shows up 😊 #fungi #sundaymorning #nature #NaturePhotography #NatureBeauty #macro

Slime mold in local woods.

Saw this lovely moss, Hookeria lucens, during a plant survey in woodland a few weeks ago. Really eye-catching, scaly shape and large, glittery cells. I agree with the field guide - ‘a pleasure to find’!

@Jamiewa50042387 What beauties 👌

Fantastic Coastal Oaks in-between Abergafren and Borthwen near Minfford yesterday.

@Jamiewa50042387 @BBSbryology You can see why it is called Crystalwort! Lovely

Riccia Glauca (Glaucous Crystalwort) growing on Coastal slopes at Pen y Mynydd at the far end of Porth Neigwl beach on the Lyn Peninsula earlier this week @BBSbryology

Riccia subbifurca (Least Crystalwort) on bare earth patches amongst short Coastal turf at Gwaith Canol old granite quarry at the far end of quarry beach near Llanbedrog earlier this week @BBSbryology

Rossetti's Pouncewort (Cololejeunea rossettiana) growing over Marchesinia mackaii on a limestone rockface at Coldwell Rocks in the Wye valley last weekend @BBSbryology

@Jamiewa50042387 @BBSbryology Love the way it is creeping around 🪱

MacKay's Pouncewowort (Marchesinia mackaii) on the shaded limestone at Coldwell Rocks in the Wye valley yesterday, rock treacle at its best @BBSbryology

@Jamiewa50042387 That’s cool 🤩 Crazy microsculpture!

Mamillae on lobule margins and surface whitch Cololejeunea calcarea doesn't have , both species are present in the Wye valley.

I’ve gone on Bluesky now 👍 bsky.app/profile/stephs… Here’s a picture of Anthribus albinus taken through a hand lens

Great day talking about #DungBeetles & the complexities of their conservation at the Entomological Opportunities @BritEntSoc Student & Early Career Group meeting - plenty of dung beetle adoration shared!

@BBSbryology Thanks! 😊

@StephSkipp Yes indeed 👍

Think this is Frullania dilatata. On a damp park bench, West Malling, 23/10/2024. #Liverwort @BBSbryology