Common Frog (Rana temporaria)

The frogs eventually started spawning in my garden pond last week, almost one month later than normal. The temperatures in Ireland over the past 2 months have been the lowest for 50 years. There are only 3 species of amphibians found in Ireland: the common frog, the smooth newt and the natterjack toad. Until recently the prevailing scientific opinion was that frogs were introduced into Ireland somewhere between the 10th and 16th century. However, a recent genetic study, published in 2009, suggests that Irish Rana temporaria differ genetically from British and Western European populations. The UK scientists who conducted the genetic study of populations of European common frogs have put forward the hypothesis that a population may have survived in a glacial refuge during the last ice age. European phylogeny of the common frog (Rana temporaria): routes of postglacial colonisation into the British Isles, and evidence for an Irish glacial refugium. Heredity (2009). Well, whatever about all that, my frogs survived the recent cold snap and they are ready to multiply!

Great Skua (Stercorarius skua)

There are only a few breeding pairs of great skua (Stercorarius skua) found in Ireland. The first pair was recorded during the seabird census of Britain and Ireland conducted between 1998 and 2002 (Seabird populations of Britain and Ireland: Results of the seabird 2000 Census). Since this time a few pairs have bred regularly on remote islands off the coast of Co. Mayo. Seabird 2000 reported the worldwide distribution of Great Skua as follows (breeding pairs): Scotland 9600, Ireland 1, Faroes 270, Iceland 5400, Norway 440, Russia 10. When breeding, skuas are highly territorial and can be extremely aggressive, as seen in the 2nd picture. This bird swooped within inches of my head making it pretty difficult to photograph. At the time I didn't realise there were skuas on the particular island - had I known I would not have disturbed them. Skuas are opportunistic feeders often following trawlers and taking discarded fish. They may also kill small seabirds or steal food from gannets and other birds (kleptoparasitism).

Common Lizard (Lacerta vivipera)

The common lizard (Lacerta vivipera) is the only reptile native to Ireland. It has a widespread distribution but is often overlooked. My cat found this one in my garden. Fortunately, for the lizard, I rescued it and released it unharmed (after taking a few pictures). Common lizards feed mainly on insects and interestingly do not lay eggs but give birth to live young.

Bristletail (Petrobius maritimus)

Bristletails are flightless insects belonging to the Order Archaeognatha (ancient jaws). Bristletails are an ancient group of insects and are found in fossils dating back as far as the Devonian period (400 million years ago). Although Petrobius maritimus are generally described as a species found on rocky shores I have a population living in my boiler house, about 1 mile from the sea.

Spider -v- Wasp

A window-lace-weever spider (Amaurobius fenestralis) attempts to capture a common wasp (Vespula vulgaris). The wasp became trapped in the tangle web and tried to extract itself by beating its wings furiously. The spider approached cautiously, avoiding the sting of the wasp, and managed to bite and paralyze the wasp. After several minutes of trying to drag the unfortunate wasp into its den the anaesthetic began to wear off and the wasp attempted to sting the spider. Eventually the spider realised it had bit off a bit more than it could chew, and retreated. A few minutes later the wasp broke free of the web and took off.

Large Red Damselfly (Pyrrhosoma nymphula)

This damselfly had recently emerged from my garden pond and was drying its wings in preparation for a new life in the air. The huge eyes are known as compound eyes with thousands of lenses in each one, allowing it to see in all directions. Damselflies spend most of their life under water as larvae, feeding on midge larvae and other tiny aquatic animals. After two years they transform into flying adults but only survive for 1 to 4 weeks.

Damselflies and dragonflies belong to the Order Odonata. There are 11 species of damselfly found in Ireland.

Chalcid Wasp

There are over 450 species of Chalcid wasp found in Ireland and they are common in every garden. These beautiful insects are tiny, less than 2mm in length, and usually completely overlooked. At first glance they appear to be tiny midges but on closer inspection their metallic bodies are unmistakable. They are very active and this along with their size make them difficult to photograph. Most species are parasitic on the eggs or larvae of other insects such as butterflies, moths, flies and beetles.