I thought perhaps that after the rain showers yesterday afternoon and evening I might see a little more insect activity on the Downs today. The ground has been so dry for the time of year that all the rain was gratefully soaked up as if it had not rained at all.

First sightings for the year were Common Pill Woodlouse (Armadillidium vulgare) and a Syrphus sp. hoverfly, either S. ribesii or S. vitripennis. To positively identify it you need a female and then also a good enough photo at just the right angle to check whether it has yellow or black femora (top part of legs) on the hind legs to tell them apart!

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