Bixel - Biological recording in pixels

Pixel-based identification project for distinctive invertebrates ran by @GrahamSmithEnto

[Bixel - Biological recording in pixels @BixelBugs]

Welcome to Bixel Biorecording! A pixel art based platform to support the identification of distinctive invertebrates.

Illustrating species in pixels removes excess detail -simplifying identification. Eager for feedback on this project as it develops and I hope it proves useful!

[Bixel - Biological recording in pixels @BixelBugs]

Yesterday's silhouette was a... Field Digger Wasp (Mellinus arvensis)! Also called Fly Wolf by @StevenFalk1 - a suave name!

Unusual among solitary wasps in that they nest in shady places - I have seen them in rabbit burrows!

@olds_liam @B_Strawbridge @BeesOfIreland @WaspWoman

[Bixel - Biological recording in pixels @BixelBugs]

Will be posting my next Six-Legged Sunday post tomorrow evening instead - in the meantime any guesses as to what distinctive wasp it might be?

Creating this silhouette reminded me of 'Guess That Pokemon'...!

@BeesOfIreland @StevenFalk1 @olds_liam @B_Strawbridge @WaspWoman

[Bixel - Biological recording in pixels @BixelBugs]

Six-legged Sunday +2 legs - Garden orb weaver (Araneus diadematus) heaps out at the moment in gardens!

Look for the distinctive cross-mark at the front of the abdomen, which is often otherwise very variable in colour!

@BritishSpiders @AAS_arachnology @Megabunus @UKgardenspiders

[Bixel - Biological recording in pixels @BixelBugs]

@savebutterflies @ukbutterflies @AndyWyldes @dave_b_james To learn more about one of the reasons they are one of the most productive UK butterflies, read about their ability to change colour as a pupa and control their number of copper scales here:
https://t.co/NXULwTyAhQ

[Bixel - Biological recording in pixels @BixelBugs]

Six-legged Sunday - Small copper (Lycaena phlaeas) my favourite common butterfly!

Their 2nd brood is coming to an end, but they can have 3 or even 4 broods in a year, ensuring they can keep us company well into Autumn!

@savebutterflies @ukbutterflies @AndyWyldes @dave_b_james

[Bixel - Biological recording in pixels @BixelBugs]

@BeesOfIreland @StevenFalk1 @olds_liam @B_Strawbridge Thank you Brian! Really appreciate it! They have been good fun to make - will keep them coming

[Bixel - Biological recording in pixels @BixelBugs]

Six-legged Sunday - Ivy Bee (Colletes hederae) new to science in 1993 and now widespread in the UK since its discovery in 2001!

Eyes on ivy these next couple of months and you are likely to see this species in good numbers!

@BeesOfIreland @StevenFalk1 @olds_liam @B_Strawbridge

[Bixel - Biological recording in pixels @BixelBugs]

@BeesOfIreland @StevenFalk1 @olds_liam @B_Strawbridge Want to find out more? Check out this fantastic talk below by Aaron Bhambra. This is one of many amazing talks organised by the Biological Recording Company which is ran by @KeironDBrown https://t.co/sRaBndrD8z

[Bixel - Biological recording in pixels @BixelBugs]

You can read more about these specialised organs here: https://t.co/NGHX7eTXCV

[Bixel - Biological recording in pixels @BixelBugs]

Six-Legged Sunday! Acanthosoma haemorrhoidale (Hawthorn shieldbug)

Our largest UK shieldbug. Despite being a 'non-caring' species (unlike the Parent bug) they do not leave their eggs unloved, coating them in a protective substance from their Pendergrast’s organs!

@BritishBugs

[Bixel - Biological recording in pixels @BixelBugs]

Seven-spot ladybird (Coccinella septempuncata)

When distressed, ladybirds reflex bleed - releasing noxious chemicals from their 'armpits'. Their bright colouration signals their distastefulness to predators. They are also incredible pest controllers!
@UKLadybirds @ColeopSoc

[Bixel - Biological recording in pixels @BixelBugs]

Summary of early summer Andrena common names version 🐝

Very last chance to see the bottom three species now! Feedback on these summaries to support biological recording much appreciated.

@StevenFalk1 @Liam_M_Crowley @olds_liam @RyanClarkNature @bumble_being @SolitaryBeeWeek

[Bixel - Biological recording in pixels @BixelBugs]

Summary of early summer Andrena below 🐝

I will be doing some separate posts on the individual species to highlight their distinctive features. The very last females of the bottom three species are flying now so keep your eyes peeled before they elude us until next year!