Xanthogramma pediseqquem

A very striking hoverfly with bright, lemon yellow markings. This is an uncommon visitor to gardens, but it seems to turn up regularly in our Shrewsbury town garden. The larvae feed on root aphids, whilst the adult fly is most often seen at flowers.

Coccinella 7-punctata

Needing no introduction is the 7 spot ladybird. This one posed nicely on a flower bud, so that's why it's here.

Megachile species

The leafcutter bees, as there name suggests, cut up leaves. These they use to line their nest cells and seal their nest entrances. The good news: Although they have a sting, you are extremely unlikely to be stung by a leafcutter. There are often a few different species in the average garden.

Salticus species and Sapyga quinquepunctata

The small zebra spider hangs around on posts, sheds, stones etc. It pounces on its prey when it detects movement with its sensitive eyes. I managed to snap this one as it got close to a small solitary wasp. The wasp was just emerging from a hole in a post, that it had spent the night in.

Sunbathing on the silver haired leaves of Stachys (lamb's ears), this young shield bug makes a striking photo.