Images Dated 16th March 2021

Peppered moth (Biston betularia) showing a comparison of the melanistic form f

Peppered moth (Biston betularia) showing a comparison of the melanistic form f. carbonaria next to the typical paler form on dark soot-covered bark. The melanistic form has long been cited by genetic studies as an example of industural melanism. Sooty deposits on trees and other surfaces meant that the darker form was better camouflaged and more successful in industrial areas of Northern England. In recent decades air quality has improved to the extent that the melanistic form is declining in these areas and is now less frequently encountered than the typical form. Peak District National Park, Derbyshire, UK. July

© www.naturepl.com

Collared earthstar (Geastrum triplex) fungus growing on forest floor

Collared earthstar (Geastrum triplex) fungus growing on forest floor. Spores are ejected when the fungus is disturbed, such as by falling raindrops. Peak District National park, Derbyshire. UK. November

© www.naturepl.com

Agaricomycetes, Basidiomycota, Collared Earth Star, Earth Star, England, Europe, Fungi, Fungus, Gasteroid, Gasteromycetes, Geastraceae, Geastrales, Geastrum, Geastrum Indicum, Geastrum Michelianum, Geastrum Triplex, Great Britain, Habitat, Higher Fungi, Saucered Earthstar, Spore, Triple Earthstar, Uk, Western Europe

Safety in Numbers - Giant Shield bug nymphs (Pycanum sp

Safety in Numbers - Giant Shield bug nymphs (Pycanum sp.), recently hatched from eggs, with a final individual still to emerge. By staying in a tight group, the nymphs increase the effectiveness of their striking defensive aposematic colouration to ward off would-be predators. I discovered this scene on the underside of a leaf whilst exploring the rainforest at night. Danum Valley, Sabah, Borneo

© www.naturepl.com