I saw this ladybird-type insect at Newcastle, Co Wicklow. It had a distinctive chestnut colour in two shades, and its legs and underside were bright golden.
Paddy Demery, Kilcoole, Co Wicklow
It is an invasive alien leaf beetle Paropsisterna selmani, which feeds on the leaves of eucalyptus trees. It has been reported from the forests of Cork and Kerry, but this is the first time it has been seen in Wicklow.
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Along the banks of the Grand Canal near Rhode Bridge, council workers were dredging on each side. We saw many shells like this embedded in the mud.
Margaret Watchorn, Blackrock, Co Dublin
They are freshwater swan mussel shells.
This is a photograph of a moth I found in Ballyshannon, Co Donegal, early in September.
Anne Reid, Castleknock, Dublin 15
It was the large yellow underwing, which flies at this time of year.
Please identify this species of spider.
John Walsh, Carrick-on-Suir, Co Waterford
It is the common crab spider.
We found about 20 of these on one branch of a lime tree.
Helen Bourke, Thurles, Co Tipperary
It is the caterpillar of the buff-tip moth, which feeds on lime tree leaves.
I watched about 14 thrushes, blackbirds and mistle thrushes feeding on windfalls and bugs on our back lawn. They were joined by four usually shy, jewelled jays in a flash of colour from the trees.
Paul Grant, Letterkenny, Co Donegal
Ethna Viney welcomes observations and photographs at Thallabawn, Louisburgh, Co Mayo, F28F978, or by email at : viney@anu.ie. Please include a postal address