There have been lots of insects in our garden this year. The painted lady butterflies have been numerous. Bees of various sizes, hoverflies, a dragonfly, moths and an unusual ladybird have all been observed. (I was going to say spotted!)
An interesting thing this year was that some wasps built a nest in a bird-box intended for wrens or robins. The nest box itself has had a strange history. Originally it was fixed a bit too low for birds; a field-mouse took up residence. The wasps moved in after it was moved higher. They build their nests from chewed wood, which makes a papery substance. Part way through the summer some of their grubs fell (or were pushed?) from the nest.
After the wasps had left hubby dismantled the box and I took photos of the nest. He cleaned the box out (woodlice had moved in) and replaced it. Not long afterwards a young wren explored it. Perhaps next year it will serve its intended purpose.
Another nest box has served as sleeping quarters for a blue tit for a few winters. It was made from a piece of log and has now disintegrated. Its replacement has the opening facing in a different direction. We shall see…