Eye on Nature

I went to clean out the nest box in early October and found a solitary bat. I thought they lived in groups or colonies.
Frank Folan
Labasheeda, Co Clare

Bats form colonies in the breeding season, but some hibernate singly or in small groups.

In mid October, on top of Cruach Mhárthan, in west Co Kerry, we found a gathering of hundreds of ladybirds.
Niamh Ní Bhaoill
Baile an Fheirtéaraigh, Co Chiarraí

Ladybirds gather when they are searching for a place to hibernate. They seek out nooks and crannies in which to hide.

I'm sending a photograph of a huge caterpillar that I spotted outside the front door. It was light green, with a double row of longitudinal bars along the back.
Natalya O'Connor
Moycullen, Co Galway

It was the caterpillar of the large yellow underwing moth.

I've seen a slow worm in the Burren. Unfortunately it had a head injury and was dying in two pieces. It had dropped its tail.
Phoebe Larkin
Lahinch, Co Clare

Michael Viney welcomes observations at Thallabawn, Carrowniskey PO, Westport, Co Mayo, or by email at viney@anu.ie. Please include a postal address