Spring 2012 ...
A very wet Bombus pascuorum.
Showing posts with label Rewell Wood. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Rewell Wood. Show all posts
Monday, 26 November 2012
Pterophorus galactodactyla …
Rewell Hill Wood, 2 May 2012
The delicate Spotted White Plume, Pterophorus galactodactyla, is a nationally scarce species. The adult moth, which has a wingspan of around 20-25mm, has a pale forewing with a diagnostic backward-pointing rear lobe. The species is most likely to be recorded in the larval stage, when feeding signs, on the leaves of Lesser and Greater Burdock, are relatively easy to find where they are present. The characteristic evidence of feeding appears as white-rimmed, rounded holes in the leaves, starting at 2mm diameter in April up to around 8mm by the time they mature in May. The larva can often be found nearby, resting along the edge of a vein on the underside of the leaf. The larva pictured was around 7mm long. A shed skin can be seen in the bottom left of the picture. The adult moth flies in June and July ...
The delicate Spotted White Plume, Pterophorus galactodactyla, is a nationally scarce species. The adult moth, which has a wingspan of around 20-25mm, has a pale forewing with a diagnostic backward-pointing rear lobe. The species is most likely to be recorded in the larval stage, when feeding signs, on the leaves of Lesser and Greater Burdock, are relatively easy to find where they are present. The characteristic evidence of feeding appears as white-rimmed, rounded holes in the leaves, starting at 2mm diameter in April up to around 8mm by the time they mature in May. The larva can often be found nearby, resting along the edge of a vein on the underside of the leaf. The larva pictured was around 7mm long. A shed skin can be seen in the bottom left of the picture. The adult moth flies in June and July ...
A different world ...
West Sussex, 2 May 2012
As I have said before, there is always something to see …
The St Mark's Fly (Bibio marci) is a large hairy black fly belonging to the family Bibionidae. It is a species which shows strong sexual dimorphism (male pictured). It is common in late April and May in grassy meadows and fields, especially in the south. Swarms of the males can often be seen flying sluggishly up and down in the sunshine with their legs dangling below, looking for the females which are sitting not far below in the grass. When the females take wing they are seized by the males and mating takes place in the air.
You just have to look ...
As I have said before, there is always something to see …
The St Mark's Fly (Bibio marci) is a large hairy black fly belonging to the family Bibionidae. It is a species which shows strong sexual dimorphism (male pictured). It is common in late April and May in grassy meadows and fields, especially in the south. Swarms of the males can often be seen flying sluggishly up and down in the sunshine with their legs dangling below, looking for the females which are sitting not far below in the grass. When the females take wing they are seized by the males and mating takes place in the air.
You just have to look ...
Beauty in minature ...
West Sussex, 2 May 2012
If you are a lepidopterist, particularly one who limits their personal interest to butterflies, there will always be days of disappointment, particularly if looking for the adult insect. Term yourself an entomologist and your eyes will be opened to a world of intense beauty, one of mystery and one of intrigue, all played out on a stage in front of your very eyes - providing they are open and receptive.
Today conditions were grey and although my target did not appear, what did was a gem to behold …
The Green Longhorn (Adela reaumurella) is a small day-flying micromoth belonging to the family Adelidae, the fairy longhorn moths. They have a wingspan of approximately 14 to 18 mm. The upper wings of both sexes are a beautiful metallic green, their under wings metallic bronze. The males have extremely long white antenna and have rough black hair on their heads. In comparison, the females have relatively short white-tipped black antenna with shorter and lighter hair on their heads. It is a fairly common species in England, Wales and southern Scotland, though more localised in Ireland. They typically fly from April to June and can often be observed flying in swarms. The larvae feed on leaf-litter and live in portable cases.
If you are a lepidopterist, particularly one who limits their personal interest to butterflies, there will always be days of disappointment, particularly if looking for the adult insect. Term yourself an entomologist and your eyes will be opened to a world of intense beauty, one of mystery and one of intrigue, all played out on a stage in front of your very eyes - providing they are open and receptive.
Today conditions were grey and although my target did not appear, what did was a gem to behold …
The Green Longhorn (Adela reaumurella) is a small day-flying micromoth belonging to the family Adelidae, the fairy longhorn moths. They have a wingspan of approximately 14 to 18 mm. The upper wings of both sexes are a beautiful metallic green, their under wings metallic bronze. The males have extremely long white antenna and have rough black hair on their heads. In comparison, the females have relatively short white-tipped black antenna with shorter and lighter hair on their heads. It is a fairly common species in England, Wales and southern Scotland, though more localised in Ireland. They typically fly from April to June and can often be observed flying in swarms. The larvae feed on leaf-litter and live in portable cases.
Pearls of wisdom ...
Rewell Wood, 16 April 2012
My first this year ...
The beautiful Pearl-bordered Fritillary.
My first this year ...
The beautiful Pearl-bordered Fritillary.
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