In general, it has been a good year for butterflies and the hot summer weather has particularly benefited the multiple brooded species. At this time of year the butterfly season is moving towards its inevitable close. I don't allow a single warm day to pass without getting out for a walk somewhere in the Weald or on Pevensey Levels, to see what is on the wing.
Holly Blue (Celastrina argiolus) (2nd brood female)
Small Copper (Lycaena phlaeas) (3rd brood male)
Large White (Pieris brassicae) (2nd brood mating pair)
Brimstone (Gonepteryx rhamni) (roosting male)
Wall (Lasiommata megera) (3rd brood male)
Migrant Hawker (Aeshna mixta) (mating pair)
Spiked Shieldbugs (Picromerus bidens) predating the larva of a Knot Grass moth (Acronicta rumicis)
By contrast, my moth trapping season has been disappointing, with consistently small catches compared to previous years. Here are three of my favourites, caught in the garden during August.
Yellow-barred Brindle (Acasis viretata)
Flame Carpet (Xanthorhoe designata)
Brimstone Moth (Opisthograptis luteolata) (ab. ruficosta)
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: only a member of this blog may post a comment.