Another Walk in the Woods

My local woodland colonies of butterfly species such as the Pearl-bordered Fritillary (Boloria euphrosyne) and Green Hairstreak (Callophrys rubi) are probably reaching peak numbers now. This is my preferred time to go out into the field with my camera, when they are easier to find but before they start to look too tired and worn.

Earlier this week, I watched a fresh female Green Hairstreak (C. rubi) flying low over the bluebells, stopping frequently to nectar on the flowers. It was interesting to note that her preferred method of reaching the nectar was to insert her proboscis between the petals near the base of the flower. I presume that her proboscis is not long enough to obtain nectar from the open end of the flower. As I watched her, she was continually massaging her hind wings which gave glimpses of her brown upperwing.

Green Hairstreak (Callophrys rubi) (female)

Over the years, I have taken many photographs of Pearl-bordered Fritillaries (B.euphrosyne) and nowadays I spend much more time just watching them and looking for interesting specimens. Occasionally however, the urge to get the camera out is just too difficult to resist!

Pearl-bordered Fritillary (Boloria euphrosyne) (female)

(males)

Drama on the Woodland Floor

Whilst we enjoy watching the beauty of the natural world, we are often reminded of just how tough it is to survive in the wild. Walking in one of my local woods last week, I came across a drama unfolding on the woodland floor. 

I noticed a mating pair of Speckled Yellow Moths (Pseudopanthera macularia) near to the ground. On closer inspection, the female had been caught by a species of Jumping Spider (Evarcha falcata).

Initially, the male appeared to be oblivious to the situation but eventually he became aware of his peril, disengaged from the doomed female and took flight. 

Elsewhere in the wood, another Speckled Yellow rests on a bluebell.

Tortoise Shieldbug (Eurygaster testudinaria)

More Life in the Margins

Pevensey Levels abound with life in the water margins but just as important are the field margins and hedgerows which are a precious oasis for wildlife amongst the fields of monoculture and livestock pasture.

Green-veined White (Pieris napi) (male)

Wall (Lasiommata megera) (male)

Small Copper (Lycaena phlaeas) (female)

Variable Damselfly (Coenagrion pulchellum) (male)

Large Red Damselfly (Pyrrhosoma nymphula) (male)

Fen Raft Spider (Dolomedes plantarius) (males)

(female)

Lime Hawkmoth

The moth-trap yesterday morning yielded my first hawkmoth of the season. A disappointing three moths were attracted to the light overnight but the two Hebrew Characters present were accompanied by a Lime Hawkmoth (Mimas tiliae). The best of the rest from an earlier catch was a Brindled Beauty (Lycia hirtaria)

 

 

Lime Hawkmoth (Mimas tiliae) (male)

 

 

 

Brindled Beauty (Lycia hirtaria) (male)

 

 

 

Whilst walking in one of my local woods last week, I enjoyed several close encounters.

 

 

Common Toad (Bufo bufo)

 

 

Muslin Moth (Diaphora mendica) (female)

 

 

Hairy Dragonfly (Brachytron pratense) (male)