Ringlet (Aphantopus hyperantus) and Small Heath (Coenonympha pamphilus) are now the most numerous butterflies.

New insects for this year’s Downs list are the flies Common Splay-wing (Phania funesta) and Hornet Mimic Hoverfly (Volucella zonaria), an ichneumon wasp (possibly genus Trychosis, cf. T. legator), a possible Yellow-legged Mining Bee (Andrena flavipes?) and the very photogenic (and rather large) caterpillar of the Small Emperor Moth (Saturnia pavonia).

Other insects photographed were both mating adults and 2nd instar nymphs of the Brassica Shieldbug (Eurydema oleracea), a 3rd instar nymph of the Green Shieldbug (Palomena prasina), 14-spot ladybird (Propylea quattuordecimpunctata), Roesel’s Bush-cricket (Roeseliana roeselii) and Ornate-tailed Digger Wasp (Cerceris rybyensis).

After hundreds of White-lipped Snail over the past few years I finally have a Brown-lipped Snail (Cepaea nemoralis).

Newly flowering wildflowers are Wild Basil (Clinopodium vulgare) and Curly Dock (Rumex crispus), plus several presumed garden escapee Butterfly Bush (Buddleja sp.). Also seen was a rather striking all white Common Restharrow (Ononis repens).

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