Explore the diverse flora and fauna on the Downs from season to season through personal observations and photographs

Thursday, 25 Sep 2025

Butterfly numbers continue to be counted on one hand with 2 Small Copper, a single male Common Blue (Polyommatus icarus), a female Meadow Brown and a Speckled Wood making up today’s tally.

A new insect, but not the greatest of photographs, is the White-footed Hoverfly (Platycheirus albimanus). Also photographed was a Common Froghopper (Philaenus spumarius).

 

 

Now that tree leaves are starting to dry out before falling from the trees many of the galls, leaf mines and fungus infestations are becoming much more prominent and easier to spot. Some make for good photos, especially where different types of ‘affliction’ are present on the same leaf, as these photos of sycamore leaves show.

 

 

First recorded on 19th May Mouse-ear Hawkweed (Pilosella officinarum) is still going strong. Many other yellow composites have come and gone. It managed to attract one of the commonest hoverflies, the Common Banded Hoverfly (Syrphus ribesii).

 

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