Still managing to see some new insects. Today it is the Birch Shieldbug (Elasmostethus interstinctus) and it is my first ever sighting of this species.

Other insect photos were of yet another variation to the spot pattern on a Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis), a late Common Carder Bee (Bombus pascuorum) on a still flowering Musk Thistle (Carduus nutans) and a female Long Hoverfly (Sphaerophoria scipta) on a grass stem.

A Rowan (Sorbus aucuparia) turned up 3 different larval leaf mines, those of the Rowan Dot moth (Stigmella nylandriella), Hawthorn Leaf-miner moth (Phyllonorycter corylifoliella) and another Stigmella sp. These were found on 3 adjacent leaves. A leaf mine of the larva of the Apple Leaf Miner (Lyonetia clerkella) moth was found on a Prunus sp.

The grass in the old sheep enclosure now looks rather lush, but it is not just the grass that is thriving. Many flowering plants, grazed for most of the summer, are taking the opportunity to fast-track their growth. Among these are Columbine (Aquilegia vulgaris), Common Toadflax (Linaria vulgaris), Common Chickweed (Cerastium fontanum) and Lesser Hawkbit (Leontodon saxatilis). The most obvious flower in this area is Small Scabious (Scabiosa columbaria) with several dozen still to be seen.

Latest fungus to appear on old tree stumps in the old sheep enclosure is Honey Fungus (Armillaria mellea).

Holly (Ilex aquifolium) berries are starting to ripen and some of the English Oak (Quercus robur) are distinctly photogenic in their autumnal display.

                                                                                              <<<< Previous page | Next Page >>>>