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

Thursday, 30 Apr 2026

Weather very similar to yesterday, but the wind not quite as strong. Butterfly numbers still not responding to the warm weather. Brimstone still the most numerous, then Holly Blue, a few Green Hairstreak, a single Small Copper, and the first Dingy Skipper (Erynnis tages) of the season.

Oak trees yet again provided quite a number of photo opportunities, including caterpillars of the Small Quaker (Orthosia cruda), Pale Brindled Beauty (Phigalia pilosaria) and Variegated Golden Tortrix (Archips xylosteana) moths, as well as a Common Leaf Weevil (Phyllobius pyri) and a Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis) of the form spectabilis.

 

Members of the Hemiptera family included Brassica Shield Bug (Eurydema oleracea) on Horseradish (Armoracia rusticana), Forest Bug (Pentatoma rufipes) on Common Whitebeam (Aria edulis), Fine-streaked Bugkin (Miris striatus) on Sycamore (Acer pseudoplatanus) and Hairy Rose Aphid (Chaetosiphon tetrarhodum) on Dog Rose (Rosa canina).

The Coleoptera were represented by Cream-spot Ladybird (Calvia quatuordecimguttata), 14-spotted Ladybird (Propylea quatuordecimpunctata), a click beetle (Agriotes acuminatus) and a tiny Gorse Seed Weevil (Exapion ulicis).

Two of the Hymenoptera photographed were Silky Ant (Formica fusca) and an unidentified Ichneumon wasp.

 

Plants noted today were Ribwort Plantain (Plantago lanceolata), Common Sorrel (Rumex acetosa) and Chalk Milkwort (Polygala calcarea).

 

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