Went back to site (Monday 15th) to check on progress of the long-winged (presumed) coneheads. Saw 10, as they are now obviously bigger so easier to see. Losing much of your antennae is probably not a good mating strategy (if it's a male). Also saw first gatekeeper and small skipper of the year, and half a dozen shaded broad-bar moths.
-- Edited by Andy Bissitt on Thursday 18th of July 2024 09:08:34 PM
Not the most promising of afternoons turned up a real bonus sighting. A couple of new butterflies for the year was heartening enough (Meadow brown and large skippers), but the chance discovery of what were almost certainly long-winged conehead nymphs was a near sensation! The first was tiny, smaller than a 7-spot ladybird, but its antennae were about 3 times the body length. The attached photo is of one I took in Dorset 2 years ago (which was far more advanced), but the image was still fresh in my mind. The only downside is that at this stage, they are not seperable from the short-winged conehead, but the former is more likely on current distribution trends. Other inverts seen were hairy shieldbug, many swollen-thighed beetles, common malachite, and others yet to be named. Oh yes, horseflies were certainly about!
-- Edited by Andy Bissitt on Thursday 6th of June 2024 09:40:43 PM
Only a couple of things of note really; the year's first gatekeeper near the Hydro site, and a shaded broad-bar also there (it's a good year for them). One comma was also seen amongst a few small skippers, ringlets, small tortoiseshells, and meadow browns. Other insects were poorly represented.
A few butterflies this p.m. (small tortoiseshells and commas), but the highlight was a largish, light brown bat flying over the river beneath Jim Fearnley bridge at 4.00 p.m! Given the location, the low flight over the water, and its unfamiliarity to me, I am near certain it was a Daubenton's. After a minute or so, it flew to the trunk of a riverside tree, attached itself, and hung up in the sunshine. All very interesting. Am unable to post photos at moment due to camera problem.
-- Edited by Ian McKerchar on Wednesday 18th of April 2018 09:40:01 PM
Photo now added. Can anyone confirm the species from this please?
A few butterflies this p.m. (small tortoiseshells and commas), but the highlight was a largish, light brown bat flying over the river beneath Jim Fearnley bridge at 4.00 p.m! Given the location, the low flight over the water, and its unfamiliarity to me, I am near certain it was a Daubenton's. After a minute or so, it flew to the trunk of a riverside tree, attached itself, and hung up in the sunshine. All very interesting. Am unable to post photos at moment due to camera problem.
-- Edited by Ian McKerchar on Wednesday 18th of April 2018 09:40:01 PM
