Kingston Nature Reserve 8th August

Mike, Ann and Carina joined me for an enjoyable walk in Hayley Wood although, with very few flowering plants, insects were in very short supply. On the way home, I called at the Kingston Embankment Reserve (for details of the site see Ann Miles Blog: Walk to Kingston Embankment Reserve) and was delighted to find it full of flowering Carrot, Knapweed, Ragwort and Red Bartsia together with its special Bee Mellita tricincta. Lots of insects on the flowerheads including the strange Conopid Fly and a Gall Fly. Lots of Butterflies on the wing including a fresh pair of  Small Whites.

Toft Garden Update

The Wild Carrot, Knapweed, Yarrow and Marjoram are all doing ok in the garden despite the lack of rain and the hot temperatures and the insects are certainly enjoying their flowers. The Gatekeepers are the dominant species; maximum count for one Majoram plant was 15  Gatekeepers and a couple of  Large White (plus the other small insects in the lower areas of the plants). The Purple Loosestrife is in full flower by the pond giving a wonderful backdrop for the frequent visits from the Brimstones while Fennel, Yellow Solidago, Blue Clary and Mallow plus other seedheads all have their microcosm of species.

More Garden Species

Although cool temperatures over the last day or so, the sun is still high enough to warm the garden foliage in the mornings bringing out lots of insects including this new Soldier fly for my garden list, Sargus bipunctatus, with two white spots and a lot of colours on the thorax and abdomen, the Hawthorn shieldbug and a new Gall Fly, Tephritis divisa.. Always happy to see old friends such as the Flower spider -  this time hiding in a Carrot seed head