On Sunday I was back at Maple Lodge NR (link to website here) for their annual Summer Open Day. Again my lovely little helper, Stella, and myself were positioned at the infamous Comma Corner to show the escorted visitors just some of the critters that can be found.
However my best find was one that I was unable to share with anyone as it didn't stick around too long. It's one of the hoverflies, but this one is a 'lifer' for me.....the ugly Rhingia rostrata......
You can see that compared to one of our most common hoverflies below,
that the R.rostrata really is an odd looking hover.... |
|
 |
| Helophilus pendulus |
Before the visitors arrived I had a quick look from the Teal Hide. I didn't even get a chance to open any of the hide windows when I heard a tell-tale bird call and a Kingfisher landed obligingly on the water marker. I just about managed one camera shot through glass before the little beauty flew off again......
 |
| hastily snapped Kingfisher from the Teal Hide |
Although the weather stayed fine all day there weren't that many butterflies about at Comma Corner, probably because the bramble flowers have now turned to blackberries and the buddleia is starting to go over. But Stella and I were able to show the visitors some Commas, Red Admirals, Meadow Browns, Gatekeepers, Green-veined White, Large White and Small Tortoiseshell.
Before the visitors arrived I also had a possible Hairstreak species fly over.....
 |
| Comma |
 |
| Comma |
 |
| Comma underwing |
 |
| male Meadow Brown |
 |
| Small Tortoiseshell |
 |
| female Gatekeeper |
With all of the brambles, nettles and thistles there were plenty of critters to be found and pointed out...
 |
| Cinnamon Bug |
 |
| Black and Yellow Longhorn |
 |
| Robber Fly |
 |
| possible Oak Bush Cricket |
 |
| Dock Bug adult |
 |
| Common Green Shieldbug 5th instar |
 |
| Dock Bug instar |
 |
| Southern Green Shieldbug |
 |
| Woundwort Shieldbug |
 |
| Woundwort Shieldbugs |
 |
| Common Blue damselfly |
 |
| Common Blue damselfly |
 |
| Common Darter - female |
 |
| Common Darter |
 |
| Common Darter |
A very good day as always with plenty of visitors and plenty of photography chances.
But the high-light for me was my first Rhingia rostrata hoverfly.
Stella, as always, thanks for all of your help and extra pair of eyes.
No comments:
Post a Comment