Park list: August 2015

Red Admiral Butterfly (Vanessa atalanta)

Butterflies Nymphalidae

6 July 2020

27 July 2022

6 July 2020

8 March 2015

The Red Admiral is a frequent visitor to gardens throughout the British Isles and one of our most well-known butterflies. This butterfly is unmistakable, with the velvety black wings intersected by striking red bands.

This butterfly is primarily a migrant to our shores, although sightings of individuals and immature stages in the first few months of the year, especially in the south of England, mean that this butterfly is now considered resident. This resident population is considered to only be a small fraction of the population seen in the British Isles, which gets topped up every year with migrants arriving in May and June that originate in central Europe. Unfortunately, most individuals are unable to survive our winter, especially in the cooler regions of the British Isles.

The number of adults seen in any one year is therefore dependent on the number of migrants reaching the British Isles and numbers fluctuate as a result. In some years this butterfly can be widespread and common, in others rather local and scarce. This is a widespread species and can be found anywhere in the British Isles, including Orkney and Shetland.(LINK)

6 July 2020

8 March 2015

White-letter Hairstreak (Satyrium w-album)

Butterfly

The White-letter Hairstreak is one of our more-elusive butterflies as it flits high in the treetops, often appearing as a dark speck against the sky. It gets its name from the letter "W" that is formed from a series of white lines found on the underside of the hindwings.

Elm is the sole foodplant and this species suffered as a result of Dutch elm disease in the 1970s and early 1980s, especially in southern sites. All species of elm were affected and there was concern that this species of butterfly might become extinct in the British Isles as a result. Surviving colonies were subsequently looked for, to obtain a better understanding of the distribution of this species. Several new colonies were found which gave new hope for the future of this butterfly. In addition, there has been a concerted effort to find disease-resistant elms that exhibit the appropriate qualities to support this butterfly (such as flowering at the right time of year since young larvae generally rely on flower buds as a food source).

This butterfly forms discrete colonies which are sometimes very small containing only a few dozen individuals. Colonies are typically focused on a small clump of trees or even an individual tree. These butterflies are not great wanderers and will reuse the same site year after year. This butterfly is found throughout England, south of a line stretching between South Lancashire in the west and South Northumberland in the east. This species is found more locally in Wales, and is not found in Scotland, Ireland or the Isle of Man.(LINK)

Rosebay Willowherb (Chamerion angustifolium)

Wild flower

Himalayan balsam (Impatiens glandulifera)

Wild flower

A non-native invasive plant.

The largest annual plant in Britain, growing up to 2.5m high from seed in a single season. Himalayan balsam spreads quickly as it can project its seeds up to four metres. Many seeds drop into the water and contaminate land and riverbanks downstream, but the explosive nature of its seed release means it can spread upstream too.

It has large 'policeman's helmet' pink-purple flowers. Leaves have small red teeth at the edge and are in whorls of 3 or opposite. The stem is reddish.

Habitat

Commonly found along riverbanks and streams, around ponds and lakes, in wet woodlands and in ditches and damp meadows.

What's the problem?

It spreads quickly and forms dense thickets, altering the ecological balance and character of wetland habitats. Many seeds drop into the water and contaminate land and riverbanks downstream, but the explosive nature of its seed release (seeds can be projected up to four meters away) means it can spread upstream too. It produces a lot of pollen over a prolonged season and is attractive to pollinating insects. There is concern that its presence may therefore result in decreased pollination for other native plants.

This species is listed on Schedule 9 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act in England and Wales therefore, it is also an offence to plant or otherwise cause to grow these species in the wild.

Removing Himalayan balsam

Indian balsam needs dealing with before it sets seed. If control is undertaken early enough to prevent flowering (and if this is achieved before seed has set) then eradication is possible in two or three years. We recommend that the plants, which are shallow-rooted, should be pulled out and disposed of by composting carefully, or by burning if seeds are present. If this is done on a regular basis and the plant is not allowed to set seed, it will eventually die out. Regular strimming of larger areas is also an option, as long as it is done often enough to prevent flowering.(LINK)

Redshank (Persicaria maculosa)

Wild flowers Polygonaceae

25/7/14 Park

Short to medium, erect to sprawling, hairless, branched plant. Leaves lanceolate, tapered at the base, often with a large blackish blotch. Flowers crowded in stout, short spikes, pale to bright pink.

Hoverfly (Volucella inanis)

Hoverflies Volucellini

Hoverfly (Volucella inanis)

Somewhat smaller than the similiar V. zonaria and with yellow rather than chestnut markings on tergite (segment) 2 and more extensive yellow on the underside of the abdomen. It looks more wasp-like than hornet-like. (LINK)

29 July 2020

Common red soldier beetle (Rhagonycha fulva)

Beetle

6 July 2020

Order: Coleoptera

The common red soldier beetle is also known as the 'bloodsucker' for its striking red appearance, but it is harmless. It is a beneficial garden insect as the adults eat aphids, and the larvae eat other pests.

(LINK)

2015

Wild Carrot (Daucus carota)

Wild flower Apiaceae

Aug 3, 2015 Park

Daucus carota, whose common names include wild carrot, European wild carrot, bird's nest, bishop's lace, and Queen Anne's lace, is a flowering plant in the family Apiaceae.