Common spangle gall (Neuroterus quercusbaccarum)

26/9/17

 Recorded:

26 September 2017*

The Spangle Gall is caused by a tiny gall wasp, Neuropterus quercusbaccarum, and can be found on the underside of oak leaves in early autumn. It is common and widespread, and a single leaf can host up to 100 galls, each containing a single larva. The galls fall to the ground and can be seen around oak trees during autumn; the larvae continue to develop through the winter, and emerging as adults in April.

The Spangle Gall is a brown, disc-shaped gall found on the undersides of oak leaves. There are several similar, disc-shaped galls, however, that also grow on oak trees.(LINK)

26/9/17

On this day 26 September 2017

Garden Spider (Araneus diadematus)

In high summer and autumn the beautiful orb webs of the Garden Spider, Araneus diadematus, can be found strung across paths, between shrubs and even in front of doors.

During the night the industrious spider spins its silk and weaves it into a web ready for the following day. This is one of our largest British spiders and a very common resident of gardens. The distinctive white cross mark on the abdomen has given rise to the alternative names of 'Cross spider' and 'Diadem spider'. Colours vary and include sandy brown, fox-red and almost black.

Adult female grow to 15mm (body length), and males to 9mm. They are commonly seen between June and November when the first frosts kill them off. Garden spiders are found in Europe and much of Asia across to Japan. They are now also found in parts of North America.(LINK)

Common spangle gall

Neuroterus quercusbaccarum

The common spangle gall on the underside of leaves and the currant gall on the male catkins or occasionally the leaves, develop as chemically induced distortions on pedunculate oak, or sessile oak trees.

Grey Squirrel

Harlequin Ladybird  

Fungi 

Hoverfly

Black-headed gull

Not really a black-headed bird, more chocolate-brown - in fact, for much of the year, it has a white head. It is most definitely not a 'seagull' and is found commonly almost anywhere inland. Black-headed gulls are sociable, quarrelsome, noisy birds, usually seen in small groups or flocks, often gathering into larger parties where there is plenty of food, or when they are roosting.

(LINK)

Wild flower planting at the park.

Mixed Shirley Poppy Seed Papver rhoeas Corn Poppies Great Colors Easy to Grow 

(LINK)

Pond.