We could only identify the following insect down to family level. The family being Limoniidae (we think), close relatives of the true Craneflies.
The main difference (that is easy to observe) between true craneflies and limoniidae when viewed in the Garden, is that they hold their wings differently when at rest. Our short species account helps explain this in more detail HERE.
This little fella was recorded on our concrete steps, likely associated with moss that grows here and from which we have recorded many craneflies emerging. This record lifts our cranefly and allied species total up to 6.
We also recorded a new species of spider, Enoplognatha thoracica, at the same time. A tiny spider belonging to the family Theridiidae, our third record from this one family in the Garden and our 23rd species of spider in total.
This species was also found within the moss on the concrete steps, a tiny habitat clearly able to support a wide range of species.
These two species take us up to 593 species in total. Demonstrating the diversity one can find in a relatively small area, and we know for sure this number is only a fraction of what we may eventually record.
DC: 17.03.2024
Wildlife Garden 