Our 500th species, recorded in October 2022 was the Hazel-leaf Roller Weevil, Apoderus coryli. It turns out our 600th species was almost a weevil as well, as we welcomed Apion frumentarium to the Garden as our 599 species, recorded on the 30th March 2024. And what a beauty it is. This species feeds and sheltersContinue reading “Apion frumentarium”
Author Archives: dogsdave
Common Wasp – Paper Maker
Vespula vulgaris In August 2022 we sat at the newly made boggy area in the Garden and filmed wasp after wasp arriving to take water onboard. Wasps need to stay hydrated like all invertebrates and therefore are often found drinking at puddles and pools. They also take water back to the nest for others inContinue reading “Common Wasp – Paper Maker”
Two new species of fly
We welcomed two more fly species to the Garden list in recent days. First off we recorded our 22nd species of Hoverfly in the Garden in the form of Melanostoma scalare, more locally known as the Chequered Hoverfly. The rather slim specimen photographed below is a male, the female has a more rounded abdomen. ItContinue reading “Two new species of fly”
A fat fly and a tiny spider
It’s unusual for us to be playing catch-up on announcing new species in March, but thats the nice position we have recently found ourselves in, with several new species recorded in the last week or so. And here are two more… Our fat fly is a Clusterfly called Pollenia rudis. These are very common andContinue reading “A fat fly and a tiny spider”
Longitarsus gracilis
Another Garden first recorded on the 18th March 2024, this time a leaf beetle by the name of Longitarsus gracilis. There isn’t a great deal of information online about these little guys, but we have thrown together a quick species account HERE. A member of the family Chrysomelidae, of which we have recorded 3 speciesContinue reading “Longitarsus gracilis”
Jersey Tiger Moth – Spring is here at last
Euplagia quadripunctaria Lovely to finally record the Jersey Tiger Moth in the Garden, albeit only the caterpillar (larva), although this is just as spectacular as the adult we feel. We’ve typed up a few notes about this species, which can be read HERE. Jersey Tiger Moths belong to the family Erebidae, and this is theContinue reading “Jersey Tiger Moth – Spring is here at last”
Limoniidae species & a new spider record
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 accountContinue reading “Limoniidae species & a new spider record”
Common Field Speedwell – New Garden Species
In a small china pot, amongst some lush Yarrow, the more feathery looking plant in the image below, we were pleased to discover this little blue / white flower. It belongs to the species Veronica persica, more commonly known as Common Field Speedwell. And common it most certainly is. Indeed some gardeners consider it aContinue reading “Common Field Speedwell – New Garden Species”
New moth species Case-bearing Clothes Moth
We say new species, but in truth it’s only new in so far as we’ve seen them in the house before on many occasions, but never recorded one in the Garden. Even this one was recorded on the patio doors and came from inside. They are extremely common and widespread. A so called micro-moth fromContinue reading “New moth species Case-bearing Clothes Moth”
New Garden Species – Pseudeuophrys lanigera…
…otherwise known as the Jumping House Spider. According to Britains Spiders*, this species was first recorded in England in 1930. An online search supports this view, with several sites saying this initial record was in Devon. All sources agree that the species has spread across the country and into Scotland since this time. With distributionContinue reading “New Garden Species – Pseudeuophrys lanigera…”
Wildlife Garden 