Last week love was definitely in the air as I saw numerous Dragonflies and a couple of Buff-tailed bumblebees (Bombus terrestris) mating. New generations were also evident as several young species of insects and an amphibian were noticeable during the week.
Firstly a European gypsy moth (Lymantria dispar) caterpillar was discovered beneath some rhubarb that was being harvested.
These caterpillars feed on Creeping Willow (Salix repens) and Bog-myrtle (Myrica gale) along with a few broadleaf trees and bushes. I guess this one could have been feeding on the Rhubarb; however as it was the only caterpillar and the rhubarb patch is very healthy, it was left. This moth was believed to be instinct in the UK during the early 20th century. However in recent years a few have established themselves in Jersey but also in areas of southern England.
I was happy to see the Seven-spot ladybirds on the allotment were happily munching their way through the white fly (Aleyrodidae) on the Calendula flowers. They have definitely grown in size.
Last Wednesday was the first time this year that I saw lots of Harlequin ladybirds (Harmonia axyridis), or more precisely their pupae as I cutback a Clematis in one garden. These ladybirds established themselves in the same garden last year so it wasn’t too surprising to rediscover them there.
On the same day I also noticed a baby frog (Rana temporaria) hopping from a rejuvenated pond.
I helped it escape the mower blades as my colleague cut the grass.
With the topsy turvy weather at the moment some days go by when I don’t see any pollinators; while other times they fill the air between visiting flowers. Along with bees and butterflies, lots of Hoverflies and day flying moths were about too.
I also saw Field Scabious
(Knautia arvensis) blooming along the verge as I walked towards my allotment.
This beautiful plant, loved by pollinators, flowers between July and October, so it isn’t that early.
Last week was uplifting, seeing nature continue to prosper. It fills me with hope for a wonderfully diverse world, something humans to reflect upon during these times.
Bee in the Moment 