Today, the last day of June, one tiny Large Skipper butterfly (Ochlodes venata) was dancing over the riverbank vegetation, moving so fast it was very difficult to follow, then another appeared, equally restless. Returning to the same area on the bank later at about midday at last I found one perched, feeding on a common daisy. It did not stay long but here is the photo.
The name 'Large Skipper' is deceptive as it can be smaller than
the 'Small Skipper' and written off as a small day-flying moth!
This is the first Skipper I've seen this year - they are always seen in sunny, warm, dry weather here and only fly when the sun shines, choosing sheltered places. It may just convince me that it's summer!
Another sign that it may be summer today was the fine sight nearby on riverbank nettles of large numbers of caterpillars - beautiful amongst the silky webs they had built for protection, with glossy black spines - showing that the caterpillars were in their final stage. They will leave their colony and find separate areas to pupate, some even move to high trees.
What is the result? Peacock butterflies.
Hopefully they will grace the Riverside with their splendid colours at the end of July.
These caterpillars are about a month late this year but conditions are good at present.
Tufted Vetch (Vicia cracca) in the wild flower meadow
and Common Mouse-ear (Caryophyllaceae)
No comments:
Post a Comment