Insect Sightings
| Order/Family/Genus/Species | English name | Notes – year of record etc. |
|---|---|---|
| Ephemeroptera (Mayflies) | ||
| Baetidae: | ||
| Chloeon dipterum | Nymphs of this family, prob. this species, in pond from July 2001 onwards. Adults not seen. 2002: nymphs 19/3 onwards; new nymphs 11 & 12/7/02. 2003: Numbers of nymphs high through 2003. 2004 - very few nymphs seen through winter/spring. 2005 - very few nymphs seen during spring pond dipping. 2008: seen once more - none seen since 2005. Many nymphs in tank by pond containing tadpoles. |
|
| Odonata (Dragonflies and Damselflies) | ||
| Zygoptera (Damselflies) | ||
| Platycnemididae: | ||
| Platycnemis pennipes (?) | White-legged dameslfy | 2003: A very pale damselfly seen on 2/06/03 could be this species – see photos. It took off and disappeared high into cherry tree before confirmation could be made. |
| Coenagriidae: | ||
| Pyrrhosoma nymphula | Large Red Damselfly | 2003: 1 male seen 2/06/03; 5/06/03 |
| Ischnura elegans | Blue-tailed damselfly | 2001: 1 male 4/7/01. 2004: glimpse of male 5/07. |
| Coenagrion puella | Azure Damselfly | 2001: 25/5 (2 male); 29/5 (3 male); 30/5 (4 male, I female, mating) Seen until 16/6/01; 2002: Nymphs 19/3/02, 26/03/02;adult male 20/5/02; 2 adult males 23/05/02, 29/05/02; Pair egg-laying with 1 male attempting to intervene 10 – 18/06/02. 2003: 2 mating pairs 2/06/03; 2 mating pairs 3/06/03; 5 mating pairs, 2 single males, 5/06/03; 6 mating pairs, many unmated males, 8/06/03. 2004: Old pond: 1 seen 3/06;12 on 7/06; 15 on 8/06 1 pair mating; 1 unmated female; 12/06 4 egg laying pairs; 13/06: 3 egg laying pairs; New pond: 4 egg laying pairs; Nymphs still in old pond. 2005: newly emerged male 17/05 see photos; fewer mating pairs and individuals than 2004; egg laying seen in both ponds. Male photo 3/07; 2006: only one new male seen - emerged, 11/06 new pond. Both ponds now too shaded/rotting leaves in base. |
| Anisoptera (True dragonflies): | ||
| Aeshnidae (Hawkers): | ||
| Anax imperator | Emperor dragonfly | 2000: one visiting 21/6/2000. 2004: one visiting meadow on LWOS 29/06. 2005: one glimpsed LWOS, 17/06. 2006: 21/06 male on LWOS by bubble gate; 28/06: male hawking meadow in wildlife garden: whilst showing this to nursery school children, cat leaps up catches and kills. Cat frightened off by parent, body recovered - head a bit mangled. 2007: male in garden and female near office, 5/06 (see also blacktailed skimmer); 2008: 1 male 3/07; |
| Aeshna cyanea | Southern Hawker | 1999: 2 hawkers, prob. this species, 16/06/99;10/07/99 2001: 1 prob this 3/8/01 & 28/8/01; 1 adult male, prob this sp. 2002: 22/08/02, 28/08/02, again 4/09/02. 2003: Unidentified female hawker 12/06/03. |
| Aeshna mixta | Migrant Hawker | 2000: Female visiting, 31/07 – 02/08/2000; 2004: 1 female in Apple Barn - photos. |
| Libellulidae (Darters): | ||
| Orthetrum cancellatum | Black-tailed skimmer | 1999:dead male, 04/08/99; 2004: 7 & 8/06 female hunting meadow; 12/06 female; 15/06 female - photos.; 1/07 female. 2005: female 10/07; 18/07; 2006: female, 12/06, seen again 21/06, 28/06, 29/06 - breeds? 2007: female garden 5/06 (see also Emperor on this day). |
| Libellula depressa | Broad-bodied chaser | 2006: 15 May: young male (out of new pond?) resting on dead Echinops stem for at least one hour. Many photos - in photo library. Reen films it. |
| Sympetrum striolatum | Common Darter | 1999:young female 28/07/99; 2002: female 13/09/02. 2005: 22/07 prob. this sp. 2006: 2 darters hawking over mimosa 13/10; single male (photo) on rain gauge, 30/10. |
| Orthoptera (Grasshoppers and Crickets) | ||
| Acrididae (Grasshoppers): | ||
| Chorthippus bruneus | Common Field Grasshopper | Frequent, breeds in large numbers. 1st singing adults 15/07/02 2004: first instar nymphs 8/06 - photo.2006: 15/06 photos of 2nd instar? 2008: 1st instar hatchings 3/06; 1st and 2nd instars seen 12/06; |
| Chorthippus parallelus | Meadow Grasshopper | Frequent, breeds in large numbers; 2004: red form on log by pond corner of meadow - photos, 11/07; 12/07; 2006: 1st instar nymphs 13/06; 2007: 1st instar nymphs 11/05; later hatchings when weather allows; 2008: 1st instar hatchings 3/06; photos 5/06; 1st and 2nd instars seen 12/06; 1st and 2nd instars with older 20/06; |
| Tettigoniidae (Bush crickets): | ||
| Conocephalus discolor | Long-winged Conehead | 2001: Male first seen 24 August 2001 on rain gauge in meadow eating a small (moth?) larva and calling. Females and males easily seen subsequently around meadow – in the sun along the north edge of the meadow on Phlomis leaves. Most at one time – 5 or 6 males and two or three females. Seen mating on 26 Sept. 2002: nymphs first seen 27/06/02 (8mm body length – see sketchbook) then regularly through July (but not later). 2003: nymphs seen 27/06/03 (as for 2002); nymphs 1/07/03; 2004: male nymph 5/07 - photos; female nymph 11/07 photos; adult male 25/08 photos. 2005: nymph 21/06; 4/07; 2006: nymphs seen 28/06; adults seen sporadically after this. Far fewer than previous years, but less observation.2007: 1st instar nymphs seen 16/05; more 1st instars - 2nd generation, 6/08; 2008: 1st instar seen 3/06; nymphs seen 7/06; more 1st instar nymphs 23/06; larger nymphs 10/07; |
| Metrioptera roeselii | Roesel's Bush Cricket | 2003: macropterous female seen in long grass of meadow, close to pond/apples, 8.30pm 9/07/03; seen again 4.00 pm 10/07/03 but not subsequently. 2004: macropterous female photos. 23/07. 2005: nymph 1st seen 23/06; 11/07 photo male nymph; male nymph 18/07; well grown individual with long wings glimpsed near oak corner of meadow, 2/08. 2006: not seen, though less observation. 2007: 2nd instar? 5/06; older nymph 25/06; 2008: 1st instar seen 3/06; nymphs seen 7/06; 2nd instar 12/06; larger nymph 10/07; |
| Dictyoptera | ||
| Blattodea (Cockroaches): | ||
| Blatella germanica | German cockroach | in classroom, July 99 |
| Dermaptera (Earwigs) | ||
| Forficulidae (Earwigs): | ||
| Forficula auricularia | Earwig | frequent |
| Hemiptera (Bugs) | ||
| Heteroptera | ||
| Acanthosomatidae (Shield or stink bugs): | ||
| Acanthosoma haemorrhoidale | Hawthorn Shield Bug | |
| Elasmucha grisea | Parent Bug | |
| Pentatomidae (Shield Bugs): | ||
| Eurydema oleracea | Brassica Bug | June 02. Frequent. |
| Palomena prasina | Common Green Shield Bug | Frequent |
| Coreidae (Squash bugs): | ||
| Coreus marginatus | Squash bug | 19/04/2000. 2004: photos 29/06. |
| Cimicidae (Bed-bugs and flower-bugs): | ||
| Anthocoris nemorum | Common Flower Bug | |
| Miridae (Mirid or Capsid bugs): | ||
| Lygocoris pabulinus | Common Green Capsid | Frequent. Photo. 11/07; 19/07. |
| Stenodema laevigatum | Frequent | |
| Stenodema calcaratum | Meadow June 2002. | |
| Gerridae (Pond skaters): | ||
| Gerris lacustris | Common Pond Skater | Frequent, ubiquitous. Less frequent 2007 as free water surface reduced by plant growth. Some clearance Jan 2008. |
| Notonectidae (Backswimmers): | ||
| Notonecta glauca | Common Backswimmer (Water Boatman) | Not present in original pond (99 or 00). Colonised new pond in June 2001. 2003: photos 24/07. 2004: found frequently during spring/summer pond dipping (old pond). 2005: found in early spring but only occasionally. |
| Corixidae (Water Boatmen) | ||
| Callicorixa sp. | Lesser Water Boatman | 2002: 26/04/02 2003: caught frequently June/July/seen August; 2004/2005 - frequent. 2005 common in new pond. |
| Homoptera | ||
| Aphrophoridae (Froghoppers): | ||
| Philaenus spumarius | Common froghopper | |
| Adelgidae (Aphids): | ||
| Aphis fabae | Black bean aphid | on oak 1999 |
| Macrosiphum rosae | Rose Aphid | |
| Neuroptera (Ant-lions, Lacewings and allies) | ||
| Chrysopidae (Green lacewings): | ||
| Chrysopa perla | June 01 | |
| Chrysoperla carnea | Green lacewing | frequent |
| Lepidoptera (Butterflies and Moths) | ||
| Pieridae (White and Yellow Butterflies): | ||
| Artogeia rapae | Small white | Breeding, ’99, ’00. Less frequent 01; varying frequency 01 - 05; 2006: 16/06; 2007: 1st seen 12/03 |
| Artogeia napi | Green-veined white | frequent 1999, ’00. Less frequent 01; |
| Pieris brassicae | Large White | Frequent |
| Gonepteryx rhamni | Brimstone | 2001:6 March 01; 2002: 14/07/02 2003: 20/03/03 2004: 22/04; 27/04. 2005: 7/06; 19/07; |
| Nymphalidae (Admirals, Tortoiseshells, etc) | ||
| Inachis io | Peacock | Frequent; 2000 – bred on hops; less frequent 01eg 26/7/01, no sign of caterpillars on hops. Also seen 3/10/01. 1 in May 02. 2003: none seen. 2004: 23/04 out of hibernation; 2006: 17/072008: good photos 24/07; |
| Polygonia c-album | Comma | Breeding, frequent, '99, '00 (hops). Less frequent 01, active only from 1st week June & 1st week July, more later in season. 2002: periodic throughout summer – June/July, 13/9/02. 2003: 27/03/03; 31/03/03; 18/06/03; 24/06/03; 25/06/03; 30/06/03; 2003: 27/09 photos. 2004: 1st seen 16/03; 18/03; 30/03; 9/06; photos 1/07. 2005: 23/03; 11/07; 18/07; 22/07; 2006: egg laying on hops, 4/07; 2007: 1st seen 22/02; 2 on 12/03; 2008: 1st seen 25/04; then 28/04; 18/06; 23/06; 9/07; 15/07; |
| Cynthia cardui | Painted Lady | 2000: 7/06/00 and following: eggs on hops; 2002: 27/05/02, 28/05/02 (2), 19/08/02 2003: 4/06/03; throughout summer; 5/09/03. 2004: 12/06; 5/07; 2006: 8/06; 14/07; |
| Vanessa atalanta | Red Admiral | Frequent; fewer in 01 eg 27/6/01,3/7/01, 3/10/01– as other nymphalids. 2002: 29/05/02, 15/07/02, 17/07/02, 12/09/02 2003: 30/06/03; 1/07/03; 5/09/03; 2004: 9/06; 1/07; 29/09. 2005: 18/07; 2006: 8/06; 12/07; 13/07; 17/07; 30/10; 3/11 (4 adults);2007: 1/06; 2008: 1st seen 8/02; |
| Aglais urticae | Small tortoiseshell | 1999/2000: Frequent. Not so ’01. 2002: 15/07/02. Periodic through summer. Not frequent. 2003: Not a single one seen all summer until one on Verbena bonariensis outside office 26/08/03. 2004: 12/06; 1/07; 5/07; 2005: 20/06; |
| Satyridae (Brown butterflies): | ||
| Pyronia tithonus | Gatekeeper | 2005: 10/07; 11/07; 13/07. 2006: 17/07 (photos); photo 23/07;; |
| Pararge aegena | Speckled Wood | 1999: one seen, ’99; 2000: 16/05/00 and following – quite frequent; again 1st week Aug 2000; 2001: only one seen 01. 2002: 1st – 11/04/02. Sporadic through summer. One in later October 2002. 2003: one 9/07/03; 2006: 8/06; 2007: 31/05 2008: 18/07; |
| Mariola jurtina | Meadow Brown | 2000:03/07/00 and following, breeds meadow? Not seen 01. 2002: 22/07/02 – courting pair + 1. 2003: 9/07/03; 14/07/03; 2006: 16/06; 11/07; |
| Lycaenidae (Hairstreaks, Coppers and Blues): | ||
| Polyommatus icanes | Common Blue | 2000: Frequent, ’00, less so 01. 2002: Seen more frequently than 01. Probably breeding. 2003: 15/04, 16/04; breeding. photo 14/09; 15/09. 2004: 12/06 male. 2005: 9/06; 2006: 16/06; 2007: 6/08; 2008: 3 adults seen 22/04; photo 23/04; |
| Celastrina argiolus | Holly Blue | 1999 around thyme circle – breeding?; 2000: 19/04/2000 and following; less frequent ’01. 2002: Frequent. 2003: 15/07/03; 21/07/03. 2005: 13/07; 19/07; 22/07; 2007: Holly blue mating flight 17/04 |
| Hesperiidae (Skippers): | ||
| Ochlodes venatus | Large skipper | 1999, meadow – breeding; Also 2000. Only a few in 01. 2002: 17/07/02 – 19/07/02. 2003: not seen. 2004: 5/07; 13/07. 2005: 4/07; 13/07; |
| Thymelicus flavus | Small skipper | 2000:Through July 2000; not seen ’01. 2002: frequent. Mating 15/07/02 (photo), 17/07/02, 22/07/02 – 3 individuals in courtship flight. 2003: first seen 1/07/03; 9/07/03; - pairs around throughout July. 2004: 28/06: displaying; 7/07 - photos.;13/07. 2005: 3/07 - photos; 4/07 Good numbers throughout July; 18/07; 2006: first noted 5/07 then onwards; 2007: 1 seen 27/06 and 28/06 only; 2008: 1st seen 8/07; 3+ with 1 mting pr. 10/07; photos of individual, 15/07; photos of mating pair and competing male 24/07; |
| Incurvariidae: | ||
| Nemophora fasciella | 21/06/02 – one captured near apples, see sketchbook. | |
| Tortricidae (Tortrix moths): | ||
| Archips xylosteana | Golden-variegated tortix | 2008: moth night 25/06 |
| Pyralidae (Micro-moths): | ||
| Chrysoteuchia culmella | Garden grass veneer | 2008: moth night 25/06 |
| Pyrausta aurata | Frequent; 2008; photos 24/06; | |
| Ostrinia nubilalis | European corn borer | 2008: moth night 25/06 - 1; |
| Eurrhypara hortulata | Small magpie | one seen '00; 2007: 28/06 nr observation beehive; |
| Zygaenidae (Burnets and Foresters): | ||
| Zygaena filipendulae | 6-spot Burnet | 2000: 25 & 26/7/2000;pair 28/7 on Knapweeds; 2001: 1/8/01 only one individual seen – soporific on teasels (photos); 2002: 1 on 22/07/02; empty cocoon found by meadow path on grass stem 26/07/02. 2003: first seen 1/07/03; 7/07/03; mating pair 9/07/03 (photos); still mating 10/07/03; 2004:16/06 - chrysalis photos; 13/07 & 14/07 1 adult; 19/07 & 20/7 mating pair. 2005: 6/07 mating pr. middle meadow;18/07 adults in meadow in garden and LWOS, caterpillar and chrysalis on willow by meadow, photos; 2006: 1st seen 12/07 (only presence); 2007: none seen; 2008: none seen |
| Zygaena trifolii | 5-spot burnet | 1 adult seen 22/06 - photo; 24/06 photo; |
| Sphingidae (Hawkmoths): | ||
| Mimas tiliae | Lime hawk Moth | Caterpillar found on Kenn. Rd. nearby 31/07/03 - photos. |
| Laothoe populae | Poplar Hawk Moth | 2004: photos 23/07 adult found in Culpeper court flats. |
| Macroglossum stellatarum | Hummingbird Hawk Moth | 2000: Individual seen on 20 and 27/6/2000 feeding on red valerian and petunias in cold frames area by classroom. 2003: individual seen on lavender in Bett’s Garden. Didn’t stay long and headed off rapidly south west-wards over LWOS. |
| Arctiidae (Tiger, Ermine and Footman moths): | ||
| Spilosoma lubricipeda | White Ermine | 2005: 11/08: Caterpillar found near greenhouse by trainees. Seems ready to pupate. Released in leaf litter beneath hazels. |
| Tyria jacobaeae | Cinnabar | 1999: Frequent 1999 adults and larvae on ragwort, meadow and flower beds. Less frequent 2000. None 01. None 02. 2003: not seen. 2004: 1 seen LWOS meadow. Young caterpillars on ragwort in meadow photos. 1/07; 5/07, 11/07;18/07 2005: adult 24/05 see photos; 2006: adult 1st seen 6/06; 2007: 1 adult 23/05; 1 adult 13/06 photo;24/07 photos of caterpillar; |
| Noctuidae (Noctuid Moths): | ||
| Agrotis clavis | Heart and club | 2008: moth night 25/06 - 5; |
| Agrotis exclamationis | Heart and dart | 15/06/02; 2008: moth night 25/06 - 3; |
| Agrotis puta | Shuttle-shaped dart | 2007: Moth night with Paul Waring, 18/09: 1; |
| Noctua pronuba | Large Yellow Underwing | 2002: 15/06/;10/07. 2004: 1/07 - photos.; 2005: photos 22/07; 2006: moth night 23/09: 2 males, 4 females; 2007: Moth night with Paul Waring 18/09, 6; 2008: moth night 25/06 - 1 male, 1 female; Moth night with Paul Waring, 13/09: 5 (MV trap), 2 actinic) ; |
| Noctua comes | Lesser Yellow Underwing | 2007: Moth night with PaulWaring, 18/09: 2; 2008: caterpillar photo ? - 3/04; 13/09: moth night with Paul Waring: 2 (MVtrap) 2 (actinic); |
| Noctua janthe | Lesser Broad-bordered Yellow Underwing | 2008: 13/09 moth night with Paul Waring: 1; |
| Xestia c-nigrum | Setaceous Hebrew Character | 2007: Moth night with PaulWaring, 18/09: 1 (photo); |
| Xestia xanthographa | Square-spot Rustic | 2007: Moth night with PaulWaring, 18/09: 2; 2008: 13/09: moth night with Paul Waring: 2; |
| Mamestra brassicae | Cabbage Moth | 2007: pair mating on red brick ramp by wooden shed, photos 5/07; |
| Tholera decimalis | Feathered Gothic | 2006: moth night, 23/09: 1 female |
| Shargacucullia verbasci | Mullein | 2001: Caterpillar on Verbascum olympicum near shelter. 2003: Caterpillar on Verbascum olympicum LWOS, 19/06/03 (photo). 2006: 25/06 - caterpillar on verbascum olympicum near garden gate (photos); 2007: 17/06: photos caterpillars on verbascum at childrens shelter and by garden gate;also by observation hive; |
| Cryphia domestica | Marbled Beauty | 2007: 11/06 photo; 2008: 13/09 moth night: 1 (actinic); |
| Amphipyra pyramidea/ A. berbera svenssoni | Copper Underwing/Svensson's Copper Underwing | 2006: Moth night, 23/09: 1 |
| Mormo maura | Old Lady | Frequent each year: ’99, ’00, 15/06/02; Not seen 2006 - 08; 2003 photos 7/09. |
| Phlogophora meticulosa | Angle Shades | 03/04/2000; breeding 01 (caterpillar found in polytunnel). 12/09/02 adult. Caterpillars, prob. this, a pest on Echium pininana throughout autumn 2002. 2003: some on echiums as 2002. 2007: adult emerging in meadow near Cranesbill colony, photos and film as wings unfurl, 17/04; |
| Luperina testacea | Flounced Rustic | 2007: Moth night with PaulWaring, 18/09: 1; |
| Hoplodrina ambigua | Vine's Rustic | 2007: Moth night with PaulWaring, 18/09: 1; 2008: 13/09 moth night with Paul Waring: 2 (MV trap), 1 (actinic); |
| Paradrina clavipalpis | Pale mottled willow | 2007: Moth night with Paul Waring 18/09: 2 2008: moth night 25/06 - 1; 13/09 moth night: 3 (actinic); |
| Autographa gamma | Silver Y | 2003 onwards - larvae - prob this sp. frequently seen on Echium pininana in autumn; 2006: adult 13/06; 2008: 13/09 moth night with Paul Waring: 1 (actinic); |
| Autographa jota | Plain Golden Y | 01; 02 moth night 15/06/02 |
| Geometridae (Geometer Moths): | ||
| Idaea rusticata atrosignaria | Least Carpet | 2008: 7/07 under old plank by old pond, see photos; |
| Xanthorhoe fluctuata | Garden Carpet | 2005: photo 4/07 |
| Eupithecia dodoneata | Oak tree pug | 2008: moth night 25/06; |
| [Opisthograptis luteolata | Brimstone] | [17/05/2000 near Waterloo] |
| Erannis defoliaria | Mottled Umber | breeding, hazel coppice |
| Camptogramma bilineata | Yellow Shell | 2000:26/06. 2001:01/07; 2008: 12/09: pre-moth-night: 1; |
| Peribatodes rhomboidaria | Willow Beauty | 2006: Moth night 23/09: 1 2007: Moth night with PaulWaring, 18/09: 1; 2008: 13/09 Moth night with Paul Waring: 4 (MV trap), 3 (actinic); |
| Diptera (True Flies) | ||
| Tipulidae (Crane-flies) | ||
| Tipula maxima | Seen occasionally each year. | |
| Tipula oleracea | Frequent | |
| Culicidae (Mosquitoes) | ||
| Culex pipiens | ||
| Culiseta annulata | Judging by some of the bites this is present! 2008: photos 26/03; | |
| Chironomidae | ||
| Chironomus plumosus | Frequent | |
| Chaoboridae (Phantom Midges) | ||
| Chaoborus sp. | Frequent 2002. | |
| Stratiomyidae (Soldier flies) | ||
| Sargus bipunctatus | Female 17/09/02 | |
| Bombyliidae (Bee-flies) | ||
| Bombylius major | Bee-fly | 2001: 9/04/01 on weeping cherry 2003: 3/03/03 on muscari (Jo’s record); 2004: 21/04: photos; 22/04. 2005: 5/04 on honesty flowers (film); |
| Syrphidae (Hoverflies) | ||
| Syrphus ribesii | 19/04/2000 and following; throughout 2001;2002; regular each year; | |
| Syrphus vitripennis | 07/04/2000 and following; | |
| Metasyrphus corollae | Female 1/2/2000, 27/7/2000 etc. | |
| Metasyrphus (Eupeodes) luniger | 2000: 09/04;2008: 26/03 - see photos. | |
| Scaeva pyrastri | 01/08/01 and following days on teasels – good photos. 2005: photos 26/07; 2/08. | |
| Dasysyrphus venustus | 07/04/2000 | |
| Meliscaeva auricollis | 15/03/2000 & following;19/04/2000 | |
| Episyrphus balteatus | Frequent,99, 00, 01,02. Big influx in August 2004. Again August 2005; 2007/2008 - no major migrations; | |
| Xanthogramma pedissequum | 24/05/2000 & following; Larger population 2001 – many males displaying over meadow by oak throughout summer from July to Sept; 2002: 1st sighting 11/07/02, then 15/07/02. Less common than 2001. 2003: very few seen. 2004: 1st seen 12/06; 2005: not seen; 2006: 2 seen near oak, 7/06;2007: 2 seen near oak 10/05; | |
| Sphaerophoria scripta | 09/05/00 and following. Mating (in flight) observed 14/06/00. 18/07/01 and following. 2002: Commonly seen but not large numbers. 2004: larger numbers, photos. 8/07. 2005: 2/08 good numbers, photo. | |
| Chrysotoxum cautum | August 1999 | |
| Chrysotoxum festivum | One seen, September 1999. Many Aug 2001. 2005: 1/08;2008: good photos on apple leaf 8/07; | |
| Baccha elongata | 2008: see (poor) photos 7/06; | |
| Melanostoma scalare | 1999. 3/4/01 | |
| Platycheirus spp. | 11/03/00 | |
| Chrysogaster hirtella | 15/03/00 | |
| Neoascia podagrica | 1999 & 2000 frequent, also 2002. | |
| Neoascia spp. | 24/5/00 meadow – see sketchbook | |
| Volucella bombylans | 17/06/02 (photo);2007: 30/05 | |
| Volucella zonaria | July 1999 & 2000; 2001: 23/7/01 Paradise Corner, also August. 2002: 12/07/02, 24/07/02, 2/08/02 (on lesser knapweed), 24/09/02 2003: 15/07; 18/07, 22/07 photos; 25/07; photos 26/7; 29/07 2004: 13/06; 15/06 - photos; 13/07 mating pair. 2005: 13/07; 22/07; 26/07 photos; 2006: 1st seen 15/06; 16/06; 19/06; 2007: 18/07; 23/07; 24/07; 25/07; 2008: 1st seen 20/06; 24/06 (photo); 17/07; | |
| Volucella pellucens | August 1999; 28/6/01 around gate (in shade); 2003: 1 seen 19/9/03 photo. 2005: photo 20/07 on new path;2008: 1 seen 15/07; 18/07; | |
| Volucella inanis | July 1999 & 2000; 2003: One near new shed, 7/9/03. 2005: 13/07; 19/07 - photo; 1/08;2008: 1 seen 10/07; 17/07; | |
| Syritta pipiens | 2003: 27/09: photos. | |
| Helophilus pendulus | Early September 1999 on asters; Helophilus sp. 1/6/01and following – see sketchbook; 1/10/02. 2004: 14/06 on new pond - laying - photo. | |
| Helophilus trivittatus | ? – see sketchbook, 24/8/01 | |
| Merodon equestris | Narcissus fly | 2003: 10/07 photos 2004: 7/06 regularly; 12/06. 2007: 31/05; 2008: excellent photos 7/06; |
| Eristalis intricarius | Male defending territory near oak,July 2000; over thyme circle August 2000 (photographs). 30/3/01, 3/4/01 and following. 22/07/02 | |
| Eristalis pertinax | 07/04/00; 30/09/02; 2005: 1/08 good photos prob this sp. | |
| Eristalis tenax | Drone fly | Frequent. 2003: 1 seen 13/01/03 on arbutus flower (LWOS); 27/09 photo. |
| Eristalis interruptus | Frequent, thyme circle etc, July 2000 and 2001; 2005: photos on fennel, 1/08; | |
| Myathropa florea | 28/07/00 onwards. Egg laying observed in bolt holes in railway sleepers, north corner, 31/07/00; frequent 01 eg on fennel; less frequent 02, seen around pond. Photos 2003, 22/07, 24/07. 2007/2008 frequent around water butt by office and old pots/trays. | |
| UNKNOWN SPECIES | See sketchbook | |
| Conopidae | ||
| Conops quadrifasciata | 05/09/00 | |
| Calliphoridae (Blow-flies) | ||
| Lucilia caesar | Greenbottle | Frequent |
| Hymenoptera (Ants, Wasps, Bees and relatives) | ||
| Symphyta (Sawflies): | ||
| Tenthredinidae: | ||
| Arge ochropus | Rose Sawfly | July 01 on Rosa Graham Thomas Frequent pest |
| Tenthredo (atra?) | 2008: poss this species good photos 6/05; | |
| Apocrita (Ants, Wasps and Bees): | ||
| Cynipidae (Gall Wasps): | ||
| Diplolepis rosae | Bedeguar Gall | On Rosa glauca, 00; 01; more in 2002 |
| Neuroterus quercusbaccarum | Common Spangle Gall Wasp | On oak – frequent |
| Andricus kollari | Marble Gall Wasp | On oak – frequent. Fewer in 2002. |
| Gasteruptiidae: | ||
| Gasteruption jaculator | 2001: 3/7/01 – seeking nests of solitary bees in wall at top of ramp. See sketch book. 2002: Frequently in July 2002. 2003: exploring nests in OBC nest box throughout July 2003. See photos. See photos. Seen most other years. 2008: good photos on urn outside office. investigates nests of various sized solitary bees. | |
| Ichneumonidae (Ichneumon Flies): | ||
| Unknown sp | 2006: 27/06 see photo | |
| Unknown sp | 2006: 27/06 see photo | |
| Pimpla instigator | 13/10/99, female 19/08/02 | |
| Lissonota sp. poss. fundator | 8/10/02 | |
| Diplazon laetatorius | 05/07/99 | |
| Amblyteles armatorius | Frequently seen each year; good photos 2008 18/07; | |
| Amblyteles spp. | 28 May01 – see sketchbook | |
| Ichneumon stramentarius | 19/04/00; 2008: entry in diary 9/04, - this sp. or 'suspiciosus'? | |
| Chrysididae (Ruby-tailed wasps): | ||
| Chrysis ignita | 2004: 7/06 around mason bee nests at garden gate; 8/06 around leaf-cutter nests by birch; also 28/06; | |
| Chrysis cyanea | 2004: 28/06 around leafcutters near birch; | |
| Sapygidae: | ||
| Sapyga quinquepunctatum | 2000:7/6/00 on Felicia 2003: 2/06/03 around OBC nest box. 2004: 2 females around gate nests 1/07 photos. 2005: female near solitary bee post photo 25/05;2007: seen around head sculpture nests by meadow, June; 2008: photos 4/06; | |
| Formicidae (Ants): | ||
| Myrmica rubra | Red Ant | Frequent |
| Lasius niger | Black Garden Ant | Frequent |
| Lasius flavus | Yellow Meadow Ant | In meadow eg by Japanese Horse Chestnut, spreading rapidly 2001, 2002. Nest built against rear of noticeboard leaning against kiwi poles provided ‘natural cross section’ for occasional viewing through 2002. 2003: swarming started in 2 mounds near kiwis 03/09/03. 2004: winged males active 29/11; 2006: Some colonies now v. large eg near meadow cranesbill. Evidence of colonisation of Lambeth Walk Open Spce near R&S side gate; winged males active on 12/12. 2007/2008: one colony by log/cranesbill colony now very large and old - since at least 2003 or 04; |
| Sphecidae (Digger Wasps): | ||
| Trypoxylon figulus | Black borer wasp | July 2000: Female carrying body of hunting Spider, Drassodes lapidosus up wall of north corner onto summit of wall. July 2002: seen doing same up wall by new oak gate. 2003: observed near new oak gate June. 2005: 25/05 photos on posts by apples. 2008: female with prey in photos prob this sp. 26/06; |
| Ectemnius sp. prob. continuus | 2003: female seen at OBC mason bee box 15/05/03. See sketchbook. 2004: 28/06; 2005: photo of this genus? 28/07; 2008: 23/07 - female prob of this sp. seen running rapidly up and down stems of meadow grass with mandibles arranged neatly each side of stem- the movement was smooth and rapid and joy to behold. Seemed to be stripping thin layer of cellulose from stem for nest material? | |
| Ectemnius sp. prob. lapidarius | 2008: see photos 26/06 | |
| Mimesa (Psen?) lutarius | 2000: 15/04 2005: photo 18/07. | |
| Cerceris species | 2005: photos on Martha's Nesting Head, 28/07 - species? | |
| Philanthus triangulum | Bee Killer | 2002: 1 adult on aster flowers, 1/10/02. Aggressive towards bumble bees, see sketch book for notes and also photos. 2003: one near OBC nest box 5/9/03. 2005: 1st seen 10/07; mating pair, 11/07; female attacking honeybees on wild marjoram 19/07 see photo.; 2006: on marjoram in meadow near oak 12/07; 12/07; 2007: 6/08 - photos on marjoram; 2008: one seen briefly July; |
| Priocnemis pertubator |
2008: good photos 24/07; | |
| Eumenidae (Potter Wasps): | Nest of this genus, sp. unknown (see sample) found in polytunnel between plastic plant pot strips, early Sept. 01 | |
| Eumenes pedunculatus | Early Sept. 1999 | |
| Ancistrocerus parietum | See sketchbook 22/08/02; 2008: photos 22/07; | |
| Vespidae (Social Wasps): | ||
| Vespula vulgaris | Common Wasp | Frequent |
| Apidae (Bees): | ||
| Colletidae: | ||
| Colletes daviesana | 11/05/00 and following; frequent 01; common each year;2007: 16/04 - in meadow nest box and old logs; | |
| Hylaeus sp. - mainly communis | 07/06/00 + following. White-faced males roost in wall by side gate through June and July each year. 2004: many nests in apple posts see photos, eg female completing nest 7/06. 2005: adults active from 25/05; 2006: more nests in apple posts, predation by zebra spider (photo). 2007: films of males and of females finishing nests, inc. mating; 2008: photo of male in hole prob this sp 7/06; | |
| Andrenidae: | ||
| Andrena haemorrhoa | 11/05/00 on espalier apples; 2004: 30/03 on hawthorn and dandelions. 2005: 5/04; 2008: 26/03 - photos, prob this sp.; also bedraggled adult poss. this sp. in rain gauge, 21/04; | |
| Andrena fulva | Tawny mining bee | 2004: 31/03 - building beneath leaves of Geranium macrorhizum; 22/04 photos. 2005: female around same site as 2004 on 5/04; 10/4; 12/04; 2006: Females seen from w/b 24 April - along edge of meadow, around Himalayan rose arch and in Geranium macrorhizum. Seem to be more in 06 than previous years. All pursued by two species of parasitic fly - one as photographed 05 plus a smaller species. 2008: 1 seen 20/03; photo 26/03; more photos of female 4/04; |
| Halictidae: | ||
| Halictus rubicundus | 3/4/01 and following | |
| Halictus tumulorum | 1999; 2008: photos 14/07 enriching nectar; | |
| Halictus scabiosae (?) | 07/06/00 + following | |
| Lassioglossum sp. (smeathmanellum?) | 18/07/02 – see video film. 2003: photos 22/07. 2005: good photo 29/07 of this sp? | |
| Megachilidae: | ||
| Anthidium manicatum | Wool Carder Bee | Breeding. Good numbers of females. Male defends territory on Ballota pseudodictamnus,1999 + 2000; More male territories in 2001 – on Ballota, deadnettle, Stachys. Many females. Active 22/6/01 onwards. 2002: good numbers. 1st sighting male 17/06/02. Active territories around Ballota, Stachys (children’s shelter) and deadnettles by espalier apples and ramp. 2003: good numbers again – especially on Stachys near new oak gate. Also on Ballota and Stachys near shelter. Some females explored OBC nest box but don’t appear to have built. 2004: Good numbers. though fewer than 2003. 2005: 1st seen 9/06; fewer male territories than 2003/2004 - mainly on ballota again. Many females. 1 certain nest in Martha's "Nesting Head". photos on finger 23/06; 20/07; 28/07 - photos of female nesting in Nesting Head; 2006: 1st male seen 14/06 near childrens shelter; territories here, on Ballota, and around door to Wildlife Garden Study Centre around sempervivum flowers in urns. 2007: female 30/05; less good year; 2008: females first seen 20/06; nest by office door 23/06 good photos (in flight); |
| Chelostoma campanularum (?) | 1999 | |
| Chelostoma florisomne (?) | 1999. 2000, 2001 – nests in thatched roof of observation bee-hive of this species? | |
| Osmia rufa | Red Mason Bee | 2003: Female constructing with mud in OBC box by gate, 29/05/03; this nest however, broken into shortly after completion. 2004: 8 completed nests in OBC box. These hatch from 6/05/2005. Males appear to hatch first. See filmed sequences. First female seen 13/05; females building 20/5 see films; photos. building females 26/05; 2006: males hatching from 29 April; more hatch 2 May, new nests from w/b 8 May. Over winter 06/07 a significant number of nests have entrances broken. Photos of nests and bees eg 27/06; 2007: males seen 16/04 (maybe earlier as I was absent previous 2 weeks). Females seen gathering clay from excavation hole by totem pole 16/04; 30/04 "many"; 2008: 22/04 - males hatchiing Jason's post; photos 23/04; many males around Jason's post 6/05 see film; |
| Osmia leaiana | 2007: another Osmia species poss. this 30/04. 2008: photos definitely this sp - male - 4/06; female building with leaf paste photo 29/07; | |
| Macropis sp.? | Nests built in OBC nest box using red/orange sap as material. Species not identified – female small, slender, dark. Built one, possibly two full nests, two dummy nests and the beginnings of three more. 2003: 3 nests in OBC box July 2003. | |
| Megachile sp. poss. ligniseca/centuncularis | Leaf-cutter bee | Frequent each year. 2003: New nest in OBC box 13/06/03. Second new nest in OBC box 16/06/03. 2004: Several new nests in OBC box; Jason's bee post completely filled, photos 27/06, 29/06, 13/07. 2005: 17/03 nest falls from tube in OBC box - photos of cells. 2004 nests hatch late June. New nests through July in post - reusing holes; also one in Apple Barn - pillar knot hole. 2006: males seen 14/06; 27/06; females 3/07; Nests in all sites though fewer than in 2004. Over winter 06/07 quite a few nests have entrances broken -as with red mason bee. 2008: female megachile seen 4/06; also 7/06 see photos; also re-using knot hole in Apple Barn post, 24/06; photos on knapweed 14/07; |
| Megachile sp. prob willughbiella | Males seen each year sheltering in nest holes prob this species. See photos 2005/2006. 2006: 7/06, 9/06; 27/06 | |
| Dasypoda altercator | Hairy-legged mining bee | 2004: 26/07: Photographed by Times photographer whilst DP in office. Used in article - fortunately for ident. |
| Coelioxys inermis | Female on cranesbill and wild marjoram, 26/07/01 and following week. Cuckoo bee on Megachile. 2004: 29/06 around leafcutters by birch; also 1/07; 7/07. 2008: female caught in meadow, 8/07 (photos); | |
| Anthophoridae: | ||
| Nomada fulvicornis | 19/4/00 Cuckoo on Andrena spp. 21/05/02 (photo) | |
| Anthophora plumipes | Female, 8/3/00 and after; frequent. Seen 2001. 2004: 30/3; 21/04 female photo; 22/4; 2005: several males first seen 23/03; females from 5/04; 10/4; 2006: males seen from w/b 3rd April. Females following week. Females still active w/b 8 May. 2007: 1st males seen 12/03, 1 female seen 17/03 ; males and females active 16/04 & 17/04 - photos on Echium candicans; still busy 23/04; 2008: 1st male seen 7 Mar on Clematis armandii; more males from 18/03; males 26/03; females from 2/04; both sexes 9/04; photo of female on cowslip 23/04; | |
| Melecta spp. prob. armata | Female seen regularly, prob. Melecta armata, 17, 18, 21 May 2002. Cuckoo on Anthophora plumipes (photos); 2005: on Echium candicans (photos), 26/05; 2006: on Echium candicans (photos) 11/05;2007: 24/04 on E. candicans (with Ted Benton/Maggie Ayres - Costing the Earth, R4); 2008: 1 adult seen on E. candicans 14/05; | |
| Xylocopidae: | ||
| Xylocopa violacea | Carpenter bee | 2005: Brief sighting, poss this species, July. Unconfirmed so did not note date. 2006: 11/05/05: excellent view of adult - flew over from childrens shelter towards meadow, briefly investigated nest holes in sculpture by Rosa Graham Thomas, then flew back over flower beds; left companion (visitor) to get camera. returned - she had seen it again, but I could not find it. Reported seen by Linda Phillips, manager, 15/05. Early flight? - could this have bred after last summer? |
| Apidae: | ||
| Apis mellifera | Honey bee | Hives installed 10/09/99. Honey extracted 17/09/00. Small swarm 7/5/02 (small hive) – lost; 2nd swarm – rested in kiwi – lost; 3rd swarm 29/07/02 collected. Honey extracted Nov 02. 2002 onwards - Charlie keeps records. 2007: 1st swarm 6/04 (prob WBC) - no-one here. Found them in the Observation Hive (which had died out w/b 19th March) with growing larvae on 16/04. Another small swarm 20/04 -lost. 25/04 another small swarm lost. 1/05 - small swarm; 2/05 - 2 small swarms. Of these 3 two were taken to Walworth Gdn Fm, one goes into classroom obs hive 2/05; latter does well until August then majority workers disappear over a weekend, rest die by November. 2008: feeding on Acacia dealbata 8/02; Garden Observation hive dies during winter; rest of year complex; WBC and one National (JC) re-stocked. Third hive made by splitting in May. WBC queenless in late july - united with end National. The two nationals go into winter. |
| Bombus hortorum | 8/3/00 2005: photos 18/07 | |
| Bombus lucorum | Frequent every year. 2004: workers on winter flowering cherry and Clematis cirrhosa 29/11. 2005: worker of this sp. with pollen K. Place (Lewisham), 8/01; At R&S with pollen on winter flowering honeysuckle near old gate 17/01;2006: last records: workers on winter flowering cherry, 6/12; 12/12 (photos); 2009: worker poss this sp on honeysuckle, 27/01/09 | |
| Bombus terrestris | 2000:8/3/00; 2001 first seen 22/02/01 then next 6/03/01. 2002: 30/01/02, 7/02/02 2003: 1st seen 3/1/03 2004: nest deep within dead leaf mass at base of kniphofia near thyme circle. 2006: worker seen scraping proboscis in fine dust on paving stone near magnolia - cleaning? parasites? - 4/07;2007: 2 queens seen 12/03 prob this sp. | |
| Bombus pratorum | First seen 00: 1/3/00 photos: 26/05/05 | |
| Bombus pascuorum | 8/3/00 ; frequent each year. 2001: nest in hay at base of banana in pot (hay used to protect banana over winter). 2008: photos 3/04; | |
| Bombus lapidarius | Often in ’99; 1/3/00 then infrequently. 2002: 29/01/02 workers throughout summer. 2003: Nest transferred into OBC box from Lambeth Palace Grounds (due to demolition of wall). Wax moth already present. Box situated beneath Betula utilis on edge of meadow. Adult moth present on collection, 16/06/03. 2004/2005/2006 - frequent foraging in meadow, no nests found. 2007: noticeably fewer foraging in meadow; 2008: worker seen 9/04, but again fewer during spring and summer; | |
| Bombus hypnorum | 2005: 1 seen marjoram in meadow, july 18 2006: nest of this species brought by CLive Watson from its site in a roof on the Walworth Road, 15/06. Nest transferred to nest box. Workers a little aggressive. Queen seen. 16/06: workers still sensitive. 19/06 - workers more settled. 3/07: filming of worker fanning at entrance to nest box, 10.30 am; set up camera over interior of box, 4.00pm. Hear queen squawking; 5/07, nest very quiet (heavy rain/thunder); 19/07 nest destroyed by wax moth; | |
| Bombus bohemicus | 2005: 1/08 - photo prob this sp rather than B. vestalis - pale, hardly any yellow, faded. Also photo 29/07; 2006/07: present in small numbers, foraging mid summer. | |
| Coleoptera (Beetles) | ||
| Carabidae (Ground Beetles): | ||
| Carabus violaceus | Violet Ground Beetle | Frequent |
| Harpalus affinis | 15/6/99 | |
| Staphylinidae (Rove Beetles): | ||
| Carabus violaceus | Violet Ground Beetle | Frequent |