Pauline

[Pauline]

Cheers Goldie - I'll keep my fingers crossed for you and you can let me know how you get on.

Cheers Wurzel, yes, I only saw 3 but they had just emerged. If this weather continues hopefully there will be more by the Bank Hol.

The last time I saw a Broad-bordered Bee-hawk moth was in my garden in 2008:

However, yesterday I was lucky enough to see a second individual and this time I made the most of it :

....even if it wasn't best placed for photos

.....and despite seeing several Argent and Sable moths they really aren't the easiest critter to catch up with:

[Wurzel]

Alright Pauline - lovely set of Moff shots I'm wondering if you've captured a Narrow-bordered Bee Hawk Moth? Your one seems to have two black bars across the abdomen separated by golden hairs and not the single reddish/purplish band of a BBBHM?

Have a goodun

Wurzel

[Maximus]

Hi Pauline, a nice mix of 'different' and more traditional photos in your diary too Those Fox cubs are delightful and the Small Pearls really stand out, such a lovely little butterfly.
Hope to bump into you too, maybe this weekend

Mike.

[Goldie M]

Great shots Pauline, I would have thought for sure that was a Bee and not a moth if I'd seen it pauline Goldie

[David M]

Wow! You did supremely well to capture it when it was grounded. I've only ever seen this species in flight.

[Pauline]

I really need some help here and I apologise in advance if this is something I really should already know. I have inadvertently brought this larva in on Oak - from my trees (food for the PH) but it doesn't seem to be eating it and my first thought was perhaps a Comma? It could be a moth I suppose but it looks like it could be a butterfly. I hope someone can positively identify it so I can make sure it is put on the correct food plant.

[Pauline]

What are you going to do with me Wurzel . That'll teach me - whilst I was taking the photo someone said it was a Broad-bordered BH moth and at the time I had no reason to think otherwise BUT when I posted my earlier photo I should have seen that they were both quite different. I'm well pleased as it turns out as I have never seen a Narrow bordered BH moth

That's what I try to aim for Mike so I'm glad you like them. You would have loved these fox cubs. Hope we get a chance to chat soon.

I reckon I got lucky David as it was in immaculate condition too but not very well positioned. Aren't you the ID 'go-to' David? Have you any idea about this little one?

I'm not sure you would, y'know Goldie - there's something quite different about them and they are bigger than you would expect but can also be really well camouflaged and hidden.

[MrSp0ck]

I think the caterpillar is a moth, and you should try a mixture of leaves

I would try Oak,Sweet Chestnut, Hawthorn, Blackthorn, Sallow, Willow, etc until it is identified, moth larvae tend to have a wider foodplant choice than butterflies

[Pauline]

Aah, thanks Martin. If it is a moth perhaps it's food plant IS Oak and if it is a moth that may be why no-one has suggested an ID. I'll keep an eye on it and bear in mind your advice. After all my other woes I don't want a death on my conscience but you more than most know how I worry about all these creatures. Good to read the Glanvilles are out in your neck of the woods. If I see any locally I'll let you know.

[Neil Freeman]

Hi Pauline,

Well done on spotting that Narrow-bordered Bee Hawk Moth, I have never seen either species .
I have to say though that your photo from 2008 of the BBBHM is superb...probably a once in a lifetime shot to catch it in flight like that in front of the pansies

Cheers,

Neil.

[David M]

Aren't you the ID 'go-to' David? Have you any idea about this little one?

You're right about me being first point of contact, Pauline, but I would have had to pass this on as I have no idea. Probably a moth of some sort.

[MrSp0ck]

You sould look for frass in the container.

if it doesnt eat any of the trees shrubs try some well known flower/low growing plants.

I would rule out a geometrid and most of the Noctuids, and i will check further in the caterpillars book, if you have the margaret brooks moth book look through that as well as it has photos of all stages of certain species. Yes would like to see the GFs in west surrey.

[Pauline]

Thank you all so much for your help and responses - really very much appreciated. I am delighted to be able to say that it has started to eat the Oak and I shall let you know in due course how it progresses and what it turns into. If Allan is correct in his ID - and Sycamore looks like a distinct possibility - this larva may well turn into quite an impressive cat. I read that Sycamore moths eat Field Maple so as I have some in the garden I put a few leaves close to the Oak but it hasn't touched them. I also looked for larva that eats Oak but didn't get much a result from that so thanks again for all your efforts.

Thank you Neil - it is almost a relief to know there are some moths you haven't seen as the variety you get in your moth trap is impressive and much more diverse than anything I seem to get. Inspired by your latest set of moths my trap will be dusted off this weekend for sure!

[Pauline]

As the Glanvilles are out at HB I decided on the spur of the moment to pop up to Wrecclesham for a little recce. The place was alive with butterflies - worn Green Hairstreaks, fresh Brown Argus, Small Copper, vibrant Blues several Whites and of course the Glanvilles which are thankfully hanging on in this area. I only saw a definite 3, possibly 4 but I would love to know what the state of play is within the 'reserve'. A few shots from today:

[bugboy]

Just briefly stopping by to catch up (had to go back a few pages). I'm procrastinating at work but it looks like you've been having a pretty damn good spring so far and it's good the Glanville's are still hanging on there, great shots of them . Like you say, it would be very interesting to see how many are on the other side of the fence!

[Wurzel]

Great shots Pauline I was talking about whether they were still there with Philzoid the other weekend, and now I know

Have a goodun

Wurzel

[Pauline]

Cheers Wurzel - not sure it's worth a trip for 4 but there may be more yet (fingers crossed).

Now here's the thing Buggy - I have a wonderful physio who doesn't just give me the best massages, he actually tells me that as an aid to my recovery I must get out more with my camera and keep moving Well, who am I to disobey orders! Unfortunately I am not allowed (yet) to make any sudden movements or do anything which stresses the muscles until the injury heals so the following photos are a bit below par - many are massively cropped and whereas normally I would be down there photographing the egg-laying at the moment I am watching from a distance. You will have to bear with me for a couple of weeks. Anyway, as well as the Glanvilles, today I saw my 3rd ever pair of mating Brown Argus (2007, 2012, 2019):

There were a lot of them about:

along with about 8/9 Green Hairstreak (this was always a good site for them):

egg-laying Blues:

and a commotion overhead but I dare not even guess at Buzzard or Red Kite (or something else ) being mobbed by crows:

[millerd]

Very nice Glanville shots, Pauline. I did wonder whether they persisted at Wrecclesham when I drove past on my last visit to Noar Hill. I may have a look on one of the coming days - after all it's not as far for me as it is for Wurzel! As you mentioned, it's always good for other species too.

Cheers,

Dave

[David M]

As the Glanvilles are out at HB I decided on the spur of the moment to pop up to Wrecclesham for a little recce. The place was alive with butterflies - worn Green Hairstreaks, fresh Brown Argus, Small Copper, vibrant Blues several Whites and of course the Glanvilles which are thankfully hanging on in this area. I only saw a definite 3, possibly 4 but I would love to know what the state of play is within the 'reserve'.

Amazing that they're still going. I think it was eight years ago when I headed out there after it all became public. Seems such a long time ago but I'm glad they're hanging in even though they weren't there naturally to begin with.

[Wurzel]

Great in cop shots Pauline I'll keep an eye out some other sightings from there before making the move, it I get on with it I might be able to pick a few up on the way for some Wood Whites - mind you it seems that some of my previously earnt Brownie points have gone past their use by date

Have a goodun

Wurzel