Catchup of various bits and bobs!
Well, the Cryptic Wood White may not be out yet at Craigavon Lakes in Northern Ireland, but the Irish Orange-tips are
Of the shots below, the females conform most closely to the definition of
ssp. hibernica since the yellow suffusion on the hindwing is quite clear, whereas the yellow suffusion on the underside of the male forewing is nigh on impossible to photograph but is definitely there!:
"Slightly smaller on the average than the type, the black spots at the ends of the nervures more strongly marked. The male frequently suffused with yellow on the underside of the forewing, the female usually with the hindwing strongly suffused with yellow". The last female shown appeared to have unusually-shaped spots on the forewings.
- Orange-tip ssp. hibernica (male)
- Orange-tip ssp. hibernica (male)
- Orange-tip ssp. hibernica (female)
- Orange-tip ssp. hibernica (female)
- Orange-tip ssp. hibernica (female)
Closer to home, the Dingy Skipper larvae have emerged from hibernation and, without further feeding, have each built a shelter in which to pupate. The pupal colour seems quite variable, with one being particularly dark and very moth-like, the other conforming more to "type" and showing a beautiful combination of green and red hues. One of these pupated in a plastic box and gave me a window onto its world as the larva threaded together leaves with silk, leaving the side of the box clear, where I saw it build a silk pad on the "ceiling" of its chamber before settling down on the pad and, after a few days, pupating.
- Dingy Skipper pupa
- Dingy Skipper pupa
The first of the Silver-studded Blue have now entered their final instar and are an amazing colour - the contrast between the green ground colour and red dorsal stripe is quite something! It seems that even the brown form of larva are turning green as they move into their final instar, but I'll keep a close eye on this to confirm.
- Silver-studded Blue larva
- Silver-studded Blue larva
And finally - the first of the White-letter Hairstreak larvae has whizzed through its instars and is now preparing to pupate. This is well ahead of schedule, despite it being kept outside in the coolest place in the garden. Fortunately, the Purple Hairstreak ova I rescued have only just started to emerge, so seem to be in sync with the oak burst in West Berks!
- White-letter Hairstreak larva attached to an Elm leaf
Cheers,
- Pete
