Newborough dunes and woods. Lots of botanical goodness, including Dune fescue (new to me). Big sky, big sand.
Bacon and eggs. Common bird's-foot trefoil (Lotus corniculatus). Insect powerhouse - somewhere in the region of 120 insect species rely on it for nectar, pollen, foliage, seeds and sap. Often found lurking in lawns, awaiting reprieve from the mower to raise its flowery head.
The Marsh fritillaries were really enjoying Corky-fruited water dropwort (Oenanthe pimpinelloides)nectar this morning. The eggs I watched being laid a couple of weeks ago have coloured up nicely.
@dorsetbutterflies.bsky.social @savebutterflies.bsky.social
Inspiring morning at Hooke Park, where forestry meets architecture. Thanks to @woodlandheritage.bsky.social for organising the open day.
Video
1st Clouded yellow of the year and masses of Peacock caterpillars - I can't remember a better year for these. @savebutterflies.bsky.social @dorsetbutterflies.bsky.social
Brimstone caterpillars today, hanging out on mid-ribs of Alder buckthorn leaves. On the same bush there was evidence of parasitism too in the form of small black and white pupae where once there was a young caterpillar. @savebutterflies.bsky.social @dorsetbutterflies.bsky.social
Brown day - 1st Meadow brown of the year and the first Small heath seen on this site in north Dorset since 2018!
@dorsetbutterflies.bsky.social @savebutterflies.bsky.social
Moth trapping on the high chalk near Chettle yielded a couple of species I don't see in the clay vale. Pretty chalk carpet and Green arches. @dorsetmoths.bsky.social @dorsetbutterflies.bsky.social
Small blue laying eggs on Kidney vetch in newly created habitat. Seed was sown directly onto a raw chalk path. Build it and they will come!
@dorsetbutterflies.bsky.social @savebutterflies.bsky.social
