And there was me thinking it is a bumper year for butterflies...
I've had dozens of small tortoiseshells laying eggs on my nettle patch for the last week and am a bit worried that there won't be enough nettles to go around...
I haven't seen any peacocks recently but they've obviously been there. The top photo is of a nest of peacock butterfly catterpillars and the lower one shows some much younger small tortoiseshell ones. I saw a red admiral caterpillar yesterday but can't find it to photograph today. I've also watched a comma laying eggs there within the last couple of days and have seen speckled woods and meadow browns.
Thanks, Victoria. The only problem now is that the caterpillars are currently causing neglect to the rest of my garden too by seducing me into hours of caterpillar-watching when I should be doing something more useful!
Love that moth Fidget Great pics Singing Gardener. Will be wonderful if a lot survive to adulthood.
On the dog walk this afternoon I saw at least 15 brown butterflies across the field (don't ask me what kind as I have been mistaken before). I will take the camera next time. We are lucky in having a fairly wild area outside the garden but it's always trying to get in
There have been a few butterflies, including tiny blue ones (moths?) but not as many as last year, so far. Unfortunately, there appears to be an increase in the marketing of 'killer sprays' for all kinds of creatures .... these are advertised as harmless if used at certain times, but that is rubbish. Birds are natural predators for most 'grubs' but the various sprays and applications sold to 'gardeners' harm the birds when they eat the grubs .... there is a marked increase in cancer and tumours in wild birds. Also, the precious bees, etc are being harmed and killed by these applications. Even the 'weed and feed' preparations for lawns kill hedgehogs! When there is dew overnight, the chemical gets onto the hedgehogs underbelly and it gets ingested when they wash. It's a very nasty death if not treated promptly. Lawn preparations are also poisoning the sacred worm and other creatures that till the soil free of charge. There are no safe 'killers' or lawn enhancers, except for what is provided by nature.
For some reason my (" )quote is not working any more.
"Nut, do you have a special way of attracting moths for a moth count?
I read about old socks dipped in a mixture of red wine and sugar but it seemed a waste of red wine."
Is this true FB???
SOUNDS MORE LIKE A FLY TRAP?
Edd, the quote feature has gone wonky. However, I discovered by accident a few days ago that if you click quote twice (so it says 'unquote') then it works - proof above!
A trowel in the hand is worth a thousand lost under a bush.
Posts
Enjoy the wine, err i mean moth counting
"Back to Specsavers Dove
"
I must make an appointment - I'm wearing my old glasses as my new ones broke
Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.
And there was me thinking it is a bumper year for butterflies...
I've had dozens of small tortoiseshells laying eggs on my nettle patch for the last week and am a bit worried that there won't be enough nettles to go around...
I haven't seen any peacocks recently but they've obviously been there. The top photo is of a nest of peacock butterfly catterpillars and the lower one shows some much younger small tortoiseshell ones. I saw a red admiral caterpillar yesterday but can't find it to photograph today. I've also watched a comma laying eggs there within the last couple of days and have seen speckled woods and meadow browns.
What great pics, Singing Gardener
And what a nice variety of butterflies you have visiting...
I was worried that I'd run out of nettles too when I had caterpillars recently but there are a few remaining now they've gone.
I think later on this year I'll try and revitalise the patch as there's lots of other junk growing in there too- some keepsies some not...
Thanks, Victoria. The only problem now is that the caterpillars are currently causing neglect to the rest of my garden too by seducing me into hours of caterpillar-watching when I should be doing something more useful!
Lovely pics of caterpillars SG
I had a gorgeous Red Admiral on the flowers today,such a handsome butterfly.
Love that moth Fidget
Great pics Singing Gardener. Will be wonderful if a lot survive to adulthood.
On the dog walk this afternoon I saw at least 15 brown butterflies across the field (don't ask me what kind as I have been mistaken before
). I will take the camera next time. We are lucky in having a fairly wild area outside the garden but it's always trying to get in
There have been a few butterflies, including tiny blue ones (moths?) but not as many as last year, so far. Unfortunately, there appears to be an increase in the marketing of 'killer sprays' for all kinds of creatures .... these are advertised as harmless if used at certain times, but that is rubbish. Birds are natural predators for most 'grubs' but the various sprays and applications sold to 'gardeners' harm the birds when they eat the grubs .... there is a marked increase in cancer and tumours in wild birds. Also, the precious bees, etc are being harmed and killed by these applications. Even the 'weed and feed' preparations for lawns kill hedgehogs! When there is dew overnight, the chemical gets onto the hedgehogs underbelly and it gets ingested when they wash. It's a very nasty death if not treated promptly. Lawn preparations are also poisoning the sacred worm and other creatures that till the soil free of charge. There are no safe 'killers' or lawn enhancers, except for what is provided by nature.
Edd, the quote feature has gone wonky. However, I discovered by accident a few days ago that if you click quote twice (so it says 'unquote') then it works - proof above!
I read a recent article by Attenborough he asked everyone to grow a buddlia, why would he do that Edd if its the wrong plant?