Garnwen revisited.

Back up Garnwen, although sunny a cool NW wind kept temperatures down to 13c, so insect numbers and species was down on last time. 15 species of hoverfly headed by the first of the year for Cheilosia fraterna and Dasysyrphus albostriatus as well as Criorhina berberina and Epistrophe eligans, all on Sycamore.

Other insects  included 100+ Tree Bumblebee and an Early Bumblebee. Beetles were represented by Green Tiger Beetle and the rather odd looking Bloody-nosed Beetle Larva, Still good numbers of Orange Tip (15) and now Green-veined White (30) was joined by a single Holly Blue feeding high up in a Sycamore.  The longhorn beetle Rhagium bifasciatum also made its first appearance of the year. Otherwise same species that had previously been reported.

Summer breeders were in good voice with Sedge Warbler (2), Whitethroat (6), Willow Warbler (8), Blackcap (6) and Chiffchaff (4) all singing. A couple of Swallow have returned to the barn near the golf course and were feeding over the moor. Residents included Stonechat (1 pair), Reed Bunting (2 pair), Goldfinch (2 pair), Siskin (2 pair) and Lesser Redpoll (1 pair).

 Rhagium bifasciatum

 Bloody-nosed Beetle larva

Cheilosia albitarsis agg.

Cheilosia fraterna - looks similar to albitarsis at first glance, but notice the orange hind tibia.