weekly round up

Visited a few sites this week, Gilfach (west) [wed], Blaencaerau [fri] and Garnwen [sat]. It's been hard going as the last two weeks of June are usually the time when the spring hoverflies are finished and we are waiting for the summer hoverflies to emerge in the first week of July. It is also the lull between broods of the double brooded species. Nevertheless I recorded 54 species with new for the year Dasysyrphus tricinctus (83 for the year). Highest day count was Xylota segnis (60). Good records include Didea fasciata and Eupeodes lapponicus at Gilfach (west) and Chrysogaster virescens and Eupeodes lapponicus at Garnwen. Volucella bombylans and pellucens are also numerous.

Butterflies are again out in good numbers and species topped by 3 Small Pearl-bordered fritillary at Blaencaerau at the location of the old feeder reservoir which is now classed as rough damp grassland with a small pool. Dragonflies are emerging with Emperor, Keeled Skimmer, Broad-bodied Chaser, 4-spot Chaser and Common Darter noticeable and Damselflies represented by Common Blue, Azure, Emerald and Large Red damselflies. Other insects include the gall mite Eriophyes laevis on Alder and the fruit fly Urophora cardui.

 Dasysyrphus tricinctus

 Alder pimple galls of the gall mite Eriophyes laevis

 Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary

fruit fly - Urophora cardui [Canadian thistle gall fly]