Adelphocornis quadripunctatus

 

I've been waiting for confirmation of this species since the 26th August (at the C.O.P.) on Irecord and it was finally confirmed recently. Adelphocornis quadripunctatus is a common species in Europe particularly the Scandinavian region, but was only discovered in Great Britain in 2015 in Glamorgan and since then there have been about 20 records all in Glamorgan well spread out. Why it has been recorded in only Glamorgan by multiple observers and nowhere else in Great Britain remains a mystery. It is said to be associated with nettle (background of photo) and feeds on flowers nearby (foreground of photo). Sid has also recorded this species at the lower end of the valley, so is a welcome addition to the valleys species list.

Hoverfly season is now over until mid March and the nights are getting longer, so for the next 4 months it's "data analysis" season.

Ivy watch

 With all the flowers now gone over, it just leaves the Ivy to visit for the dwindling number of hoverflies with the season coming to an end rapidly over the next two weeks until March 2021. The three sites I have been visiting have been Maesteg Welfare Park, Maesteg Cemetery and the Ivy laden trees of Llangynwyd viaduct. Highlights include Sericomyia silentis (4), Melanostoma mellinum (2) and Eupeodes corollae (1). Out of the 15 species seen Episyrphus balteatus (71) was the most numerous. From here on only warm days (15c+) will produce any insects and the Ivy will be gone by the end of the month.

Specimens have been restricted this year to one box (75) and I'll be lucky if I get any new ones to add to the total, fingers crossed.

Sericomyia silentis

Hawthorn shieldbug

Melanostoma scalare