Another fine day, temperatures reaching 20c+. Story of the day is my first ever Silver-washed Fritillary in the valley. It was seen flying about the tree tops up top Garnwen along the road to the big pond on the way to Afan Argoed. It really is a huge Fritillary and the colour, wing shape and pattern of this male is quite different to all other Fritillaries. On one occasion it came down to feed on Bramble blossom just in front of me for a moment and the silver washes could be seen when it closed its wings. But it was to quick too Photograph sadly.
On the hoverfly front a large count of 40 species were seen with Chrysotoxum arcuatum (1) finally new for the year. Most numerous were the Eristalis species particularly Eristalis pertinax (100+). Good records included Eupeodes lapponicus (3), Eriozona syrphoides (2) and Eristalis rupium (2).
Other insects of note were 3 Black Darter freshly emerged on the pond reeds along with 2 Keeled Skimmer and 2 Southern Hawker. Red Admiral butterfly was also present. Finally the first Stictoleptura rubra longhorn Beetle of the year was seen.
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