Caerau - Devilsbit Scabious patch

 It's that time of year when the scabious is in full bloom supported by Goldenrod and Common Ragwort. The Angelica, Hogweed and Hemp Agrimony has finished early here this year. But I still managed 30 species of hoverfly with good records being Epistrophe grossulariae (f), Eupeodes latifasciatus (m), Rhingia rostrata (3m), Eristalis intricarius (2f), Helophilus hybridus (m,f) and Helophilus trivittatus (f). The most numerous species was Eristalis tenax (80). 

Eristalis intricarius

Helophilus hybridus

Rhingia rostrata

Volucella pellucens

On the Goldenrod 2 Star-wort caterpillars were happily munching on the leaves and a Essex Skipper was feeding on the Devilsbit Scabious. Two Sparrowhawk, probably and adult female and an immature together flying overhead were the only birds of note. 

Star-wort catepillars

Essex Skipper