SECOND QUARTER 2019

This Journal covers the second quarter of 2019 from April to June.

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Whitethroat

Curruca communis

The Whitethroat is a summer migrant originating from Africa. Both males and females are mainly brown on the upper side and buff on the underside, featuring chestnut fringes on the secondary feathers. The adult male has a grey head and a white throat, while the female does not have a grey head and has a duller throat. Their diet consists of insects, berries, and fruits.

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Mute Swan

Cygnus olor

The most common type of swan in Britain is known for its gracefulness and quiet demeanour, although it can hiss or snort when necessary. Distinguishing between male and female swans is not always easy; however, during the breeding season, the black knob at the base of the male's bill becomes significantly larger than that of the female. The female, referred to as the Pen, incubates her eggs on a mound of vegetation, while the male, known as the Cob, remains vigilant, warding off potential threats. Both parents participate in caring for the nest. As the cygnets grow and become more independent, the parents gradually reduce their involvement. If the cygnets are hesitant to leave, the parents may become more assertive in encouraging them to depart. Swans primarily feed on water plants, seeds, snails, and insects.

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Long-tailed Tit

Aegithalos caudatus

Long tailed tits are often seen flying from bush to bush in small groups.

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Mallard

Anas platyrhynchos

Mallard Ducks typically live five to ten years spending time in and out of the water

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Speckled Wood

Pararge aegeria

ThIs common woodland butterfly has a wingspan of approximately 45mm and is frequently seen resting on bramble along woodland paths. Adults are active in two broods: from April to early June and again from July to September. Males typically bask in sunlight and defend their territory from intruders. Both males and females tend to visit tree tops to feed on honeydew produced by aphids. This species seldom feeds on flowers, mostly doing so in early and late seasons when honeydew availability is limited. The caterpillars feed on various types of grasses, including false brome, cock's-foot, and Yorkshire fog.

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Small Heath

Coenonympha pamphilus

The Small Heath is the smallest brown butterfly found in the UK. It displays a fluttery flight and often rests leaning to one side. This species tends to favour heathland areas in sunny locations.

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Gatekeeper

Pyronia tithonus

The Gatekeeper is a butterfly that can be found during the summer months. The males can be easily identified by the dark bars on their forewings, while the females are generally larger and lighter in color. This species is also referred to as the 'Hedge Brown.'

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Green-veined White

Pieris napi

The Green-veined White is a common butterfly that is active from April to October. It inhabits various environments, particularly moist areas with abundant vegetation. The caterpillars of this species feed on plants belonging to the Cabbage family.

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Orange-tip 

Anthocharis cardamines

Both males and females have mottled green underwings. Males are distinguished by the orange visible when the wings are open, whilst females have no orange on the wings.

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Purple Hairsteak 

Favonius quercus

Purple Hairstreak caterpillars feed at night and rest during the day. After hatching, the caterpillar consumes its eggshell and then burrows into a developing oak bud for concealment. Following the first moult, the larva exits the bud and constructs a loosely-spun web for shelter. Debris collected in the web contributes to its camouflage. A caterpillar undergoes three moults before transforming into an adult.

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Buff Ermine

Spilosoma lutea

Buff Ermine moths emerge from cocoons that have spent the winter in vegetation or leaf litter. They are active from May until July. The caterpillar is dark brown and covered with reddish-orange hairs, feeding on herbaceous plants, bushes, and trees during the autumn.

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White Ermine

Spilosoma lubricipeda

White Ermine moths are active from May to July. Prior to spinning cocoons, the caterpillars move from the leaves of dock and dandelion, which serve as their food source. In September, it is common to see the caterpillars crossing paths. They are characterized by blackish fur with an orange line along the back.

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Blotched Emerald

Comibaena bajularia

Blotched Emeralds normally fly at night, with males being more attracted to light than females. As they age, the green colour often changes to a creamy white. Caterpillars begin to emerge in late July, but they can be hard to detect because they attach pieces of leaves to their bodies for camouflage

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Clouded Silver

Lomographa temerata

The Clouded Silver frequents woodland and suburban habitats from May to August. Its caterpillars feed on blackthorn and hawthorn.

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Lackey

Malacosoma neustria

Lackey moths are brown and have a band across their wings. In contrast to its brightly coloured blue, white, and orange striped caterpillars, the moths are rather dull by comparison. The adults are active from June to August.

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White-backed Marble

Hedya salicella

This micro-moth occurs on banks near inland water where Willow trees grow. Its caterpillars nourish themselves in spun leaves of sallow and poplar.

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Short-cloaked Moth 74.003

Nola cucullatella

Flies in June and July. Larval foodplants include Hawthorn, Blackthorn, Apple, Pear and Plum. This is a member of the Nolidae family which is split into two sub-families, Nolinae and Chloephorinae. The first group consists of small, whitish or grey moths with fairly rounded forewings that have basal and central scale tufts (often lost). The larvae are hairy and feed on woody plants. They normally pupate in tough cocoons on the foodplant stem above the ground. The latter group are green or sometimes other colours. They feed on various trees. 

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Figure of Eight Larva

Diloba caeruleocephala

This attractive caterpillar was found on a young apple tree at the edge of Hainault Lake. It is the larvae stage of the Figure of Eight moth.

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Common Quaker Larva

Orthosia cerasi

This is a Common Quaker moth caterpillar at an immature stage. The ground colour is extremely variable. Mature caterpillars are bright green. Spots on the face feet and body helped with identification along with the white line across the segment above the first claspers.

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Knot Grass Larva

Acronicta rumicis

The Knotgrass moth is a common species within the Noctuidae family. It deposits eggs in clusters on herbaceous plants, where caterpillars typically emerge after about 10 days and reach full growth within approximately 30 days.

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Caterpillar

Doomed

Some caterpillars utilise camouflage as a means of avoiding predators. This particular caterpillar, which resembles a twig, may not survive for long, although it might not be obvious to a casual observer. Upon closer inspection, tiny eggs can be seen on its body, indicating that this caterpillar is unlikely to survive. Parasitic larvae will hatch from the eggs and begin feeding on the caterpillar.

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Cinnamon Sedge Caddisfly

Limnephilus marmoratus

The Cinnamon Sedge Caddisfly often displays more pronounced markings compared to L. rhombicus, which can appear somewhat similar. This specimen features highly marbled wings, and the stigma does not exhibit the strength characteristic of L. decipiens. It can be found near lakes and ponds from June to October.

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Pied Shieldbug

Tritomegas bicolor

The Pied Shieldbug is a ground-dwelling bug that feeds on White dead-nettle and Black horehound.

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Tortoise Bug

Eurygaster testudinaria

This large shieldbug is known as a 'Tortoise Bug'. Adults are up to 11mm long and usually found in habitats containing stinging nettles. This individual was found at on nettles at Woodhenge.

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Turtle Bug

Podops inuncta

The Turtle Shieldbug is relatively small, measuring approximately 5mm in length. It features two small projections on each side of its head and a long, tongue-like scutellum that extends towards the rear of its abdomen. This specimen was discovered on a blade of grass among stinging nettles on Woodhenge mound. Grass serves as the larval foodplant.

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Hairy Shieldbug

Dolycoris baccarum

Hairy shieldbugs appeared in large numbers during April, especially near log stacks in Joan's Glade where over fifty were counted in just a couple of square metres.

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Forest Shieldbug

Pentatoma rufipes

This is a final instar nymph of a Forest Shieldbug (aka Red-legged Shieldbug). The species overwinters as young nymphs which feed mostly on oak and a variety of other deciduous trees. Adults feed on fruits, caterpillars and other insects.

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Bishop's Mitre

Aelia acuminata

This distinctive striped Shieldbug has a pointed head like a Bishop's mitre, hence its common name. This was found on stinging nettles at Woodhenge. Its larvae feed on ripening seeds of a variety of grasses. Length about 8mm.

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Cinnamon Bug

Corizus hyoscyami

The Cinnamon Bug is a brightly coloured plant bug that measures approximately 9mm. It was once primarily found along coastlines, but it is now being observed more inland.

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Hypericum Rhopalid

Rhopalus subrufus

Found on stinging nettles at Woodhenge this lovely red bug is associated with woodland clearings. The adults overwinter and the new generation appears in August. Length about 7mm.

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Fine Streaked Bugkin

Miris striatus

Nymphs of this species typically hatch from eggs in April and develop into adults by late May or early June. This specimen is an adult. These insects are usually found on oak and hawthorn trees, feeding on aphids, insect eggs, and the larvae of beetles and moths.

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Potato Capsid

Closterotomus norwegicus

This plant bug is found in the meadows from May to October feeding on nettles, composites and clovers. Length 6-8mm.

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Meadow Plant Bug

Leptopterna dolabrata

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Nettle Groundbug

Heterogaster urticae

These bugs were in the nettle patch at Woodhenge. They can remain coupled together for several days. The new generation is complete from late summer onwards. The bugs are 6-7mm long.

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Cramp-ball Fungus Weevil

Platyrhinus resinosus

This small weevil breeds in habitats that contains crampball fungus, which usually grows on dead ash wood.

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Cream-streaked Ladybird

Harmonia quadripunctata

A medium-sized ladybird, measuring 5-6mm, commonly found on pine trees and nettles. The colouration varies, featuring bright red, brown, and yellow forms, while some individuals may appear nearly entirely black. Many possess pale streaks on their wing cases. Up to 18 black spots may be present, although some individuals may lack spots. Due to typically having two spots on the edge of each wing case, it is sometimes referred to as the 'Four-spot ladybird.' This species preys on aphids found on trees and overwinters in groups beneath the bark.

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Black Clock Beetle

Pterostichus madidus

This species has a length of 15-20mm and features a shiny, well-rounded pronotum, with legs that are either black or wine-red. It is typically located under logs during spring and summer. These organisms are predatory, feeding on caterpillars, slugs, and ground-dwelling invertebrates. Adults mate in the autumn, and the larvae overwinter.

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Aphid Lion

Neuroptera

Lacewing larvae, referred to as 'Aphid Lions,' are predatory insects that use a venom to paralyze their prey before consuming their bodily fluids. They are beneficial to gardeners, as they can consume more than 200 insect pests in a week. However, if their food supply diminishes, they may resort to cannibalism. The larval stage lasts for approximately 2 to 3 weeks.

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Orange-bearded Bluebottle

Calliphora vomitoria

This is an orange-bearded blowfly with a shiny blue body that is larger than a typical housefly. The adults consume nectar and females lay their eggs on decaying meat. They generally travel together and when one finds a food source it emits a pheromone to notify others in the group. Forensic scientists can often approximate the time of death of a body by examining blowfly eggs and maggots. Thank you to Essex Field Club recorder Del Smith for the identification.

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St. Marks Fly

Bibio marci

These flies are observed around St. Marks Day on April 25th. Males possess large bulbous eyes, while females have larger bodies, but their heads and eyes are comparatively smaller.

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Eared Leafhopper

Ledra aurita

When flat against bark on a lichen-covered Oak tree this Cicadellidae family member is barely noticeable due to excellent camouflage. This is the nymph stage of a large grey leafhopper which is the only Ledrinae species found in Europe.

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Rufous-shouldered Longhorn

Anaglyptus mysticus

The distinctive pattern of this Beetle makes it easy to identify. Adults emerge in spring after spending two years as larvae feeding on deadwood and overwintering as a pupa under bark. Stinging nettles and hawthorn are good places to search for these. About 12mm in length.

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Thistle Tortoise Beetle

Cassida rubiginosa

This Beetle inhabits tall sward and scrub containing Creeping Thistle. When sitting flush against a thistle leaf its colouration blends in so well that it can be difficult to spot.

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Devil's Coach-horse

Ocypus olens

Ferocious nocturnal predator that hunts invertebrates and can give a powerful bite. When threatened the abdomen curls up like a scorpion's tail. It is best not to handle these Beetles because a foul-smelling substance can be released from the abdomen. They fly but prefer to run, something they do very well. During daytime Devil's Coach beetles often hide under logs, stones and in compost heaps. They are up to about 30mm long and normally seen from mid-spring to late autumn. Females lay their eggs in soil and the larvae hatch and spend the winter as pupae, emerging during the following spring as adults.

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Soldier Beetle

Cantharis decipiens

Beetle distinguished from similar species by the brownish body and black mark on the pronotum which is rounded at the base. The mark does not reach the front edge of the pronotum. This species is found on various trees and shrubs, including bramble and hawthorn. Normally seen from spring to late summer.

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Large Red Damselfly

Pyrrhosoma nymphula

Normally the first dragonfly species to emerge in spring. They are normally seen near wetland habitats. Black legs rule this out from being the scarcer Small Red damselfly.

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Large Ocelot

Epiphragma ocellaris

This species lives in woodland where it flies in May and June. It is distinctive with circle patterns on the wings, banded thighs and a brown striped abdomen. Its larvae live in dead wood.

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Ants and Aphids

Special Relationship

Ants act like bodyguards protecting aphids from predators. For performing this service they get rewarded with a sugary aphid excretion called honeydew. Some aphids are unable to excrete by themselves and rely on ants milking them which is achieved by having their antennae stroked. When a host plant has been exhausted of nutrients the ants carry the aphids to a new plant. Ants fear losing their honeydew source so sometimes rip wings from mature aphids to prevent them flying away.

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Hedgehog Slug

Arion intermedius

The Hedgehog Slug (1.5-2cm long) varies in colour and patterning. It may be white, grey or orange. The tentacles are grey and the sole is yellow or orange. When stimulated it becomes very compact and the body becomes roundish similar in shape to a hedgehog, with the tubercles on the dorsal surface somewhat resembling prickles. This species feeds on plants and fungi in grassland and forests.

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Dwarf Snail 

Punctum pygmaeum

The smallest species of British land snail.  Adults only grow to a diameter of 1.5mm. The growth rings are raised into sharp ridges. This specimen was found by Essex Field Club recorder Simon Taylor at Lambourne End.

Do you know? A snail spends a lifetime carrying a home on its back in the form of a whorled shell consisting mostly of calcium carbonate.

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Badger

Meles meles

Badgers are mainly omnivorous. They are usually wary of humans and will often flee to the nearest sett if they sense danger.

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