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  • Pterolamus puparum - a pteromalid wasp emerging from pupa of Large White butterfly
    109057.jpg
  • Southern Hawker - Aeshna cyanea - adult emerging from nymphal skin
    117506.jpg
  • Brown Hawker - Aeshna grandis emerging at sunrise
    155026.jpg
  • Grass Snake - Natrix natrix - young emerging from egg. Length 60-90cm Large non-venomous snake. Hibernates October-April. Hunts on land but also active in water, feeding on frogs and fish. Female lays eggs, often in composting piles of vegetation. Adult has slender body, thickest towards middle evenly tapering towards tail. Ground colour on upperparts is olive-green; has occasional dark vertical stripes on flanks and double row of indistinct dark spots down back. Neck has black and yellow crescent-shaped markings on sides, forming incomplete collar. Scales on under surface are whitish with dark chequering. Has backward-curved teeth that retain struggling prey. Eye has round pupil. Juvenile resembles tiny adult with relatively larger head. Hisses if distressed. Locally common in grassland and heathland, usually in vicinity of water.
    157562.jpg
  • Grass Snake - Natrix natrix - young emerging from egg. Length 60-90cm Large non-venomous snake. Hibernates October-April. Hunts on land but also active in water, feeding on frogs and fish. Female lays eggs, often in composting piles of vegetation. Adult has slender body, thickest towards middle evenly tapering towards tail. Ground colour on upperparts is olive-green; has occasional dark vertical stripes on flanks and double row of indistinct dark spots down back. Neck has black and yellow crescent-shaped markings on sides, forming incomplete collar. Scales on under surface are whitish with dark chequering. Has backward-curved teeth that retain struggling prey. Eye has round pupil. Juvenile resembles tiny adult with relatively larger head. Hisses if distressed. Locally common in grassland and heathland, usually in vicinity of water.
    157555.jpg
  • Grass Snake - Natrix natrix - young emerging from egg. Length 60-90cm Large non-venomous snake. Hibernates October-April. Hunts on land but also active in water, feeding on frogs and fish. Female lays eggs, often in composting piles of vegetation. Adult has slender body, thickest towards middle evenly tapering towards tail. Ground colour on upperparts is olive-green; has occasional dark vertical stripes on flanks and double row of indistinct dark spots down back. Neck has black and yellow crescent-shaped markings on sides, forming incomplete collar. Scales on under surface are whitish with dark chequering. Has backward-curved teeth that retain struggling prey. Eye has round pupil. Juvenile resembles tiny adult with relatively larger head. Hisses if distressed. Locally common in grassland and heathland, usually in vicinity of water.
    157556.jpg
  • Emperor Dragonfly Emergence - Anax imperator
    136282.jpg
  • Comma Polygonia c-album Wingspan 45mm. Unmistakable butterfly with ragged-edged wing margins. Adult has orange-brown upperwings marked with dark spots; grey-brown underwings show a white ‘comma’ mark. Double-brooded and hibernates: seen on the wing March–April, and again August-October. Larva has tufts of spiny hairs and is orange-brown with a white dorsal band; feeds on Common Nettle, elms and Hop. Locally fairly common in England and Wales.
    136238.jpg
  • Comma Polygonia c-album Wingspan 45mm. Unmistakable butterfly with ragged-edged wing margins. Adult has orange-brown upperwings marked with dark spots; grey-brown underwings show a white ‘comma’ mark. Double-brooded and hibernates: seen on the wing March–April, and again August-October. Larva has tufts of spiny hairs and is orange-brown with a white dorsal band; feeds on Common Nettle, elms and Hop. Locally fairly common in England and Wales.
    136237.jpg
  • Swallowtail Papilio machaon ssp. britannicus Wingspan 70mm. Iconic and unmistakable butterfly with mainly yellow and black wings; hind wings have blue and red spots, and tail streamers. Double-brooded: adults are on the wing May–June, and again in August. Larva is yellow-green with black and red markings; feeds on Milk-parsley. Restricted to a few fens and marshes in East Anglia, mainly in the Norfolk Broads; easiest to see at Strumpshaw Fen and Hickling Broad.
    109221.jpg
  • Four-spotted Chaser - Libellula quadrimaculata
    156456.jpg
  • Four-spotted Chaser - Libellula quadrimaculata
    156458.jpg
  • Four-spotted Chaser - Libellula quadrimaculata
    156457.jpg
  • Four-spotted Chaser - Libellula quadrimaculata
    156455.jpg
  • Brown Hawker - Aeshna grandis
    156267.jpg
  • Comma Polygonia c-album Wingspan 45mm. Unmistakable butterfly with ragged-edged wing margins. Adult has orange-brown upperwings marked with dark spots; grey-brown underwings show a white ‘comma’ mark. Double-brooded and hibernates: seen on the wing March–April, and again August-October. Larva has tufts of spiny hairs and is orange-brown with a white dorsal band; feeds on Common Nettle, elms and Hop. Locally fairly common in England and Wales.
    140143.jpg
  • Four-spotted Chaser - Libellula quadrimaculata
    156454.jpg
  • SNOWDROP Galanthus nivalis (Liliaceae) Height to 25cm<br />
Familiar spring perennial that grows in damp woodland. FLOWERS are 15-25cm long and nodding, the 3 outer segments pure white, the inner 3 white with a green patch; solitary and nodding (Jan-Mar). FRUITS are capsules. LEAVES are grey-green, narrow and all basal. STATUS-Possibly native in S Britain but widely naturalised.
    144595.jpg
  • Badger Meles meles Length 65-80cm Distinctive nocturnal mammal. Daytime spent in tunnel complex (a sett). Omnivorous and opportunistic feeders. Facial markings are unmistakable and iconic. Adult has coarse fur, greyish on back and flanks, and blackish on underside and legs. Head is elongated into a snout marked with longitudinal black and white stripes. Legs are short, and blunt tail has a white tip. Mostly silent. Locally common where farmland, meadows and woods occur side by side; also occurs on fringes of suburbia.
    144229.jpg
  • Starling - Sturnus vulgaris - breeding adult. L 20-22cm. Familiar urban and rural bird with swaggering walk. Forms large flocks outside breeding season. Sexes are separable in summer. Adult male in summer has dark plumage with iridescence seen in good light. Legs are reddish and bill is yellow with blue base to lower mandible. Adult female in summer is similar but has some pale spots on underparts and pale yellow base to lower mandible. Winter adult (both sexes) has numerous white spots adorning dark plumage and dark bill. Juvenile is grey-brown, palest on throat; bill is dark; spotted body plumage acquired in winter. Voice Varied repertoire of clicks and whistles including mimicry. Status Widespread and common but declining. Found in all kinds of open habitats in winter. Often nests in house roofs.
    148458.jpg
  • White Admiral Limenitis camilla Wingspan 50mm. Glides with ease, flies swiftly and visits Bramble flowers along woodland rides. Adult has blackish upperwings with white bands; chestnut underwings have similar pattern of white to upperwings. Flies June-July. Larva is mainly green with tufts of spiny, orange hairs; feeds on Honeysuckle. Locally common in broadleaved woodland in southern England.
    145259.jpg
  • White Admiral Limenitis camilla Wingspan 50mm. Glides with ease, flies swiftly and visits Bramble flowers along woodland rides. Adult has blackish upperwings with white bands; chestnut underwings have similar pattern of white to upperwings. Flies June-July. Larva is mainly green with tufts of spiny, orange hairs; feeds on Honeysuckle. Locally common in broadleaved woodland in southern England.
    145035.jpg
  • SNOWDROP Galanthus nivalis (Liliaceae) Height to 25cm<br />
Familiar spring perennial that grows in damp woodland. FLOWERS are 15-25cm long and nodding, the 3 outer segments pure white, the inner 3 white with a green patch; solitary and nodding (Jan-Mar). FRUITS are capsules. LEAVES are grey-green, narrow and all basal. STATUS-Possibly native in S Britain but widely naturalised.
    144591.jpg
  • SNOWDROP Galanthus nivalis (Liliaceae) Height to 25cm<br />
Familiar spring perennial that grows in damp woodland. FLOWERS are 15-25cm long and nodding, the 3 outer segments pure white, the inner 3 white with a green patch; solitary and nodding (Jan-Mar). FRUITS are capsules. LEAVES are grey-green, narrow and all basal. STATUS-Possibly native in S Britain but widely naturalised.
    144592.jpg
  • SNOWDROP Galanthus nivalis (Liliaceae) Height to 25cm<br />
Familiar spring perennial that grows in damp woodland. FLOWERS are 15-25cm long and nodding, the 3 outer segments pure white, the inner 3 white with a green patch; solitary and nodding (Jan-Mar). FRUITS are capsules. LEAVES are grey-green, narrow and all basal. STATUS-Possibly native in S Britain but widely naturalised.
    144593.jpg
  • Badger Meles meles Length 65-80cm Distinctive nocturnal mammal. Daytime spent in tunnel complex (a sett). Omnivorous and opportunistic feeders. Facial markings are unmistakable and iconic. Adult has coarse fur, greyish on back and flanks, and blackish on underside and legs. Head is elongated into a snout marked with longitudinal black and white stripes. Legs are short, and blunt tail has a white tip. Mostly silent. Locally common where farmland, meadows and woods occur side by side; also occurs on fringes of suburbia.
    144223.jpg
  • Badger Meles meles Length 65-80cm Distinctive nocturnal mammal. Daytime spent in tunnel complex (a sett). Omnivorous and opportunistic feeders. Facial markings are unmistakable and iconic. Adult has coarse fur, greyish on back and flanks, and blackish on underside and legs. Head is elongated into a snout marked with longitudinal black and white stripes. Legs are short, and blunt tail has a white tip. Mostly silent. Locally common where farmland, meadows and woods occur side by side; also occurs on fringes of suburbia.
    144232.jpg
  • Harlequin Ladybird - Harmonia axyridis hatching
    140379.jpg
  • SNOWDROP Galanthus nivalis (Liliaceae) Height to 25cm<br />
Familiar spring perennial that grows in damp woodland. FLOWERS are 15-25cm long and nodding, the 3 outer segments pure white, the inner 3 white with a green patch; solitary and nodding (Jan-Mar). FRUITS are capsules. LEAVES are grey-green, narrow and all basal. STATUS-Possibly native in S Britain but widely naturalised.
    144594.jpg
  • SNOWDROP Galanthus nivalis (Liliaceae) Height to 25cm<br />
Familiar spring perennial that grows in damp woodland. FLOWERS are 15-25cm long and nodding, the 3 outer segments pure white, the inner 3 white with a green patch; solitary and nodding (Jan-Mar). FRUITS are capsules. LEAVES are grey-green, narrow and all basal. STATUS-Possibly native in S Britain but widely naturalised.
    144596.jpg
  • Badger Meles meles Length 65-80cm Distinctive nocturnal mammal. Daytime spent in tunnel complex (a sett). Omnivorous and opportunistic feeders. Facial markings are unmistakable and iconic. Adult has coarse fur, greyish on back and flanks, and blackish on underside and legs. Head is elongated into a snout marked with longitudinal black and white stripes. Legs are short, and blunt tail has a white tip. Mostly silent. Locally common where farmland, meadows and woods occur side by side; also occurs on fringes of suburbia.
    144224.jpg
  • Brown Hawker - Aeshna grandis
    159168.jpg
  • Elegant Trogon - Trogon elegans - Adult female
    148419.jpg
  • RAMSONS Allium ursinum (Liliaceae) Height to 35cm<br />
Bulbous perennial that smells strongly of garlic. Grows in damp woodland, mainly on calcareous soils; where conditions suit its needs it often spreads, forming extensive carpets. FLOWERS are 15-20cm across, white and bell-shaped; borne in spherical, terminal clusters on slender, 3-sided and leafless stalks (Apr-May). FRUITS are capsules. LEAVES are ovate, up to 7cm wide and 25cm long, and all basal. STATUS-Widespread throughout much of the region, and locally abundant.
    144583.jpg
  • Fox Vulpes vulpes Length 95-130cm Adaptable dog-like carnivore but with a catholic diet including fruits and berries. Mainly nocturnal; daytime shelter is called an earth. Adult has thick, mainly orange-brown coat with whitish jaws and underparts are white and white tip to tail. Feet and backs of ears are blackish. Yelping scream is uttered mainly by females for brief period in winter, to mark breeding season. Common, widespread and adaptable, found in towns and cities as well as countryside.
    100252.jpg
  • Fox Vulpes vulpes Length 95-130cm Adaptable dog-like carnivore but with a catholic diet including fruits and berries. Mainly nocturnal; daytime shelter is called an earth. Adult has thick, mainly orange-brown coat with whitish jaws and underparts are white and white tip to tail. Feet and backs of ears are blackish. Yelping scream is uttered mainly by females for brief period in winter, to mark breeding season. Common, widespread and adaptable, found in towns and cities as well as countryside.
    110776.jpg
  • Adder Vipera berus Length 45-60cm Venomous snake. Hibernates October-March and sunbathes regularly in spring. Males perform wrestling ‘dances’ to determine access to females for mating. Sexes are similar but females are larger than males. Adult ground colour ranges from reddish brown, greenish yellow or grey to creamy buff.  Almost all have a blackish zigzag line along back, anterior end of which looks arrowheaded and framed by inverted ‘V’ marking on head. Melanic ‘Black Adders’ also occur; commonest in N. Juvenile is similar but slender and usually reddish brown. Widespread but local, found on heaths, moors, open woodlands, rough grassland and coastal dunes. Easiest to see in early spring when basking.
    144176.jpg
  • Red Admiral Vanessa atalanta Wingspan 60mm. An active, fast-flying butterfly that is also fond of basking in the sun. Adult has marbled dark-grey underwings and black upperwings with red bands and white spots. Commonest in July–August, but also seen in many other months. Larva is spiny and brown with yellow markings; feeds on Common Nettle, hidden inside ‘tent’ of woven-together leaves. Mainly a summer migrant from southern Europe, but adults hibernate in small numbers and emerge on sunny days in early spring.
    140894.jpg
  • Brown Hawker Dragonfly - Aeshna grandis. Freshly emerged.
    154272.jpg
  • Club-tailed Dragonfly - Gomphus vulgatissimus - adult emerging from larval skin
    145085.jpg
  • Common Gull - Larus canus - feeding on emerging midges, Arctic Norway
    161180.jpg
  • Pleasure cruiser emerging from Hambleden Lock near Henley, River Thames, Oxfordshire, Uk
    156246.jpg
  • Bee Wolf Wasp - Philanthus triangulum emerging from its burrow.
    145195.jpg
  • Hungarian Oak Quercus frainetto (Fagaceae) HEIGHT to 30m<br />
Deciduous, rapid-growing oak that forms a fine, broadly domed tree. BARK Pale grey and finely fissured, breaking into fine ridges. BRANCHES Largest are long and straight, emerging from a sturdy bole; terminate in finely downy greyish-green or<br />
brownish twigs. LEAVES Large, deeply lobed, to 25cm long and 14cm wide. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Pendulous yellow catkins appear in May and early June; acorns are borne in cups about 1.2cm deep covered in downy, blunt, overlapping scales. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native to Balkans, central Europe and S Italy. Planted here for its splendid appearance when mature.
    135233.jpg
  • Hungarian Oak Quercus frainetto (Fagaceae) HEIGHT to 30m<br />
Deciduous, rapid-growing oak that forms a fine, broadly domed tree. BARK Pale grey and finely fissured, breaking into fine ridges. BRANCHES Largest are long and straight, emerging from a sturdy bole; terminate in finely downy greyish-green or<br />
brownish twigs. LEAVES Large, deeply lobed, to 25cm long and 14cm wide. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Pendulous yellow catkins appear in May and early June; acorns are borne in cups about 1.2cm deep covered in downy, blunt, overlapping scales. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native to Balkans, central Europe and S Italy. Planted here for its splendid appearance when mature.
    135226.jpg
  • Hungarian Oak Quercus frainetto (Fagaceae) HEIGHT to 30m<br />
Deciduous, rapid-growing oak that forms a fine, broadly domed tree. BARK Pale grey and finely fissured, breaking into fine ridges. BRANCHES Largest are long and straight, emerging from a sturdy bole; terminate in finely downy greyish-green or<br />
brownish twigs. LEAVES Large, deeply lobed, to 25cm long and 14cm wide. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Pendulous yellow catkins appear in May and early June; acorns are borne in cups about 1.2cm deep covered in downy, blunt, overlapping scales. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native to Balkans, central Europe and S Italy. Planted here for its splendid appearance when mature.
    132545.jpg
  • Hungarian Oak Quercus frainetto (Fagaceae) HEIGHT to 30m<br />
Deciduous, rapid-growing oak that forms a fine, broadly domed tree. BARK Pale grey and finely fissured, breaking into fine ridges. BRANCHES Largest are long and straight, emerging from a sturdy bole; terminate in finely downy greyish-green or<br />
brownish twigs. LEAVES Large, deeply lobed, to 25cm long and 14cm wide. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Pendulous yellow catkins appear in May and early June; acorns are borne in cups about 1.2cm deep covered in downy, blunt, overlapping scales. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native to Balkans, central Europe and S Italy. Planted here for its splendid appearance when mature.
    132407.jpg
  • Hungarian Oak Quercus frainetto (Fagaceae) HEIGHT to 30m. Deciduous, rapid-growing oak that forms a fine, broadly domed tree. BARK Pale grey and finely fissured, breaking into fine ridges. BRANCHES Largest are long and straight, emerging from a sturdy bole; terminate in finely downy greyish-green or<br />
brownish twigs. LEAVES Large, deeply lobed, to 25cm long and 14cm wide. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Pendulous yellow catkins appear in May and early June; acorns are borne in cups about 1.2cm deep covered in downy, blunt, overlapping scales. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native to Balkans, central Europe and S Italy. Planted here for its splendid appearance when mature.
    101854.jpg
  • HARE’S-TAIL COTTONGRASS Eriophorum vaginatum (Cyperaceae) Height to 50cm. Tussock-forming perennial of moors and heaths on acid, peaty soil. FLOWERS comprise a terminal spikelet emerging from an inflated sheath (Apr-May). FRUITS are yellowish brown with cottony hairs. LEAVES are very narrow. STATUS-Widespread and locally common in N and W Britain, and Ireland.
    130614.jpg
  • Hungarian Oak Quercus frainetto (Fagaceae) HEIGHT to 30m<br />
Deciduous, rapid-growing oak that forms a fine, broadly domed tree. BARK Pale grey and finely fissured, breaking into fine ridges. BRANCHES Largest are long and straight, emerging from a sturdy bole; terminate in finely downy greyish-green or<br />
brownish twigs. LEAVES Large, deeply lobed, to 25cm long and 14cm wide. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Pendulous yellow catkins appear in May and early June; acorns are borne in cups about 1.2cm deep covered in downy, blunt, overlapping scales. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native to Balkans, central Europe and S Italy. Planted here for its splendid appearance when mature.
    134954.jpg
  • HARE’S-TAIL COTTONGRASS Eriophorum vaginatum (Cyperaceae) Height to 50cm. Tussock-forming perennial of moors and heaths on acid, peaty soil. FLOWERS comprise a terminal spikelet emerging from an inflated sheath (Apr-May). FRUITS are yellowish brown with cottony hairs. LEAVES are very narrow. STATUS-Widespread and locally common in N and W Britain, and Ireland.
    144503.jpg
  • Emperor Dragonfly - Anax imperator -  Emergence of adult from nymph
    119126.jpg
  • Brimstone - Gonepteryx rhamni. Male (top) - female (bottom). Wingspan 60mm. A colourful butterfly and a harbinger of spring. Adult has distinctive wings: rounded overall with pointed tips; those on the forewings are hooked. Male is brimstone-yellow; female is much paler and could be mistaken for a Large White in flight. Single-brooded: adults hatch in August, then hibernate and emerge on sunny spring days. Larva is green with pale lateral line; feeds on Buckthorn and Alder Buckthorn. Locally common in England and Wales.
    156705.jpg
  • Red Admiral Vanessa atalanta Wingspan 60mm. An active, fast-flying butterfly that is also fond of basking in the sun. Adult has marbled dark-grey underwings and black upperwings with red bands and white spots. Commonest in July–August, but also seen in many other months. Larva is spiny and brown with yellow markings; feeds on Common Nettle, hidden inside ‘tent’ of woven-together leaves. Mainly a summer migrant from southern Europe, but adults hibernate in small numbers and emerge on sunny days in early spring.
    140940.jpg
  • Green Carpet Colostygia pectinataria Wingspan 22-25mm. A colourful moth whose broadly rounded wings are held flat at rest. Adult has forewings that are bright lime-green when newly emerged with a broad, darker central band, outlined in white; the colours fade with time. Flies May-July. Larva feeds on bedstraws. Widespread and common throughout much of lowland Britain.
    139939.jpg
  • Red Admiral Vanessa atalanta Wingspan 60mm. An active, fast-flying butterfly that is also fond of basking in the sun. Adult has marbled dark-grey underwings and black upperwings with red bands and white spots. Commonest in July–August, but also seen in many other months. Larva is spiny and brown with yellow markings; feeds on Common Nettle, hidden inside ‘tent’ of woven-together leaves. Mainly a summer migrant from southern Europe, but adults hibernate in small numbers and emerge on sunny days in early spring. Comma Polygonia c-album Wingspan 45mm. Unmistakable butterfly with ragged-edged wing margins. Adult has orange-brown upperwings marked with dark spots; grey-brown underwings show a white ‘comma’ mark. Double-brooded and hibernates: seen on the wing March–April, and again August-October. Larva has tufts of spiny hairs and is orange-brown with a white dorsal band; feeds on Common Nettle, elms and Hop. Locally fairly common in England and Wales.
    137043.jpg
  • Big Belly Oak in Savernake Forest, Marlborough, Wiltshire one of our more noteable ancient trees believed to be over 1,000 years old. Pedunculate or English Oak Quercus robur Fagaceae Height to 36m. Spreading, deciduous tree with dense crown. Bark Grey, thick and fissured with age. Branches Dead branches emerge from canopy of ancient trees. Buds hairless. Leaves Deeply lobed with 2 auricles at base; on very short stalks (5mm or less). Reproductive parts Flowers are catkins. Acorns, in groups of 1–3, with long stalks and scaly cups. Status Widespread; prefers heavier clay soils to Sessile Oak.
    144724.jpg
  • Big Belly Oak in Savernake Forest, Marlborough, Wiltshire one of our more noteable ancient trees believed to be over 1,000 years old. Pedunculate or English Oak Quercus robur Fagaceae Height to 36m. Spreading, deciduous tree with dense crown. Bark Grey, thick and fissured with age. Branches Dead branches emerge from canopy of ancient trees. Buds hairless. Leaves Deeply lobed with 2 auricles at base; on very short stalks (5mm or less). Reproductive parts Flowers are catkins. Acorns, in groups of 1–3, with long stalks and scaly cups. Status Widespread; prefers heavier clay soils to Sessile Oak.
    144722.jpg
  • Pedunculate or English Oak Quercus robur Fagaceae Height to 36m. Spreading, deciduous tree with dense crown. Bark Grey, thick and fissured with age. Branches Dead branches emerge from canopy of ancient trees. Buds hairless. Leaves Deeply lobed with 2 auricles at base; on very short stalks (5mm or less). Reproductive parts Flowers are catkins. Acorns, in groups of 1–3, with long stalks and scaly cups. Status Widespread; prefers heavier clay soils to Sessile Oak.
    144534.jpg
  • Swamp Cypress Taxodium distichum (Taxodiaceae) HEIGHT to 35m. Deciduous conifer, conical at first, becoming broader and domed with maturity. When growing in or near water, fluted trunk is surrounded by emergent ‘breathing roots’ (likened by some to knobbly knees) characteristic of this species. BARK Pale reddish-brown, peeling in thin fibrous strips. BRANCHES Upright or spreading in older trees, carrying 2 types of shoots: long shoots bear spirally arranged leaves, and alternate side-shoots bear flattened leaves set in 2 ranks. LEAVES Alternate, up to 2cm long, and pale green; a greyish band on the underside has a fine midrib. A mature tree colours well in autumn before shedding its needles. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Male cones produced in slender, branching clusters up to 15cm long at end of 1-year-old shoots. Female cones are globose and woody, on short stalks, ripening purplish-brown in first year. Each scale has a small curved spine in the centre. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native of S and SE USA, planted here for ornament.
    135032.jpg
  • Noble Fir Abies procera (Pinaceae) HEIGHT to 50m. Extremely large, narrowly conical conifer when mature BARK Silver-grey or purplish; develops shallow fissures with age. BRANCHES Youngest twigs are reddish-brown and hairy, with resinous buds at tip. LEAVES Bluntly pointed needles, 2-3cm long, grooved on upper surface; blue-grey colour is marked by paler bands on both surfaces. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Male flowers are reddish and supported below shoot. Cylindrical female flowers, resembling small cones, are red or green and grow on upper side of shoot; green spine emerges beneath each scale. Cones, up to 25cm long, held erect on upper side of the branches. Disintegrate in winter, but may be so abundant that branches are damaged by their weight. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native to Pacific NW USA. Planted in our region since 1850, reaching greatest size in Scotland.
    134722.jpg
  • Noble Fir Abies procera (Pinaceae) HEIGHT to 50m. Extremely large, narrowly conical conifer when mature BARK Silver-grey or purplish; develops shallow fissures with age. BRANCHES Youngest twigs are reddish-brown and hairy, with resinous buds at tip. LEAVES Bluntly pointed needles, 2-3cm long, grooved on upper surface; blue-grey colour is marked by paler bands on both surfaces. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Male flowers are reddish and supported below shoot. Cylindrical female flowers, resembling small cones, are red or green and grow on upper side of shoot; green spine emerges beneath each scale. Cones, up to 25cm long, held erect on upper side of the branches. Disintegrate in winter, but may be so abundant that branches are damaged by their weight. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native to Pacific NW USA. Planted in our region since 1850, reaching greatest size in Scotland.
    134703.jpg
  • Noble Fir Abies procera (Pinaceae) HEIGHT to 50m. Extremely large, narrowly conical conifer when mature BARK Silver-grey or purplish; develops shallow fissures with age. BRANCHES Youngest twigs are reddish-brown and hairy, with resinous buds at tip. LEAVES Bluntly pointed needles, 2-3cm long, grooved on upper surface; blue-grey colour is marked by paler bands on both surfaces. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Male flowers are reddish and supported below shoot. Cylindrical female flowers, resembling small cones, are red or green and grow on upper side of shoot; green spine emerges beneath each scale. Cones, up to 25cm long, held erect on upper side of the branches. Disintegrate in winter, but may be so abundant that branches are damaged by their weight. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native to Pacific NW USA. Planted in our region since 1850, reaching greatest size in Scotland.
    132803.jpg
  • Dawn Redwood Metasequoia glyptostroboides (Taxodiaceae) HEIGHT to 35m. Conical deciduous conifer with shoots and leaves in opposite pairs. Trunk tapers and is buttressed at base, becoming ridged in older trees. BARK Rich reddish-brown, peeling in vertical strips. LEAVES 2.5cm long, flat and needle-like, pale green at first, becoming darker green later; on short, lateral shoots that are shed in autumn. Leaves emerge early in spring, and turn yellow, pink or red before falling. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Male and female flowers are produced on young shoots in separate clusters on same tree in spring. Males are yellow; females greenish, producing rounded green, then brown cones about 2.5cm across. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native of SW China, unknown as a living tree (known only from fossil records) until 1941. Now a popular garden tree.
    132647.jpg
  • Pedunculate or English Oak Quercus robur Fagaceae Height to 36m. Spreading, deciduous tree with dense crown. Bark Grey, thick and fissured with age. Branches Dead branches emerge from canopy of ancient trees. Buds hairless. Leaves Deeply lobed with 2 auricles at base; on very short stalks (5mm or less). Reproductive parts Flowers are catkins. Acorns, in groups of 1–3, with long stalks and scaly cups. Status Widespread; prefers heavier clay soils to Sessile Oak.
    130189.jpg
  • Pedunculate or English Oak Quercus robur Fagaceae Height to 36m. Spreading, deciduous tree with dense crown. Bark Grey, thick and fissured with age. Branches Dead branches emerge from canopy of ancient trees. Buds hairless. Leaves Deeply lobed with 2 auricles at base; on very short stalks (5mm or less). Reproductive parts Flowers are catkins. Acorns, in groups of 1–3, with long stalks and scaly cups. Status Widespread; prefers heavier clay soils to Sessile Oak.
    130139.jpg
  • Pedunculate or English Oak Quercus robur Fagaceae Height to 36m. Spreading, deciduous tree with dense crown. Bark Grey, thick and fissured with age. Branches Dead branches emerge from canopy of ancient trees. Buds hairless. Leaves Deeply lobed with 2 auricles at base; on very short stalks (5mm or less). Reproductive parts Flowers are catkins. Acorns, in groups of 1–3, with long stalks and scaly cups. Status Widespread; prefers heavier clay soils to Sessile Oak.
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  • Pedunculate or English Oak Quercus robur Fagaceae Height to 36m. Spreading, deciduous tree with dense crown. Bark Grey, thick and fissured with age. Branches Dead branches emerge from canopy of ancient trees. Buds hairless. Leaves Deeply lobed with 2 auricles at base; on very short stalks (5mm or less). Reproductive parts Flowers are catkins. Acorns, in groups of 1–3, with long stalks and scaly cups. Status Widespread; prefers heavier clay soils to Sessile Oak.
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  • Pedunculate or English Oak Quercus robur Fagaceae Height to 36m. Spreading, deciduous tree with dense crown. Bark Grey, thick and fissured with age. Branches Dead branches emerge from canopy of ancient trees. Buds hairless. Leaves Deeply lobed with 2 auricles at base; on very short stalks (5mm or less). Reproductive parts Flowers are catkins. Acorns, in groups of 1–3, with long stalks and scaly cups. Status Widespread; prefers heavier clay soils to Sessile Oak.
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  • Noble Fir Abies procera (Pinaceae) HEIGHT to 50m. Extremely large, narrowly conical conifer when mature BARK Silver-grey or purplish; develops shallow fissures with age. BRANCHES Youngest twigs are reddish-brown and hairy, with resinous buds at tip. LEAVES Bluntly pointed needles, 2-3cm long, grooved on upper surface; blue-grey colour is marked by paler bands on both surfaces. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Male flowers are reddish and supported below shoot. Cylindrical female flowers, resembling small cones, are red or green and grow on upper side of shoot; green spine emerges beneath each scale. Cones, up to 25cm long, held erect on upper side of the branches. Disintegrate in winter, but may be so abundant that branches are damaged by their weight. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native to Pacific NW USA. Planted in our region since 1850, reaching greatest size in Scotland.
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  • Pedunculate or English Oak Quercus robur Fagaceae Height to 36m. Spreading, deciduous tree with dense crown. Bark Grey, thick and fissured with age. Branches Dead branches emerge from canopy of ancient trees. Buds hairless. Leaves Deeply lobed with 2 auricles at base; on very short stalks (5mm or less). Reproductive parts Flowers are catkins. Acorns, in groups of 1–3, with long stalks and scaly cups. Status Widespread; prefers heavier clay soils to Sessile Oak.
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  • GREATER BLADDERWORT Utricularia vulgaris (Lentibulariaceae) Aquatic. Freshwater plant of still, mainly calcareous waters. Small bladders, found along the submerged stems, trap tiny invertebrates. FLOWERS are 12-18mm long and deep yellow; in clusters of 4-10 on emergent stems (Jun-Jul). FRUITS are capsules. LEAVES are finely divided with bristled teeth. STATUS-Locally common only in E England and N Ireland.
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  • PIPEWORT Eriocaulon aquaticum (Eriocaulaceae). Aquatic. The narrow leaves are submerged but domed flower heads are borne on emergent stems, up to 60cm tall (July-Sep). It grows in peaty pools and lakes in the west, and also, very locally, in NW Scotland, but it's main global range is North America.
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  • BOGBEAN Menyanthes trifoliata (Menyanthaceae) Height to 15cm. Distinctive, creeping aquatic perennial that is found in shallow water as well as damp peaty soil in marshes, fens and bogs. FLOWERS are 15mm across, star-shaped, pinkish white with 5, fringed petal lobes; borne in spikes up to 25cm long (Mar-Jun). FRUITS are capsules. LEAVES are trifoliate; emergent ones have the texture and appearance of Broad Bean leaves. STATUS-Widespread and locally common throughout.
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  • BOGBEAN Menyanthes trifoliata (Menyanthaceae) Height to 15cm. Distinctive, creeping aquatic perennial that is found in shallow water as well as damp peaty soil in marshes, fens and bogs. FLOWERS are 15mm across, star-shaped, pinkish white with 5, fringed petal lobes; borne in spikes up to 25cm long (Mar-Jun). FRUITS are capsules. LEAVES are trifoliate; emergent ones have the texture and appearance of Broad Bean leaves. STATUS-Widespread and locally common throughout.
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  • Brown Long-eared Bat Plecotus auritus Wingspan 24-28cm Distinctive bat. Flight is slow with fluttering wingbeats. Adult has fluffy, long fur, buffish brown above and buffish white below. Ears are very long, pinkish brown with numerous transverse folds. Face is pinkish brown and wings are brown. Squeaks when alarmed. Echolocates in 30-40khz range. Widespread. Favours wooded habitats, including mature gardens and hedgerows as well as deciduous and mixed woodland. Emerges from roost after dark. Roosts in tree holes and bat boxes in summer, hibernates in roofs, cellars and caves.
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  • Daubenton’s Bat Myotis daubentonii Wingspan 24-27cm Medium-sized bat with rather small head but large feet. Ears are relatively small with short tragus (projection). Adult has silky fur; yellow-brown upperparts show distinct separation from greyish white underparts. Echolocation start in 60-85kHz range and ends in 35 kHz range. Widespread. Favours wooded ponds, canals and slow-flowing rivers. Emerges from roost 30-60 minutes after sunset; feeds throughout night. Wingbeats are relatively slow. Sometimes grabs insects from water surface. Roosts under bridges and in tree holes in summer, hibernates in caves and tunnels.
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  • Daubenton’s Bat Myotis daubentonii Wingspan 24-27cm Medium-sized bat with rather small head but large feet. Ears are relatively small with short tragus (projection). Adult has silky fur; yellow-brown upperparts show distinct separation from greyish white underparts. Echolocation start in 60-85kHz range and ends in 35 kHz range. Widespread. Favours wooded ponds, canals and slow-flowing rivers. Emerges from roost 30-60 minutes after sunset; feeds throughout night. Wingbeats are relatively slow. Sometimes grabs insects from water surface. Roosts under bridges and in tree holes in summer, hibernates in caves and tunnels.
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  • Lesser Horseshoe Bat Rhinolophus hipposideros Wingspan 19.5-25cm Smaller than Greater Horseshoe Bat but with similar facial appearance. Adult has fluffy fur, greyish brown above and paler below. Nostrils are surrounded by afleshy, horseshoe-shaped structure. Ears and wings are greyish brown. Audible squeaks heard at nursery colonies. Echolocates in 105-115kHz range. Favours open woodland, but also feeds along hedgerows; insect caught in flight and gleaned from foliage. Roosts in roofs and cellars summer, hibernates in caves and mines. Rare, restricted to SW England and W Ireland. Emerges from roosts at dusk and feeds throughout night.
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  • Brown Long-eared Bat Plecotus auritus Wingspan 24-28cm Distinctive bat. Flight is slow with fluttering wingbeats. Adult has fluffy, long fur, buffish brown above and buffish white below. Ears are very long, pinkish brown with numerous transverse folds. Face is pinkish brown and wings are brown. Squeaks when alarmed. Echolocates in 30-40khz range. Widespread. Favours wooded habitats, including mature gardens and hedgerows as well as deciduous and mixed woodland. Emerges from roost after dark. Roosts in tree holes and bat boxes in summer, hibernates in roofs, cellars and caves.
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  • Lesser Horseshoe Bat Rhinolophus hipposideros Wingspan 19.5-25cm Smaller than Greater Horseshoe Bat but with similar facial appearance. Adult has fluffy fur, greyish brown above and paler below. Nostrils are surrounded by afleshy, horseshoe-shaped structure. Ears and wings are greyish brown. Audible squeaks heard at nursery colonies. Echolocates in 105-115kHz range. Favours open woodland, but also feeds along hedgerows; insect caught in flight and gleaned from foliage. Roosts in roofs and cellars summer, hibernates in caves and mines. Rare, restricted to SW England and W Ireland. Emerges from roosts at dusk and feeds throughout night.
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  • Daubenton’s Bat Myotis daubentonii Wingspan 24-27cm Medium-sized bat with rather small head but large feet. Ears are relatively small with short tragus (projection). Adult has silky fur; yellow-brown upperparts show distinct separation from greyish white underparts. Echolocation start in 60-85kHz range and ends in 35 kHz range. Widespread. Favours wooded ponds, canals and slow-flowing rivers. Emerges from roost 30-60 minutes after sunset; feeds throughout night. Wingbeats are relatively slow. Sometimes grabs insects from water surface. Roosts under bridges and in tree holes in summer, hibernates in caves and tunnels.
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  • Daubenton’s Bat Myotis daubentonii Wingspan 24-27cm Medium-sized bat with rather small head but large feet. Ears are relatively small with short tragus (projection). Adult has silky fur; yellow-brown upperparts show distinct separation from greyish white underparts. Echolocation start in 60-85kHz range and ends in 35 kHz range. Widespread. Favours wooded ponds, canals and slow-flowing rivers. Emerges from roost 30-60 minutes after sunset; feeds throughout night. Wingbeats are relatively slow. Sometimes grabs insects from water surface. Roosts under bridges and in tree holes in summer, hibernates in caves and tunnels.
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  • Natterer’s Bat Myotis nattereri Wingspan 25-30cm Medium-sized bat with rather large ears and long tragus. Adult has medium-length fluffy fur, yellowish brown above and greyish white below. Face is reddish, almost bald and rather dog-like. Wings are broad. Echolocates in 35-80 kHz range. Widespread. Favours woodland margins, hedgerows and parkland with mature trees. Emerges from roost an hour after sunset and feeds throughout night. Wingbeats are rather slow; hovers occasionally. Roosts in tree holes, buildings and under bridges in summer, hibernates in canal tunnels and mines.
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  • Window-winged Sedge - Hagenella clathrata<br />
egg mass with  newly emerged larvae
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  • Pedunculate or English Oak Quercus robur Fagaceae Height to 36m. Spreading, deciduous tree with dense crown. Bark Grey, thick and fissured with age. Branches Dead branches emerge from canopy of ancient trees. Buds hairless. Leaves Deeply lobed with 2 auricles at base; on very short stalks (5mm or less). Reproductive parts Flowers are catkins. Acorns, in groups of 1–3, with long stalks and scaly cups. Status Widespread; prefers heavier clay soils to Sessile Oak.
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  • Lesser Horseshoe Bat Rhinolophus hipposideros Wingspan 19.5-25cm Smaller than Greater Horseshoe Bat but with similar facial appearance. Adult has fluffy fur, greyish brown above and paler below. Nostrils are surrounded by afleshy, horseshoe-shaped structure. Ears and wings are greyish brown. Audible squeaks heard at nursery colonies. Echolocates in 105-115kHz range. Favours open woodland, but also feeds along hedgerows; insect caught in flight and gleaned from foliage. Roosts in roofs and cellars summer, hibernates in caves and mines. Rare, restricted to SW England and W Ireland. Emerges from roosts at dusk and feeds throughout night.
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  • Lesser Horseshoe Bat Rhinolophus hipposideros Wingspan 19.5-25cm Smaller than Greater Horseshoe Bat but with similar facial appearance. Adult has fluffy fur, greyish brown above and paler below. Nostrils are surrounded by afleshy, horseshoe-shaped structure. Ears and wings are greyish brown. Audible squeaks heard at nursery colonies. Echolocates in 105-115kHz range. Favours open woodland, but also feeds along hedgerows; insect caught in flight and gleaned from foliage. Roosts in roofs and cellars summer, hibernates in caves and mines. Rare, restricted to SW England and W Ireland. Emerges from roosts at dusk and feeds throughout night.
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  • Lesser Horseshoe Bat Rhinolophus hipposideros Wingspan 19.5-25cm Smaller than Greater Horseshoe Bat but with similar facial appearance. Adult has fluffy fur, greyish brown above and paler below. Nostrils are surrounded by afleshy, horseshoe-shaped structure. Ears and wings are greyish brown. Audible squeaks heard at nursery colonies. Echolocates in 105-115kHz range. Favours open woodland, but also feeds along hedgerows; insect caught in flight and gleaned from foliage. Roosts in roofs and cellars summer, hibernates in caves and mines. Rare, restricted to SW England and W Ireland. Emerges from roosts at dusk and feeds throughout night.
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  • Brandt’s Bat Myotis brandtii Wingspan 21-25cm Small, poorly studied bat. Similar to Whiskered Bat. Adult has long, fluffy fur, yellowish brown above and greyish below. Ears are dark brown, shorter than those of Whiskered. Wings are dark brown and rather narrow. Utters twittering squeaks when alarmed. Echolocates in 40-80khz range. Favours open woodland. Full range is poorly known but widespread in Wales and W and N England. Sometimes emerges from roost in late afternoon. Flight is rapid with short glides. Roosts in buildings, roofs and bat boxes in summer, hibernates in tunnels, tree holes and cellars.
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  • Red Admiral - Vanessa atalanta - larva. Wingspan 60mm. An active, fast-flying butterfly that is also fond of basking in the sun. Adult has marbled dark-grey underwings and black upperwings with red bands and white spots. Commonest in July–August, but also seen in many other months. Larva is spiny and brown with yellow markings; feeds on Common Nettle, hidden inside ‘tent’ of woven-together leaves. Mainly a summer migrant from southern Europe, but adults hibernate in small numbers and emerge on sunny days in early spring.
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  • Red Admiral - Vanessa atalanta. Upperwing - top, underwing - bottom. Wingspan 60mm. An active, fast-flying butterfly that is also fond of basking in the sun. Adult has marbled dark-grey underwings and black upperwings with red bands and white spots. Commonest in July–August, but also seen in many other months. Larva is spiny and brown with yellow markings; feeds on Common Nettle, hidden inside ‘tent’ of woven-together leaves. Mainly a summer migrant from southern Europe, but adults hibernate in small numbers and emerge on sunny days in early spring.
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  • Brimstone - Gonepteryx rhamni - female. Wingspan 60mm. A colourful butterfly and a harbinger of spring. Adult has distinctive wings: rounded overall with pointed tips; those on the forewings are hooked. Male is brimstone-yellow; female is much paler and could be mistaken for a Large White in flight. Single-brooded: adults hatch in August, then hibernate and emerge on sunny spring days. Larva is green with pale lateral line; feeds on Buckthorn and Alder Buckthorn. Locally common in England and Wales.
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  • Brimstone - Gonepteryx rhamni - female. Wingspan 60mm. A colourful butterfly and a harbinger of spring. Adult has distinctive wings: rounded overall with pointed tips; those on the forewings are hooked. Male is brimstone-yellow; female is much paler and could be mistaken for a Large White in flight. Single-brooded: adults hatch in August, then hibernate and emerge on sunny spring days. Larva is green with pale lateral line; feeds on Buckthorn and Alder Buckthorn. Locally common in England and Wales.
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  • Pedunculate or English Oak Quercus robur Fagaceae - seedling. Height to 36m. Spreading, deciduous tree with dense crown. Bark Grey, thick and fissured with age. Branches Dead branches emerge from canopy of ancient trees. Buds hairless. Leaves Deeply lobed with 2 auricles at base; on very short stalks (5mm or less). Reproductive parts Flowers are catkins. Acorns, in groups of 1–3, with long stalks and scaly cups. Status Widespread; prefers heavier clay soils to Sessile Oak.
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  • Brandt’s Bat Myotis brandtii Wingspan 21-25cm Small, poorly studied bat. Similar to Whiskered Bat. Adult has long, fluffy fur, yellowish brown above and greyish below. Ears are dark brown, shorter than those of Whiskered. Wings are dark brown and rather narrow. Utters twittering squeaks when alarmed. Echolocates in 40-80khz range. Favours open woodland. Full range is poorly known but widespread in Wales and W and N England. Sometimes emerges from roost in late afternoon. Flight is rapid with short glides. Roosts in buildings, roofs and bat boxes in summer, hibernates in tunnels, tree holes and cellars.
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  • Brown Long-eared Bat Plecotus auritus Wingspan 24-28cm Distinctive bat. Flight is slow with fluttering wingbeats. Adult has fluffy, long fur, buffish brown above and buffish white below. Ears are very long, pinkish brown with numerous transverse folds. Face is pinkish brown and wings are brown. Squeaks when alarmed. Echolocates in 30-40khz range. Widespread. Favours wooded habitats, including mature gardens and hedgerows as well as deciduous and mixed woodland. Emerges from roost after dark. Roosts in tree holes and bat boxes in summer, hibernates in roofs, cellars and caves.
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  • Barbastelle Bat - Barbastella barbastellus Wingspan 25-29cm Medium-sized, dark-looking bat. Adult has long, glossy dark brown fur, darkest on back and palest on the belly. Face is blackish and pug-like. Blackish ears meet in middle of forehead; tragus is triangular. Wings are broad and pointed. Silent within range of human hearing. Very rare, mainly S England and S Wales. Favours undisturbed woodland. Emerges from roosts half an hour or so before sunset. Roosts in tree holes, caves and old buildings in summer, hibernates in trees and caves are also favoured for winter hibernation.
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  • Brimstone Gonepteryx rhamni Wingspan 60mm. A colourful butterfly and a harbinger of spring. Adult has distinctive wings: rounded overall with pointed tips; those on the forewings are hooked. Male is brimstone-yellow; female is much paler and could be mistaken for a Large White in flight. Single-brooded: adults hatch in August, then hibernate and emerge on sunny spring days. Larva is green with pale lateral line; feeds on Buckthorn and Alder Buckthorn. Locally common in England and Wales.
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  • Red Admiral Vanessa atalanta Wingspan 60mm. An active, fast-flying butterfly that is also fond of basking in the sun. Adult has marbled dark-grey underwings and black upperwings with red bands and white spots. Commonest in July–August, but also seen in many other months. Larva is spiny and brown with yellow markings; feeds on Common Nettle, hidden inside ‘tent’ of woven-together leaves. Mainly a summer migrant from southern Europe, but adults hibernate in small numbers and emerge on sunny days in early spring.
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