A Cotswold Year - Charting the seasons in the South Cotswolds


Wednesday 29 July 2015

Cinnabar moth caterpillars

The black and red Cinnabar moth has an equally striking orange and black larva which feeds mainly on ragwort  as was this one on the canal bank in Stroud.



Monday 27 July 2015

Coltricia

Autumn seems to be on the way as more fungus appears in the woodlands.
We are not experts but think this is Coltricia growing on an old tree stump, and performing a useful function breaking down the stump and returning nutrients to the soil.

Sunday 26 July 2015

Swallows on wire


What do swallows do on a wet Sunday? Just sit on the wires and think of Africa!

Thursday 23 July 2015

Gatekeeper Butterfly

Gatekeepers emerge in July and early August.They like damp areas near woods so no surprise to see them in our garden,
The rather strange name is thought to be due to their habit of resting with wings open often on vegetation near gateways.

Thursday 16 July 2015

Large Emerald Moth

Large Emerald Moths mostly fly at night but can be found resting in the daytime as is this one on a door. The adults fly late June to August and larvae freed on Birch,  Hazel, Alder and Beech.

Thursday 2 July 2015

Marbled White Butterfly

Marbled White Butterflies are enjoying the sunshine on Coaley Peak's limestone grassland. There were many of them flitting quickly about recently and eventually we managed to photograph this one on a Knapweed flower head which seemed to be the favourite flower.