Whilst working on Skipwith Common NNR we were
treated to views of a number of our Shield Bug species – Green, Gorse, Birch
and Bronze (all in nymph form). The Green nymphs were out in abundance and
recorded in double figures, with just single individuals of the other species. When
hatched Shield Bugs pass through several moults (five in total), changing colour
and shape, resembling more like the adults at each stage until they reach
the final breeding stage. When they are in the early stages, known as ‘instars’
identifying them can test even the most knowledgeable observer! Pictured in the
photographs below are Green, Bronze and Gorse.
Recently we also had the pleasure of watching a male Brimstone feeding on lavender in the NNR
base garden, shown in the series of photographs below. Brimstones are thought to give rise to the word
'butterfly', originating from the yellow ‘butter’ colour of the males. In
comparison, the wings of the female are pale green, and can sometimes almost
appear white, meaning that they can occasionally be overlooked amongst the
larger ‘whites’. Brimstones are one of the earliest species seen on the wing,
often coming out during warm sunny days from early March, especially in sites
such as Skipwith Common, where the caterpillar’s food plant (the leaves of
Buckthorn and Alder Buckthorn can be found). The individual photographed at the
base has been ‘nectaring’ on the Lavender, and roosting amongst the foliage of our
Plum and Apple tree - the angular shape and the strong veining of their wings
closely resembling leaves and giving them great camouflage.
As well as the Brimstone, we’ve been enjoying the appearance of some new
visitors at the NNR base, and are pleased to report that our wildlife garden
appears to have attracted a little colony of Brown Argus butterflies. This
small butterfly is characteristic and more typical of southern areas, and chalk
and limestone grassland. However, it is also found in a variety of other open
habitats and is at the northern edge of its range in Yorkshire. For a long time,
it was thought to be dependent on just one plant species – Rockrose (especially
in calcareous areas), but it is now also known to use a variety of cranes-bill
and stork-bill. Over the last two decades Brown Argus have expanded their range
by over 40 miles, moving north more quickly than other species in a possible response
to climate change. It’s also been present on Skipwith Common NNR again
this year, and we’ve heard of a record from Thorganby as well, so a fantastic
year in the valley for this species.
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