Common Fumitory

Not had this confirmed yet but looks a close match to Common Fumitory. I found it on the side of the road whilst broken down test riding a potential new motorcycle.

Common Fumitory

Coleophora peribenanderi

A new moth trapped in the garden on 6th July 2014 confirmed today as Coleophora peribenanderi. This moth is said to use Thistle (carduum or cirsium) as the host plant.

Coleophora peribenanderi

Coleophora peribenanderi male genitalia plate

Essex Skipper

Essex Skipper has appeared on my local patch for the second year running now with this male on the top of Sand Point near the trig point. The antennae show tips that look half dipped in black and the sex brand is shorter than Small Skippers and parallel to the edge of the wing.

Essex Skipper

Coleophora limosipennella

Whilst in the woods this morning I found this larval case on Elm which looks good for Coleophora limosipennella.

Coleophora limosipennella larval case on Elm

Green Tiger Beetle

I've seen Green Tiger Beetle on Brean Down a few years ago but never on Sand Point until today. I found this individual on the footpath near the point seemingly hunting for food. Their prey is said to be ants and spiders and other insects small enough to drag down into it's burrow. I watched it attack a woodlouse at one stage the rest of the time it lay in wait.

Green Tiger Beetle