Noticing Nature Blog

Common Broomrape This rather impressive Common Broomrape plant was growing from the base of field beans in the field opposite the entrance to Crixhall Court. Being parastic and relying on tapping into nutrients from host plants, this specimen has clearly hit the jackpot.

The hot, sunny weather has certainly brought out the butterflies. Lots about. Peacocks have had a good year but there are plenty of others to see. The selection below are all from the churchyard over the past couple of days. Clockwise from top left: Large Skipper, Gatekeeper, Marbled White and Small Skipper. Butterflies

A resident in School Lane sent me this picture of an Elephant Hawk Moth that they discovered in their kitchen yesterday morning. What a beautiful insect! Elephant Hawk Moth

There were a few of these insects around the tile flooring at the church entrance porch today. It appears that they are probably female Four-banded Weevil Wasps (Cerceris quadricincta). These are quite rare occuring at a few sites in east Kent only. They are quite small so probably easily overlooked. Many thanks to Michelle and John for help with the identification. A good record for the church site. Four-banded Weevil Wasp (female)

A fabulous Black-and-Yellow Longhorn Beetle (Rutpela maculata) on Hogweed, another great plant for attracting invertebrates. The beetle is feeding on nectar and pollen. Eggs are laid in rotting wood, which the larvae feed on for two or three years, before emerging as short-lived adults. Black-and-Yellow Longhorn Beetle

Loads of insects on the Ragwort today. This beautiful Tiger Hoverfly (Helophilus pendulus), sometimes known as the 'Footballer', caught my eye. Tiger Hoverfly