It was a beautiful day on Friday and it was great to see so many insects on the wing, perhaps catching some of the last rays of sunshine before autumn really sets in! Migrant hawker dragonflies, or Aeshna mixta to be scientific are a stunning species. They are one of the larger dragonflies at just over 60mm in length and are widespread and common in southern and central England and are increasing their range northwards. As their name suggests, the insects do migrate from the Continent into the UK in late summer.
Photo courtesy of Graham Gamage.
The common darter, or Sympetrum striolatum, is the other dragonfly species still on the wing at Langford. A much smaller species, with a length of around 40mm. They are very common and widespread throughout much of the UK and can often be found flying as late as the end of November.
Photo courtesy of Graham Gamage
Butterflies too are still flying on warm days - red admirals, peacocks, small tortoiseshells and speckled woods are all still around, with the former two species out on Phase 2 on Friday afternoon.
Also on Phase 2 were hundreds of pond skaters, or Gerris spp., water scorpion or Nepa cinerea and several large water beetles.
Check out Carl's excellent forum post too for some more autumn highlights from the weekend....