2020 July 16 morning

 

   Richard Rycraft sends a photograph of a Sheep Moth caterpillar from Uplands Park yesterday, where he also saw an Essex Skipper and two Lorquin’s Admirals.

 

Sheep Moth Hemileuca eglanterina (Lep.: Saturniidae)  Richard Rycraft

   Rosemary Jorna writes from Kemp Lake:  There has been a scarcity of Lorquin’s Admirals around this year. I had only seen the one I reported but did not photograph in early June. Usually I have seen them in number of locations.  On the other hand there are always 2 or 3 Cabbage Whites scouting out our Garden. Today I saw the first Lorquin’s Admiral in our yard challenging the Cabbage White.

 

Jeremy Tatum responds:  Yes, with the possible exception of the Essex Skipper, butterflies are worryingly scarce this year.  Observers are reporting whenever they see a single Lorquin’s Admiral or Western Tiger Swallowtail.  Even Cabbage Whites are not as abundant as usual.

 

Cabbage White Pieris rapae (Lep.: Pieridae)  Rosemary Jorna

Lorquin’s Admiral Limenitis lorquini (Lep.: Nymphalidae)  Rosemary Jorna

Cardinal Meadowhawk Sympetrum illotum (Odo.: Libellulidae)  Rosemary Jorna

(Identity confirmed by Dr Rob Cannings)

   Annie Pang sends photographs of a jumping spider taken by her neighbour Belle Leon:

 

Phidippus johnsoni  (Ara.: Salticidae)  Belle Leon

Phidippus johnsoni  (Ara.: Salticidae)  Belle Leon

More this afternoon or evening…