Odonata / Butterfly/ Moth Update - 19 July

Very few large dragonflies around in general except for a one or two Black-tailed Skimmers Orthetrum cancellatum, small numbers of Emperors Anax imperator and the first Southern Hawkers Aeshna cyanea.

Common Blue Damselflies Enallagma cyathigerum are evident around the ponds and Batters area, as well as lesser numbers of Small Red Damselflies Ceriagrion Tenellum

On the butterfly front, Small Skippers are still around the grassy areas of the head, together with some Large Skippers. Reasonable numbers of Gatekeepers and some Meadow Browns are also around.

Undoubtedly, unrecorded due to its preference for tops of oak trees, Purple Hairstreaks seem to be unusually evident over recent weeks, particularly outside the Nursery. There are also a few Red Admirals and Peacocks attempting to bask on paths!

Chris Chapleo