Tuesday September 21
Our moth traps are active places for insects other than moths, most of the time, especially at the moment. Craneflies, beetles, ladybirds,caddis lacewings, ants, wasps and hornets. Most of the wasps and hornets are dead. The mainly Sexton beetles and a host of black beetles, ranging in size from 4mm to the giant Silver Water Beetle, are very active, using the bottom of the round Robinson trap as a grand prix circuit. We had 30 of the larger variety one day at the weekend. I am the catcher and re-positioner, ( a toss onto the lawn). Big mistake last week, a red and black striped Sexton beetle crawled up my trouser leg. Horror. Fortunately, it wasn't carrying any mites. Or should it have been horror that it wasn't, because this is a rare occurrence, and they may have jumped ship. It shouldn't have found any carrion anyway.
Wasps, hornets and ants are responsible for the wings and heads found in the trap detritus, moth destroyers. I haven't actually seen this happen.
What I did see yesterday, was a curled up Hornet astride an upturned Sexton beetle, apparently feeding on its underside flesh, mites still present. Gruesome. Not the best of photos, but the best I managed before emptying the trap.
The various flies and midges are left unidentified, however much I'd like to name all of them.
I am hoping that we can fit in some birding this coming week - especially if the birding conditions improve.
No comments:
Post a Comment