December 2024

[David M]

A sunny day with temperatures around 10c would still tempt the odd Red Admiral out.

Will anybody be in the right place at the right time?......

[bugboy]

On a warm sunny day back at the end of October I was watching Red Admirals laying eggs along a hedge in the Amberley/Burpham Hills. Today I was back in the area so I thought I'd see if anything could be found. One 1st instar. (Given the number of eggs being laid there was likely more tucked away though).

[zigzag_wanderer]

No butterflies seen so far this month, but I did see a smart looking Feathered Thorn on Tuesday. Some moths really do have impressive large eyes - for seeing in the dark I guess.

Also the slowest hoverfly (melangyna species?) I've ever seen in flight (Wednesday). Extremely ponderous/considered, almost like watching ultra slo-mo. Lack of speed possibly related to the ambient temperature.

[David M]

Hope those delicate insects find a good, sheltered roost for the next 24 hours, ZZW.

[aeshna5]

I think your hoverfly is Meliscaeva auricollis.

[zigzag_wanderer]

Thanks as always, aeshna5.

Here's one I took in a fairly close location on 25th April this year. I was more confident in calling this earlier one a Meliscaeva auricollis.

But on close inspection the latest one is extremely similar, so I reckon you're correct with this latest one too. Cheers.

(And I appreciate I'm now risking you telling me this earlier one isn't what I thought it was !)

[aeshna5]

Agree with that Zigzag.

[essexbutterflyer]

Sunny morning today. Went to a local park i hadn't been to in months... was surprised when a dark butterfly flew above me, high in the tree tops. Judging by size, location and "vibe", i believe it was a Comma

Zayed

[David Lazarus]

There are still Red Admiral sightings in North-east Essex according to the branch website. One was spotted along the coast at Clacton-on-Sea on the 19th, and one further inland to the west of Colchester on the 16th. I don't know how as temperatures have not gone above 6 degrees here in mid-Essex for some time now.

[David M]

Was out yesterday in balmy 11c temperatures. A few bees (including 2 bumbles) and flies, but no Red Admirals, sadly.

I did see my first flowering daffodil though:

[Andy02]

My last two butterflies of the year in Malaga today. Fewer species and individuals this December due to, I suspect, the much needed rain in the final quarter of the year. Spanish Festoon Zerynthia rumina is usually the most common species here in Dec/Jan. Not this year though. Didn’t see any today. Let’s hope for a weather friendly 2025

[Andy02]

Forgot to name the above as Painted Lady Vanessa cardui and Langs Short Tailed Blue Leptotes pirithous. Both looking remarkably fresh. A Spanish Festoon caterpillar photobombed the blue

[David M]

...Let’s hope for a weather friendly 2025

Hear, hear, Andy.

All the best for 2025!