Author Archives: jonathan

Many beetle and bug  species will be gathering in areas to hibernate the winter away.Ladybirds often cluster together and hide in thick gorse in sheltered areas. Some ladybirds overwinter on the outside of houses such as the recent invader, harlequin … Continue reading →

The very large variegated oak aphid (Lachnus roborus) is one of the largest of aphids and can be similar to the giant oak aphid, but smaller and darker. It lays eggs that overwinter. Here are some adults with many eggs. … Continue reading →

More and more often, Seasonal flowers appear at unusual times of year. Seasonal fungi appear at odd times, both plants and fungi often appear at the opposite times of year.I do not think that it has much to do with … Continue reading →

The smooth snake is rather odd in comparison to our other two native snakes. The smooth snake (coronella austriaca) gives live birth,. just like the common viper or adder (vipera berus), but does so very late in the year. It … Continue reading →

Most English oaks (Quercus robur) also known as the pedunculate oak, older than three hundred years old are very scarce indeed, but a few remain hidden within the heathland areas of Dorset at least. There are many within the conurbation … Continue reading →

The common earwig (Forficula auricularia) is actually still common, unlike many other invertebrates which were once common, hence their common names, but are now less so. There are several species of these insects in the UK and this is by … Continue reading →

Tachina grossa is one of Britains largest true flies and is the size of a large bumble bee.It is a parasite of noctuid moth larvae. It can be found around natural grasslands , meadows and sometimes heathland. There are a … Continue reading →

This time of year is best for searching the tidal zone in rock pool for various species. The fishes, crustaceans and other animals are very visible when the tide goes out. The common Blenny or Shanny( Blennis pholis) is particularly … Continue reading →

The strange unseasonal weather often fools birds into thinking that certain times are upon them.The Black tailed Godwit (Limosa limosa) is in its summer plumage but in its winter retreat of the Brownsea island lagoon in Poole harbour .There were … Continue reading →

The rain has been good for many things, including dragonflies and damselflies,molluscs and most plants.Because growth has been so good, it will have great effects on other wild life, if not this year then next.The heathlands are full of water … Continue reading →