Herbivores

Sunshine, showers, cloud and wind were all recorded at Foxglove today.  Strong winds and cool temperatures kept the insect life very quiet, but as soon as the sun came out and the temperature rose, so too did the insects.

Bees are very busy amongst the late summer flowers.  This one was feeding from Devil's Bit Scabious.

Hardheads are another good source of food for bees.

Peacock Butterflies also enjoy feeding from these plants.

According to one source of information this Small Heath butterfly should no longer be on the wing.  Its flight season is from the third week in June to the end of the second week in August, although further south it can be seen into September.  Is this extension of its flight season due to climate change?  At this time of year all sightings of butterflies are dated and the information given to the recorder for VC65, at the end of the season.  It will be interesting to see if other sightings are reported.

Speckled Wood butterflies were only found in the south of the country but over a period of time have they have extended their range northwards.  They enjoy the sunshine and can be seen fluttering in any sunny spot.