Butterflies!!!

Everywhere you look this month, butterflies are coming out and enjoying the spring air.
The most common species found in Newham are the Large White (Pieris brassica), the Speckled wood (Parage algaria) and the beautifully colourful Red Admiral (Vanessa atalanta).

Large White (Pieris brassica)

 

Most common around vegetable gardens and allotments and feeds on Brassica species (Cabbages, Brussel Sprouts etc). Caterpillars are a mottled grey-green with black spots and short hairs.

 

Speckled wood (Parage algaria)

Photography by Kathleen Maddams

 

Ususally found in woodlands and shady hedgerows, and likes damp places. They feed on aphid honeydew and lay their eggs on Cocksfoot and Couch grasses. The caterpillar is yellow-green with light and dark stripes.

 

 Red Admiral (Vanessa atalanta)

Photography by John Denton

 

Can be seen in gardens and other flowery places. It lays green eggs on nettle leaves. the caterpillar is dark, spiky and white speckled with yellow spots on its side.

 

 

Have you seen any other butterflies? Send in your pictures!

Species File: Coral Spot Fungus

Coral Spot Fungus
Nectria cinnabarina

This bright orange fungus can be seen all over Britain, and is found on branches, twigs, old logs, and even park benches.

Magnificent Manure!

Compost heaps are fantastic habitats for invertebrates and the animals that feed on them.  Worms, beetles, slugs and snails will all make their homes in the rotting waste attracting a variety of animals including hedgehogs, foxes and birds.


Ground Beetle larvae

In Beckton District Park, there is a fantastic spot that the Newham City Farm uses to compost manure. Blackbirds, Magpies and Wood Pigeons are often seen foraging for worms and last year a family of foxes even burrowed into the huge pile and made a cosy home for the winter.

This is also one of the best spots in the park to find mushrooms.

Blistered Cup

for more information on compost and its benefits check out this article from BBC Wildllife
http://www.discoverwildlife.com/wildlife-gardens/how-make-most-compost

Species File: Wasp Spider

Wasp Spider Agriope bruennichi

This striking species of spider is thought to have been introduced from continental Europe and was first recorded in Britain in 1922.

They were previously only found on the warmer south coast but are spreading north as the climate changes.

They can be found in long, unmanaged grass, and low vegetation and feed on flying insects, beetles and grasshoppers.

Females are 11-15mm with a silvery thorax and black yellow and white markings on the abdomen.
Males are much smaller (4-4.5mm) and are pale brown.