Hornet Mimic Hoverfly – Volucella zonaria

Hornet Mimic Hoverfly – (Volucella zonaria, family:Syrphidae). This very large hoverfly was largely absent from the UK until after 1940 but is now a relatively common sight. On initial sight you are thinking Hornet, but these have much bigger eyes and thankfully no sting. Very impressive at about an inch long with a wide body and impressive wingspan.

Good pollinators, this one was busy on the Buddleja as can be seen from all the pollen collected around the abdomen. It was resting on the Indian Bean Tree making for a good clear image.

Oregano – Origanum vulgare

Oregano – (Origanum vulgare, family: Lamiaceae). From the mint family and one of the most popular culinary herbs, especially in Southern Mediterranean, Greek and Turkish dishes. This can be cultivated but here seen growing wild adorning the summer meadow. A surprise that needs to be protected from the masses, as it could easily be trampled if care is not taken.

In colder climates it grows as an annual but in wormer areas it is a perennial. Given the warmer climate is moving further north these days the Oregano plant is comfortable in more northerly regions. That’s good news for pizza lovers across the north of Europe and beyond.
Jersey Tiger Moth – Euplagia quadripunctaria

Jersey Tiger Moth – (Euplagia quadripunctaria, family:Erebidae). Also known as Spanish flag, are a striking moth to see, given many moths are quite dull in colouration. They inhabit most of Eastern Europe from the Baltic’s down through the Caucuses to Iran and beyond. But the common name comes from its frequent visits to the Channel Islands of the UK.

This black and white moth has striking orange underwings that become apparent in flight making it a real sight to behold in the world of moths,
Speckled Wood Butterfly – Amazing Aerobatics

The speckled wood butterfly can be seen showing off its amazing aerobatic skills as they flit about the woodlands in such mesmerising displays. It’s hard to catch them in a moment of still to get a good image, especially once the day has warmed up and they are active.

They range between various shades of brown and orange with patches of yellow, orange and cream. They have some that look like targets with a bullseye. Given the fall in numbers of many species of butterflies, as reported in the Big Butterfly Count, it is good to see them in such numbers this year.
Hemp-agrimony – Holy Rope – Eupatorium cannabinum

Hemp-agrimony – (Eupatorium cannabinum, family: Asteraceae), also known as holy rope. This tall hemp-like flowering perennial plant certainly makes an attractive sight but is also a favourite with the butterflies. Native to most of Europe, NW Africa and Central Asia it is part of the large Asteraceae or daisy family.

Although called a ‘hemp’ and the Latin name suggests a link to the Cannabis plants they are not closely related and not used in the same way. They do have a history of medicinal use as anti-inflammatory and for healing wounds. Otherwise an attractive flowering plant.
Old World Swallowtail Butterfly

Old World Swallowtail Butterfly (Papilio machaon, family:Papilionidae). On a recent visit to the Medieval Gardens at the Rocca di Angera on the Eastern shore of Lake Maggiore, Italy, I came across a butterfly that normally I would not see. Of course you don’t get much more ‘old world’ than there, so a fitting sight in the old garden with all its old world plants that have been specifically planted to recreate the original medieval garden that would have great significance to the occupants back in the day.

The significance of the garden is that it was created to provide the medicinal and herbal remedies of the age as well as plants that had a spiritual significance to the people of the age. Some of these have proved to be useful to this day whilst others have not proved to be particularly helpful. The garden provides insight into the ideas and thinking of the time. It also proved very popular with the local insect life. Worth a visit.
Six-spot Burnet – Standout Moth

The six-spot burnet moth (Zygaena filipendulae) has been a welcome sight, as seen here on a Scabious in the grass meadow. This moth is common throughout Europe away from the extremes and is busy during the daytime feeding and mating. It plays a crucial role in the pollination of plants that has a wider impact on the production of food.

Its striking appearance of metallic green-blue wings, and six vivid red spot, serves as a warning to predators of its toxicity. It stores cyanogenic compounds as a defence, that it has taken from its host plants.

Their presence in numbers is a sign of a health ecosystem, as long as they are in balance and not overwhelming the system. A useful insect to study as they are easy to spot and active in the daytime. They also typify the lifecycle that highlights the basic biological concepts such as metamorphosis, plant-insect interactions, and chemical defense mechanisms

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