Seeing the Changes 128

In Loughor, Japanese knotweed (Reynoutria japonica) was in flower and the Rowan or Mountain ash (Sorbus aucuparia) in berry. At the National Wetland Centre Wales (Penclacwydd), saw, in addition to the usual suspects, Red admiral (Vanessa atalanta), Comma (Polygonia c-album), Brimstone (Gonepteryx rhamni) and Green-veined white (Artogeia napi) butterflies. Also lots of mating Common darter (Sympetrum striolatum) and Black-tailed skimmer (Orthretrum cancellatum) dragonflies as well as Common blue (Enallagma cyathigerum), Blue-tailed (Ischnura elegans) and White-legged (Platycnemis penniper) damselflies. The Horse-fly Tabanus sudeticus and the ladybird Thea 22-punctata were also in evidence. Branched bur-reed (Sparganum erectum) and Yellow loosestrife (Lysimachia vulgaris) were also very evident.