Seeing the Changes 2081

At the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust Llanelli, Teasel (Dipsacus fullonum) was in bloom.

Birder's bonus 240

A new collection of European white storks (Ciconia ciconia) at the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust Llanelli. All males, unfortunately.

Insect Food Plants 34. Dark Green Fritillary and Common Dog Violet

The larvae of the Dark green fritillary (Mesoacidalia alaja) munch on violets, including that of the Common dog violet (Viola oroviniana).

Insect Food Plants 33. The Geranium Bronze Butterfly and Geraniums

The Geranium bronze butterfly (Cacyreus marshalli) is a South African species that's made it way to France and Italy, where Geraniums are much-used in floral decorations.

Seeing the Changes 2080

Invasive Harlequin beetle (Harmonia axyridis) in my Loughor garden.

Seeing the Changes 2079

More natural history at Crymlyn burrows. Canadian fleabane (Conyza canadensis) and Soapwort (Saponaria officinalis) were in bloom. Stone bramble (Rubus saxatilis) in fruit. Also spotted Small blue (Cupido minimus); Small skipper (Thymelicus flavus); Meadow brown (Maniola jurtina); Gatekeeper (Pyronia tithonus); lots of Six-spot burnet moths (Zygaena filipendulae) and a female Brimstone (Gonepteryx rhamni) in flight.

Insect Food Plants 32. The Common Blue Butterfly and Bird's Foot Trefoil

Common blue butterflies (Polyommatus icarus) lay their eggs on members of the Leguminosae (bean family), including Bird's foot trefoil (Lotus corniculatus).

Insect Food Plants 31. The Marbled White Butterfly and Red Fescue

Marbled white (Melargia galathea) caterpillars eat grasses, especially Red fescue (Festuca rubra).

Seeing the Changes 2077

In Gorseinon, Lords and ladies (Arum maculatum) was in fruit. On Loughor foreshore, spotted my first Six-spot burnet moth (Zygaena filipendulae) of the year.

Seeing the Changes 2078

On a walk from Pennard to Pobbles beach, noted Wild thyme (Thymus serpyllum); Sea stock (Matthiola sinuata); Lesser burdock (Arctium minus); Heather (Calluna vulgaris); Harebell (Campanula rotunifolia); Golden samphire (Inula crithmoides); Devilsbit scabious (Succisa pratensis); Bloody cranesbill (Geranium sanguineum) and Bell heather (Erica cinerea) in bloom.

Insect Food Plants 30. The European Map Butterfly and Nettles

On the continent, the larvae of the Map butterfly (Arashnia levana) are also partial to Nettles (Urtica diocia).

Insect Food Plants 29. The Indian Red Admiral Butterfly and Nettles

Like its European cousin, Indian Red Admiral butterfly (Vanessa indica) larvae, like nothing better than a juicy nettle (Urticae spp).

Seeing the Changes 2076

Finally, a reasonable moth trapping in my Loughor garden. A Spinach (Eulithis populata); 2 different battered, small noctuids; 2 Common footman (Eilemma lurideola); 4 Willow beauty (Peribatoides rhomboidaria) and a Scalloped oak (Crocallis elinguaria).

Insect Food Plants 28. Oleander hawk moth and Oleander

Predictably, the Oleander hawk moth (Daphnis nerii) larva largely feeds on Oleander (Nerium oleander).