Pushing Back the Monkey

News that scientists have confirmed that a 50% (this is unusual) complete fossil skeleton found in China from 55 million years ago is that of the oldest currently identified primate (http://www.guardian.co.uk/science/2013/jun/05/earliest-known-primate-archicebus-achilles?INTCMP=SRCH). The beast has been named Archicebus ('old monkey') achilles (a reference to its distinctive anthropoid-like heel). The 7cm long animal has features suggesting it was very active and probably fed on insects. What is really interesting about it, are its mixture of prosimian (Tarsier-like) and anthropoid (monkey-like) characteristics (placing it near the origins of the Order) as well as its location, suggesting that the early evolution of the primates occurred in Asia rather than Africa.

Seeing the Changes 581

Noted the Guelder rose (Viburnum opulus) in flower in Penclacwydd. In Bynea, spotted Sea plantain (Plantago maritima) and Sheep's sorrel (Rumex acetosella). There was a sudden expulsion of Common froghopper (Philaenus spumarius) in their 'spit' and a late Brimstone butterfly (Gonepteryx rhamni) flitted. Bittersweet (Solanum dulcamara) revealed its poisonous self in Loughor.

Seeing the Changes 580

In Bynea, noted Sea beet (Beta vulgaris), Marsh arrow-grass (Triglochin palustris) and Thrift (Armeria maritima) in flower. Old clams were embedded in the old mud layers revealed in the collapsed river bank. Noted my first Hairy dragonfly (Brachytron pratense) of the year there. In Loughor, spotted a Phyllobius pomaceus beetle on the Nettles.

Seeing the Changes 579

In Loughor, Rowan (Sorbus aucuparia), Pencilled cranesbill (Geranium versicolor), what looked like Warty cabbage (Bunias orientalis) and Welsh poppy (Meconopsis cambrica), all made an appearance.

Seeing the Changes 578

Around Bynea, Elder (Sambucus nigra), Rough poppy (Papaver hybridum), Buckshorn plantain (Plantago coronopus) and Hemlock water dropwort (Oenanthe crocata) were all suddenly in flower.

Seeing the Changes 577

In Oxwich, saw Common cottongrass (Eriophorum angustifolium), Osier (Salix vimalis), Meadowsweet (Filipendula ulmaria), Yellow rattle (Rhinathus minor), Yellow iris (Iris pseudacorus), Bogbean (Menyanthes trifoliata), Biting stonecrop (Sedum acre), sea spurge (Euphorbia paralias) and Southern marsh orchid (Dactylorhiza praetermissa) were all in bloom.Lots of flies (this may well be Empis tessellata) were about, with Agrypnus murina beetle, Small heath (Coenonympha pamphilus), male Common blue (Polyommatus icarus) and Small blue (Cupido minius) butterflies.

Seeing the Changes 576

In Rhoselli, noted Tormentil (Potentilla erecta) and Red valerian (Centranthus ruber) in flower.