A 'bioblitz' took place on the heathland side of the reserve focussing on moths, dragonflies and a few bees/wasps. Also involved were SDNP/ Heathlands Reunited and a reptile group who brought along Sand Lizard, Smooth Snake and Natterjack Toads.
Part of the moth list is below but some species, from a second trap run for the next evening's event, were examined including Eyed Hawkmoth, Large Emerald, Common and possibly Satin Lutestring and Lunar-spotted Pinion.
Odonata wise Common, Ruddy (mating) and some new/female Black Darters were joined by Brown Hawker, Emperor, BBC, Four-spot, Azure, Large Red and Emerald Damsels.
Lots of Anthophora bimaculata, Ammophila wasps, Cerceris rybiensis etc.
The day's beetle expert had some potted specimens, a Dor Beetle being the only one that didn't need a hand lens!!
Nice to catch up briefly with LJ for the first time since she left.
Earlier a brief chat with MJ whilst staring into tree tops produced two hairstreaks, one looked to be Purple ; whether the second was the recently discoverd White-letter is anyone's guess!!
