Unknown cave bug

27. October 2013 · 3 comments · Categories: Insects & Spiders

CaveBugUnknown
Paul sends in this shot of a mystery beastie, photographed in a small cave in the north east of England. He describes it as follows. "At first glance it looks like a cricket but lacks the hind legs etc. Its antennae bend backwards and it has two long appendages from the rear."

I can't figure out what it is, having searched the interwebs long and hard. Some sort of bristletail, or a larva of some sort? What's most annoying is that I swear I've seen such a thing before, but I can't bring it to mind. I bet there's someone out there who knows exactly what it is at a glance. Please tell us!

Snail / slug eggs

18. October 2013 · 2 comments · Categories: Molluscs

SnailSlugEggs

Thanks to Glyn, who sent in this picture of mystery eggs found in his garden, in a wet, cool spot under a concrete slab. They are in fact snail or slug eggs – I have no idea if it's possible to tell the difference easily. Presumably fairly big ones though.

Pale tussock moth caterpillars as pets

16. October 2013 · Write a comment · Categories: Insects & Spiders

PaleTussockMothCaterpillar

Thanks to Steph in Worcester, who sends in some pictures of the two caterpillars she found on some leaves in her garden, which she identified as Pale tussock moth caterpillars. She says:

I kept them in jam jars with ventilation and fed them apple tree leaves. They have now both cocooned and I would like the share the pictures with you. 


PaleTussockMothCaterpillarCoccoon2


PaleTussockMothCaterpillarCoccoon

More National Trust Uncovered weekends upcoming

03. October 2013 · Write a comment · Categories: News, Plants

A couple of weeks ago I wrote about a National Trust 'Uncovered' weekend at Sheringham Park in Norfolk. They have two more coming up at different locations, which sound like they're very worth attending if you're anywhere nearby.

In their own words:

  • At the Wimpole Estate near Cambridge – on 5-6 October – we'll be holding a weekend to help visitors discover how the farming of our land for food has over time shaped the landscape. Farming and nature are obviously very closely related, and walks/talks during the weekend will cover lots of wildlife-friendly traditional farming practices, like hedge-laying and organic soil management.
    See the full programme for events that weekend.
  • At Northey Island in Essex – on 12-13 October – visitors will have the opportunity to discover how the influence of man and the forces of nature are changing the coastline and seascape. Amongst other activities, there will be a 'saltmarsh safari' (where you can find out what’s so special about this rare habitat and the wildlife that depends on it) and lectures on how climate change is affecting the coast.
    See the full programme for events that weekend.