Cranefly - Ctenophora pectinicornis
Prominent, Lesser Swallow
Tortrix, Marbled Orchard
Shield Bug, Hairy (formerly Sloe Shield Bug)
In November last year I announced that I would be retiring as Secretary of the Angling Section after 25 years in the post. Sadly nobody stepped forward to take over from me although Alan Badcock and Andrew Smith have volunteered to organise a day each at their respective local waters.
Fishing has been allowed during lockdown but with restrictions on travel it didn’t seem right to hold any meetings until after the lockdown had come to an end.
As we enter the second half of the year we hope that the final go ahead will be given, albeit not earlier this week as expected, but sometime in July.
Alan and Andrew will therefore be organising their outings as and when water temperature and fishing conditions are deemed appropriate.
We will be holding our main money raising event of the year with the help of David Gould as follows
RIVER TEST – Romsey, Hants MONDAY 25th OCTOBER 2021
Full details will be circulated nearer the date but if anyone is new to Fly-fishing and would like to join us, please contact me at georgefowler464@gmail.com
LOCKDOWN JOY – Cont’d
I am continuing my passion for all insects as illustrated in my previous articles.
Despite Covid lockdown and the cold and windy weather, nature in the garden and hedgerows has continued to throw up plenty of new specimens and some old friends as well.
SURPRISING CRANEFLY (Daddy Long-legs)
Last time I gave you a Green Cranefly but this one that flew out of the shrubs and almost into my edging shears is even more remarkable. Most Cranefly are rather dull grey or brown but this one was astonishing for the bright colour and shining orange and black body. Also look at those antennae protruding from its face showing that it is a male of the species Ctenophora pectinicornis.
LESSER SWALLOW PROMINENT MOTH
It is hard to believe that a creature of such beauty is likely to be flying round your garden at night, but along with at least 2,000 other species they are there. They are only in this world to find a mate and procreate, they do no harm to plants or man and have a very short life.
HAIRY SHIELDBUG
One of a range of insects that live on plants and shrubs and seemingly do no harm to them. Many of them are plant specific but there is a range of sizes, colours and patterns. They are a useful starter species because they are very tolerant of being approached with a camera and rarely fly off.
That is your taster for this edition. Look on plants, hedgerows, green wheelie bins and you will be astonished at what you will find. At the moment the hedgerow shrubs are showing small moths that come into the category of Bird-poo Moths, just look for a black and white dropping on a leaf and make sure it is not a moth! If you find something interesting let me know.