Jans weekly trip to Wood Walton Fen.

There were lots of Butterflies and Bugs at the Fen today, but where were the Dragonflies. Last week saw the sky filled with the acrobatic Brown Hawkers, today I only saw one. In fact hardly any Dragonflies at all but plenty of Damselflies, still that’s how it is sometimes. Possibly the overcast day, although still warm, was something to do with it.

Butterflies were plentiful. The Purple Emperors were floating over the Rothschild’s Bungalow and around the Oak trees but I did not see any land, so unfortunately no images this week of the Emperors.

I saw plenty of Crickets and other bugs, but to be honest I am not good at identifying what is what so I must say Thank You to Danielle at the Great Fen for helping with the identification of the bugs and flowers. I now know that Crickets have really long antennae and Grasshoppers shorter ones.

The moral of this is “Your never too old to learn”, the trouble is I soon forget.

I think this plant could be Bristly Ox Tongue. It likes rough grassy places, and stream sides and is very tall. Whatever it is Hover Flies love it.

I always call this plant Deadly Nightshade but its also known as Woody Nightshade.

Not sure what this is going to be, something big, probably Hogweed. I must go back next week to find out.

One of the few Dragonflies on the wing today, a female Ruddy Darter.

Lots of yellow around today. ‘Rothschild’s Sunflower’. The reserve was once owned by Charles Rothschild and It is thought that Charles Rothchild himself planted these flowers. The plant is actually called Heartleaf Oxeye and it flowers for a couple of weeks bringing a touch of sunshine to the fen. Many insects were loving the yellow colour and flat open flower heads.

A Peacock Butterfly sharing with (or sheltering) a Hover Fly.

Red Admiral Butterfly, such vibrant colours.

Well, its either a Small Skipper or an Essex Skipper.

Now I know this is a Red Eyed Damselfly.

I also know this is a Roesel's Bush Cricket because we had one in the garden once. We think it arrived in Petes fishing bags after a day of fishing.

As I was walking along the grass paths I disturbed lots of these small, pretty, day flying moths but I have been unable to identify them. Possibly a Latticed Heath moth.

One of the many waterways that criss cross this unique reserve.