In habitat :- Site 4 Ophrys and Dactylorhiza

[fredg]

This was a spur of the moment visit by MrsG and myself mainly to get away from the smell of lime plaster.
Site 4 is a reclaimed  coal mining spoil heap only a couple of miles away.
I do apologise in advance for the amount of pictures.


4a & 4b Ophrys apifera this was growing at the side of the path and solitary, not seen last year.
4c to 4z Dactylorhiza sp. and hybrids with a few insects thrown in.

[fredg]

contd

[fredg]

contd

[Neil]

I do apologise in advance for the amount of pictures.

You should be apologising for the lack of them.   

[ranunculus]

Magnificent series Fred ... but the caterpillar is the diva!

[Maggi Young]

If this is what we get when you're driven out of the house by the smell of lime plaster ( got an old house that's being renovated, have you?) then it's good news for us, Fred.

Some great shots... as ever.... do you know what the fat striped caterpillar will turn into?

[Maggi Young]

Magnificent series Fred ... but the caterpillar is the diva!

You're right,  Cliff.... if I thought bright horizontal stripes could make me look so good I'd get the sewing machine out

[fredg]

.... do you know what the fat striped caterpillar will turn into?

I believe it is the  Five-Spot Burnet Zygaena trifolii Maggi

[Maggi Young]

.... do you know what the fat striped caterpillar will turn into?

I believe it is the  Five-Spot Burnet Zygaena trifolii Maggi

Ah, yes, once a fashion plate always a fashion plate 

[daveyp1970]

Fred did you manage to key out the earlier flowering plants?Or are we sticking with Dactlorhiza.

[fredg]

Fred did you manage to key out the earlier flowering plants?Or are we sticking with Dactlorhiza.

We're sticking with Dactylorhiza sp. Dave 

[Maren]

What lovely places you go to ? is it far from your home?

[daveyp1970]

What lovely places you go to ? is it far from your home?

If you fancy next year Maren,we could always show you around our orchid sites up here.

[Maren]

What lovely places you go to ? is it far from your home?

If you fancy next year Maren,we could always show you around our orchid sites up here.

Hi, if that's an invitation, I accept gladly. You are not all that far away. I have travelled 500 miles on occasions to see a few hardy orchids. I like driving.

[fredg]

I should have more time next year too