Wildlife summer 2012

[ronm]

That is one smart stripey suit, Davey!

We get  caterpillars on one or two pine bracnches every year, but that's not what they look like...  might they be Pine Beauty moths we have?

Very possibly Maggi, as the Pine Hawk doesn't ( per the records ) get as far North as you. The Pine Beauty, Panolis flammea, is fairly widespread, and is certainly in your area. Interestingly though, the larva of the 'Beauty' is similar to the early stages of the 'Hawk'. So if your caterpillars aren't looking  stripey along their length they are probably something else.
You're becoming quite the keen bug lover, Maggi.   

[Maggi Young]

I'm only interested, Ron, I never said I loved the little perishers!

I don't think it can be the Pine Beauty moth we get.... it must just be a "familiar" name that I've latched onto. See this Bulb Log for photos of the critters ( well,  the wrigglers, not the moths) http://www.srgc.org.uk/logs/logdir/2010Aug211282423043BULB_LOG_33.pdf

 See also the lovely photo of my favouriter little rhodo, R. saluenense chamaeum , in full  flower, for a second time of the year, in August... which it has done again this year, just got the flowers battered by the last storm.

[ronm]

Sorry to say Maggi but they are Pine Sawfly, Neodiprion sertifer. These can do a lot of damage to even fully grown healthy trees.  Tapping the branch causes them to fall to the ground.  P.S. we have them too, 
If a group of caterpillars rear back like this when touched, chances are they are in fact sawfly larvae. ( some moths do it too, but these aren't usually found in groups,  ).

We also have Urocerus gigas, another sawfly, in the garden, but I'm not sure you're ready for that one yet Maggi,  . I'm not that sure I am either, when it lands on me !!!

[Maggi Young]

Pine Sawfly : .. yes, I should have known that.  I do know they can strip a branch in only a few hours- shudder to think what they  can do in a forest.

I have "met" one of the great wood wasps, Ron - it was then I discovered just how fast a small fat woman can move if the need arises.........

[ronm]

I have "met" one of the great wood wasps, Ron - it was then I discovered just how fast a small fat woman can move if the need arises.........

  . First time I met one 'face to face' I would have made Mr. Bolt look  like he was indeed buffering, but training kicked in and I remained still and calm!! ( Glad I don't do the washing though,  ). Although the common name is Great Wood Wasp ( or Horntail ) as Maggi says, they are of course NOT wasps ( for those who may not be aware), but sawflies, and are totally harmless.

[KentGardener]

Can anyone tell me what this spider is?  I have found quite a few of them living in my cellar and it is not one I have seen before. 

[Anthony Darby]

Looks a bit like Theridion blackwallii>

[KentGardener]

Phew!  I was worried I was being overrun by 'False Widows'

[Brian Ellis]

You should be so lucky

[Anthony Darby]

They have sturdier legs.

[Martinr]

There I was, had my lunch, sat down for 10 minutes to let it go down, switched on the telly to check the news and lo...an episode of Hands on Nature on the BBC. So what you ask? Well they were in Northern Ireland talking about bats. Who was the guest expert who kindly captured a Pipistrelle to show to the presenter? Our very own Mark Smyth!

Don't know when this was filmed but 10/10 Mark, you were brilliant.

[ronm]

I just watched the relevant on I Player BBC. Jolly well done Mark, an excellent piece.

[mark smyth]

blush - thanks
http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/​episode/b0078zb0/​Hands_on_Nature_Parks/ 12 minutes 30 seconds in

[Paul T]

I'd watch it if I could, Mark.  Unfortunately I am not in the UK so I can't!

[Anthony Darby]

Ditto