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Photos from walk on Thursday 1st August from Dorchester to Berrick Prior


A very warm day, and not many pictures. What a contrast to the same walk two years ago (22 Aug) which was  “A grey day and a damp morning”.

 

Was almost not going to make a post, but it’s worth it just for this:

 

Seen under a willow leaf just as we were leaving the pub at lunch time.

 

Leaf beetle (Plagiodera versicolora) aka Willow Leaf Beetle

 

Habitat
Mostly in places where Willows grow. Adults feed on leaves and pollen of willow and poplar trees, .. It is predated by a shieldbug, several ladybird species and the larva of a hoverfly

 

When to see it
Three generations from spring to late August.

 

Life History
Adults overwinter under logs, loose bark and among vegetable litter near the host plant and become active during April. The hibernating adults begin to emerge in the spring when foliage appears. These adults feed on the new leaves; cutting holes in them, before laying the eggs that become the second generation. It is the third generation that usually hibernate, although a few may breed to start a late fourth generation.

 

[source1, source2]

Did you spot the garage door in Green Lane, as we walked on from the pub? Lovely depiction of the view of the clumps from their front garden

 

Our view of the clumps as we were closer to Dorchester

 

A few more pics in the gallery.


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