June 2016

Chrysomela vigintipunctata

steve lane's picture

So, it was freshly dead, but I'm sure I imagined one of its tarsi twitching. Found by me in strandline of local-origin tidal refuse at Southwold, Suffolk. Publication on its way, but hopefully this will include news of a local population. I'm on the hunt with Howard Mendel in July, so fingers crossed. In the meantime, if anyone chances on the species in coastal Suffolk, do get in touch. It's a stunner.

TELEPHOTO NOT MACRO LENS REQUIRED!!

Called in to see the Tall Mouse-ear hawkweed in Hungerford. Drew a blank searching the huge wall above the Tesco car park. In desperation got out the bins and there it is standing tall right on top of the immense slab of brick ...waving gracefully as the High speed trains hurtle past. Cant access the railtrack, so a telescope /telescopic lens is essential for a good look. Last time I resorted to such tactics was to tick off Woad clinging to half way up a chalk cliff in a very obliging ladies back garden in Guildford, Surrey!