It has been stated that the New Forest has some 2700 species of Fungi. Here are a few I spotted today.
Some of the 2700!
Close Up
Sunday spiders!
Four-spotted orb-weaver (Araneus quadratus).
Wasp spider (Argiope bruennichi).
The Adder.
The New Forest Reptile Centre is located near Lyndhurst in the New Forest. There are unique outdoor ‘pits’ that provide a natural home for reptiles and amphibians found in the forest. During the summer season to help educate visitors to the forest and help them see our various snakes lizards and frogs they are on show in the pits (they are released after a couple of weeks).
As part of a walk through the forest on Friday we called into the centre. We arrived on foot just prior to the car park gate opening. So had the opportunity to chat to the staff before the influx of holidaymakers. The snakes were being offered food – this adult female Adder was quick to come out of the undergrowth and take the offering. Adders are the only venomous snake found in the UK. Sightings are not guaranteed.
A number of juvenile Adders were visible (about 8 inches long) note their zig-zag pattern has not yet developed.
New Forest views.
Due to the nonstop heavy rain, this morning walk was under the trees on our forest walk.
Tree views set on monocrome with green highlighted.
Forest Pony brands on an old wooden forest pen.
Near a stream.
Some Dragonflies and Damselflies spotted in the New Forest today.
The “Common Darter” is a smaller Dragonfly. The male is orange-red but becomes brown with age. Females (and juvenile males) are yellowish to light brown. I believe this one is a male.
A “Golden-ringed dragonfly” is a very large,and handsome dragonfly, they are on the wing from May to September.
“Beautiful demoiselle” damselfly the metallic blue males have solid dark blue wings.
The damselfly below had landed in the stream.
Little things.
It is that time of year when insects are abundant and for my last couple of walks, I have dusted off my Macro lens and tried to record some of the little things I have spotted.
A first for me was some Raft Spiders. (Dolomedes fimbriatus). I had hoped to find some this year. These large spiders will sit at the edge of the water, or on floating vegetation, with their front legs resting on the water’s surface in order to feel for the vibrations of potential prey. Using the surface tension of the water, they chase out onto the water to catch their prey, They will even eat tadpoles or small fish. Raft spiders will also swim underwater.
Raft Spiders will carry their egg sac around for a period of time before creating a nursery web for their spiderlings.
Another spider also spotted was this one from the Pirata species, commonly known as Otter spiders. These spiders carry their young on their back.
Marbled White Butterfly. (Melanargia galathea).
Common Green Lacewing.
Grasshoppers.
Small Skipper (Thymelicus sylvestris).
Cinnabar moth caterpillars
Peacock Moth (Macaria notata)
Continued Reflections from my World. 