Weevils & Butterflies.

Monday 1st July 2024.

The Green Immigrant Leaf Weevil.

It was back to work this morning after a busy weekend and it was back to counting the species again at Pembroke Road. Thirteen species were noted on my first shift that included a fine adult Mediterranean Gull drifting slowly over Governor’s Green heading west. Up to three Swifts flew low overhead, which, incidentally, I have not seen any large flocks over Old Portsmouth of late. Whereas, there are well over double-figures flying around my road in Southsea. Of interest, I found a small Weevil species that looked interesting that had landed in the boot of my car. Doing a bit of research, I found out that it was actually a Green Immigrant Leaf Weevil and like a lot of Weevils, they are considered pests. Below, are some of the film footage of some of the superb butterflies we saw last Saturday in Abbots Wood.

Above, one of the Purple Emperor butterflies seen in Abbots Wood. Below, one of many Silver-washed Fritillaries also in Abbots Wood.

Above, White Admirals also showed superbly throughout our time there.

On this afternoon’s shift at Pembroke Road, a further three more species were added to my day total that included a female Sparrowhawk gliding over Governor’s Green; putting up a small flock of Pigeons as it passed over the field. A Wren was heard singing somewhere near the footpath by the Bowling Green and a Great Black-backed Gull drifted over too. Three Med Gulls sailed low overhead and headed west to round off the day here. The Moth Box is going on tonight and hopefully, will produce some nice moths. We shall see.