Southern Marsh Orchids

Southern Marsh Orchids

Monday 30 October 2017

Mouse Spider query

Another spider query - found this beastie (approx 10mm) on the ceiling in the utility room last night. Not seen one like this before and wondering, with that 'furry' grey abdomen, whether this could be a Mouse Spider (Scotophaeus blackwalli). Aderyn isn't showing many of these near me so would be grateful if anyone could confirm ID.
The grid in the first image is 2mm.



Monday 9 October 2017

Oak Marble Gall Wasp

A follow-up to my previous post. The Oak Marble Gall that I picked up in the Coryton interchange last week revealed its secret this morning. I found a neat little hole in the gall and a little wasp in the pot. I assume this must be an Oak Marble Gall Wasp - Andricus kollari. (the grid is 2mm). Always wanted to see one of these gall wasps.



Wednesday 4 October 2017

Oak Galls

Came across these whilst strolling through the Coryton interchange. I'm fairly sure the first is a Common Spangle oak gall, but is the second an Oak Apple gall or an Oak Marble gall ? Grateful for any guidance on this - it was still attached but fell off when I touched it. There are no exit holes that I can see.