Keeled Skimmer
07/01/2021
This dragonfly prefers a habitat with water and acid peat, such as our SSSI, where they can be seen on the wing throughout the summer.
This small, rare butterfly is a UK BAP (Biodiversity Action Plan) Priority Species. Its greatest threat is loss of its heathland habitat. The males have blue upperwings, while the females have bronze upperwings, and both have pale, spotty underwings, usually with a couple of silver spots at the trailing edge of the underwing. The caterpillars eat young heather and have an extraordinary relationship with Lasius black ants, which protect the caterpillars in their nests in exchange for a form of honeydew exuded by the caterpillar.
We have a small colony of Silver-studded Blues on the heathland on our SSSI. This colony was believed to have been lost, but was rediscovered in July 2020. These butterflies only fly around 20-50m from their birthplace during their lifetime, so if their nest-site deteriorates, the colony often struggles to recolonise anywhere else. Thanks to the hard work of the Welly Gardens and Countryside team and pupils, our heathland is managed in such a way that allows Lasius black ants to flourish and young heather to sprout.
This dragonfly prefers a habitat with water and acid peat, such as our SSSI, where they can be seen on the wing throughout the summer.
This magnificent beetle is Britain’s largest and is, sadly, quite scarce now. The male’s huge ‘antlers’ are in fact overgrown mandibles (jaws) for courtship display and are generally too large and unwieldy for the beetle to be able to bite with them.
his beautiful fritillary is one of Britain’s largest butterflies. Like many species, it declined during the twentieth century, but it is now making some encouraging recovery, particularly in southern England.
This large fritillary, while relatively widespread nationally, is scarce and declining in this region. Indeed, the specimen pictured is the only one recorded within a 10km radius in 2020.
Keep up to date with the nature at Wellington. We will bring you all things species and habitats, keeping you informed on the latest about Welly’s Wildlife.
Keep up to date with the nature at Wellington. We will bring you all things species and habitats, keeping you informed on the latest about Welly’s Wildlife.
Keep up to date with the nature at Wellington. We will bring you all things species and habitats, keeping you informed on the latest about Welly’s Wildlife.