Wildlife in Stevenston

[iain]

A Green Arches moth at Ardeer Quarry Local Nature Reserve. I usually find 2 or 3 on the reserve every year - and I enjoy it when I do: they are large, attractive moths. Their marbled, green colouration provides camouflage against lichen-covered tree trunks, but, like many green moths, their colour often fades quickly. At Ardeer Quarry, their caterpillars probably feed on Bramble and Honeysuckle.

[5siamese7]

When you say they feed on honey suckle and brambles do you mean going into these plants when they are flowering?

[morag]

That is beautiful, Iain, peacock like.

[michaelm]

Doesn't quite resemble a Peacock for me morag, but I see what you're getting at there. Very stunning symmetrical looking pattern on the wings.

[Vivc113]

Iain. You wouldn't happen to know the following, would you:

There is a creature in the countryside each year. Jet black and stick thin. Long creature. Always appears across from me each year in Summer. Darts side to side but never tries to land or sting. After a certain time of analysing, it's offski !!

[iain]

5siamese7, the caterpillars feed on the leaves of Bramble and Honeysuckle between August and May (they exist as adult moths as opposed to caterpillars for the other two months of the year).

Viv, I’m not sure what size your insect is. If it’s a medium-sized, black fly, then perhaps it’s a species of Bibio fly - especially if this is something you tend to see in the first half of summer.

[Vivc113]

Nope. That's not the one, Iain. Thanx anyway.

My beast is thin like the thinnest jet/coal black pen possible, and can dart backwards and forwards like lightning.

[hahaya2004]

Viv,
perhaps it's the dragonfly Sympetrum danae, the black darter.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sympetrum_danae

[Vivc113]

Certainly closer but does not have the yellow.

[iain]

A Herald moth caught at Ardeer Quarry Local Nature Reserve. Having evolved to look like a ragged, autumn leaf makes it an interesting looking moth. The adults emerge in autumn and then hibernate until spring. They’re often found hibernating in outbuildings and caves. Dozens have been found hibernating together in the abandoned buildings in the former ICI grounds.

[chriso]

I saw this spider under a water dish on my wall, and I wonder if anyone know's what kind it is. Ian?





Here's a bigger picture

[michaelm]

Think it might well be one of these below chriso, commonly known as Woodlouse Spider's - and as you'll probably know, here in Scotland we often call Woodlice .. 'Slaters'.
I'm sure Iain will be better able to confirm the species though.

If anyone has a phobia re. Spiders, I'd advise them not to click on the link.
https://search.aol.co.uk/aol/image?q=wo ... mePage50.a