A nest of Lackeys

The weather really went down hill today, with a couple of hours of rain this morning, followed by cool, overcast conditions, with a noticeable brisk northerly breeze. We were going to abandon fieldwork, but when we tried to reschedule it, I realised I didn't have any spare days at the end of the month. So we pressed on regardless...

It was certainly not ideal conditions for either entomological survey or photography - there were virtually no insects to be seen - they were all very sensibly hunkered down. Pete found this next of Lackey moth caterpillars in a hawthorn bush. In southern Britain the webs of Lackey caterpillars are a common site among many low growing deciduous trees such as blackthorn, hawthorn and apple.Over a hundred caterpillars may be seen in a single web and if undisturbed may be seen sitting on the outside during the day. Even when recently emerged the caterpillars are distinctively marked having a range of blue, orange and pale stripes and long brown hairs. 

Now that we're fully into the field season I'm finding it even harder to keep up with blipping. I have photographs for every day, but who knows when they'll finally appear on my journal? I'm afraid interaction will probably be minimal!