Species of the year

A strange year weather wise which led to some things not being seen and gluts of other things. As usual there was new stuff as there seems to be every year so I am happy to note a few species of the year in different categories. First off flowers - it has of course to be the Greater Butterfly Orchid (Platanthera chlorantha). A stunning sixth Orchid species - lets hope it comes back next year (with friends as well please). Next Fungi - I think Black Magic (Dermoloma magicum), not seen fruiting but on the eDNA survey that was so full of surprises. I shall be looking for that species closely next year. Bird species of the year goes to the Red Kite (Milvus milvus) for appearing overhead several times this year, a welcome and increasing avian presence. Butterfly of the year goes once again to the Marbled White (Melanargia galathea) which now seems established all over the site. Moth of 2022 goes to the Canary-shouldered Thorn. Great look, great name - having started some Moth trapping this year the Moth species list has increased greatly. More next year! Mammal of the year has to be Stu the Stoat who made a brief return appearance a couple of weeks ago after being a regular resident earlier in the year. Lichen of the year - Phaeographis smithii - the least common of the Lichen species I recorded at the beginning of the year Photo - has to be the photogenic Stu the Stoat

eDNA results - Earthtongues

Actually perhaps even more surprising than the very surprising Clavaroid results of the eDNA survey of the fields here were the Earthtongues. Previously a single Earthtongue had been recorded here. That was last year on the Gwent Fungi Group foray here when a single Hairy Earthtongue (Trichoglossum hirsutum) was found. The eDNA survey recorded five species of Earthtongue Geoglossum aff simile - has been recorded in UK Glutinoglossum pseudoglutinosum - note that this has been found in the UK as a fruiting body Hemileucoglossum aff alveolatum - has been recorded in Europe Trichoglossum aff. variabile - has been recorded in UK , morphologically very similar to T. hirsutum (chance our record here was misidentified??) Trichoglossum walteri (Short-spored Earthtongue) - there are a number of records in the UK including in our area but still a rare fungus. Also described as very similar to T hirsutum. So five rare Earthtongues one of which has been recorded in Europe, the others occasionally in the UK. I simply don't know what to make of it except to say that DNA studies are going to play havoc with species and records! Photo of the T. hirsutum or was it T. variable or T. walteri from 2021??

eDNA results - Clavaroids

I have blogged a couple of times about the eDNA survey of our fields this year mentioning the results for Pinkgills and Fanvaults, but actually the most amazing and surprising results were for Clavaroids. Not only were there nine species that I had not recorded but some of those new species are not even featured in my extensive collection of fungi books. Take Ramariopsis avellano-inversa which I understand has only been recorded fruiting in New Zealand and Italy. Then there is R. crocea which Collins describes as 'very rarely recorded' and R. flavescens which is not in Collins or Laessoe and Petersen. What are we to make of all three being found in a small sample area in my fields and even more amazing to be found at 29, 23 and 16 respectively of the 30 Monmouthshire sites tested. My take is that it is not feasible that there has been regular fruiting of these species whcih has not been spotted. Maybe they fruit irregulalrly or not at all. Maybe they have been misidentified - R. crocea is somewhat similar to the fairly common C. corniculata for example. It's puzzling evidence and I shall be focusing on Clavaroids next year.

2022 - Flower Summary

I think the most positive news on the Flower front is that Orchids increased in number yet again albeit only by 5% and reached a total of 810 spikes. Even better than that was the surprise appearance of a single Great Butterfly Orchid. However the Fallow Deer have caused havoc this year eating pretty much any unprotected Orchid and also on the negative front numbers of Orchids that were not Common Spotted were down. The weather was strange this year so perhaps I should not draw too many conclusions but I didn't see a few of the less common flowers this year - the single Burnet Saxifrage, the small patch of Hairy Lady's Mantle, Quaking Grass - all eluded my view this year. As ever there were one or two new species recorded Teasel and Greater Butterfly Orchid were the notable ones plus Field Horsetail (which is actually a fern rather than a flower). The photo is of course the Butterfly Orchid.

2022 - Butterfly Summary

Slightly better than last year for species in that 16 species were recorded versus 14 in 2021. Numbers of most species were low however particularly some formerly 'common' ones such as Peacocks and Large and Small Whites. In addition the Small Copper was seen just once and the Small Skipper just a couple of times. On the positive side there continue to be good numbers of Marbled Whites - we seem to have a stable or perhaps growing colony based here. The particular management which leaves some longer grass until later in the summer must work for them but the weather at breeding time has also been kind for the last couple of years especially this year. There were reasonable numbers of Common Blues as well but perhaps not as many as lasy year which was particularly good for them. Photo - the elusive Small Copper.

Stu the Stoat is back

After an absence of seven months or so the Stoat who lived under our conservatory for a while has returned. He ran past us with a bird in his mouth - a Goldfinch I think. The local Rabbits need to up their alert status.

Waxcap #22 - Glutinous Waxcap

Another cheat for what looks like it might be the last Waxcap for the year. I found one tired Hygrocybe glutinipes in the West Field but I have substituted for a gloopy photo from the past. That has been a feature this year - some grotty specimens or pieces of specimens so not many good new photos.

Waxcap #21 - Orange Waxcap

There are some here but nothing compared to this beauty seen at Brockwell Meadow the other day so I've cheated by using that photo.

Waxcap #20 Pink Waxcap

New photo this post as this is a very pretty Pink Waxcap. There were only two much later than normal and a small fraction in terms of the usual quantities I get of this iconic Waxcap. The climate is certainly affecting fungal fruiting.

Waxcap #19 - Dingy Waxcap

Old photo because all I found was a sliver of stipe with some gills attached - enough for a clear id - that smell is distinctive!

Waxcap #18 - Butter Waxcap

Just catching up with the blog - H. ceracea was found on the 13th.

New Species - Stigmella tityrella

This is a tiny Moth (3mm) which is identified from its leaf mines. This particular species is common is found on the underside of Beech leaves and its mines are between veins rather than crossing over them. It keeps the area of the leaf green which makes it easier to spot.

Waxcap #17 - Splendid Waxcap

Even beats the Blushing Waxcap - indeed beats all the rest. The Splendid Waxcap - Hygrocybe splendidissima back where it belongs in the East and South Fields.

Waxcap #16 - Blushing Waxcap

Got tobe one of the most spectacular Waxcaps - really stout, great colour scheme and those reddening gills. Outstanding.

Waxcap #15 - Earthy Waxcap

At last some Waxcapaction for the bigger 'missing' Waxcaps. First up the Earthy (Cuphophyllus fornicatus) which has a strong smell and narrowly attached or emarginate gills which prevent any confusion between it and the Toasted Waxcap.

New Species - Porcelain Fungus

A common fungus found on wood especially Beech. It basically looks like porcelain! Its scientific name is Oudemansiella mucida. Found on afallen branch at the edge of the South Field.

Waxcap #14 Cedarwood Waxcap (Cuphophyllus russocoriaceus)

I've recorded a lotof Snowy Waxcaps this year and also a lot of the very similar Cedarwood Waxcaps- the main difference is the smell although the latter has more beigy colour in the cap than the more pure white Snowy.

Waxcap #13 - Honey Waxcap

Also in the East Field where most of the fungi action is taking place. One of the best the very cute Honey Waxcap with its bright orange look usually with a thin yellow margin on the crenullated cap - and it smells of honey.

Waxcap #12 - Scarlet Waxcap

All of a sudden popping up in numbers. A little later than expected and therefore contemperaneous with the Crimson Waxcap which usually comes later.

Waxcap #11 - Crimson Waxcap (Hygrocybe punicea)

Good to see this impressive Waxcap gradullay spreading here - I found three fruit

ing bodies in a slightly different place to where there was just one last year.

New Species - Field Horsetail

These are apparently not welcome in gardens or fields but this little patch is hanging out of one of our walls so I think I can leave it. They are technically leafless and non-flowering so a bit of an oddity in the plant world.

Waxcap #10 - Spangle Waxcap

The Waxcaps are definitely coming through now - Hygrocybe insipida is fruiting in the East Field. I have seen it in August before but most of the Waxcaps are fruiting significantly later than usual.

Waxcap #9 - Snowy Waxcap

All the fungi coming up seems to be in the East Field at the moment. Included in today's showing is the next Waxcap - the Snowy Waxcap - distinguished from the Cedarwood Waxcap mainly by smell (or lack of it).

Waxcap #8 - Meadow Waxcap

No doubt there will be thousands soon but here's the first ones of the season. It may be common but it's a cracking looking Waxcap.

eDNA Results - New Species - Fanvaults

One surprise for me was that the eDNA survey revealed two species of Fanvault, honorary members of the CHEGD class of Grassland Fungi. One the Matt Fanvault (Camarophyllopsis schulzeri) is described as 'rarely recorded' in Collins and the other, the Dark Velvet Fanvault (Camarophyllopsis atrovelutina) is not even in there. Once I find one or both of them fruiting I'll post a photo!

New Species - Pearly Parachute

Clearance of some brambly areas on the edge of the South Field revealed a new fungus record Marasmius Wynnei (Pearly Parachute). It was a relatively easy id as it had all the right features including a distinctive two tone stipe.

Waxcap #7 - Parrot Waxcap

Fruiting in one of their normal places in the South Field, a nice group of Parrot Waxcaps (Gliophorus psitticanus). We're getting there Waxcap-wise but slowly.

Dermoloma Update - new species

I have recorded two species of Dermoloma here - the relatively common Crazed Cap and the less common Dark Crazed Cap. The eDNA survey however caught an even less common Dermoloma - Black Magic (Dermaloma magicum). Dermolomas are the D in CHEGD so are an important indicator of unimproved grassland. Old photo of a Crazed Cap as I don't have a photo of something found by DNA survey.

Pinkgills major update - eDNA results

They are appearing at last this season and there are a lot of Lilac Pinkgills (photo above) in the South Field as well as some Felted Pinkgills in the West Field. The major new species however come from the results of the eDNA survey which have just come through. This was organised by Gwent Wildlife Trust who took soil samples in April which Aberystwyth Uni processed. They found five Pinkgill species in the sample areas but three of them had not been recorded by me E. ameides (Bubblegum Pinkgill), E.asprellum (Roughened Pinkgill) and most surprisingly E. henrici (Matt Pinkgill). The last is considered pretty rare. That takes my list up to 18 species which is a great list for such a small site.

Waxcap #6 - Pale Waxcap

Because of their small size and their appearance in the East Field where I have not seen them before I didn't recognise these as Pale Waxcaps at first but the cap colour, the powdery texture on the cap, the stout stipe and contorted gills confirmed them as Pale Waxcaps (C. pratensis or C. berkeleyi - take your choice)

Agaricus comtulus - back in numbers

I first found a single broken specimen a couple of years ago in the East Field and also a few last year. Now it has a ring of its own. A lovely small Agaric with a delicate ring that bruises yellow on the lower part of the stipe and smells of bitter almonds. Strangely I think this is the only Agaric I get here.

Another Small Copper

Surprisingly late in the season a Small Copper was seen briefly yesterday but did not stop for a photo. That follows a single sighting of the same species in May, so actually a good season for them in comparison with most years!

Waxcap #5 - Blackening Waxcap

I nearly squashed these as they are in the garden next to the barn. Classic Blackening Waxcaps - always a good sight to see.

Waxcap #4 for 2022 - Fibrous Waxcap

They are starting to appear now and #4 looks almost normal apart from being on the small side. The Fibrous Waxcap (Hygrocybe intermedia) is usually found in numbers here but this is not a normal season so far.

Waxcap #3 for 2022 - Yellow Foot Waxcap

I didn't recognise this at first - small and broken caps did not scream Yellow Foot Waxcap but the distinctive gills and the yellowing of the stipe base when bruised are giveaways.

Waxcap #2 for 2022

It's been a long time coming but I did find two more species on our return from holiday - the first of which is Golden Waxcap (Hygrocybe chlorophana).It is fruiting in the East and South fields.

New Species - Larch Bolete

Not surprisingly fruiting near one of our two large Larch trees. This is a strikingly coloured Bolete with some distinctive features to make identification relatively straightforward. The loose upwardly facing ring, the low volva and the bright yellow pores bruising purply brownish.

Pine Marten - not seen yet!!

There are reports of Pine Martens in woods just a coupleof miles from here - crossed the river from the Forest of Dean where there has been a release. Exciting times.So here is a photo I took last week in Scotland. What a stunning animal.

At last - a fruiting fungus

Not a new species but one that I have to check carefully. I am happy that this is Red-cracking Bolete (Xerocomellus chrysenteron) although there is some confusion with regard to Xerocomellus cisaplinus which is similar. Basically there only used to be X. chrysenteron and then it was decided that most of the specimens identified as such were really X. cisalpinus. Kibby says that X. chrysenteron 'appears to be confined almost entirely to coniferous woods although very occasionally it can appear with Fagus'. Just to confuse matters even further , the name Red cracking Bolete should really be for X. cisalpinus but I follow the BMS naming system which maintains the name for X. chrysenteron. Not only that but the fungus has moved genus from Boletus to Xerocomus to Xerocomellus in recent years. Anyway all the indications say may id is right (and it was under Fagus) and the spores confirm it.

New Species - German Wasp

The German Wasp (Vespula germanica) is common enough but I hadn't formally identified a specimen from here before. A dead Wasp in our longe gave me the opportunity for a close examination and the specimen turns out to be a German Wasp. The facial markings are one way to distinguish it from the Common Wasp (Vespula vulgaris).

Butterfly Summary

Overall it has to be considered another poor year for Butterflies. There are some bright spots but what I consider the everyday common Butterflies seem in short supply. The Small Tortoiseshells, Peacocks, Large Whites and Small Whites which in a typical garden make up most of the Butterflies you see were not seen as frequently as they were five or six years ago. The good news is that the Marbled Whites are still doing well. They hit the hot dry spell this year and were a common sight for the best part of two months over both fields and near the house. The most successful this year were the Meadow Browns with whole clouds of them at one point. The sixteen species seen this year rate as follows: Great year - Meadow Brown Good year - Marbled White, Gatekeeper, Orange Tip OK year - Common Blue, Ringlet, Still around - Speckled Wood, Large White, Small White, Small Tortoiseshell, Peacock Hanging on - Small Skipper,Painted Lady,Comma, Red Admiral, Small Copper Photo is an old one of a Small Skipper

Painted Lady

This may be one of last Butterfly species to be recorded here this year - it is the sixteenth and I usually record between fifteen and eighteen of the twenty three (or possibly twenty four) species I have noted here. This is an immigrant Butterfly, the UK specimens typically being progeny of Butterflies originally breeding in large quantities in North Africa.

Sorting out the Hawkish Complex flowers

I get various Hawbits and Catsears here at The Beeches. Earlier in the season identification seems straightforward enough with clear specimens of Rough Hawkbit and Catsear growing, sometimes in profusion. The Catsears have fairly glabrous stems, often multiple flowerheads per stem. A bract on the stem and are quite tall often and the hairs on the leaves are not forked. Rough Hawkbits also quite tall, hairy stems and bracts, single flowers and have forked hairs on the leaves. Later in the season it all gets a bit confusing so I got out the hand lens and USB microscope and examined some specimens yesterday. Specimen 1 A mostly glabrous stem, leaves that are bluntish at the end and not very sticky outy with unforked hairs and a reddish colour under the outer rays That is a Catsear (photo). Specimen 2 A sparsely hairy, smallish in height, with forked hairs, single flowers and somewhat sticky out leaves and greyish green colour under the outer rays . This is Lesser Hawkbit which I thought I had but I am now sure. Specimen 3 Sticky out leaves with pointy end and unforked hairs, more than one flower on stem and grey colour under the outer rays. This is Autumn Hawkbit which I don't think I had recorded before. The Rough Hawkbits are no longer in flower so I didn't come across any of them.

New Hoverfly Species - Great Pied Hoverfly (Volucella pellucens)

My attention was drawn to this unusual looking fly with a 'transparent' abdomen segment and attractive wing markings which closer inspection showed was a Hoverfly. Once I had spotted the Vena spuria confirming it was a Hoevrfly it was a fairly quick id using my Ball and Morris Hoverfly book. It is a very common fly but not one I had spotted here before.

New Moth Species - Canary-shouldered Thorn

Great name and great look - a humdinger of a Moth. It wasn't patient enough to let me get a good photo of it before it cleared off.

Moth Trapping #2

A second trap was set last night so a 4:30am start this morning. Lots of new species for The Beeches but one of the best was not strictly new as it had been recorded in larval stage before. Still worth a photo though. The Elephant Hawk Moth.

Wild Teasel - in all its glory

This new species is now significantly taller than me, has some beautiful mauve flowers and is a big attraction for insects. Hopefully it spreads in the rough ground where it has appeared.

New Moth Species (5 ) - Light Emerald

Another striking new species for me was the Light Emerald (Campaea margaritata). Two or three came to the trap. As it is a typical woodland species we benefit in getting such Moths by our proximity to the woodland and from the trees on site

New Moth Species (4) - Four-spotted Footman

I was going through photos of Moths I didn't take to be identified and found one that I had assumed was the same as the Common Footman that was formally id'd. I looked it up and found it to be a Four-spotted Footman (Lithosia quadra) - a male so it doesn't actually have any spots. This is much less common and widespread than the Common Footman so a pleasing catch. It is also a very elegant Moth (apart from the bald patch!)

New Moth Species (3)

Two more Moths from the trapping. The darker one is a new species for The Beeches list and is a Dot Moth (Melancra persicariae). The plaer one is a Riband Wave and that has been recorded by me previously.

New Moth Species (2)

Another one from last weeks trapping. Possibly the most elegant and definitely with the best coiffeur, I give you the Scalloped Oak (Crocallis elinguaria).

New Moth Species (1)

The most splendid, apart from the Poplar Hawkmoth (see below), I trapped was the Peppered Moth (Biston betularia).

Moths

I borrowed a Moth trap and did my first proper trapping a couple of nights ago. Lots of new species to add to the list. It would have been a lot more but having potted up loads of micromoths I released them all as I realised that I wasn't going to have enough pots or enough identification time to deal with the number of moths in and around the trap. I needed id help for most of the larger moths in any case which I got in the early afternoon (thanks Steph). I'll highlight a few of the new species in separate blogs and start here with the magnificent Poplar Hawkmoth.