Butterfly Summary 2021

Not much to summarise really - a poor year for both species number and quantities. In 2020 I recorded 18 species here and this year just 14. Most species were down in numbers although there are always a lot of Meadow Browns. Perhaps more Whites both Small and Large in 2021. The one success story is the Marbled White - for the second year in a row there were masses and over a long period. They are appearing increasingly in the garden areas as well perhaps a response to me leaving more grass there longer. I cut some of the longer grass in the East Field this year but hopefully there is enough grass around and enough breeding went on to facilitate another good year for them next year. To celebrate here's another Marbled White photo.

Waxcap #22 for 2021 - Crimson Waxcap

Just a couple of fruiting bodies in the East field and late in the season as usual but the very impressive Crimson Waxcap (Hygrocybe punicea) is back.

Major new species - Trichoglossum hirsutum

I am still processing the new species found at the Gwent Fungi Group foray here last week. However the most exciting find has got an id now it - is the Earthtongue Triglossum hirsutum.It is perhaps the big wildlife surprise for 2021 - it's certainly the biggest fungal surprise. Earthtongues are restricted to long established unimproved sites and whilst the assemblage of fungi here already indicates that is the case, an Earthtongue provides another boost to the value of the fields here.

Common Puffball

A fine example of the Common Puffball (Lycoperdon perlatum) in the West Field. By far the most impressive example seen here - or indeed anywhere by me.

New Species - Fiery Milkcap (Lactarius pyrogalus)

Another result of the Gwent Fungi Group foray was this new Milkcap. It is common enough and we have plenty of the host trees (Hazel) around but I hadn't come across it here before. The 'milk' is very hot and that is one of the defining characteristics.

New Species - Scarlet Caterpillarclub

The Gwent Fungus Group foray on Saturday produced a few new fungi species including the delightful Scarlet Caterpillarclub (Cordyceps militaris). A great addition to The Beeches fungi list.

Waxcap #21 - Splendid Waxcap

A bit battered but it's definitely fruiting - what a superb fungus.