Lynchcombe in July
Musk Thistle (Carduus nutans) – Lynchcombe, Somerset, UK. ID DSC_4360
Lynchcombe
Lynchcombe is a Somerset Wildlife Trust nature reserve high up on the sunny south facing ridge of the Mendip Hills. This July it has been dominated by musk thistles.
Gatekeeper (Pyronia tithonus) on Musk Thistle – Lynchcombe, Somerset, UK. ID JB1_5303
The nodding heads of the thistle attract lots of butterflies.
Marbled White (Melanargia calathea) on Musk Thistle – Lynchcombe, Somerset, UK. ID JB1_4784
But I was amazed to find hummingbird hawk moths. Looking and behaving just like humming birds they seem out of place in Somerset.
Hummingbird Hawk Moth (Macroglossum stellatarum) – Lynchcombe, Somerset, UK. ID JB1_4588
Hummingbird Hawk Moth (Macroglossum stellatarum) – Lynchcombe, Somerset, UK. ID JB1_4763
Marbled white butterflies had a really good summer.
Marbled White (Melanargia calathea) – Lynchcombe, Somerset, UK. ID DSC_4189
Small skippers dart around having fun.
Small Skipper (Thymelicus sylvestris) – Lynchcombe, Somerset, UK. ID JB1_4897
Small Skipper (Thymelicus sylvestris) – Lynchcombe, Somerset, UK. ID JB1_5369
It is not just thistles, this peacock was one of many butterflies feeding on the only buddleia bush on the reserve. This bush is a honey pot for lots of butterflies.
Peacock butterfly (Inachis io) – Lynchcombe, Somerset, UK. ID JB1_5217
By far the most numerous butterfly species is the meadow brown. I counted more than 300 in 2 hours!
Meadow Brown (Maniola jurtina) – Lynchcombe, Somerset, UK. ID DSC_3369
I often confuse meadow browns and ringlets.
Ringlet (Aphantopus hyperantus) – Lynchcombe, Somerset, UK. ID DSC_3317
Around the reserve where the limestone rock is exposed there are patches of wild thyme. This draws in many butterflies such as the common blue.
Common Blue (Polyommatus icarus) on wild thyme – Lynchcombe, Somerset, UK. ID DSC_3950
And finally…
Black and yellow longhorn beetles look fantastic.
Black and Yellow Longhorn Beetle – Lynchcombe, Somerset, UK. ID DSC_3627
Black and Yellow Longhorn Beetle – Lynchcombe, Somerset, UK. ID DSC_3713
