Lynchcombe / Update

Lynchcombe Steps

by Jeff Bevan · Published 24th July 2023 · Updated 24th July 2023

Peacock (Aglais io) – Lynchcombe, Mendip Hills, Somerset, UK. ID JB_0975

It has been a very busy summer, and I have not been able to spend as much time up on the Lynchcombe nature reserve as I would like. The reserve is owned by the Somerset Wildlife Trust for whom I am a volunteer warden. Much of my time this year has been counting the butterflies.

Marbled White (Melanargia galathea) – Lynchcombe, Mendip Hills, Somerset, UK. ID JB_0635

The bad weather weather meant many butterflies were late to take flight. But as summer improved the usual suspects appeared one by one.

Comma (Polygonia c-album) – Lynchcombe, Mendip Hills, Somerset, UK. ID JB_1144

Comma are always late to appear. The small coppers come out much earlier, this one has clearly been in the wars.

Small Copper (Lycaena phlaeas) – Lynchcombe, Mendip Hills, Somerset, UK. ID JB_1055

These shiny little beetles with their Popeye inspired legs are one of my favourites.

Swollen-thighed Beetle (Oedemera nobilis) – Lynchcombe, Mendip Hills, Somerset, UK. ID JB_0367

As the summer reaches its peak hundreds of common darter dragonflies roam the reserve. Strange as there are no ponds or rivers!

Common Darter (Sympetrum striolatum) – Lynchcombe, Mendip Hills, Somerset, UK. ID JB_0740

Watching the migrant hawkers is always a treat.

Migrant Hawker (Aeshna mixta) – Lynchcombe, Mendip Hills, Somerset, UK. ID JB_1198

Someone asked me if the sailor beetles were about, so on my next visit I planned to hunt them down. It only took a few minutes as I had really lucky find.