Several times over the years I've bought Snakeshead Fritillary (Fritillaria meleognis) plants and they've disappeared without trace. Last year I thought i'd discovered the reason why when this Lily Beetle (Lilioceris lilii) appeared along with several other beetles on yet another Fritillary I'd bought.
I didn't think the plant would survive so left it in its pot. I was thrilled today to see that it has re-appeared and has several flowers and buds.
Even better an Early Bumble Bee worker (Bombus pratorum) was taking nectar from one of the flowers.
Earlier in the day I'd also seen an Early Bumble Bee on Lungwort.
Now I know its survived I'll be planting the Fritillary in either the Rockery or Wildflower "meadow" hoping the lily beetles don't return!
Thank you for your kind comment. We saw our first 2015 Snakeshead Fritillaries in Buckinghamshire on Tuesday. #signsofspring
ReplyDeleteThank you too for the comment Caroline. Really love Snakeshead Fritillaries. There's a place in Wiltshire called Cricklade which is really famous for them - a bit too far to travel though :(
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