Snakeshead Fritillary and Early Bumble Bee

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!

WEDNESDAY, 11TH MARCH

Bumble Bees


I did see several bumble bees whizzing across the garden yesterday but this morning one appeared on the patio and stayed just long enough for me to fetch the camera and get one record shot.

I think this is a Buff-tailed Bumble Bee (Bombus terrestris). You can't see the tail in the photo but it was white and the golden-yellow bands (as opposed to lemony yellow) suggest this was Buff-tailed rather than White-tailed.



"...The black and yellow bumble first on wing
To buzz among the sallow's early flowers,
Hiding its nest in holes from fickle Spring
Who stints his rambles with her frequent showers...."

From "Wild Bees" by John Clare

TUESDAY, 10TH MARCH

Camelia, First Hoverfly and Bumble Bees and Hebrew Character Moth



The milder weather over the last few days means the white camelia buds are finally starting to open.

I put out the moth trap again on Saturday evening and found just one moth - Hebrew Character (Orthosia gothica). This species is named after the dark mark in the centre of the forewing which resembles the Hebrew letter Nun.

Frogs are starting to stir in the pond and a few Bumble Bees went whizzing past the kitchen window today. I saw my first garden hoverfly this morning on bergenia flowers. Sadly it had disappeared by the time I had returned with my camera.