A miscellany

Every tree has its set of dependent species. Horse Chestnut has fewer than most, but I strongly suspect that the number of dependent species is closely related to the length of time that a particular species of tree has been resident in a particular place: it will always take some time for the dependents to follow the presence of the host. Horse Chestnut is a relatively recent addition to our fauna, and would almost certainly have been introduced by man. I must see if it's possible to detect a statistical correlation between duration of residence of host plant and number of dependent species.

The fungal rust on this Chestnut leaf is Guignardia aesculi, which affects most specimens of Chestnut in our area.


Moths are still coming to light, but in smaller numbers, which is to be expected as we get colder. This Black Rustic - Aporophyla nigra - is a new species for me:


Occasionally I get an Ichneumonid or two as well. This red one is worth showing:


Shield bugs are usually found very close to their particular habitat. This Forest Shield Bug - Pentatoma rufipes - is always found in old deciduous woodland, but the other night this specimen was blown onto my windowsill. It can always fly back.