A good display of flowers, so butterflies and other insects abound, which is good news for hungry bats and birds! The birds are busy raising their young.
Flora
Species in flower include: Ragwort, Rosebay Willowherb, Giant Hogweed, Hogweed, Angelica, Yarrow, Deadly Nightshade, Brooklime, Water Figwort, Cheddar Pink, Field Scabious, Self-heal, Lady’s Bedstraw, Blue Water-speedwell, Eyebright, Agrimony, Bulrush, Meadow Thistle, Dog Rose, Wild Privet and Honeysuckle.
Birds
Swifts start nesting.
Barn Owl boxes: first check for eggs and chicks.
Insects
Dragonflies on the wing now include: Common Hawker, Southern Hawker, Emperor, Common Darter and Ruddy Darter
Single generation butterflies on the wing: Meadow Brown, Ringlet, Large Skipper, Small Skipper.
First generation butterflies: Small Tortoiseshell, Comma, Common Blue.
Caterpillars of Red Admiral, Painted Lady, Peacock, Brown Argus, Common Blue and Brimstone can be found.
Craneflies emerge from larval stage and start flying.
Burnet moths and Elephant Hawkmoths are flying.
Herald Moth caterpillars are found.
Glow-worms start glowing – wingless females attracting flying males.
Emerald Damselfly appears on the wing in late June
Watch out for Mint leaf beetles mating
Mammals
Dormice are breeding.
Bats very actively feeding. Pups mainly born this month: one pup per bat.
Reptiles and Amphibians
Grass snakes lay their eggs in warm places, like compost heaps.
Baby Frogs and Toads leave ponds.
Header photo: Mint leaf beetles (Chrysolina herbacea) mating in June, Radstock
