Your Forum

Hi all, i have been going through my pictures of 2011 and noticed i took pics of this bug, its been identified as a Cassida nobilis which i note is a Essex Red Data species, i would be interested to know if its rare or just perhaps just not often encountered. it was found in Braintree in Early April.

Steve.

The attached photographs show a site on the cliffs at Walton-on-the Naze below Sunny Point TM264231 and what I believe to be the Snail Cernuella (Helicella) virgata, the sandhill/dune snail. The promenade here is part private, part public owned. At he point where they meet the seawall funnels southerly winds and windswept sand onto the base of the cliff creating a mini dune like environment. A few years ago I found that this snail had taken up residence there with just one or two specimens present. On 10.11.11 a small colony was noted some 30+ being recorded. It would be interesting to know how on earth they arrived at the site, which is small and isolated from any dune area by about a mile

Over the years I have found the kitchen to be a good place for insects especially beetles. This is the first stop for washing brought in off the line together with any resting invertebrates. Any wildlife that comes in it usually makes straight for window, but may be found anywhere anywhere in the room. Being particularly interested in ladybirds I have noted 7-spots, a Harlequin and a Kidney Spot this year

A seven spot was crawling over our electric kettle this evening, then it settled down on the switch and is still there now gone eleven.  No walmth for its repose, but it was not unduly troubled when the utensil was in use.  Another inhabitant to look after !

Michael