On Thursday 22.11., taking advantage of a decent day, I walked the walls and New Rd, Mistley.
In spots where the sun was shining and out of the wind we were surprised to find extremely large numbers of flies.
Many went unidentified, but those that were included Drone Fly, the hoverflies Episyrphus balteatus and Syrphus ribesii, Noon Fly Mesembrina meridiana any many Blue Bottles. Of the Noon Flies 15 seen is the most I have ever noted in one area. Common Wasps were still active on Ivy flowers, One Queen and several workers being recorded at various locations together with 10+ Honey Bees.
In complete contrast only 6 7-Spot Ladybirds and one Harlequin were found despite diligent searching. Last year , at this time, there were literally thousands in this location. It appears they have taken a real hammering this year. It was also noted that both species were noticeably smaller than normal.
In spots where the sun was shining and out of the wind we were surprised to find extremely large numbers of flies.
Many went unidentified, but those that were included Drone Fly, the hoverflies Episyrphus balteatus and Syrphus ribesii, Noon Fly Mesembrina meridiana any many Blue Bottles. Of the Noon Flies 15 seen is the most I have ever noted in one area. Common Wasps were still active on Ivy flowers, One Queen and several workers being recorded at various locations together with 10+ Honey Bees.
In complete contrast only 6 7-Spot Ladybirds and one Harlequin were found despite diligent searching. Last year , at this time, there were literally thousands in this location. It appears they have taken a real hammering this year. It was also noted that both species were noticeably smaller than normal.