Common Darter
The Common Darter dragonfly (Sympetrum striolatum) is one of 11 species of Odonata seen in Charlton Down Nature Area so … Continue reading Common Darter
Author: winderjssc
A volunteer helper at the Charlton Down Nature Area in Dorset using a life-long interest in natural history to help improve the biodiversity and amenity value of the site. Enthusiastic about the natural world right on our doorstep, and working to enable all visitors to enjoy, learn, and appreciate the value of wilder places. Jessica writes the Charlton Down Nature Area website and blog at https://charltondownnaturearea.uk and Jessica's Nature Blog at https://natureinfocus.blog.
Banded Demoiselle
The Banded Demoiselle (Calopteryx splendens) is very beautiful but has only been seen once so far in the Charlton Down … Continue reading Banded Demoiselle
Large Red Damselfly
Large Red Damselflies (Pyrrhosoma nymphula), probably with the two forms intermedia and fulvipes, are a beautiful sight flying over the … Continue reading Large Red Damselfly
List of Butterflies & Moths
In alphabetical order, a list of butterflies and moths recorded in Charlton Down Nature Area to date. Click text or … Continue reading List of Butterflies & Moths
Parsnip Webworm Caterpillar
The Parsnip Webworm or Parsnip Moth (Depressaria radiella) – a micro-moth – has a caterpillar that eats the white flowers … Continue reading Parsnip Webworm Caterpillar
Spindle Ermine Moth
Another micro-moth is the Spindle Ermine (Yponomeuta cagnagella). You can see in the picture above how tiny it is compared … Continue reading Spindle Ermine Moth
Small Purple and Gold Moth
The Small Purple and Gold Moth (Pyrausta aurata) also known as the Mint Moth. It is just under a centimetre … Continue reading Small Purple and Gold Moth
White Plume Moth
The White Plume Moth (Pterophorus pentadactyla) looks very strange and a little spooky. It is completely white and it has … Continue reading White Plume Moth
Pug Moth Caterpillars
Pug Moth caterpillars (Epithecia sp.) These tiny caterpillars are masters of disguise. The specimens in these images were all feeding … Continue reading Pug Moth Caterpillars
Mother of Pearl Moth
This Mother of Pearl Moth (Pleuroptya ruralis) is rather old and faded with many of the scales missing from the … Continue reading Mother of Pearl Moth
Charlton Down Nature Area 