GOAT MOTH (Cossus cossus) caterpillar on 12-08-2020, Girley Bog, Natural Heritage Area (NHA), Scurlockstown, Kells, Co. Meath, Ireland

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The Goat Moth (Cossus cossus) is of the family Cossidae which is in the genus Cossus. This large species occurs in broad leaved woodland across North America and Eurasia. In mid summer when the lava (caterpillar) hatches it bores into a deciduous tree. Having spent up to five year feeding inside the trunk or branch, the fully grown 10cm long larva emerges from the tree during August. It then makes a cocoon among debris on the ground where the pupal stage takes place and remains there until June the following year when it becomes a moth. The flight season, during which the adults don't feed, peaks in June and July. There is a strong musky smell reminiscent of goat from the larva (caterpillar) hence the adults name.

 

Patrick J. O'Keeffe / Raw Birds

 

With thanks to the local lady and her two children who found the caterpillar and pointed it out to me.

FLOWERING RUSH Wild Plant (Butomus umbellatus) Girley Bog, Natural Heritage Area (NHA), Scurlockstown, Co. Meath, Ireland

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The Flowering Rush (Butomus umbellatus) is of the family Butomaceae which is in the genus Butomus. This perennial rhizomatous wild plant is native to Europe as well as Western Asia and is found as an invasive species in parts of North America. It occurs in aquatic habitats along fresh water lakes, streams and rivers. The flowering season extends from July to late August.

Patrick J. O'Keeffe /Raw Birds

FOURTEEN SPOT LADYBIRD (Propylea quatuordecimpunctata) on STINGING NETTLE (Urtica dioica) Lullymore West Bog, Lullymore, Co. Kildare, Ireland

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 Click external link here for detailed Fourteen Spot Ladybird information

 Click external link here for detailed Stinging Nettle information

 Click external link here to see identification guide to Irish Ladybirds

 

The Fourteen Spot Ladybird (Propylea quatuordecimpunctata) is of the family Coccinellidae which is in the genus Propylea.

LARGE WHITE BUTTERFLY or LARGE CABBAGE WHITE BUTTERFLY (Pieris brassicae) at Lullymore West Bog, Lullymore, Co. Kildare, Ireland

 

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The Large White Butterfly (Pieris brassicae) or Large Cabbage White Butterfly is of the family Pieridae which is in the genus Pieris. It occurs very commonly through out Eurasia and North Africa as well as an introduced species in South Africa. Although larger, it can be confused with the Small White Butterfly (Pieris rapae) which has a much reduced black edge to the upper forewing.

 

Patrick J. O'Keeffe / Raw Birds

KEELED SKIMMER DRAGONFLY (Orthetrum coerulescens) male Lullymore West Bog, Lullymore, Co. Kildare, Ireland

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The Keeled Skimmer Dragonfly (Orthetrum coerulescens) is of the family Libellulidae which is in the genus Orthetrum.

KEELED SKIMMER DRAGONFLY (Orthetrum coerulescens) female Lullymore West Bog, Lullymore, Co. Kildare, Ireland

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The Keeled Skimmer Dragonfly (Orthetrum coerulescens) is of the family Libellulidae which is in the genus Orthetrum.

KEELED SKIMMER DRAGONFLY (Orthetrum coerulescens) pair copulating Lullymore West Bog, Lullymore, Co. Kildare, Ireland

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 The Keeled Skimmer Dragonfly (Orthetrum coerulescens) is of the family Libellulidae which is in the genus Orthetrum.

COMMON CENTAURY WILDFLOWER or EUROPEAN CENTAURY WILDFLOWER (Centaurium erythraea) white form, Lullymore West Bog, Lullymore, Co. Kildare, Ireland

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The Common Centaury Wildflower or European Centaury Wildflower (Centaurium erythraea) is of the family Gentianaceae which is in the genus Centaurium.

COMMON CENTAURY WILDFLOWER or EUROPEAN CENTAURY WILDFLOWER (Centaurium erythraea) Lullymore West Bog, Lullymore, Co. Kildare, Ireland

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The Common Centaury Wildflower or European Centaury Wildflower (Centaurium erythraea) is of the family Gentianaceae which is in the genus Centaurium.

SPECKLED WOOD BUTTERFLY (Pararge aegeria) Lullymore West Bog, Lullymore, Co. Kildare, Ireland

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The Speckled Wood Butterfly (Pararge aegeria) is of the family Acanthosomatidae which is in the genus Pararge. This is a very common species and is found throughout the Palearctic region. It occurs in a wide variety of habitats including urban gardens with a preference for shaded areas. Overwintering either as a lava or a pupa enables an extended flight season from April to October.

Patrick J. O'Keeffe / Raw Birds