Walk to Stremnishmore

Whilst Fiona was exploring moorland at Upper Killeyan yesterday, I was not too far away, walking to Stremnishmore, a deserted farmstead on the Oa. There was a lot to be enthused about (despite lack of good lighting for photography), but I was particulary excited about these Marsh Fritillary caterpillars. These butterflies seem to have had a poor year, not helped no doubt by THE storm of 23rd May, so it was encouraging to see these critters swarming about. I only saw one web though.

Also saw this common ground beetle, Pterostichus niger.
Becky

Marsh Fritillary caterpillars, pre-hibernation

Pterostichus niger