The question is whether they are migrants or breeding. They are thought to be breeding in parts of Hampshire and Wiltshire, and given the number that have been reported in Berkshire now it looks like local breeding is a distinct possibility. It will certainly be worth having a close look at Aspen trees next summer for the caterpillars.
Barry Murrer's second Clifden Nonpareil from Thatcham, Berkshire:
Given the scarcity of aspen in some of its recently established populations, fraxini must surely be feeding on a different food-plant, such as poplar? This may explain the huge increase in sightings across S. England.
ReplyDeleteI wish someone would tell it that there's no scarcity of aspen just a little bit further north! Here in mid-Bucks most of the ancient woodlands which were once part of the old Bernwood hunting forest have plenty of it, which is why Light Orange Underwing is so common hereabouts. I'd trade the orange for blue any day!
ReplyDeleteMaybe next year Dave. I'm also hoping it also establishes itself in my neck of the woods!
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