Hazel Leaf-roller

The very handsome and distinctive hazel leaf-roller Apoderus coryli is not an uncommon woodland species in some parts of the country, particularly the larger ancient woodlands of the west midlands, Wales and south-east England. The larvae feed in rolled up leaves of hazel, which the adult female cuts and prepares.

But it's pretty rare in much of eastern England and it was quite a surprise to find it at Skellingthorpe Old Wood on Sunday. Having done a bit of research this would seem to be its only known site in south Lincolnshire, with a single previous record dating back to 1956 - over sixty years ago!

I've been absent for a while - preparations for Molly's birthday party, which involved industrial scale baking, occupied much of last week and left little time for photography. I have some photographs to backblip, but the next few days is going to be completely filled with fieldwork, so it may take a while!