I might be wrong (experts @gailashton @DominicCouzens what do you reckon?) but perhaps this is an Alder leaf beetle party? I mean, it’s certainly a beetle party. #Hatch
@WriterHannahBT @gailashton Gail's the expert, Hannah
@WriterHannahBT @gailashton @DominicCouzens That's a rave. Interestingly, are they on hazelnut?
@WriterHannahBT @gailashton @DominicCouzens I took a photo of these on way home from work, the most I have ever seen
@WriterHannahBT @gailashton @DominicCouzens It looks good to me. I'm familiar with them (Agelastica alni). They all look like males to me. I've also put a photo of the female, which has the larger abdomen, with the yellow sides.
@WriterHannahBT @gailashton @DominicCouzens Yes - I spotted those on an alder twig - they don't even need the leaves.
@WriterHannahBT @gailashton @DominicCouzens we get these gatherings too -i dunno if they are newly hatched -which i suspect or out from hibernation - there will be a load of black larva later too
@WriterHannahBT @gailashton @DominicCouzens Saw this happening this morning on either rose or firnged bay willow herb. There's no Alder trees down the alllotments so wonder where the gathering came from.
@WriterHannahBT @gailashton @DominicCouzens Yup, here too!☹️☹️