Macro Workshop at RSPB Portmore Lough
Portmore Lough Our second macro workshop, and fifth in total for 2018 was held at RSPB Portmore Lough near Aghalee today. The lough and reserve are close to Lough Neagh, and has a host of native insects and invertebrates on the wetlands of the reserve. Many dragonflies were present including common darter, 4 spotted chaser. Once we got the theory out of the way (and good friend Rosie had provided my lunch), we started at the giant bird table pollinator flowerbed, alive with insects. After an hour there, we moved on to the path to the lough, hoping to see dragonflies and butterflies on the way. The wind was pretty strong so we had no luck on the dragons, but attendee Lucy got a great speckled wood butterfly, and plenty of peacocks were also present. Caterpillars! On the boardwalk to the hide, we spotted a Grey Dagger moth caterpillar in the railings. It posed nicely for everyone before being escorted to a safer location. This striking little larvae is easily