While out walking in south Kilkenny we saw that some sloes by the roadside were banana-shaped instead of round. We were wondering why. - Bob Ardis, Piltown, Co Kilkenny
The flower buds of the blackthorn must have suffered some kind of attack, possibly by blackfly which caused small distorted fruit.
Walking with our father along towards the beach at Rosses Point we found this dead insect (moth enclosed) on the side of the path. He also used to see them at the golf club.
- Sheila (11yrs) and Elizabeth (8yrs) Armstrong, Rosses Point, Co Sligo
This beautiful moth (with hot-pink hind wings and very dark-blue forewings which have a red line on the leading edges and two red spots on the sides) is the cinnabar moth. It flies from May to July, generally at night, and often swarms to a light. It is common particularly in coastal regions. It lays its eggs on ragwort and groundsel on which the caterpillars feed.
Observed in the last week of May - a smallish, white butterfly with unusual markings. Reference to the book would seem to identify it as a black-veined white which would not be expected so far north. Perhaps another small indication of global warming. - Jim Leonard, Tramore, Co Waterford.
Edited by Michael Viney, who welcomes observations sent to him at Thallabawn, Carrowniskey PO, Westport, Co Mayo. email: viney@anu.ie. Observations sent by email should be accompanied by postal address.