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Photos / Sounds

What

Japanese Wireweed (Sargassum muticum)

Observer

dejaym

Date

August 12, 2015 06:31 PM BST

Place

Orkney, UK (Google, OSM)

Description

located as beach cast (not attached). Notified Harbour Authorities.

Photos / Sounds

What

Currant-yellow Rattle Aphid (Hyperomyzus rhinanthi)

Observer

dejaym

Date

July 1, 2023 04:30 PM BST

Place

Orkney, UK (Google, OSM)

Description

Aphids are not the easiest of organisms to ID. But they are commonly associated with a specific host plant, which MIGHT make it easier.
.
This seems to be Hyperomyzus rhinanthi judging by the patterns and size; but colour and size do not always make an ID.
However, this was found as a result of nearly an hour of opening the flower capsules of the Yellow Rattle (Rhinanthus minor) and I had been warned to expect it.
It is certainly elusive, see https://www.gbif.org/species/2076842
.
Clearly then, from INSIDE the flower capsule of its known secondary host plant. found residing on the inside of the calyces - photos
.
https://www.commanster.eu/Commanster/Insects/Bugs/SpBugs/Hyperomyzus.rhinanthi.html

Photos / Sounds

What

Korean Fir (Abies koreana)

Observer

dejaym

Date

May 23, 2023 10:02 AM BST

Description

a rare tree in the UKs Northern Isles. Nurtured and protected in sheltered gardens.
Lovely purple cones that disintegrate when mature and handled. Lovely stiff foliage

Photos / Sounds

What

Darwin's Barberry (Berberis darwinii)

Observer

dejaym

Date

May 20, 2023 01:50 PM BST

Description

Bright golden flowers, small leaves with a few edge-spikes and crowns of stiff thorns on stems.
Does not grow wild in Orkney but can be found all over the Northern Isles in sheltered gardens and parks - it is quite common.
Petals are dropping here in May
Almost the World's most northerly record (GBIF)

Photos / Sounds

What

Littoral Sea Spider (Pycnogonum litorale)

Observer

dejaym

Date

March 17, 2023 01:03 PM GMT

Description

A rare glimpse of a egg bearing sea spider perhaps beside a male.
They are not easy to photograph wet, as cameras are often fooled by reflections
.
Nice Link - https://nathistoc.bio.uci.edu/Pycnogonida/Pycnogonum.htm

Photos / Sounds

Observer

dejaym

Date

October 25, 2018 02:12 PM BST

Place

Orkney, UK (Google, OSM)

Description

a repeat of an earlier one here
https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/17850741
which has received no attention.
.
I have no doubts about the ID but need some support
It is well recorded in the UK here https://www.gbif.org/species/7968070
.
Crisp to the point of glassily fragile; light golden brown, stiff when immersed, tufted colony, on the surface of a broad frond of stranded Sugar Kelp (Saccharina latissima).
,
see
https://www.aphotomarine.com/bryozoan_scrupocellaria_reptans.html
https://www.european-marine-life.org/17/cradoscrupocellaria-reptans.php
https://eol.org/pages/39271095
https://www.bioimages.org.uk/image.php?id=103318

Photos / Sounds

Observer

dejaym

Date

February 15, 2023 02:53 PM GMT

Place

Orkney, UK (Google, OSM)

Description

I don't think ALL pitting in barnacles is down to Pyrenocollema . But when it so evenly distributed and sized it is quite likely.
I was amazed that AI here recognised it.
It seems very common but this is my first encounter and I intend to follow it more closely.
Also see on nearby live Patella Photo 9 (A)

I suspect we might also see Pyrenocollema sublitorale** (photo 10 (B))
But I need to collect more photographs.
Many of the surfaces seen n these old barnacles (Semibalanus baloides) are abraded by the seawash,
.
http://www.lichensmaritimes.org/index.php?task=fiche&lichen=876&lang=en
**https://nature22.com/estran22/vegetaux/lichens/lichens1.html

Photos / Sounds

Observer

dejaym

Date

November 13, 2022 02:09 PM GMT

Place

Orkney, UK (Google, OSM)

Description

The first photo shows the mature receptacles of Channelled Wrack (Pelvetia canaliculata)
During my November investigation I came across the ascomycete fungus

Stigmidium ascophylli.

This is recorded in Northern Europe, sparsely in the USA under a different name and extensively in the UK (GBIF)
The accepted name here may be a synonym
.
My sources for ID are -
http://www.lichensmaritimes.org/index.p•hp?task=fiche&lichen=823&lang=en
https://www.outerhebridesfungi.co.uk/species.php?id=430

Photos / Sounds

What

Alder Vein Angle Gall (Eriophyes inangulis)

Observer

dejaym

Date

August 31, 2022

Place

Orkney, UK (Google, OSM)

Description

Not to be confused with Eriophyes laevis, as these are more or less restricted to the central rib on Alnus glutinosa leaves
Prolific and alongside Taphrina alni fugus (illustrated)

Photos / Sounds

Observer

dejaym

Date

July 28, 2022 10:49 AM BST

Place

Orkney, UK (Google, OSM)

Description

Pristiphora ID proposed by AI
Found on Salix pentandra only - wide choice of other Salix available locally.
.
I have 50 Photos
Euura oligospila and Euura caeruleocarpus have been suggested
@ophrys @iinsectamo

Photos / Sounds

What

Redcurrant Blister Aphid (Cryptomyzus ribis)

Observer

dejaym

Date

July 28, 2022

Photos / Sounds

What

Many-ribbed Jelly (Aequorea forskalea)

Observer

dejaym

Date

July 7, 2022 10:23 AM BST

Place

Orkney, UK (Google, OSM)

Description

A lovely rose Chrystal. Found among a rare stranding of Blue Cross Cosmetira pilosella
Nice local specimen here https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/94122200

Photos / Sounds

What

Blue-cross Jelly (Cosmetira pilosella)

Observer

dejaym

Date

July 8, 2022 10:25 AM BST

Place

Orkney, UK (Google, OSM)

Description

Partnered with https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/125158084
.
A second visit the next day. A new small batch had come in with the tide. These are assembled at low water in fairly calm conditions.
The tide was again rising, so they were gradually being lifted from the sand to be rolled over and smashed. They are very delicate and quite difficult to photograph on the scale card.
I am certain the ID is correct but I failed to resolve the numerous marginal cirri. But I have illustrated them in one of my other Observations.

I felt it useful to add another Observation as there is so little Web material.
About 36 World records, 9 in the UK

Photos / Sounds

What

Blue-cross Jelly (Cosmetira pilosella)

Observer

dejaym

Date

July 7, 2022 10:13 AM BST

Place

Orkney, UK (Google, OSM)

Description

Disintegrating before my eyes on a rising tide but many hundreds of them.
Just one of those days
.
Can anyone shed light of the red (compass) in two photos - please?

Photos / Sounds

Observer

dejaym

Date

July 31, 2016 04:00 PM BST

Place

Orkney, UK (Google, OSM)

Description

Not a lot to go on but I am fairly certain this is Septoria scabiosicola. Host plant is Succisa pratensis.
Slightly rarer on stems

Photos / Sounds

Observer

dejaym

Date

June 2, 2022 08:52 AM BST

Place

Orkney, UK (Google, OSM)

Description

The plant is Hogweed (Eritreum sphondylium). The yellow infection is most probably Puccinia hercula but mostly comprise lesions on the stems and veins, resembling Albugo spp, . Close examination reveals puccinia-like pustules and probably immature aecia
There are no other records here (iNat) but it is recorded in my home region.
.
Untreated (mown annually) roadside in farmland
.

Photos / Sounds

Observer

dejaym

Date

June 14, 2016 09:09 AM BST

Place

Orkney, UK (Google, OSM)

Description

Not very common, not often noticed rust-type (fungal) infection of Dandelion (Taraxacum) leaves. Distorts and discolours the leaf.
Small pustules (sori) occur as the fungus matures
Long lasting through the season and rain.

See https://bladmineerders.nl/parasites/fungi/chytridiomycota/chytridiales/synchytrium/synchytrium-taraxaci/
and
https://www.fungi.org.uk/viewtopic.php?t=177

Photos / Sounds

Observer

dejaym

Date

June 8, 2021 11:34 AM BST

Place

Orkney, UK (Google, OSM)

Description

tiny crowding nearly black beetle on Stinging Nettle (Urtica dioica) flowers.

http://www.eakringbirds.com/eakringbirds2/insectinfocusbrachypterusurticae.htm

Photos / Sounds

What

Bee-Louse (Braula coeca)

Observer

dejaym

Date

March 28, 2022 10:52 AM BST

Place

Orkney, UK (Google, OSM)

Description

a rare glimpse of a live one out for a Spring ride. Dune willow on a warm spring day.

Photos / Sounds

Observer

dejaym

Date

November 14, 2021 01:45 PM GMT

Place

Orkney, UK (Google, OSM)

Description

There are over 35 (up to 55) Cheilymenia species in the UK. They are not easy to bring to species as they are so small and growing on Cow 'pats' that are about 8 weeks old.
Some, like this one, are eye-lashed and that helps to separate them a little.
These ones have quite smooth caps, with distinctive and stiff hairs about the periphery and all down the lower edge.
Close examination suggests the stronger and darker hairs might be minutely split at their base
.
https://www.first-nature.com/fungi/cheilymenia-fimicola.php
and
https://www.mykoweb.com/CAF/species/Cheilymenia_fimicola.html

Photos / Sounds

What

Elm-currant Aphid (Eriosoma ulmi)

Observer

dejaym

Date

June 20, 2021 11:07 AM BST

Place

Orkney, UK (Google, OSM)

Description

This is an Aphid Gall on Wych Elm (Ulmus glabra) leaves.
As with all galls it is important to get sight of the 'culprit'. In the case of Eriosoma ulmi it is essential because it is not the only Galler of Wych elm leaves.
It is rare to see the Aphid outside the leaf roll but, when seen, it will need to be confirmed as a wax-covered fundatrix. These are found inside the roll. The home is often a sweet sticky mess but it is usually easy to find several fundatrices.
There are at least 75 Elm Aphids in the World
.
For good ID confirmation, a photo of the aphids is usually necessary
.
https://bladmineerders.nl/parasites/animalia/arthropoda/insecta/hemiptera/sternorrhyncha/aphidoidea/aphididae/eriosomatinae/eriosomatini/eriosoma/eriosoma-ulmi/
and
https://influentialpoints.com/Gallery/Eriosoma_ulmi_Elm-currant_aphid.htm

Photos / Sounds

Observer

dejaym

Date

November 14, 2021 01:52 PM GMT

Place

Orkney, UK (Google, OSM)

Description

Tiny, by anyone's standards. Not easily observed except via enlarged photography. Occurring on Cow Dung that is about (no less than) 8 weeks old.
They are little more that 6-10mm high when mature. They quickly deliquesce once the cap is open. Delicate, silvery stipe with grey, slightly warty, cap
,
It is possible they might be Coprinopsis xenobia
https://www.first-nature.com/fungi/coprinopsis-xenobia.php
But further microscopic ID by me is impossible. These occur in the sheltered folds of the dung, in partnership with much larger Cheilymenia and the really tiny Pilobolus, each seen in the photos.

Photos / Sounds

What

Groundsel Crown Rust (Puccinia lagenophorae)

Observer

dejaym

Date

October 6, 2021 03:16 PM BST

Place

Orkney, UK (Google, OSM)

Description

Really only associated with Groundsel and Oxford Ragwort.
Clearly a puccinia rust.
Photos show Common Groundsel (Senecio vulgaris) UK
https://www.naturespot.org.uk/species/puccinia-lagenophorae
http://www.dorsetnature.co.uk/pages-fungi/f-83.html
https://eol.org/pages/16336

Photos / Sounds

What

Alder Root Gall Bacteria (Frankia alni)

Observer

dejaym

Date

September 4, 2021

Place

Orkney, UK (Google, OSM)

Description

Usually under the ground but near the surface and always attached to smaller rootlets of Alder (Alnus ) and most often associated with Alnus glutinosa.
Some resource links

https://www.usgs.gov/media/images/alder-root-nodules
https://earthlingnature.wordpress.com/2018/03/16/friday-fellow-alder-root-bacterium/
https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.aad4501?sa_campaign=Email%2Ftoc%2F26-May-2017%2F10.1126%2Fscience.aad4501&

Photos / Sounds

Observer

dejaym

Date

February 1, 2021 04:07 PM GMT

Description

Visiting and recording the progress of 'my' lovely red sandbinder seaweed Rhodothamniella floridula I could not help seeing these white flecks.
They turn out to be the sand-tube homes of a Polychaeta worm (like tiny Sand masons (Lanice conchilega)) most probably in the family Spionidae.
Despite my efforts, I have yet to photograph a whole worm but WILL.
Please increase my budget and give me more time!
.
A key
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/268212635_Spionidae_Annelida_from_shallow_waters_around_the_British_Islands_An_identification_guide_for_the_NMBAQC_Scheme_with_an_overview_of_spionid_morphology_and_biology#read

Photos / Sounds

Observer

dejaym

Date

August 26, 2019 02:24 PM BST

Description

An Observation linked to and with https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/31634362
This is an uncommon leaf bremish seen on Atriplex (Chenopodioideae) that is undoubtedly a fungus. I knew it as Ascochyta caulina (annotation photo 10). But taxonomists and recent researchers may have confused me (us all!)
.
There is little precise and supportive information that I can find. But I will add it as it becomes available

This is a convincing link, from which I have derived this current Identification. (BRC is National Biological Records Portal) https://www.brc.ac.uk/psl/photo/stagonospora-atriplicis
And the GBIF Portal here
https://www.gbif.org/species/2619464 shows an old record in my County and some interesting watercolours.
.
Not all the photos are taken at the same location.

Photos / Sounds

Observer

dejaym

Date

September 16, 2020 09:03 AM BST

Place

Orkney, UK (Google, OSM)

Description

This has quite a few names but Pustula tragopogonis seems to be the latest one. I know it as Albugo tragopogonis but had just begin to call it Pustula obtusata. Never mind, Taxonomists know best. I do not like the common name here as this is really not on sunflower but Common Groundsel (Senecio vulgaris)

The first picture shows it sharing with Puccinia lagenophorae on the same leaf, with Pustula underneath, the other on top.
It is so like Albugo lepigoni - https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/57742403

Photos / Sounds

What

Plantain Mildew (Golovinomyces sordidus)

Observer

dejaym

Date

July 16, 2019 04:23 PM BST

Place

Orkney, UK (Google, OSM)

Description

A common mildew and found more often on the leaves of Plantago major and similar broadleaved Plantago species.

Here, it is shown on Plantago maritima as a white powdery coating.
In this case the plant is shared by Golovinomyces sordidus which produces the small pustules seen in Pictures 10 & 11
BOTH occurring on the same plant in this location - picture 12
Picture 13 shows typical spore-chain of powdery mildew (on Filipendula ulmaria - Meadowsweet)

Golovinomyces sordidus
https://bladmineerders.nl/parasites/fungi/ascomycota/pezizomycotina/leotiomycetes/erysiphales/erysiphaceae/golovinomyces/golovinomyces-sordidus/
and
https://www.naturespot.org.uk/node/122990

Podosphaera plantaginis
http://www.bioref.lastdragon.org/Erysiphales/Podosphaera_plantaginis.html

Photos / Sounds

Observer

dejaym

Date

October 9, 2020 08:23 AM BST

Place

Orkney, UK (Google, OSM)

Description

Emerging name for Ascochyta caulina (P. Karst.) Aa & Kestere**
It is hard keeping up with Taxonomy, so perhaps read some of the exchange here
https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/31634362.

This is a fungal infection of Atriplex patula (Chenopodioideae) leaves. It is a very common but under-recorded organism. Easily spotted on the leaves of this prolific upper shore plant, which occurs Worldwide
https://www.gbif.org/species/3083728 and thus should, perhaps, have yielded more records of the associated fungi.
Close inspection of infected leaves, reveals well defined pycnidia, beyond which I have not progressed.

** https://bladmineerders.nl/parasites/fungi/ascomycota/pezizomycotina/dothideomycetes/pleosporales/ascochyta/ascochyta-caulina/

Photos / Sounds

Observer

dejaym

Date

August 27, 2020 11:25 AM BST

Place

Orkney, UK (Google, OSM)

Description

A small, almost invisible organism.
An obligate parasite of Spergularia (Sea Spurrey), causing ‘white rust’ or ‘white blister’.
Sporangiophores appear on the host's stem, causing it to swell and burst. The white powdery spores are then dispersed by wind and rain.

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