Lynge Grusgrav

By Peter Petersen

August

This area was an old gravel pit. Now it is a sanctuary for wildlife. The biodiversity here is amazing and it really shows how fast nature will recover when left alone. Insects and other invertebrates are thriving here amoungst the diverse flora. 

The European Peacock Butterfly (Aglais io). One of the most beautiful butterflies in Denmark (In my opinion). This species is called: Dagpåfugleøje in Danish.

I found several blue butterfly species amoung them was Amanda's Blue (Polyommatus amandus). This species is called Isblåfugl in Danish. The fly next to it is The Red Spotted Bristle Fly (Eriothrix rufomaculata).

The Red Spotted Bristle Fly (Eriothrix rufomaculata) is a parasitic species, their larvae develop inside the subterranean larvae of moths. This species is called: Rød snylteflue in Danish.

The Red Spotted Bristle Fly (Eriothrix rufomaculata) are flower feeders and seem to prefer plants like Hogweed (Heracleum sphondylium) and other members of Umbelliferae. But also several Asteraceae species.

The Common Blue (Polyommatus icarus) is called: Almindelig Blåfugl in Danish. Host plants (for larvae) in this area belong to the genera: Lathyrus, Vicia, Lotus, Thymus and Trifolium.

This is a male Common Blue (Polyommatus icarus).

Another blue butterfly here is the Small Blue (Cupido minimus). Here together with a Green Shield Bug (Palomena prasina) for size comparison. This species is called: Dværgblåfugl in Danish.

The larvae of the Cinnabar Moth (Tyria jacobaeae). This species is called: Blodplet in Danish.

The Mint Moth (Pyrausta aurata) larvae seem to feed mainly on herbs belonging to the genera: Mentha, Salvia, Thymus and Melissa.

I often found the Mint Moth (Pyrausta aurata) on the underside of flowers of herps. This species is called: Myntemøl in Danish.

The Tree Bumble Bee (Bombus hypnorum) is called: Hushumle in Danish.

The Tree Bumble Bee (Bombus hypnorum) is a docile species and only very rarely sting humans.

This young male Sand Lizard (Lacerta agilis) is perfectly camouflaged in this mossy sandy habitat. This species is called: Markfirben in Danish. 

This is a female Sand Lizard (Lacerta agilis) from same locality. This seem to be the most common reptile in this area. Almost all the small cracks between rocks and the sand caves housed sand lizards. 

The Sloe Bug (Dolycoris baccarum) is called: Almindelig bærtæge in Danish. This species feed mainly on berries like raspberry (in their adult stage).

The Vagrant Darter (Sympetrum vulgatum) is called: Almindelig hedelibel in Danish. This European dragonfly is common here. 

The Small Tortoiseshell (Aglais urticae) is called Nældens takvinge in Danish. This butterfly is common all over Denmark.

The Small Copper (Lycaena phlaeas) is called: Lille ildfugl in Danish. This larvae of this species feed mainly on common sorrel (Rumex acetosa) and sheep's sorrel (Rumex acetosella).