Pernature with Isaac

  Death's-Head Hawkmoth s 🦋💀 With a  4  ½ inches wingspan, death's-head hawkmoths are one of the most underrated (and largest) insects in the whole of the UK - and in this edition of Pernature, I will show you why. From their beehive-raiding habits to their peculiar squeaking alarm call, these hawkmoths are not only one of the biggest of their kind but are by far the most unique and fill an ecological niche filled by no other moth. So, let's dive into the story of this peculiar insect; their strange diet, interesting behaviours, and where you can find them in the UK.  Appearance Death's-head hawk moths were given their spectacular name in the 19th century, due to their skull-like marking on their thorax - a striking white pattern that makes them famous across their native range and beyond. While on some individuals this pattern is clearly outlined and well-defined, it's not perfectly uniform across all individuals. Other than this main feature, the rest of the bo...

The heatwave As you know (unless you've been living in a freezer) this May has been a scorching one. Rivers are drying, the ground cracking, and rainfall is limited. However, how is this affecting wildlife, you may ask? For some, it's a negative story - like fish and tadpoles, whose water sources are drying up. Heat-sensitive species, such as small mammals and grouse, are also not doing well, affecting predators like eagles, harriers and owls. However, it's not doom and gloom for all animals - as we'll discuss today. Especially Mediterranean birds, who - on the warm South winds - are pushing to colonise new areas. And in the heatwave? Britain is one of those areas. If they'll stay for the season is unknown - but if they do set up a colony here, they'll surely migrate South in Winter. So, what tropical birds are coming to the UK, where are they and could they colonise here once and for all? One of the best Mediterranean influxes in years, this year has been a bri...

How do amphibians migrate?🐸 the pool frog, a semi-aquatic frog released into Norfolk In the UK, we have seven species of native amphibians: the common toad, natterjack toad, common frog, pool frog, smooth newt, great-crested newt and the palmate newt. However, the pool frog wasn't considered native here until recently, and soon after the discovery they were reintroduced to Norfolk. Additionally, three other species - the moor frog, agile frog and European tree frog - were found to be native, yet none have been reintroduced formally. All three went extinct on the mainland, though a small population of agile frogs remained in critical condition on Guernsey, where recent conservation measures have saved them. However, the general amphibians you see - the widespread, not habitat-fussy species - are most likely common frogs, common toads, and smooth newts. These are the generalist species - the ones you might see in your garden pond, under pile of rotting logs or crossing the road on a...

  What is Convergent Evolution? Convergent evolution is when two species, though not being closely related, develop similar traits and features. One of the most famous examples is of bats and birds - two animals that, despite being only very distantly related and having no flying common ancestor, developed flight independently. In fact, it's thought bats first took to the skies around 50 million years ago whereas birds did so 100 million years earlier. The reason for similar adaptions like this are often the same - in the case of bats and birds, it was both that prey were easier to hunt aerially and the fact that it was harder for terrestrial predators to catch them while airborne. However, in this edition of Pernature we'll be focusing on a less well-known case of convergent evolution on our shores: the European bullhead and the black goby. Bullheads A European bullhead caught in the River Great Ouse To understand our strange case of convergent evolution, lets meet our firs...

 The UK's Wild Produce 🍏 The UK is home to many wild fruits and berries, from the well known blackberries to the almost unheard of sea buckthorn of coastal heathland and woodland. Autumn is the single best time for wild fruits, berries and nuts, so now is the best time to start foraging. However, it's important to know which you can eat and which to steer well clear of, so here is a guide to enjoy foraging (and not have to go to the hospital in the process!). Blackberries  Edible or Poisonous: Edible Can be eaten: Raw, or made into jam, jelly, crumble or enjoyed in a fruit salad  Season: From August to early October Where to find them: Growing on brambles, often found in woods, hedgerows and gardens Benefits: Rich in vitamins and minerals; vitamin C, vitamin K, Manganese, potassium, calcium and magnesium. Blackberries can lesser the chance of cancer. Notes: A favourite for first-time foragers, when ripe they have a distinctive sweet flavour, but sour when unripe. Flowe...