Author Archives: Waheed

About Waheed

Botanist at Reading University, twitcher and wildlife photographer...

Miner Matters: Eric Carle revisited?

After reading Fay’s blog on the holm oak (Quercus ilex) under attack, I – like you – was in a better position to look for and recognise leaf-mining beasties on campus. What better way to follow her blog than to … Continue reading

Posted in Animals, Fagaceae, Insects, Lepidoptera, Moths, Plant Pathology Research Group, Plants | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Armillaria spp.: attack of the deadly bootlaces!

Even as the days become shorter, there’s always time to admire other forms of biodiversity out there on campus. Take these fungi, for example… I found these last month by Creighton Court (off Northcourt Avenue). I think it could be one … Continue reading

Posted in Fungi, Plant Pathology Research Group | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Spangle leaf-manglers: Neuroterus spp.

If you’ve spent any time admiring the variety of oaks (Quercus spp.) on campus, you may have noticed strange growths on various parts of the trees. During last week’s Vegetation Survey and Assessment session, I came across a badly affected … Continue reading

Posted in Animals, Fagaceae, Galls, Insects, Plants | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Leaf-mining moths going conkers…

While strolling around the campus grounds, have you been wondering what’s happening to our horse chestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum L., Sapindaceae) trees? Are those brown leaves really showing signs of an early autumn? These leaves are actually changing colour for a … Continue reading

Posted in Birds, Insects, Lepidoptera, Plants, Sapindaceae | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments