File:Aporia crataegi (28075234276).jpg

France Trip - Las Descargues - 27/06/16 to 01/07/16 - Part Three - Other Insects and general pictures. Hello all. Inlate June early July I went on 5 nights of Moth trapping, Butterfly and Bird watching in the Midi-Pyrenees. I went with good friends Roger and Steve whom accompany me on many trips out in our County or Hertfordshire. It was decided at the end of last year that we should go for a short week away to sample some of the Moths that would be on offer in South-Wast France.

The article below is copied from Robin Howard's Lot Moths website. He describes it perfectly so didn't feel the need to re-write it!

"The Gite that we stayed in lies in a stunningly beautiful part of the Haute Quercy in the Lot southwest France. Located at the end of a ridge overlooking the Bave Valley it is surrounded by rolling, wooded hills, deep, river-cut gorges and on the nearby Causse, limestone pavement. The proximity of the limestone Causse de Gramat and volcanic Massif Central have produced a complex local geology that has formed the basis for a mosaic of habitats supporting a diverse flora with a rich moth and butterfly fauna. Over 1820 species have been recorded so far from the immediate area with more than 1600 species taken from the environs of the farm alone. Mercury vapour and actinic traps are run throughout the year in and around the farm with weekly forays made onto the limestone pavement and local poplar plantations, whilst the nearby volcanic peaks are regularly visited during the summer months for the more esoteric species. For further information regarding holidays and research opportunities at our farm and for a full description of the area and available accommodation please visit our sister site at www.lasdescargues.com or email us for a comprehensive information pack".

Robin and Sue are both fantastic hosts and could not do enough for you, I urge anyone to go there and experience the amazing wildlife that is on offer there.