Having found Giant Hogweed at the Woodhead Pass (A628, Manchester - Sheffield; see entry on 12th June), we found giant orchids at the Snake Pass (A57, Manchester - Sheffield).
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Heath Spotted Orchid (Dactylorhiza maculata)
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| Heath Spotted Orchid (Dactylorhiza maculata) |
They were up to almost a metre in height, about one third of which was
the flower spike. Probably a hybrid of Heath Spotted Orchid,
which likes the acid soil of the peaty Peak District.
En route along the Pennine Way to Bleaklow, we found this fine, Emperor Moth caterpillar, about 8cm long:
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Emperor Moth Caterpillar (Saturnia pavonia)
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The Emperor Moth is the only British member of the Saturniidae, a family that contains some of the largest insects in the world. It is reasonably common over much of Britain, occupying moorland and open country. The caterpillar feeds on moorland plants such as heather and bramble, so should not go hungry near Bleaklow.
Cathy and Mike Pettipher
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