More and more often, Seasonal flowers appear at unusual times of year. Seasonal fungi appear at odd times, both plants and fungi often appear at the opposite times of year.I do not think that it has much to do with confusion from the plants point of view,but more advantage taking. The reason as to why many plants flower in springtime, or fungi fruit in the autumn is more to do with guaranteed available water, which causes evolutionary habits. Short day length also has something to do with it in regards to plants. Autumn may seem like spring to some plants especially if a resting period is stimulated by the same weather conditions coupled with the same amount of daylight hours, and often with mild temperatures. Water is often more available now and many organisms can thrive better and store more essential fuel,often allowing them to flower or fruit twice or more within a typical season.This wood anemone (Anemone nemorosa) was one of two plants among many thousands that were flowering in a Gloucestershire woodland two days ago.
Galls are parts of plants that have been altered for the benefit of small invertebrates.Most plant galls are created by insects and the majority of those of which we see are caused by small wasps.Oak trees cater for many species of tiny wasps, all creating different kinds of galls either on the leaf surface , fruits , flowers or twigs. the wasps lay eggs into sensitive soft growing parts of the plant and the larvae hatch to eat the growing tissue but cause it to mutate and grow into distinctive shapes; these are visible and as the grubs grow and eat they cause the growths to get bigger and more distinctive, making there own fleshy food by stimulating the plants growing abilities.Common Spangle galls are caused by (Neuroterus quercusbaccarum).This species also produces galls within the oak flowers in spring.
At this time of year, rove beetles are abundant and the devils coach horse (Staphilynus olens) is common everywhere especially woodlands . It feeds on mollusks and is harmless despite its rather aggressive looking stance when disturbed.
