Butterfly Conservation
Saving butterflies, moths and our environment
Hampshire and Isle of Wight Branch
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News

Please note that any sightings mentioned in news items do not automatically go into our records database. Sightings should be submitted using one of the mechanisms listed on the Recording page.


18 Jun 2025

Old Winchester Hill. 200+ Meadow Brown, 48 Dark Green Fritillary, 2 Silver-washed Fritillary, 60 Marbled White, 1 Painted Lady, 2 Brimstone, 6 Comma, 6 Red Admiral, 2 Small Tortoiseshell, 1 Large Skipper, 4 Small Skipper, and 2 Peacock. Other species seen but not counted were Large White and Small White, etc. There were also 2 Red Kite, 2 Buzzard and 3 Ravens. [Posted by Barry and Margaret Collins]


Southleigh Forest. My first male Purple Emperor was patrolling the vicinity of an assembly oak from 12:45 today. Also present at least 3 Silver-washed Fritillary, as well as Large Skipper, Ringlet , Purple Hairstreak, Marbled White and Meadow Brown. [Posted by Peter Gammage]


Whiteley Pastures. Not a good day for photos sadly but if anyone is considering visiting this lovely site then I can report the following between 0900-1030 this morning:

White Admiral x2, double figures for Silver-washed Fritillary (not settling at all in the heat), Purple Hairstreak x2 low down (but annoyingly on the underside of the oak leaves!). Otherwise all the usuals with lots of Meadow Brown, Large Skipper, Small Skipper plus bonus (very fresh) Red Admiral. Insect wise there were Golden Ringed dragonflies and Broad Bodied Chasers plus Beautiful Demoiselles and a couple of very large Hornets. A very worthwhile trip and likely to improve in this glorious weather [Posted by Mark Wagstaff]


13 Jun 2025

Silver-washed Friillary and White Admirals at Yarmouth.. Four White Admiral seen today in Bouldnor Forest,Yarmouth.Three of which were observed taking minerals on the bridleway. Also a male Silver-washed Fritillary busily nectaring on bramble flower while being aggravated by several Meadow Brown. [Posted by Peter Hunt]

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Photo © Peter HuntPhoto © Peter HuntPhoto © Peter Hunt

Portsdown Hill. Summer butterfly numbers are slowly starting to build at Portsdown Hill, where I spent 2 hours this afternoon, mostly on the upper slopes between Cliffdown Gardens and Portsdown Technology Park. Conditions were hot, sunny and calm, 24C. The most abundant species by far was Marbled White - I counted 79, almost all freshly emerged males. Meadow Browns are still in quite low numbers, with only 13 seen. Other species included 3 Speckled Woods, 1 fresh male Dark Green Fritillary, 3 Red Admirals, 2 female Brimstones, 1 Small White, and 2 Common Blues. [Posted by Adrian Hoskins]


12 Jun 2025

North Baddesley Sightings. Today on my reserve at North Baddesley first of the season White Admiral and Marbled White. [Posted by kevin ross]


WLH aloft. Same perch as yesterday at Great Fontley, but later in the day (4.20pm), one male White-letter Hairstreak enjoying the sunshine and absence of wind. [Posted by Andrew Brookes]

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Male WLH atop Japanese elm
Photo © Andrew Brookes

Aberrant Meadow Brown, Harmony Woods, Andover. A walk around Harmony Woods, an area of reclaimed farmland on the outskirts of Andover, gave me my first Small Skippers (5) and Marbled Whites (15) of 2025, but the butterfly of the day was this aberrant Meadow Brown, fortunately it hung around long enough for me to take a few pictures. [Posted by Kevin Haggar]

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Aberrant Meadow Brown showing pale hindwings
Photo © Kevin Haggar
Showing underside of hindwing
Photo © Kevin Haggar
Second view of upper side
Photo © Kevin Haggar

Statement to branch members from Head Office. The future of the Hampshire Branch

On June 9th staff and volunteers in Hampshire came together to discuss the current situation with the Branch and the way ahead for our work in Hampshire. We met for an hour then headed to Magdalen Hill Down for a picnic lunch and walk led by Fiona Scully, who has now been confirmed in a permanent role as Reserves Officer.

We talked through the significant amount of work still happening in the county; we have (at least!) 297 volunteers in the county who carry out a wide range of activities, including recording and monitoring, compiling the Branch E-Newsletter and updating the Branch website as well as key leadership roles such as Transect Co-Ordinator, WCBS Champion, Walks Leaders and County Recorders. And, of course, practical work on our reserves continues, led by Fiona and supported by a vital team of practical conservation volunteers, livestock lookers and recorders.

We are truly grateful to all volunteers who have contributed to our work in the county and to those who continue to do so. At a difficult time for charities across the UK and a worrying time for nature, your support is more important than ever and every act of kindness makes a difference.

Looking ahead, we are very aware of the challenges that all our Branches in the UK have been facing in recruiting to committee roles. Across the voluntary sector, participation in volunteering has declined 45% over the last 10 years and the appetite for volunteering in a committee role has halved. Therefore, in discussion with Andy Barker (Transect Co-Ordinator, former Branch Chair and Trustee) we have agreed to proceed in Hampshire without a Branch Committee. Instead, volunteers will continue to lead activities as they currently do and staff will set up new locally targeted volunteer groups as needed, such as survey groups or for habitat management work off-reserves. This will allow us to focus our time where we can make the most difference on the ground, helping butterflies, moths and the environment in Hampshire.

Kate Barrett, BC Head of Volunteering

Email: kbarrett@butterfly-conservation.org [Posted by Jon Holden-Dye]


11 Jun 2025

WLH debut at Great Fontley. A pair of White-letter Hairstreaks seen sparring above an ACCOLADE (Japanese elm hybrid) at 3pm this afternoon in full sun and moderate southerly breeze. Other sightings comprised about 20 Meadow Browns plus 2 Marbled Whites on the grasses. [Posted by Andrew Brookes]


09 Jun 2025

Castle Shore Park, Portchester. Afternoon stroll across this former concrete works capped with chalk rubble, produced Marbled White (10), Meadow Brown (3), Small White (2), Common Blue (1), Holly Blue (1), Brimstone larvae (4). The soil is poor, giving rise to a variety of leguminous species and Ox Eye daisies, currently a riot of colour. [Posted by Andrew Brookes]


06 Jun 2025

Small Skippers at Yarmouth.. A sunny but breezy afternoon in Bouldnor Forest,Yarmouth today and apart from several Meadow Brown there were three Small Skipper. The earliest date I have recorded this species. [Posted by Peter Hunt]

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Photo © Peter HuntPhoto © Peter Hunt

04 Jun 2025

WLH out at IBM Lake. My first White-letter Hairstreak of the year was in the top of the usual elms to west of entrance roundabout to IBM Lake/Lakeside, Cosham. Looking back at my notes for the site, not the earliest ever for me, which was a day earlier - 3rd June 2011. A single Marbled White, few Meadow Browns and a Red Admirals too. [Posted by Tim Doran]


31 May 2025

Large Skippers at Freshwater. Abandoning my walk along Afton Down to search for Adonis Blue due to low cloud I parked at the National Trust carpark at the foot of the Down. At the rear of the site there were several Large Skippers nectaring on bramble flower. Other species seen included Small Blue and Common Blue. [Posted by Peter Hunt]

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Photo © Peter HuntPhoto © Peter Hunt

30 May 2025

Meadow Browns at Yarmouth.. Not much to see at Bouldnor Forest today.However first sight of the Meadow Brown(3),a female Common Blue,one Green-veined White,and several Speckled Wood. [Posted by Peter Hunt]


28 May 2025

Tortoiseshell tryst at Great Fontley. Courting couple of Small Tortoiseshells preoccupied with the Bowles Mauve at Fontley today. Little else on the wing save one Peacock. [Posted by Andrew Brookes]

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Small Tortoiseshells courting
Photo © Andrew Brookes

25 May 2025

North Baddesley sightings. Seen today on my reserve at North Baddesley first of the season Large Skipper 2,Mother Shipton 2. Also very fresh Red Admiral 1,Small Tortoiseshell 1 and a very light yellowy Brimstone (the third one i have seen here this year).15 species of butterfly including new for the site Grizzled Skipper seen here so far this year.Also seems to be a very good start to the year for reptiles especially Adders here.

If you would like to come and have a look round please email me spark.ky@hotmail.co.uk [Posted by kevin ross]

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Photo © kevin ross

Fontley first. First Meadow Brown of summer seen in the Great Fontley silage field; Speckled Woods still holding on in the plantation. [Posted by Andrew Brookes]


23 May 2025

Painted Lady arrival at Great Fontley. A rather worn Painted Lady graced the suaveolent Sweet Rocket clump at Great Fontley this afternoon, some hours after a pristine Red Admiral was seen on the same flowers. Also noted was a Small Tortoiseshell returning to the Bowles Mauve about the farmhouse entrance. Conspicuous by their absence were the various whites that had feasted on the Honesty. [Posted by Andrew Brookes]

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Painted Lady on Sweet Rocket
Photo © Andrew Brookes
Painted Lady on Dame's Violet
Photo © Andrew Brookes

Chalton Down, Old Idsworth. In cloudy conditions I visited Chalton Down today. The temperature was15 degrees but with a cold wind and only short sunny intervals only small numbers were seen. Totals: Brimstone 1M, Small White 1, Common Blue 1M, Speckled Wood 1. [Posted by Richard Symonds]


22 May 2025

Chalton Down, Old Idsworth. After a disappointing visit to Havant Thicket, my father and I visited Chalton Down. Here there were longer sunny spells, the temperature being 16.5 degrees. Male Common Blues and Six Spot Burnet moths were distributed everywhere while an extreme blue form and brown form of Common Blues seen. A male Brimstone attempted to mate with a very worn female. A single fresh Grizzled Skipper was seen. Totals: Brimstone 4M 1F, Large White 1, Small White 2, Orange-tip 1M, Common Blue 20M 2F, Small Heath 3, Grizzled Skipper 1. [Posted by Richard Symonds]


Havant Thicket. Today in company with my father, Roy Symonds I visited Havant Thicket around 11.30am. The weather was warm with sunny intervals, the temperature 16 degrees. Despite the apparant favourable conditions only 5 Speckled Woods and 2 Small Whites were recorded along with a female Broad Bodied Chaser dragonfly [Posted by Richard Symonds]


20 May 2025

Noar Hill. Today I visited Noar Hill in company with my father Roy Symonds. Arriving at 10.15am the temperature was 16 degrees but had increased to 20 degrees on departure at 12.55pm. Walking almost every area of the site a total of 10 Duke of Burgundys were recorded, mostly in faded condition, while many Small Blues also found on the Western edge of the site. A total of 12 different species were seen. Totals: Brimstone 5M 4F, Large White 3, Small White 3, Orange-tip 3M 3F, Common Blue 10M 3F, Green Hairstreak 2, Small Blue 17, Small Heath 15, Speckled Wood 4, Painted Lady 1, Duke of Burgundy 10, Dingy Skipper 6. [Posted by Richard Symonds]


19 May 2025

Noar Hill. Visited Noar Hill - principally for orchids but found just a single Duke of Burgundy so they must presumably be finishing at this site? The usual Green Hairstreaks in abundance plus Common Blues and Small Heaths. Also 4-5 Small Blues - not a species I've seen here before but I descended by the more northerly path for the first time and the small group were just by the reserve entrance gate. No photos sadly - had my set up for flowers (close up) so didn't attempt a butterfly as they were very active in the sun anyway. As always a wonderful place to visit but like most places, in desperate need of some rain - the emerging orchids look very stunted. [Posted by Mark Wagstaff]


Chalton Down, Old Idsworth. Today in company with father Roy Symonds, I visited Chalton Down. Here the temperature reached 17 degrees following a period of sunny intervals. Several male Common Blues were seen and was pleased to record a single Grizzled Skipper along with a pair of Dingy Skippers. Totals: Brimstone 5M, Large White 4, Small White 2, Orange-tip 1M, Small Heath 4, Speckled Wood 1, Red Admiral 1, Dingy Skipper 2, Grizzled Skipper 1. Day Flying moths: Burnet Companion 5, Six Spot Burnet 43. [Posted by Richard Symonds]


Oxenborne Down. Today in company with my father Roy Symonds, I visited Oxenborne Down where the temperature reached 17 degrees. The weather was cloudy with sunny intervals. Much of the scrubby areas here have been cut back creating more open spaces. Several Common Blues were flying and two Dingy Skippers were also seen. Totals: LBrimstone 3M, Large White 1, Speckled Wood 1, Small Heath 5, Common Blue 10M 1F, Dingy Skipper 2. Day Flying Moths: Cinnabar 4, Six Spot Burnet 1, Speckled Yellow 7. [Posted by Richard Symonds]


18 May 2025

Martin Down. A visit today from around 10.30am until 14.15 in mostly fine, sunny conditions with a light breeze produced the following: Small Heath 22, Grizzled Skipper 8, Dingy Skipper 6, Small Copper 2, Small Blue 27, Common Blue 12, Adonis Blue 10, Marsh Fritillary 18, Small Tortoiseshell 1, Green Hairstreak 6, and moths Mother Shipton 2, Burnet Companion 10, 5 Spot Burnet 30 (including the ab pictured), Small Yellow Underwing 2, Common Carpet 5. Cinnabar 12. [Posted by Mark Pike]

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Adonis Blues
Photo © Mark Pike
Marsh Fritillary
Photo © Mark Pike
Five Spot Burnet. ab minioides
Photo © Mark Pike

17 May 2025

Great Fontley sightings. Great surprise today to see a Small Tortoiseshell, in perfect condition, nectaring on Bowles Mauve. Other thrills included a Holly Blue ovipositing on Dogwood flowerbuds, almost numerous Orange-tips, several Brimstones, and a tatty Peacock nectaring on White Dead-Nettle.

Elsewhere, a Small Heath was seen on a silage field at Bere Farm in the Wallington valley, a 'first' for this site. [Posted by Andrew Brookes]


14 May 2025

First Hawkmoth of 2025. This fine Poplar Hawk was the first hawkmoth of 2025 to be found in our moth trap here in Church Crookham. No doubt others have seen these already this year, and perhaps other early hawk species too, but it was a nice find nonetheless. [Posted by Michael Jameson]

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Poplar Hawk Moth
Photo © Michael Jameson

13 May 2025

Monks Walk, Frater Fields & Woods, Gosport. My last UK butterfly wander for some four weeks realised sighting of 10 species. With the temperature up to 22 deg C and in full sun, from 12:35-14:45 I circulated both northern and southern sectors. In one small enclosed field (northern area) not one of the target species (Common Blue) was seen but I was compensated by my first Painted Lady of the season and a very unusual butterfly here, Grizzled Skipper. The Painted Lady was very fidgety and gave me a torrid time; indeed, my macro lens seemingly wasn't the right one today as most of the butterflies left on my approach! Must try harder. Total: Comma (1); Holly Blue (3); Green Hairstreak (1); Painted Lady (1); Grizzled Skipper (1); Speckled Wood (14); Small White (3); Common Blue (F)(1)(M)(1); Orange-tip (M)(2); Red Admiral (2). [Posted by Francis Plowman]

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Holly Blue
Photo © Francis Plowman
Painted Lady
Photo © Francis Plowman
Grizzled Skipper
Photo © Francis Plowman

12 May 2025

More Marsh Fritillary at Martin Down. I made a further visit to Martin Down, in expectation of somewhat warmer and less windy conditions today, but still found the area affected by periodic gusts of wind, and butterflies were once again largely confined to areas sheltered from the wind. Even so, Marsh Fritillary was found in considerable numbers, and far more numerous than in either of the two preceding years, an encouraging sign given 2024's extremely poor butterfly numbers overall. These images were all taken in the area of the WWII rifle ranges, which being largely sheltered, contained the greatest concentration of butterflies, with several females also observed egg-laying. Other species found included Green Hairstreak, Brown Argus, and Common Blue. [Posted by Michael Jameson]

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Marsh Fritillary - Martin Down
Photo © Michael Jameson
Marsh Fritillary (2)
Photo © Michael Jameson
Marsh Fritillary (3)
Photo © Michael Jameson

09 May 2025

Browndown (North) Gosport. Ninety minutes' circulation around the southern sector realised sightings of seven species. From 1410 with the temperature around 18 deg C with a fairly hefty breeze at times it was noticeable how little flora was available. Some vetch seen but most flora was the amazing blossom on Hawthorn. Total: Small White (1); Speckled Wood (7); Large White (1); Brimstone (M)(1); Common Blue (M)(5); Small Copper (3); Orange-tip (M)(2). [Posted by Francis PLOWMAN]

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Fresh Common Blue male
Photo © Francis PLOWMAN
Diminutive Small Copper
Photo © Francis PLOWMAN
Male Common Blue underwing
Photo © Francis PLOWMAN

Martin Down. A trip to my favourite Hampshire site this morning. The highlight was undoubtedly the early Marsh Fritillary - I found 20+ of these all looking fresh in the last rifle range away from Sillens Lane. Otherwise the usual suspects with plenty of Dingy Skippers, Grizzled Skippers, Green Hairstreaks and Small Heaths - the latter probably into three figures. If there was a disappointment it was the lack of Blues - I only saw 2 Common Blues (although to be fair it was early in the day). The Down itself looks parched and the wild flowers, orchids etc in desperate need of some rain! [Posted by Mark Wagstaff]

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Dingy Skipper - Martin Down
Photo © Mark Wagstaff
Marsh Fritillary - Martin Down
Photo © Mark Wagstaff
Green Hairstreak - Martin Down
Photo © Mark Wagstaff

08 May 2025

Pearl Bordered Fritillaries - Brockenhurst Inclosures. My first visit of 2025 to the inclosures around Brockenhurst took place during searing heat around a week ago. Pearl-bordered Fritillary were on the wing, but not in great numbers, and those seen flew rapidly up and down the forest rides, and never paused to take nectar, making photography all but impossible. Returning again today, however, many more PBFs were found, with the New Copse (south of the main railway line), Pignal, and Ranmor Inclosures all proving to be particularly rewarding, and I succeeded in getting a good selection of detailed images, of which a few appear below. [Posted by Michael Jameson]

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Pearl Bordered Fritillary - New Copse Inclosure
Photo © Michael Jameson
Pearl Bordered Fritillary (US) - Ranmor Inclosure
Photo © Michael Jameson
Pearl Bordered Fritillary - Pignal Inclosure
Photo © Michael Jameson

04 May 2025

Marsh Fritillaries at Martin Down. Despite today's sudden unseasonable weather conditions, I visited Martin Down in the hope of finding Marsh Fritillary recently emerged and in good photographic condition. To say that trying to find them in the teeth of a howling gale and with unexpectedly low temperatures dictated by the very cold winds was difficult would be an understatement! But, after an hour's searching, I did eventually locate them within the old WWII buttressed areas which were once used as firing ranges, where the butterflies were found sheltering in the long grasses, and only very occasionally taking flight, and who could blame them for that! Nevertheless, a couple of decent images were obtained, and I imagine that anybody visiting this site on a similar quest during the next two weeks or so, and given fine weather, will have no difficulty in finding this species in reasonable numbers this year. [Posted by Michael Jameson]

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Marsh Fritillary at Martin Down
Photo © Michael Jameson
Marsh Fritillary at Martin Down (US)
Photo © Michael Jameson

03 May 2025

More Compton Bay Glanvilles. Two more fresh and pristine Glanville Fritillary from my photo-haul on Saturday 3rd May. All were found to be in superb condition, and newly emerged, with no scales missing and ideal photographic subjects. These two were noted on the steep chalk footpath which leads down from the Freshwater Golf Course to the Military Road. [Posted by Michael Jameson]

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Glanville Fritillary - Compton Bay
Photo © Michael Jameson
Glanville Fritillary - Compton Bay
Photo © Michael Jameson

Small Blue - Compton Bay IOW. My annual Glanville Fritillary pilgrimage also brought opportunities to get close up and personal with several other less glamorous but equally fascinating species, including the Small Blue. These were found widely across the area, from the golf course slopes where there is sufficient hedgerow coverage, down to the grassy slopes adjacent to the cliff edge. Fast moving and feisty, these little butterflies are always a delight to see! [Posted by Michael Jameson]

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Small Blue (M) head on view
Photo © Michael Jameson
Small Blue (M)
Photo © Michael Jameson
Small Blue (M) under side
Photo © Michael Jameson

Glanville Fritillaries at Compton Down, IOW. With the weather still set fair, I determined to make my annual pilgrimage to the IOW today in the hope of once again locating and photographing Glanville Fritillarys around Compton Down, close to the south-western extremity of the island. After a pleasant walk from the ferry at Yarmouth, my first sighting occurred on the Freshwater Golf Course, and after crossing over the Military Road and descending towards Compton Bay itself, the Glanvilles were present in greater numbers than I had ever seen them there in previous years. All were remarkably fresh and photogenic specimens, with quite a number clearly very newly emerged. Once again, a memorable excursion in search of one of our region's most iconic species. [Posted by Michael Jameson]

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Glanville Fritillary - Compton Chine
Photo © Michael Jameson
Glanville Fritillary (U/S)
Photo © Michael Jameson
Mating pair - female to left of picture
Photo © Michael Jameson

30 Apr 2025

Martin Down’s Marsh Fritillaries on the wing.. The scorching hot weather certainly made for a good showing of butterflies at Martin Down. I saw 2 Marsh Fritillary along the Bokerly Dyke, others could well have seen more. One had only just emerged and was coaxed on to my finger. Also my first Brown Argus of 2025 was flying with many Grizzled Skippers and Dingy Skippers. 6 Green Hairstreak were very active in scrub. [Posted by Mike Gibbons]


Glanvilles at Freshwater.. A bevy of butterflies at Afton NT carpsark this lunchtime.A male Common Blue,followed immediately by two Glanville Fritillary plus a Brown Argus along with, Small Blue,3 Dingy Skipper,four Green Hairstreak,one Small Copper,and a male Orange-tip. Walking along the clifftop and down onto the landslip a further fifteen Glanville Fritillary were recorded plus a Painted Lady. [Posted by Peter Hunt]

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Photo © Peter HuntPhoto © Peter HuntPhoto © Peter Hunt

28 Apr 2025

Monks Walk, Frater Fields & Woods, Gosport. From 1310-1440 I undertook a slow and less comprehensive check of the area (closely attended by my very own healthcare monitor!). A lovely temperature of 20 degrees and a sighting of seven species made it a most enjoyable experience. However, disappointing not to record Small Tortoiseshell or Red Admiral at this time of the year here. Total: Large White (1); Orange-tip (M)(2); Peacock (1); Speckled Wood (12); Comma (1); Small White (16); Green-veined White (2). [Posted by Francis Plowman]

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Female Green-veined White pausing from egg-laying
Photo © Francis Plowman
Speckled Wood male
Photo © Francis Plowman
Peacock
Photo © Francis Plowman

Pearls shine in the New Forest. 6-8 Pearl-bordered Fritillary were very active in the rides around Brockenhurst today. They cannot have been out long and were only landing briefly in the warm sunshine. [Posted by Mike Gibbons]


Duke of Burgundys now out at Noar Hill. Following a fruitless visit on Saturday, when overcast skies and below average temperatures suppressed butterfly activity at this favoured Hampshire location, a further visit today, in ideal weather conditions, proved very productive. Duke of Burgundys were in evidence from the moment I arrived at the Noar Hill scrapes, and all were in pristine condition suggesting that emergence had taken place during the preceding 24 hours or so. Also seen, in addition to the expected Brimstones, Commas, Peacocks, Small and Green-veined Whites, and many Orange-tips, were a number of Dingy Skippers, also in prime condition. An excellent couple of hours, and well worth the cycle ride from Fleet! [Posted by Michael Jameson]

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Duke of Burgundy (US)
Photo © Michael Jameson
Duke of Burgundy (US)
Photo © Michael Jameson
Dingy Skipper
Photo © Michael Jameson

The Dukes of Noar. Noar Hill today was warm (21C), sunny and very dry, and produced sightings of at least 15 fresh Duke of Burgundy including 3 females. Dingy Skippers were in similar numbers and males could be frequently be seen engaging in their amusing territorial battles. Other species seen included 1 Red Admiral, 3 Peacocks, 3 Brimstones, 1 Small White, 1 Green-veined White, 3 Orange-tips, 2 Speckled Woods, 2 Small Heaths and 2 Holly Blues. [Posted by Adrian Hoskins]


27 Apr 2025

Duke of Burgundy sightings. An hours walk on Noar Hill yesterday (26 April produced sightings of 7 Duke of Burgundy and 5 Dingy Skippers besides lower numbers of Green-veined White, Red Admiral, Brimstone, Small White and Orange-tip. [Posted by Roger Pendell]

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Duke of Burgundy Noar Hill
Photo © Roger Pendell

25 Apr 2025

Stockbridge Down Butterflies. An early afternoon walk round Stockbridge Down resulted in my first Small Heath (2) and Duke of Burgundy (1) of 2025, the supporting cast included Dingy Skipper (2) and 12 Grizzled Skipper, but apart from a male Orange-tip, the only other butterflies that I saw were 2 Peacock and 3 Brimstone. [Posted by Kevin Haggar]

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Duke of Burgundy
Photo © Kevin Haggar
One of the 2 Small Heath
Photo © Kevin Haggar
Dingy Skipper
Photo © Kevin Haggar

23 Apr 2025

Trio of Green-veined White at Yarmouth.. The severe lack of sunshine at Yarmouth produced not much apart from 3 Green-veined White,all nectaring together on a small clump of dandelion flowers in Bouldnor Forest. [Posted by Peter Hunt]

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Photo © Peter HuntPhoto © Peter Hunt

22 Apr 2025

More Small Blue at Freshwater. At least three Small Blue today at the National Trust CP Afton. Also several Green Hairstreak and a first of the season Dingy Skipper. [Posted by Peter Hunt]

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Photo © Peter HuntPhoto © Peter HuntPhoto © Peter Hunt

18 Apr 2025

Orange-Tips in Crookham Village. The Orange-tip season began unexpectedly early here in N.Hampshire (although fresh individuals are continuing to emerge daily), in fact around three weeks ago now, well before the appearance here of Cuckoo Flower in any abundance, though this is now beginning to proliferate, along with increasing amounts of Garlic Mustard, these being the regular food plants for this species, though in their absence other forms of Cruciferae are employed during egg-laying. Adult numbers, however, do seem to be well up on last year's tally already, and this early spring species seems likely to do well in 2025. Here are two examples in fine and fresh condition, photographed in Crookham Village earlier today. [Posted by Michael Jameson]

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Orange-Tip (M)
Photo © Michael Jameson
Orange-Tip (F) underside
Photo © Michael Jameson

17 Apr 2025

Hayling Island Cycle Path. Today I walked a local footpath following the Hayling Island cycle path from Furniss Way, West Town to area near Saltmarsh Land. Totals: Green-veined White 1, Large White 1, Orange-tip 3M, Small White 10, Speckled Wood 1. [Posted by Roy Symonds]

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