White Admiral at Browndown North.. A male White Admiral was taking bramble nectar at 1835 in the Oak Copse at Browndown North,Gosport. [Posted by David Tinling]
North Hayling Cycle Path. In temperatures of 25 degrees I walked today on the North Hayling section of the Hayling Billy cycle path (SU7103)from the car park to the old railway bridge including part of Stoke Common. The following were observed: Large White, 1 Small White 4, Green Veined White 1, Holly Blue 1, Meadow Brown 41, Marbled White 5, Ringlet 1, Small Heath 1, Red Admiral 1 and Painted Lady 1. [Posted by Roy Symonds]
Essex Skipper in my Gosport garden.. In my garden at Privett Place,Gosport were Essex Skipper,Small White,Red Admiral,Small Tortoiseshell & Meadow Brown. [Posted by Anne McCue]
Droxford River Meon footpaths. Following the public footpaths from the village church on a glorious sunny afternoon we saw at least 9 butterfly species. Marbled White (25++); Meadow Brown (25+++); Small Skipper (1); Small Tortoiseshell (1); Brimstone (M)(3); Comma (1); Small White (1); Large White (1); Large Skipper (1). Not all wanted to be photographed! [Posted by Francis Plowman]
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| Meadow Brown Photo © Francis Plowman |
Old Winchester Hill area. A total of 11 species accounted for on a circuitous, hot and hilly walk around the nature reserve. Meadow Brown (25+++); Marbled White (25+++); Small Skipper (20+); Small Tortoiseshell (10); Small Heath (25++); Brimstone (M) 1; Common Blue (5); Small White (1); Small Blue (1); Green Hairstreak (1); Ringlet (1). [Posted by Francis Plowman]
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| Green Hairstreak Photo © Francis Plowman | Small Blue on shoe! Photo © Francis Plowman | Marbled White & friends! Photo © Francis Plowman |
Monarch Butterfly. Found by Andy Collins on Lordswood road/Hollybrook Cemetery mid morning feeding on bramble flowers. Seen on and off until mid afternoon. Release is a possibility but with the current air flow so is an arrival from the Azores population. [Posted by Ian watts]
Straits Inclosure. Had a brief trip to the Straits Inclosure this morning to look for any early Purple Emperor. None seen but did see Silver Washed Fritillaries ( 5 or 6 near the first tower ) and 2 White Admiral, as well as 3 Red Admiral along the path. Lots of Meadow Brown and Skippers :-) [Posted by Francis Kinsella]
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| Photo © Francis Kinsella | Photo © Francis Kinsella | Photo © Francis Kinsella |
New Forest. Another day spent with Kevin for the forthcoming publication 'Butterfly walks of Hampshire' and today we spent the best part of three hours in baking heat around Hawkhill Inclosure and part of Beaulieu Heath. We saw on the wing the following butterflies, Dark-Green Fritillary (10), nice to see so many 'buzzing'about, Small Skipper (7) Meadow Brown (50) Large Skipper (7) Small Heath (10) Silver-Studded Blue (100+) 99% on the heathland but there were a few inside the Inclosure, White Admiral (1) at last one espied at the entrance of the Hatchet Moor area, and last but not least Grayling (1) on Hatchet Moor. There were also plenty of Stonechats,in the Inclosure and Skylarks, on the Heathland. [Posted by Ashley Whitlock]
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| Warts Gutter in Hawkhill Inclosure good for Dark Green Fritillary Photo © Ashley Whitlock | Silver-Studded Blue mating Photo © Ashley Whitlock | Dark Green Fritillary Photo © Ashley Whitlock |
Painted Lady in Four Marks. A lunch time walk around Old Down Wood and the surrounding meadows proved to be very successful. My first Painted Lady on the patch for several years was flushed from the path leading through the middle of a barley field. In the wood there was also the first Large Skippers of the year, and one superb Silver-washed Fritillary the earliest I have seen one here in Old Down Wood. Supporting cast came from many Meadow Browns, and Speckled Woods and a single Small Tortoiseshell, but no sign yet of any Marbled Whites here, but all the meadows have been cut for hay. http://fourmarksbirding.blogspot.co.uk/ [Posted by Chris Rose]
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| Silver-washed Fritillary Photo © Chris Rose | Silver-washed Fritillary Photo © Chris Rose | Small Tortoiseshell Photo © Chris Rose |
Hollybank Wood and Hampshire Farm. Meadow Browns everywhere at 2 sites in Emsworth, plenty of Large and Small Skippers and a Red Admiral in Hollybank Wood. [Posted by Francis Kinsella]
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| Photo © Francis Kinsella | Photo © Francis Kinsella | Photo © Francis Kinsella |
All the Smalls at Browndown, Gosport. The MOD-range area at Browndown was finally open to the public today and a couple of hours circuit in search of Grayling was in vain; still too early for them here although the heather is stunning and ready for business! However, the following species were seen: Small Skipper (10); Marbled White (25+); Meadow Brown (9); Speckled Wood (2); Holly Blue (1); Small Copper (3); Small Heath (7) - including a mating pair; Small White (2). [Posted by Francis Plowman]
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| Small Copper Photo © Francis Plowman | Small Heath Photo © Francis Plowman | Small Skipper Photo © Francis Plowman |
Alver Valley Country Park. Onwards to the expansive meadow now styled Alver Valley Country Park. A full circuit accounted for: Meadow Brown (25+); Marbled White (26+); Small Skipper (25+); Large Skipper (2); Essex Skipper (1); Small Heath (2). [Posted by Francis Plowman]
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| Essex skipper Photo © Francis Plowman | Marbled white (male) Photo © Francis Plowman | Small skipper Photo © Francis Plowman |
Peel Common field, Gosport. A mid-morning circuit of the large field and woodland edges at Peel Common provided the following census: Large skipper (2); Essex skipper(1); Small skipper (20+); Meadow brown (40+); Marbled white (18). Evidence of Peacock caterpillars also noted. [Posted by Francis Plowman]
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| Essex skipper Photo © Francis Plowman | Peacock caterpillar Photo © Francis Plowman | Meadow brown Photo © Francis Plowman |
Straits Inclosure. On an early morning visit to Straits Inclosure I was pleased to see 4 Silver washed Fritillaries- 2 in the region of each of the two towers. I also observed 25 Meadow Browns,12 Ringlets, 8 Large Skippers, 2 Red Admirals, 2 Speckled Wood, 2 Small Tortoiseshells and 1 Green Veined White. A good start to my day. [Posted by Hazel Pratt]
Rownhams Wood Today. A morning trip and I saw 8 species Silver-washed Fritillary(6), Meadow Brown (20), White Admiral(4), Ringlet(5), Green-veined White(3), Speckled Wood(4), Large Skipper(6), Small Skipper(2). The first Ringlet, White Admiral and Silver-washed of the year. [Posted by Sue Lambert]
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| White Admiral Photo © Sue Lambert | Silver-washed Fritillary Photo © Sue Lambert | Ringlet Photo © Sue Lambert |
Abbotts Wood Inclosure. On such a perfect day today I thought there might be just the outside chance of a 'rogue' Purple Emperor in flight anywhere in the woods, but I visited two Assembly points in the mid-morning to about 14:30 and nothing was seen. Proving that the Emperor is still a few days 'adrift'. Still no 'Camilla's' either, but the Silver-Washed Fritillary is slowly gaining momentum. Other butterflies on the wing were as follows:Red Admiral (2) Small Skipper (5) Large Skipper (3) Ringlet (12) Meadow Brown (40) Silver-Washed Fritillary (5) Speckled Wood (13) Marbled White (11). Its incredible but there are meadows in Abbotts Wood Inclosure created when they thinned out the wood some years ago, and it created a nice micro-environment of Marbled Whites, Skippers, and other invertebrates. Now the Forest Commission have decided to mow the grasses there and guess what the butterflies have now disappeared, in a word 'unbelievable!'. [Posted by Ashley Whitlock]
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| Speckled Wood Photo © Ashley Whitlock | Silver-Washed Fritillary on Thistle Photo © Ashley Whitlock | Assembly Point in Abbotts Wood Inclosure Photo © Ashley Whitlock |
Browndown North - White Admiral. Having spent the morning at Whiteley decided to visit Browndown (north) which is walkable from home - more in the hope of enjoying this warm sun than seeing much. Was very pleasantly surprised to find a White Admiral at the entrance to the oak copse. They are listed as being present here in most guides etc but after 3 years of looking this was my first at this site. It settled a few times in the canopy but out of reach of my (inexpensive!) camera outfit so regrettably no pictures on this occasion - but 3 white admirals (2 at Whitely and 1 here) make for a great day (is there a 'better' butterfly in the UK - definitely my favourite!) [Posted by Mark Wagstaff]
Whiteley Pastures. Visited Whiteley Pastures this morning in the hope of finding Silver Washed fritillaries and White Admirals. The fritillaries were better than I expected with approx. 10 on the main track - the first seen though was something of a surprise as I'm 99% sure its a Dark Green fritillary (see 1st photo - pse don't hesitate to correct me if id is wrong). Then found two White Admirals one of which was very obliging for the camera. Lots of the usual skippers and browns and 2 marbled whites to round off a lovely morning [Posted by Mark Wagstaff]
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| Dark Green Fritillary - Whiteley Photo © Mark Wagstaff | Silver Washed Fritillary - Whiteley Photo © Mark Wagstaff | White Admiral - Whiteley Photo © Mark Wagstaff |
Comma in my Gosport garden.. A midsummer hutchinsoni Comma was in my garden at Privett Place,Gosport. [Posted by Anne McCue]
Stockbridge Down. An afternoon walk around the down saw many (50+) Marbled Whites and Meadow Browns (50+). On the side close to the road were 4 Dark Green Fritillaries and 2 Small Skippers and 5 Small Heath. At the top of path 4 Brimstone and a single male Common Blue. http://awayfromfourmarks.blogspot.co.uk/ [Posted by Chris Rose]
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| Marbled White Photo © Chris Rose | Dark Green Fritillary Photo © Chris Rose | Marbled Whites Photo © Chris Rose |
Bentley Wood. A late morning early afternoon walk around Bentley Wood saw 2 Small Pearl-bordered Fritillaries on the Hampshire side, along with plenty of freshly emerged Marbled Whites and Meadow Browns, several Large Skippers. Further a field around the wood there were 2 very busy Silver-washed Fritillaries, Comma and Red Admiral, but no sign of the White Letter Hairstreaks.http://awayfromfourmarks.blogspot.co.uk/ [Posted by Chris Rose]
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| Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary Photo © Chris Rose | Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary Photo © Chris Rose | Comma Photo © Chris Rose |
Marbled Whites and Oak Eggar. During my transect walk on Portchester Common I found a full grown Oak Eggar Larva in the centre of my path looking for suitable patch of long grass to make a cocoon, it had clearly hibernated half grown through last winter. The Marbled White count was up to 64 but not quite as good as last years boom of over 70. [Posted by Chris Cobb]
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| Oak Eggar Photo © Chris Cobb | A Confusion of M Whites Photo © Chris Cobb |
Scarlet Tigers along the Wey. 3 Scarlet Tigers mid-afternoon at Isington Mill.
Back on 16 June, one along the Wey and one along the Caker Stream in the industrial estates of Alton. [Posted by Steve Mansfield]
Butterflies in Havant Thicket. Dull day today but went for a walk round Havant Thicket, lots of Ringlets, Meadow Brown's and Skippers flying about, also saw a ale Brimstone and 2 Marbled Whites. [Posted by Francis Kinsella]
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| Photo © Francis Kinsella | Photo © Francis Kinsella | Photo © Francis Kinsella |
Marbled Whites. On a circuit of West Wood, Netley this morning I counted 80 Marbled White.
Also good numbers of Meadow Browns, 14 Small Skippers and 1 Red Admiral. [Posted by Ian watts]
Silver-studded blues at Standing Hat Inclosure. Also present were White Admiral,Large Skipper(5),Brimstone(1 male & 2 females),Red Admiral, Speckled Wood(2)Small Heath(2),Clouded Buff & Barred Yellow(SU050380) [Posted by Anne McCue]
Gatekeeper at Gilkicker.. Gatekeeper at Gilkicker(south-east),Gosport. [Posted by Kevin Ilsley]
Comma in my Gosport garden... A midsummer hutchinsoni Comma was basking & flying in my garden at Haslar,Gosport [Posted by David Tinling]
Chalton Down. Visited Chalton Down in temperatures of twenty degrees, where I saw the following: Small White White 1, Meadow Brown 32, Marbled White 33, Small Heath 3, Common Blue 2 and Large Skipper 2. Numbers of Common Blues here have significantly dropped as the grassland has grown, although this benefits the Marbled White. It will be interesting to see how numbers of Chalkhill Blues fair next month. [Posted by Roy Symonds]
Emperor seen at Axmansford, nr Tadley. Brief views of an early Purple Emperor in the garden at 4.30pm today as it investigated the back of the house at ground level, then flew off over the hedge. [Posted by Andy Bolton]
Meon Valley Sites. After my recruitment drive I visited a site in the Meon Valley to look for Duke larvae which proved futile the grasses were so tall it was hard to find any Cowslips at all. There were many butterflies on the wing though these being:Small Tortoiseshell (5) Red Admiral (2) Small Skipper (7) Painted Lady (1) Small Heath (5) Marbled White (100+) Meadow Brown (100) Brimstone (7) Ringlet (50+) Small Blue (50+) Common Blue (10) Dark Green Fritillary (5) Large Skipper (3) Essex Skipper (1) Speckled Wood (2) [Posted by Ashley Whitlock]
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| Small Blues Mating on Kidney Vetch Photo © Ashley Whitlock | A sea of Kidney Vetch Photo © Ashley Whitlock |
New Members' Day Magdalen Hill Down. Today I led a walk around the splendid Magdalen Hill Down Extension with new members to the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Butterfly Conservation Branch. They all enjoyed the walk with talks by myself and Clive Wood on the butterflies seen, that can be seen in later months, butterflies that have been there in the earlier part of the year, the Wild flowers seen on the meadow, conservation work the branch has done is currently doing and its plans for the future, so everybody had some interest from the many topics covered.The butterflies seen on the wing were as follows:Marbled White (100+) Meadow Brown (100+) Ringlet (25+) Small Heath (12) Common Blue (20) Small Skipper (5) Painted Lady (1) Small Tortoiseshell (1) Brown Argus (1) Small Blue (1) Small White (1) Comma (1) Brimstone (2) Large Skipper (2) [Posted by Ashley Whitlock]
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| Clive talking......... Photo © Ashley Whitlock | Magdalen Hill Down Extension and Deacon Hill Photo © Ashley Whitlock | Marbled Whites Photo © Ashley Whitlock |
Monks Brook/Stoneham Meadows. Saw my first Gatekeeper of the year here today whilst looking for Hairstreaks amongst the Elm trees. No Hairstreaks seen unfortunately. [Posted by Paul Harfield]
walking around peel common yesterday in my break. just a very good day for Ringlets and Marbled white [Posted by Mike Gregory]
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| Photo © Mike Gregory | Photo © Mike Gregory | Photo © Mike Gregory |
Chalton Down. Visited Chalton Down, Old Idsworth (SU736156) today where numbers of Marbled White are slowly increasing. Count was: Common Blue 3, Meadow Brown 13, Marbled White 22, Ringlet 2, Small Heath 5 and Small Tortoiseshell 1. [Posted by Roy Symonds]
Recent Butterflies. Had a quick trip to Noar Hill and to Magdalen Hill Down - saw this Small Heath with distinctive white spots at Noar Hill and this Green Hairstreak at Magdalen Hill Down :-) [Posted by Francis Kinsella]
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| Photo © Francis Kinsella | Photo © Francis Kinsella | Photo © Francis Kinsella |
Fordingbridge. In a private garden to the north of Fordingbridge and adjacent to farm land the following were seen during a warm afternoon and early evening: Meadow Brown (14); Small Tortoiseshell (4); Large Skipper (3); Marbled White (2). [Posted by Francis Plowman]
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| Skipper and crew? Photo © Francis Plowman | Getting to know you...... Photo © Francis Plowman | Bed time for Marbled White Photo © Francis Plowman |
Silver Studded Blue at Pig Bush. A brief walk around New Forest heathland at Pig Bush unveiled just three species but fortunately I gained my first sight of Silver Studded Blue. A total of three were counted along with: Meadow Brown (5) and Small Heath (6). [Posted by Francis Plowman]
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| Silver Studded Blue Photo © Francis Plowman | Small Heath Photo © Francis Plowman | Silver Studed Blue Photo © Francis Plowman |
Pitt Down and West Wood. Today was another route day and I met Kevin at West Wood and Pitt Down. At Pitt Down there were many butterflies on the wing with the best counts going to Marbled Whites and Meadow Browns. The Dark Green Fritillary was also on the wing and what and entertaining butterfly it is with its powerful flight and barging into Marbled Whites happily going about their business on the Thistles now coming into flower, At one time there were four Dark Greens all together, vying and jockeying for positions at the dinner table. The counts were as follows: Dark Green Fritillary (12) Marbled White (100+) Meadow Brown (100+) Ringlet (35) Small Skipper (5) Large Skipper (3) Common Blue (7) Small Heath (5) Small Tortoiseshell (8) Brimstone (5) several Cinnabar Moths and Silver'Y'moths. In West Wood there was very little on the wing in contrast to the Pitt Down area, with a few Brimstones and Meadow Browns and several Red Admirals only, there will be a massive explosion of invertebrates I suspect in the next week or so... watch this space. [Posted by Ashley Whitlock]
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| Pitt Down Photo © Ashley Whitlock | Marbled White Photo © Ashley Whitlock | Male Dark Green Fritillary Photo © Ashley Whitlock |
Ringlet and Grayling. Saw first Ringlet and Grayling of year today on Isle of Wight on south side of Brighstone Down at SZ423843. Also many Marbled White, Meadow Brown, Small Heath, Large Skipper and a few Common Blue. [Posted by Elaine Rice]
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| Ringlet Photo © Elaine Rice | Grayling Photo © Elaine Rice | Marbled White Photo © Elaine Rice |
Marbled White. Noted 2 Marbled White and 2 Meadow Brown Butterflies on way home from lordshill centre towards lordswood today. The butterflies were around the verges to the side of lordshill way where grass has been kept long to encourage nature. [Posted by David Lobb]
Straits Inclosure. Visited Straits Inclosure on Midsummer Day. No White Admirals or Silver-washed Fritillaries were seen, though both were starting at Bookham Common, Surrey, that day (per Ken Willmott). This is late by modern standards.
Note that extensive thinning work took place in the western half of the wood this spring, and that many if not most of the breeding sallows used by the Purple Emperor in that sector have been removed. The wood's Purple Emperor population will have taken a massive hit. [Posted by Matthew Oates]
Hayling Island Cycle Trail. Today I walked the length of the Hayling Island Cycle Train from the site of the old railway station in West Town (SZ709998)to the old railway bridge at North Hayling (SU718041). A total of 10 species were seen including several Marbled Whites on the chalk soil towards the end of the trail. My count was: Small White 9, Green Veived White 1, Large White 2, Holly Blue 2, Speckled Wood 3, Meadow Brown 28, Marbled White 17, Small Tortoiseshell 2, Red Admiral 1 and Large Skipper 3. [Posted by Roy Symonds]
Small & Essex Skippers - Gosport. Four sites in the Gosport peninsular visited in yesterday's warm sunshine Small Skipper noted in three:
Haslar Sea Wall Car Park Scrubland: Small Skipper (3): Essex Skipper (1); Meadow Brown (5); Marbled White (6) including one specimen that took over an hour to dry his wings; Common Blue (3)(M) - very shabby now; Small Tortoiseshell (2); Small Heath (2). (Later treated to a formation flypast of two WW2-era Spitfires! Some bonus.....
Stokes Bay/Gilkicker: Common Blue (2); Small Tortoiseshell (1); Meadow Brown (13); Marbled White (5); Small Skipper (2); Small Heath (2).
Clayhall Naval Cemetery: Speckled Wood (1); Meadow Brown (3); Small White (1).
Frater Fields, Elson: Small Skipper (2); Essex Skipper (1); Marbled White (3); Common Blue (1); Meadow Brown (10); Comma (1); Small White (1). [Posted by Francis Plowman]
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| Over an hour to dry its wings! Photo © Francis Plowman | Small Skipper at Frater Photo © Francis Plowman | Essex Skipper at Frater Photo © Francis Plowman |
Purple Hairstreak. I saw my first Purple Hairstreak this evening flying around a tall oak adjacent to my back garden in Christchurch. It was still active at 19.40. [Posted by Mike Gibbons]
Dark green Fritillaries and Marbled whites at Stockbridge Down. On a mid morning visit to Stockbridge Down I was delighted to find 12 Dark Green Fritillaries and to get close views of several of them. We counted more than 40 Marbled Whites. Other species seen were: Meadow Brown 12, Large Skipper 8, Red Admiral1, Small Tortoiseshell 4, Common Blue 6, Small Blue 1 ( a lovely surprise!), Brimstone f8 m2, Large white 1.
In the afternoon I visited Caesar's Camp and saw 3 very fresh Silver Studded Blues. [Posted by Hazel Pratt]
Frits At Kitt's Grave. My first visit to the Kitt's Grave area of Martin Down NNR this afternoon, produced 8 Dark Green Fritillary's, all fresh males. They were flying almost incessantly in the warm sunshine around the nectar rich meadows, but thankfully afforded the odd photo opportunity. As a bonus, two male Silver-washed Fritillaries were also seen along the rides, one already with bird strike damage to its right hind wing (and the only one photographed). Many common species were also present. [Posted by Alan Thornbury]
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| Dark Green Fritillary Photo © Alan Thornbury | Dark Green Fritillary Photo © Alan Thornbury | Silver-washed Fritillary (note bird strike damage to hind wing) Photo © Alan Thornbury |
Havant Thicket. Another day out in the wilds to prove a route for the book 'Butterfly Walks of Hampshire' and Kevin and I saw the following butterflies looking at all the interesting points along the way, Sallow stands Purple Emperor Assembly areas etc: Small Skipper (5), Meadow Brown (17) Brimstone (17) Speckled Wood (4) Ringlet (12) Small White (2) Marbled White (5) Silver-Washed Fritillary (2) Red Admiral (2) Painted Lady (1) Large Skipper (13) and several Speckled Yellow moths. The Silver-Washed Fritillary really heralds the start of the summer season with White Admiral and Purple Emperor on the horizon! [Posted by Ashley Whitlock]
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| Silver-Washed Fritillary Photo © Ashley Whitlock | Photo © Ashley Whitlock | Photo © Ashley Whitlock |
Portsdown Hill (East). Walked around the slopes at the Eastern end of Portsdown Hill (SU657063)where good numbers of Marbled White are now flying/ Also saw my first Ringlet this year. Count was: Meadow Brown 8, Marbled White 27 and Ringlet 1.
Afterwards I walked around Fort Widley (SU657066) where I saw my first Small Blue in Hampshire this year, only one which I followed flying. Full count: Common Blue 2, Small Blue 1, Meadow Brown 7 and Marbled White 2. [Posted by Roy Symonds]
Whitely Woods & Titchfield. A long walk through Whitely Woods (Fareham) detected the following: Meadow Brown (17); Speckled Wood (6); Large Skipper (12); Common Blue (1); Painted Lady (1); Comma (1). We also came across 3 basking Adders - two males and one female! An afternoon walk along the east bank of the River Meon from Titchfield to the Haven realised: Red Admiral (2); Large Skipper (6); Speckled Wood (1); Painted Lady (1) [Posted by Francis Plowman]
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| Common Blue - Whitely Woods Photo © Francis Plowman | Large Skipper - Whitely Woods Photo © Francis Plowman | Painted Lady - River Meon walk Photo © Francis Plowman |
Bentley Station Meadow and Straits Inclosure. Went to Bentley Station Meadow and The Straits Inclosure after work to look for any early Silver Washed Fritillaries or White Admirals but did not see any. Did see Meadow Brown, Ringlet, Common Blue, Comma, Speckled Wood, Red Admiral and Large Skipper. [Posted by Francis Kinsella]
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| Photo © Francis Kinsella | Photo © Francis Kinsella | Photo © Francis Kinsella |
Roydon Woods. I thought I would visit the New Forest today to see the Small-Pearl Bordered Fritillary but today it was rather illusive which suggests to me that it has had a tough time again in 2015, because usually this specie will fly into July at this site. Today I saw just three rather threadbare males and a glimpse of an individual in rather better and more pristine condition and colouration which could only have been a female. This is the most disappointing count I've ever had at this site, I know Its been out awhile but it does tend to start at this site a week or so behind other sites. The site itself is still quite damp in places, and the Gorse and rough grasses are kept in check with grazing. On a plus note the Silver-Studded Blue is marching all the way across this site now with small pockets of Ling and Bell Heather springing up all over the place. In one corner of the site they were counted in reasonable numbers with several females putting in an appearance.Species of note were: Small Pearl-Bordered Fritillary (4) Speckled Wood (1) Meadow Brown (4) Silver-Studded Blue (23) Large Skipper (4) Common Blue (1), I also noted several Dragonflies, Four Spotted Libellula, Gold Ringed Dragonflies,Common Sympetrum, and Common Coenegrion (Damselfly) [Posted by Ashley Whitlock]
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| Male Small Pearl-Bordered Fritillary Photo © Ashley Whitlock | Male Silver-Studded Blue Photo © Ashley Whitlock | Roydon Woods Photo © Ashley Whitlock |
Red Admiral and Large Skipper at Hollybank Woods, Emsworth. Went to Hollybank Woods, Emsworth to see if White Admiral were out yet. Didn't see any but did see a rather battered Red Admiral and a Large Skipper. [Posted by Francis Kinsella]
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| Photo © Francis Kinsella |
Magdalen Hill. A walk around a breezy Magdalen Hill saw many Meadow Browns and Marbled Whites with several marbled Whites seen recently emerged. In the chalk pit area there were Small Blues and large and Small Skipper in the sheltered spots. Moving down the northern slope amongst the bushes there were lots of Common Blue, and a single Green Hairstreak http://awayfromfourmarks.blogspot.co.uk/ [Posted by Chris Rose]
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| Small Skipper Photo © Chris Rose | Marbled White Photo © Chris Rose | Green Hairstreak Photo © Chris Rose |
Shalden. A morning walk in the meadow at Shalden (SU6941), on the North Downs near Alton, saw 100s of Meadow Brown now on the wing. One Marbled White, 3 Large Skipper, one very fresh Small Tortoiseshell, one battered Common Blue. There is a large private pond here and a few damselflies had wandered into the meadow including one Blue Tailed Damselfly and one Red-Eyed Damselfly. [Posted by Steve Mansfield]
Meadow Brown at Hampshire Farm. Many Meadow Brown's flying at Hampshire Farm in Emsworth, also common blue. Not much time actually spent in Hampshire this weekend but did also see Large Blue flying at Collard Hill on their open day this weekend. [Posted by Francis Kinsella]
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| Photo © Francis Kinsella | Photo © Francis Kinsella | Photo © Francis Kinsella |
Duke of Burgundy Caterpillar Hunt. Today was the day of the Duke of Burgundy Caterpillar Hunt at Butser Hill and it turned out to be a most interesting day with a few revelations thrown in for good measure. We all started off in the car-park for when Dan and I did this last year our first Cowslip we looked at turned up a Duke caterpillar. However the grasses were very tall in the car-park and finding Cowslips was not easy, unfortunately we were unsuccessful there. We then moved over to Butser Hill where we all looked at the areas within the hedge row line and just above, here we managed to find Cowslips with Yellow eggs laid on them which we could not identify, discarded cases of the 'click' beetle, Black eggs which looked like caviar, several caterpillars which were not Duke of Burgundies, but when the sun shone for a good amount of time we did see a Duke Caterpillar feeding on top of one of the leaves of a Cowslip, bold as brass it was munching away, possibly just coming into its 2nd Instar period. We were all very pleased and we then went down into the valley floor and looked at the down from there, where we came across an Adonis Blue which is not usually noted on Butser Hill, it was in very good condition, a highlight for the day!. It was very hard to keep track of what species we recorded but it went something like this: Painted Lady (1) Green Hairstreak (15) Large Skipper 50+ Marbled White (1) Dark-Green Fritillary (1) Small Heath (50+) Common Blue (50+) Speckled Wood (1) Meadow Brown (30) Brown Argus (5) Small Tortoiseshell (1) Grizzled Skipper (5) Dingy Skipper (10) Large White (1) Cinnabar Moths, and many Speckled Yellows. We all climbed back up the slope again and were releaved I think to see the car-park. Id like to thank all who came that made this field trip one of the most enjoyable I've ever had since being the Field Trip Co-ordinator. [Posted by Ashley Whitlock]
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| Duke of Burgundy feeding on Cowslip Photo © Ashley Whitlock | A late Grizzled Skipper Photo © Ashley Whitlock | Team Butser June 2015 Photo © Ashley Whitlock |
Six-spot Burnet moth in my Gosport gardenA. A newly emerged Six-spot Burnet moth was in my garden at Privett Place,Gosport. [Posted by Anne McCue]
Marbled White at Martin Down. Spent a great day walking around Martin Down, many Marbled Whites on the wing with several just emerging. Other species seen were Adonis Blue, Small Blue and Common Blue, many Meadow Browns, Small Heath Large Skipper and Small Tortoiseshell, plus singles of Dingy Skipper and Brimstone. Moths were in good numbers too with many Burnet Companions, Cinnabar, 5 spot Burnets, Silver Y and Chimney Sweeper. All this and Turtle Doves too. http://awayfromfourmarks.blogspot.co.uk/ [Posted by Chris Rose]
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| Marbled White just emerged Photo © Chris Rose | Adonis Blue Photo © Chris Rose | 5 Spot Burnet Photo © Chris Rose |
Frater Fields, Elson, Gosport. My final walk of the day took me around the tree-enclosed field at the end of Frater Lane. Here the field is mostly of tall grasses interspersed with patches of clover surrounded by hedgerows garlanded with bramble blossom. This is the source of food for the four species counted there in just a couple of minutes: Meadow Brown (9); Speckled Wood (1); Green-veined White (Male) (1) and, invariably, Large Skipper (1). [Posted by Francis Plowman]
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| Meadow Brown male Photo © Francis Plowman | Green-veined White male Photo © Francis Plowman | Speckled Wood Photo © Francis Plowman |
Skew Road Car Park, Portchester. The adjacent patch of chalk hill scrub - carpeted with wild flowers - was home to the following butterflies during an overcast and breezy early afternoon: Marbled White (6); Meadow Brown (1); Large Skipper (1). [Posted by Francis Plowman]
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| Large Skipper on Dandelion Photo © Francis Plowman | Marbled White (Female) Photo © Francis Plowman | Marbled White (Male) Photo © Francis Plowman |
Fort Widley. In warm but overcast conditions I went in search of the much reported Marbled White. A total of six were counted including one suffering severe structural damage to its hind wings. Other species noted: Small Tortoiseshell (1); Common Blue (4); Meadow Brown (6); Little Blue (F)(2); Holly Blue (1); Large Skipper (1). The Small Tortoiseshell was very fresh indeed. [Posted by Francis Plowman]
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| Small Tortoiseshell Photo © Francis Plowman | Marbled White Photo © Francis Plowman | Holly Blue Photo © Francis Plowman |
Painted Ladys. Further to Ashley's comments of 4 June I have seen Painted Ladies this month at 3 sites,
5June 1 in my Fareham Garden 2 on Portchester Common and 1 on 19 June at Browndown N. This seems unusual - and I feel its more than just captive breeding releases. [Posted by Chris Cobb]
Stoke Common (West). On the way home I called in at Stoke Common, North Hayling (SU716032), the western side as the eastern wooded side is privately owned. Here during a short walk I saw 2 Small White, 4 Meadow Brown and worth reporting 2 Painted Lady - further migrants. [Posted by Roy Symonds]
Portsdown Hill (East). After Fort Widley I searched for Marbled Whites along the track running parallel with Queen Alexandra Hospital. Here I saw 10 Marbled White, along with 5 Meadow Brown and one Common Blue. [Posted by Roy Symonds]
Fort Widley, Portsdown Hill. Walked around Fort Widley, Portsdown Hill where several Meadow Brown and Common Blue were flying. Despite searching in areas of long grass did not see any Marbled White. Totals: Brimstone 1M 1 F, Common Blue 7M, Holly Blue 4, Meadow Brown 8, Speckled Wood 1 and Painted Lady 1. [Posted by Roy Symonds]
Brief walk at Straits. A short walk down to the second tower produced 2 Red Admiral, 1 L White, 5 Speckled Wood, Small Tortoiseshell, 3 Meadow Brown, 2 Comma & 2 Large Skipper. Also Hornets, S Cuckoo Bumblebee, Carder etc. Just the single Banded demoiselle. [Posted by Andy Stocker]
Brief walk at Straits. A short walk down to the second tower produced 2 Red Admiral, 1 L White, 5 Speckled Wood, Small Tortoiseshell, 3 Meadow Brown, 2 Comma & 2 Large Skipper. Also Hornets, S Cuckoo Bumblebee, Carder etc. Just the single Banded demoiselle. [Posted by Andy Stocker]
Ringlet at Brook Meadow, Emsworth. Saw my first Ringlet this year at Brook Meadow Emsworth tonight. Also Speckled Wood, Meadow Brown and Common Blue. [Posted by Francis Kinsella]
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| Photo © Francis Kinsella | Photo © Francis Kinsella | Photo © Francis Kinsella |
Chalton Down. Today I visited Chalton Down (SU736156) after Havant Thicket where I saw my first Marbled White this season. Also pleased to see a Green Hairsteak feeding on Birds Foot Trefoil. Numbers of Meadow Brown are now increasing here with a few Dingy Skippers just holding on. Totals were: Brimstone 3M 2F, Small White 1, Common Blue 10M 1F, Green Hairstreak 1, Meadow Brown 14, Marbled White 1, Small Heath 5 and Dingy Skipper 2. [Posted by Roy Symonds]
Havant Thicket. With temperatures touching 20 degrees today, I called in at Havant Thicket where several Brimstones were seen and increasing numbers of Meadow Brown. Full sightings were: Brimstone 9M 4F, Small White 1, Large White 1, Meadow Brown 21, Speckled Wood 1, Holly Blue 1, Red Admiral 2 and Large Skipper 3. [Posted by Roy Symonds]
Solent Ways. Three visits to known butterfly sites adjacent to The Solent:
Seafield Park, Hill Head: Speckled Wood (2); Common Blue (M)(1); Meadow Brown (7); Red Admiral (1).
Chilling/Brownwich cliffs: Holly Blue (3); Common Blue (M)(3)(F)(1); Speckled Wood (5); Large Skipper (9); Red Admiral (2); Small White (10); Painted Lady (1); Meadow Brown (6); Small Tortoiseshell (2); Small Copper (1). No sign of any Clouded Yellow.
Alver Valley Country Park, Gosport: Meadow Brown (8); Large Skipper (4). No sign of Marbled White although three seen there on 17th June 2015. [Posted by Francis Plowman]
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| Large Skipper at Alver Valley Photo © Francis Plowman | Painted Lady at Chilling Photo © Francis Plowman | Common Blue Brownwich cliff top Photo © Francis Plowman |
Portsdown Hill Fort Widley and transect route. I met up with Kevin Freeborn today again to trace another walk for the book on such a glorious day. I had already been walking around the Fort Widley site and the following had been observed: Marbled White (50+) Common Blue (2) Meadow Brown (35) Small Blue (1) Dark-Green Fritillary (1) Hummingbird-Hawk Moth (1) Red Admiral 92) Small Tortoiseshell (1) Speckled Wood (1) I used to frequent this spot many years ago for the Wall Brown when you could see at least a dozen on a good day in May, but the Dark Green Fritillary is quite uncommon on the hill, but with walking around the site in the early part of the year I had noted that the Violets were becoming very common on the slopes. Maybe the Dark-Green Fritillary will become a more common sight now.
Portsdown Hill(West) The following species were observed:
Holly Blue (8) Speckled Wood (2) Large Skipper (9) Marbled White (25)Meadow Brown(15) Brimstone (10) Large White (1) Dark-Green Fritillary (1) Common Blue (10) Small Blue (3) Small White (1). There is a distinct difference in the terrain on the Portsdown Hill(West) site and consequently I saw Holly Blue, Large Skipper, and Brimstone as additions to the list overall. It was also good to see the second Dark-Green Fritillary as well. [Posted by Ashley Whitlock]
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| Fort Widley and Wildflowers Photo © Ashley Whitlock | Dark-Green Fritillary Photo © Ashley Whitlock | Marbled White Photo © Ashley Whitlock |
Painfed Lady at Browndown North.. At Browndown North were Painted Lady,Small Tirtoiseshell,LargeSkipper,Meadow Brown & Common Blue [Posted by Anne McCue]
Small Skipper at Home heath.. At Home Heath ,Gosport,were Small Skipper,Commmon Blue & 2 Narrow-bordered Five-spot Burnets. [Posted by Anne McCue]
Painted Lady & Large Skipper at Carter,s Copse,Gosport. At Carter'sCopse, were a Painted Lady,Large Skipper,Large White,Small White,Marbled White & Holly Blue. [Posted by Anne McCue]
Marbled White in Basingstoke. The Shrubbery is an overgrown site of a demolished building near central Basingstoke. First Marbled White of the year spotted here, nectaring on Knapweed. [Posted by Geoff Baker]
Deerleap New Forest. A trip to Deerleap to see if Silver-studded Blues were flying yielded 9 with 2 females. Also seen were Brimstone(5), Speckled Wood(10), one Meadow Brown and one Green-veined White, also one Latticed Heath Moth, a final instar Forest Shieldbug and a large Red Damselfly. It was a little windy and not many butterflies were about - the blues were flushed from the heather. [Posted by Sue Lambert]
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| Female Silver-studded Blue Photo © Sue Lambert | Male Silver-studded Blue Photo © Sue Lambert | Latticed Heath Moth Photo © Sue Lambert |
Monarchs. We had had two recent reports of Monarch sightings:
27 May - Portchester Cemetery (David Hunt)
4 June - Portsmouth (Rosemary Wooldridge) [Posted by Bob Annell]
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| Portchester Monarch Photo © Bob Annell | Portsmouth Monarch Photo © Bob Annell |
Old Winchester Hill. Visited Old Winchester Hill today to see how the spring Adonis Blue was coping on the slopes, after it has had a rotten time throughout the spring with the cool winds and lack of any meaningful sunshine during its latter stages of pupating. I did find some on the lower slopes on the southern side and here there were three females and four males in mostly battered condition as they have been out since the end of May. Other species of note were: Small Tortoiseshell (2) Small Heath (21) Common Blue (46) Large Skipper (9) Green Hairstreak (1) Small Blue (4) Orange Tip (female laying) Meadow Brown (10) Brimstone (15) Speckled Wood (2) Adonis Blue (7) and Burnet Companion (3). On the Small Blue its not really associated with this site much as there is very little Kidney Vetch of note, but however today was my best ever count for this specie at this site. On the Orange Tip I was talking to a couple who were walking along the South Downs way to Eastbourne and I was telling them about butterflies and flowers associated with different types, when the female Orange Tip began to ovi-posit on the lucifers in the ride, and I could quite plainly see the eggs she was laying. Along came some other walkers, and before long there were (8) of us all looking at the female and I was showing them the egg on the stem where she had layed. Everybody is probably wondering why I am putting photographs of wild flowers on the web site well its because I have been asked to do the the photographs for the forthcoming book Butterfly Walks in Hampshire and of course you cant have butterflies without wild flowers and vice-versa. [Posted by Ashley Whitlock]
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| Small Heath Photo © Ashley Whitlock | Male Adonis Blue Photo © Ashley Whitlock | Female Orange Tip ovi-positing on Lucifers Photo © Ashley Whitlock |
Ringlet at MHD. I was surprised to find a very early Ringlet at MHD by Chalk Corner. A few Small Blues, a number of Common Blues, several Meadow Browns, one Large Skipper and a few Small Heaths and Brimstones were also around the original reserve. [Posted by Dave Pearson]
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| Photo © Dave Pearson |
YEW HILL, WINCHESTER. A two hour walk around Yew Hill at noon yesterday accounted for 12 butterfly species: Meadow Brown (stopped counting at 20 - they are in abundance); Small White (1); Brimstone (M)(4),(F)(3); Small Tortoiseshell (1); Marbled White (3); Common Blue (4); Speckled Wood (2); Small Heath (5); Orange Tip (M)(1); Large White (1); Large Skipper (1); Little Blue (1). A notice at the field to the left of the reservoir fence warns of habitat loss due to horse activity: just Brimstone and Meadow Brown noted there - none of the anticipated blues seen. A sly old fox did put in an appearance but very briefly! This reserve is bedecked with summer flowers and numerous butterflies enjoying them. Unfortunately at this time of day the Marbled Whites were on the wing and eluded the camera. [Posted by Francis Plowman]
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| Meadow Brown Photo © Francis Plowman | Brimstone ballet! Photo © Francis Plowman | Small Heath Photo © Francis Plowman |
IBM Lake WLH. My first White-letter Hairstreak of the year in usual spot near the entrance roundabout of the IBM lake/Lakeside site in Cosham. Could only see one in the treetops in a brief look at lunchtime. [Posted by Tim Doran]
White Letter Hairstreaks. Stopped off at the Cosham site at lunchtime and saw three fresh White letter hairstreaks at the top of suckering elm - too high for photos unfortunately [Posted by Mark Tutton]
Northington Down. Returning from Micheldever Wood (where I saw a Speckled Wood butterfly), I spotted both a Meadow Brown and a Painted Lady roaming the grassy roadside verge. [Posted by Robert Bryant]
Milton Lock Allotments. After being away from Hampshire the last week or so (North Wales)it was good to be amongst it, all be it just local as the weather seemed to be very dull and overcast until mid-afternoon, so I took a stroll around my local patch and the following butterflies were noted on the wing: Speckled Wood (1) Meadow Brown (2) Red Admiral (1) Summer brood of the Small Tortoiseshell (1) Small White (12)Green-Veined White (1) and Holly Blue (8) the best count for 2015 so far. Also saw and heard a lovely Whitethroat singing away, what a delight. [Posted by Ashley Whitlock]
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| Red Admiral Photo © Ashley Whitlock | Speckled Wood Photo © Ashley Whitlock | Holly Blue Photo © Ashley Whitlock |
Chalton Down. From Old Winchester Hill called at Chalton Down (SU736156) where once more this season numbers are low. Managed to see 3 Dingy Skippers still flying. My totals were: Brimstone 1F, Small White 1, Meadow Brown 2, Small Heath 4, Common Blue 3M and Dingy Skipper 3. [Posted by Roy Symonds]
Old Winchester Hill. Visited Old Winchester Hill today to see the Adonis Blue. After a lot of walking I saw 2 males at the far side of the hill fort, which were easy to spot from the Common Blues flying. A few fresh Meadow Browns were flying and also 3 Painted Lady migrants. My totals were: Brimstone 4M, Large White 1, Small White 2, Meadow Brown 2, Small Heath 10, Common Blue 20M 1F, Adonis Blue 2M, Painted Lady 3 and Large Skipper 1. [Posted by Roy Symonds]
Meadow Brown & Large Skipper at Carter's Copse,Gosport. At Carter's Copse,Gosport were a male Meadow Brown,a male large Skipper,2 Red Admirals,a Small White,a Silver Y Moth and a Cinnabar Moth. [Posted by Anne McCue]
Butterflies this weekend. Yesterday at Bentley Station Meadow I saw a mating pair of Common Blues and also a Green Veined White, today I saw my first Meadow Browns of the year, near Alton. [Posted by Francis Kinsella]
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| Photo © Francis Kinsella | Photo © Francis Kinsella | Photo © Francis Kinsella |
Marbled White. When the sun came out for an hour or so around lunchtime I paid a brief visit to the Southern slopes of Portsdown Hill and was greeted by a fresh emergence of Marbled Whites - a dozen or so were patrolling up and down one of the sheltered hollows diving in to the grass to investigate any pale item in case it was a female. Also spotted were a fresh Small Tortioseshell and a number of Meadow Browns and Common Blues. [Posted by Mark Tutton]
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| Photo © Mark Tutton |
Magdalen Hill. A late afternoon walk around the reserve produced at least 6 Painted Ladies, our first Meadow Browns of the year with at least a dozen counted. Ten Large Skippers, 4 Small Heaths, many Common Blues and Small Blues and a single Brimstone. [Posted by Chris Rose]
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| Meadow Brown Photo © Chris Rose | Painted Lady Photo © Chris Rose | Large Skipper Photo © Chris Rose |
Bishop's Dyke, NF. A walk through Denny Wood, and then out along Bishop's Dyke back to the car park at Shatterford looked like being very quiet with only one Speckled Wood, then just past the pond by the railway line we came across one Silver-studded Blue in the heather. [Posted by Chris Rose]
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| Photo © Chris Rose | Photo © Chris Rose |
First Meadow Browns. We took the dog for a walk on Portsdown Hill this morning in bright sunshine, although it was unseasonably windy - almost gale force. The field we chose is adjacent the churchillian, one half of which has has been left unmown by the council leaving a lovely mosaic of wild flowers with lots of red clover, birds foot trefoil, buttercup , and hundreds of spikes of common broomrape. Good numbers of Common Blue were seen with the odd Holly Blue and a Painted Lady being seen being whisked north on the breeze - also saw about a dozen fresh Meadow Browns - my first of the year. [Posted by Mark Tutton]
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| First meadow brown Photo © Mark Tutton |
North Hayling Cycle Trail. Returning on my way home I stopped at North Hayling (SU7103)and walked the cycle trail northwards as far as the old railway bridge. Here I saw another Meadow Brown and 3 Painted Ladys. I believe we will see many more this summer! My count was: Small White 3, Green Veined White 1, Holly Blue 1, Meadow Brown 1, Painted Lady 3 and Small Tortoiseshell 1. [Posted by Roy Symonds]
Portsdown Hill. With temperatures in the mid twenties, I visited Portsdown Hill (SU657063)walking along my usual route. Maybe the heat was too much as I only recorded Common Blue 4 males and Meadow Brown 3. The Meadow Browns were my first sightings this year.
Across the road at Fort Widley (SU657066) I saw Common Blue 4 males and a single Holly Blue. [Posted by Roy Symonds]
Havant Thicket SU715105. Sorry I forgot to mention I also had 3 Meadow Browns. [Posted by Barry Collins]
Havant Thicket SU715105. Cycled through Havant Thicket on the main track from Bell's Copse to the Rowlands Castle road mid-morning,before getting a puncture in the back wheel I then pushed it back home.
(I now know why they call it a push bike)
Species recorded during my visit included:Speckled Wood 6, Small Heath 11, Comma 1,
Common Blue 3, Holly Blue 1, Large Skipper 2, Brimstone 10F 6M, Small White 2, Painted Lady 1. [Posted by Barry Collins]
Common Blues in my Gosport Garden. In my garden at Privett,Place,Gosport were 4 Common Blues(2 males,a blue female and a brown female),a Holly Blue,a Small Tortoiseshell & a Small White. [Posted by Anne McCue]
Alice Holt Wood / Bentley Station. We started out at Bentley Station Butterfly Reserve but the low temperature, clouds and strong late-morning breeze led to a fruitless wander. Walking up towards Alice Holt Wood was more profitable with Speckled Wood (6) counted on the way up and a very patient Large Skipper on the downhill leg. Back once more to the first meadow of the Reserve revealed Common Blue (1) and Comma (1). The day was to improve though!
(All low resolution photographs) [Posted by Francis Plowman]
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| Comma Photo © Francis Plowman | Speckled Wood Photo © Francis Plowman | Large Skipper Photo © Francis Plowman |
Noar Hill. An early afternoon visit during sunny periods was adversely affected by very strong winds. The more protected glades and hollows provided some takers. Specifically: Brimstone (4) - both male and female seen; Common Blue (13); Small Heath (11); Holly Blue (1); Dingy Skipper (1); Small Tortoiseshell (1) - looked like a fresh specimen; Brown Argus (1); Speckled Wood (1). (All photos at low resolution). [Posted by Francis Plowman]
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| Fresh Brown Argus Photo © Francis Plowman | Common Blue male Photo © Francis Plowman | New Small Tortoiseshell Photo © Francis Plowman |
Old Winchester Hill Immigrants!. A north-south Hampshire odyssey ended at Old Winchester Hill with a brief visit between 4-5pm. The sun much warmer then earlier in the day but still extremely blustery. A walk down the south-facing hill and back again was rewarded by the last butterfly of the day: a Clouded Yellow, male. He was feeding but tolerated an approach. This is the earliest that I have ever recorded Clouded Yellow in the UK. Another immigrant noted earlier was a very relaxed Painted Lady doing well to keep out of the draught. Other species counted: Speckled Wood (1); Small Heath (2); Adonis Blue (4) including a female in a courtship routine - rudely ended when the male was literally 'blown away'! Common Blue (5); Brimstone (8) - both male and female noted; Small White (1).
(All photos at low resolution) [Posted by Francis Plowman]
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| Adonis Blue with unusual marking Photo © Francis Plowman | Painted Lady Photo © Francis Plowman | Clouded Yellow (male) Photo © Francis Plowman |
Photos from Chalton Down. Photos of a very blue form of the female Common Blue and a male Dingy Skipper at Chalton Down. Shame I could not have got a sharper photo of the Blue. [Posted by Richard Symonds]
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| Photo © Richard Symonds | Photo © Richard Symonds |
Photos from Noar Hill. Back home in Cornwall on the Land's End peninsula on a wet and foggy day. Just finished editing my photos from Noar Hill. Here is the Duke of Burgundy and Dingy Skipper. [Posted by Richard Symonds]
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| Photo © Richard Symonds | Photo © Richard Symonds | Photo © Richard Symonds |
Broughton Down. Three Painted Lady's, several Dingy Skippers, lots of Common Blues, One Green Hairstreak and a large pristine Fritillary shooting by (which must have been a Dark Green Fritillary) made for a pleasant afternoon stroll around the down. [Posted by Dave Pearson]
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| Photo © Dave Pearson |
Chalton Down, Old Idsworth. After visiting Noar Hill, my father and I went to Chalton Down (SU736156) where the sunny spells increased, to see the Grizzled Skipper. Sadly none were seen, although two Dingy Skippers were active and posing for the camera on high plant stems.
I commented to my father that this site in the past two years has seen an increase in average grass height, perhaps caused by a decrease in the local rabbit population. The Numbers of all butterflies are significantly lower than previously seen at this time of the year.
Total counts were: Brimstone 1M 1F, Small White 1, Large White 1, Common Blue 7M 3F, Small Heath 2 and Dingy Skipper 2. [Posted by Richard Symonds]
Noar Hill. Today I visited Noar Hill in company with my father, Roy Symonds before I return home to Cornwall (tomorrow), in the hope of seeing the last of the Duke of Burgundy. After some searching and a "tip off" we spotted a worn and torn male Duke of Burgundy in the area on the right hand side, before you enter a wooded area in to the last pit. Soon afterwards we were rewarded with the sighting of another male in much better condition, which appeared to be only slightly faded. Two Dingy Skippers were also seen, a male and a female, both of which were surprisingly still fresh. Common Blues were seen everywhere, while five Small Heaths all fresh were seen. We also saw our first Large Skipper this year, a male which appeared briefly but then flew off fast before I could get a photo. Total counts were: Brimstone 2F, Small White 1, Common Blue 23M 9F, Holly Blue 1, Small Heath 5, Speckled Wood 4, Duke of Burgundy 2M, Dingy Skipper 2 and Large Skipper 1. [Posted by Richard Symonds]
Gosport Butterfly Weekend. Sat 6th June Gosport Alver Valley: Speckled Wood (11); Holly Blue (1); Brimstone (8) - conveniently four of each sex; Red Admiral (4); Common Blue (4); Large Skipper (1); Small Heath (1).
Frater Lane Woods, Elson: Small White (2); Common Blue (4); Red Admiral (1); Speckled Wood (1).
Sun 7th June: Haslar Naval Cemetery: Common Blue (3) incl 2 females; Painted Lady (1). [Posted by Francis Plowman]
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| Large Skipper @ Alver Valley Photo © Francis Plowman | Common Blue female. Haslar Photo © Francis Plowman | Painted Lady rests in Haslar cemetery Photo © Francis Plowman |
Common Blues at Gilkicker,Gosport. At Gilkicker,Gosport, were Common Blues(2males & a female),Large White,Small White(2),and a Peacock. [Posted by Anne McCue]
Noar Hill. In bright sunshine we found many Common Blues, Small Heaths, some Dingy Skippers, and Duke of Burgundy (3), plus the odd Brimstone and a Speckled Wood. [Posted by Robert Bryant]
Small Blues in abundance at Magdalen Hill Down. On a mid morning visit to Magdalen Hill Down the following species were observed:
Small Blues 25+ in the chalk pit alone plus several others scattered throughout the site. The most I have ever seen on a single visit.
Common Blue 14; Brown Argus 10; Brimstone 4 (3f, 1m); Speckled Wood 3; Large Skipper 4; Meadow Brown 4; Small White 1; Small Heath 4; Small Tortoiseshell 1 (rather worn).
Sadly no Adonis Blues or Painted Ladies. [Posted by Hazel Pratt]
Stockbridge Down. Made a quick (1.5 hour) visit to Stockbridge Down early this afternoon. In the scrubby areas to the west of the eastern carpark I managed the find the following - Dingy Skipper (3), Grizzled Skipper (2), Small Copper (2), Brown Argus (2), Painted Lady (2), Orange Tip (1 male), together with Small Heath, Peacock, Red Admiral, Brimstone, Large White, Common Blue, Holly Blue and a possible Adonis Blue. Plus, a Silver-Y. However, best of all was a female Small Blue feeding on a small patch of Germander Speedwell at 3 pm, about 50 yards from the carpark. [Posted by Philip Hack]
Selborne. Went to the launch of Matthew Oates new book "in pursuit of Butterflies" at Selborne this afternoon and was entertained by one of Matthews entertaining and very humorous talks. Afterwards we had a cream tea in the village, then went for quick walk around a very warm Noar Hill. This revealed that we are very much in the "June gap" with the spring species now at the very end of their emergence and the summer species yet to emerge. A pristine Painted Lady and Small Tortoiseshell greeted us in the first pit but it was only common blues that were seen in any numbers, but one female really shone having obviously emerged very recently, with a solitary Dingy Skipper for compa was only common blues that were seen in any numbers, but one female really shone having obviously emerged very recently, with a solitary Dingy Skipper for company. [Posted by Mark Tutton]
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| Small Tortoiseshell Photo © Mark Tutton | Pristine Common Blue Photo © Mark Tutton |
Butser Hill. Spent the morning at buster in very blowy conditions and intermittent sun and the butterflies were out.
Good numbers of Green Hairstreak were evident which means they have been out for nearly eight weeks now, Common blue numbers are building and I stumbled on an egg laying Brown Argus. Spotted half a dozen Duke of Burgundy in various states of emergence, from the sublime to the ridiculous - one poor female has put so much effort into egg laying that she has worn nearly all of her wings away but she was still nectaring to get energy to lay more. [Posted by Mark Tutton]
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| Fairly Fresh Duchess Photo © Mark Tutton | How was she flying Photo © Mark Tutton | Egg laying brown argus Photo © Mark Tutton |
Glanvilles at Compton. In sunny but breezy conditions 5 Glanville Fritillary on the cliff top plus several very fresh Painted Lady. On the down 4 male Adonis Blue plus good numbers of: Common Blue, Brown Argus and Small Heath. Odd worn Dingy Skipper still hanging on. [Posted by Neil Hagley]
Meadow Brown at Magdalen Hill Down. Early Meadow Brown seen this afternoon at Magdalen Hill Down. 1st visit for nearly 4 years (despite living less than 5 miles away!) - very impressed with the state of the reserve. Also seen: 8-10 Small Blue (concentrated in one small area), many Common Blue, a few Brimstone and a Painted Lady, with skylark singing overhead and whitehroat and yellowhammer in the bushes. We won't leave it so long before coming back. [Posted by Rupert & Sharron Broadway]
Painted Ladies in my garden. In my garden at Privett Place,Gosport,were 3 Painted Ladies,a Red Admiral,a male Holly Blue,a male Common Blue which roosts there and a Common Blue Damselfly. [Posted by Anne McCue]
Butterflies and Bentley. A visit to Bentley Wood turned up some interesting finds and made for a wonderful early summers day.
Over the course of the day, where the weather conditions were largely clear with warm sunshine, I photographed the stunning Small pearl-bordered Fritillary; flying alongside the contrastingly bedraggled looking Pearl-bordered Fritillaries that have been on the wing at the site for a good number of weeks now.
Other species of note, included a single Duke of Burgundy and a superb number of Brimstone; egg, larvae and adults recorded.
In regards to moth species seen, we were not disappointed with good number of Speckled Yellow, Argent & Sable and the highlight, a Narrow-bordered Bee hawkmoth - ovipositing! [Posted by Andrew Cooper]
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| Small pearl-bordered Fritillary Photo © Andrew Cooper | Duke of Burgundy Photo © Andrew Cooper | Narrow-bordered Bee Hawkmoth - Ovum Photo © Andrew Cooper |
Painted Ladies. Today after the sun came out in the mid-afternoon and the stones in the front garden had started to warm up I noticed that (4) Painted Ladies were imbibing on the stones and feeding on the Perennials. Two males were meeting and spiralling into the blue sky, and then settling back down on the stones only a few inches from each other. Is this the start of the mass migration that has been forecast, or is it Amazons buy your own caterpillar and watch it grow and release it syndrome? [Posted by Ashley Whitlock]
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| Painted Lady from Morrocco? Or much closer to home? Photo © Ashley Whitlock |
Silver Studded Blue now flying!. Silver Studded Blue are now on the wing at Bramshott Common [Posted by Pauline Richards]
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| Photo © Pauline Richards | Photo © Pauline Richards | Photo © Pauline Richards |
Bonchurch, I.O.W.. I did not get there until after 3p.m. but counted 35 Glanville Fritillary, some fresh and some worn, 2 Humming-bird Hawkmoths,1 Clouded Yellow, 1 Silver Y moth, 30+ Common Blue, 1 Peacock, 1 Large White. Also 4 Red Squirrels near the Landslip. [Posted by Gerard Fordham]
Magdalen Miscellany. Two hours late morning traversing Magdalen Hill Down proved a busy time. The following noted: Orange Tip (Female) (1); Common Blue (27); Small Blue (16) - my first ever sightings! Brimstone (F) (6) (M) (6); Dingy Skipper (1); Green Hairstreak (1); Small Heath (1); Peacock (1).
I would be pleased to receive confirmation that the two 'blues' pictured below are female Common Blue? There were a number of such specimens and I have only seen similar in Germany where I had previously thought they were Silver-Studded Blues. Thank you. [Posted by Francis Plowman]
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| What blue please? Photo © Francis Plowman | What blue please? Photo © Francis Plowman | Green Hairstreak Photo © Francis Plowman |
Small Blues On Portsdown Hill. A lunchtime walk on Portsdown Hill (bottom of slope at western end of Paulsgrove Quarry) produced 5 Small Blues, including a mating pair. This is a relatively poor count for this location, approaching the peak of their flight period, and perhaps reflects a temporary loss in some of the scrub, following clearance work.
An inconsiderate male (shown behind the mating female in the right hand photo) was making a nuisance of himself, but eventually gave up. [Posted by Alan Thornbury]
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| Small Blue (Male) Photo © Alan Thornbury | Small Blue (Mating Pair + Male) Photo © Alan Thornbury |
Beacon Hill and Meon Valley. Went to several sites again for the Duke of Burgundy but alas the weather last week has certainly ended their flight period at most sites. In the Meon Valley I visited a site where there were well over 100 Small Blues on the wing, and I had a good day photographing bugs taking pictures of Longhorn Beetles and Shield Bugs. At Beacon Hill again I was out of luck but I did talk to a transect walker and he informed me that had been at least (3) Dukes on the transect walk a few weeks ago which is pleasing to hear.Its a bit of an Enigma the site at Beacon Hill, fantastic Cowslips all over the site, very scrubby in most parts especially along the hedgerows at the bottom of the site, but the count of Dukes is very low. I will make an effort if we get a better May in 2016 to have a good look at this site. [Posted by Ashley Whitlock]
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| Male Common Blue Photo © Ashley Whitlock | Male Small Blue Photo © Ashley Whitlock | Beacon Hill NNR Photo © Ashley Whitlock |
Green-veined Whites in my Gosport garden.. In my garden at Privett Place,Gosport were a male & female Green-veined White,male Small White,a male & a female Common Blue which roosted overnight,Large Red & Blue-tailed Damselflies,hundreds of froglets and many bees. [Posted by Anne McCue]
Peacock larvae. My first colony of Peacock larvae (2nd instar) seen at Boarhunt. Hitherto, the many larval nests found this spring have all been Small Tortoiseshell. My first summer brood Small Tortoiseshell imago later seen at Portchester. [Posted by Andrew Brookes]
Wednesday wander at Magdelan Hill Down. The weather was warm,if a little breezy, for the well attended walk.
We saw Brimstone(9), Small Blue(11), Common Blue(10), a Red Admiral, a Peacock, a female Adonis Blue, Brown Argus(3), a Speckled Wood, Small Heath(2) and a Large Skipper (which was missed by the writer). Also seen Yellow Shell moth, Burnet Companion(2) , Cinnabar moth, Silver Y moth, a Yellow-banded Longhorn moth and a Clouded Silver Moth. The air was alive with skylarks singing and Garden Chafers abundant. The flowers were out everywhere, the most notable was a knapweed broomrape [Posted by Sue Lambert]
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| Female Adonis Blue Photo © Sue Lambert | Common Blues mating Photo © Sue Lambert | Clouded Silver moth Photo © Sue Lambert |
Butser Hill (west). Today it was a chance to see if the Duke of Burgundy had made it into June after some pretty awful weather over the last few days. Im pleased to say that it has just managed to make into June at Butser Hill (west) here there were three specimens, two females and a remarkably fresh Male to be seen. Other species on the wing were as follows;Dingy Skipper (25) Grizzled Skipper (5) Speckled Wood (1) Common Blue (31) Green Hairstreak (27)some of these were still in good condition, Orange Tip (1) Small Heath (10) Brimstone (2) and there were many Cinabbar Moths, Common Carpets, Speckled Yellow, and Burnet Companion. [Posted by Ashley Whitlock]
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| Female Duke of Burgundy looking every inch a Fritillary! Photo © Ashley Whitlock | Green Hairstreak Photo © Ashley Whitlock | Butser Hill and Ramsdean Down and the Meon Valley Photo © Ashley Whitlock |