Showcase Farmland Butterfly Transect. This week I met Dr Stuart Edwards, a Post Doctoral Researcher from Reading University on the Showcase Project, introduced to the branch by Dr Andy Barker. https://showcase-project.eu
Showcase is a research project exploring how to increase biodiversity in agricultural landscapes across Europe. Using Citizen Science, Showcase provides the opportunity for farmers to either carry out monitoring themselves along a Transect in July and August 2023 or to pair with a volunteer. The two key aims of the project are to gather valuable data on farmland biodiversity, primarily butterflies and to engage farmers. Details of the opportunity were shared in the branch’s June e-news to members; this can be found in the News section of the branch website too. Stuart said the project would like to increase numbers of volunteers to support the number of farmers interested and they are working with some farming/landscape partnerships. We saw 10 species not bad for a cloudy day! A Small Copper being one of the highlights! [Posted by Suzie Brown]
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| Photo © Suzie Brown | Photo © Suzie Brown | Photo © Suzie Brown |
Havant Thicket. Today the temperature reached 23 degrees when I visited Havant Thicket. Totals: Small White 1, Marbled White 1, Meadow Brown 15, Ringlet 1, Speckled Wood 1 and White Admiral 1. [Posted by Roy Symonds]
Chalton Down. Today I visited Chalton Down today where the temperature was 18.5 degrees. Here many Marbled Whites were in flight and where I also recorded my first Painted Lady this year. Totals: Small White 2, Marbled White 50, Meadow Brown 18, Ringlet 1, Common Blue 1M, Painted Lady 1, Large Skipper 1 and Small Skipper 1. [Posted by Roy Symonds]
Browndown South, Gosport. A long and tiring 4 hour trudge from 10:10 brought rewards in the recording of 18 species. At first the skies threatened rain (20-24 deg C) and the breeze was pretty strenuous. However, the morning got warmer and eventually constant sunshine won out! I caught a glimpse of a male Silver-studded Blue as it was chased by a squadron of skippers and it never reappeared. Grayling numbers are increasing - at least three seen and Purple Hairstreak was seen at four sites, the majority at the low oaks but clearly spreading out further. My happiest moment was (finally) finding a Common Blue; a very new male was feeding avidly on bugle and bramble blossom and posed nicely for the camera. Total: Small White (38)(F)(4); Gatekeeper (65); Essex Skipper (6); Small Skipper/Essex Skipper (114); Marbled White (55); Meadow Brown (41); Large White (5); Silver-studded Blue (M)(1); Small Heath (3); Small Skipper (2); Small Copper (6); Purple Hairstreak (8); Grayling (3); Common Blue (M)(1); Ringlet (13); Red Admiral (4); Comma (1); Holly Blue (3); Green-veined White (M)(1). [Posted by Francis Plowman]
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| Grayling Photo © Francis Plowman | Purple Hairstreak Photo © Francis Plowman | Common Blue male Photo © Francis Plowman |
Small and Essex Skipper. We occasionally have Small/Essex Skipper visit our Chandlers Ford garden, but it's not always possible to get a definite identification. This morning, however, I was able to get a nice head-on photo which clearly showed the black tips of the antennae and confirmed the individual as Essex Skipper. When visiting a site in Southampton this afternoon, I was able to get a similar head-on view of a Small Skipper, showing the characteristic orange (NOT black) on the underside of the antennae. I thought it worth sharing the two images for anyone who is trying to distinguish these two butterflies. My advice would be to try to get a head-on photo, with the sun behind you to avoid shadows. In some orientations (especially oblique views), you can have issues with shadows, which can make the antennae look black underneath whereas in fact it's just shadowing. This could lead to misidentification. [Posted by Andy Barker]
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| Essex Skipper Photo © Andy Barker | Small Skipper Photo © Andy Barker |
Havant Thicket. Visited Havant Thicket today temperature was 21 degrees. Totals: Brimstone 3F, Small White 2, Marbled White 1, Meadow Brown 15, Ringlet 5, Silver-washed Fritillary 3, Large Skipper 6 and Small Skipper 3. [Posted by Roy Symonds]
Hawkhill and Beaulieu Heath Field Trip. A lot cooler day for the field trip and with a glorious backdrop of the New Forest we were soon underway seeing our first Silver-studded Blues, many in very good condition, and also pairing up as well. In the woodland the Dark Green Fritillary showed itself feeding on the sparsely spaced Bramble bushes, and several White Admirals were seen, but oddly no Silver-washed Fritillaries! In the Warts gutter stream there were numerous dragonflies and damselflies, the highlight of these were the Golden Ringed Dragonfly, and several females were observed laying eggs.
In the afternoon we were fortunate to see the heathland in all its glory now the sun was shining, and the Silver-studded Blue count shot up. We were fortunate to stumble upon a rare Clouded Buff Moth, which posed quite nicely for us. On the way back we came across one of the first emerged Grayling butterflies, just by the car-park, my first encounter with one of these butterflies in June I think! I would like to thank all who came and made this a most enjoyable field trip. [Posted by Ashley Whitlock]
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| Silver Studded Blues mating Photo © Ashley Whitlock | Clouded Buff Moth Photo © Ashley Whitlock | Beaulieu Heath Photo © Ashley Whitlock |
White-letter Hairstreaks at Great Fontley. Further to yesterday's missive, some photos of the elusive Hairstreak and ovum taken on 26 June.
Photos 2 & 3 by Paul Harfield. The butterfly was rarely at an elevation below 10 metres; never seen on bramble. [Posted by Andrew Brookes]
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| WLH enjoying limeflowers Photo © Andrew Brookes | WLH ovum laid minutes earlier Photo © Andrew Brookes | WLH about to lay ovum in photo 2 Photo © Andrew Brookes |
Southleigh Forest. I pushed myself to visit again at lunchtime to check on Purple Emperor activity, third day in a row, and was glad I did. There was no sign initially on arrival so I speculated that the territory holder may be occupied elsewhere. This proved to be the case as at 13:15 two Purple Emperors appeared at mid height in the ride spiralling around each other. One was clearly a female. Unfortunately they quickly disappeared behind a close birch and that looked to be the end of the sighting. I persevered and gaining a better angle managed to spot them perched towards the top of the birch about 10m high. The views were obscured and photos taken poor but they were clearly coupled and remained in the same spot until I left at 2PM. First time I have witnessed such an event. Singles of Silver-washed Fritillary, White Admiral, Red Admiral and Comma plus a few Meadow Brown , Small Skipper and Ringlet completed the cast. [Posted by Peter Gammage]
Browndown (North) Gosport. With the MOD keeping 'the old red flag flying' over Browndown South this morning, it was off to the adjacent north. (Incidentally, according to the notice on the gate there are no more closures of the southern sector this week). On a walk between 0915-1150 under mostly grey skies and a humid 22 deg C a pleasing seventeen species were observed. Some were in mint-fresh 'uncirculated' condition particularly a Small Copper whose size belied its name; certainly the largest that I had ever encountered. Also seen were two very new Small Tortoiseshell that sat grounded and near each other on a pathway near Howe Road. Returning to the northern access pathway (adjacent to the mature elms), two White-letter Hairstreak were again seen cavorting high over the canopy. Fortunately their activity put up a White Admiral, the only one that I saw today. My sightings are always listed in the order that I see them. Total: Red Admiral (2); Meadow Brown (25); Marbled White (23); Essex Skipper (12); Small Skipper/Essex Skipper (121); Small Skipper (4); Gatekeeper (24); Large Skipper (3)(F)(1); Ringlet (4); Small Copper (3); Small Heath (1); Large White (2); Comma (4); Small White (1); Green-veined White (M)(1); White-letter Hairstreak (2); White Admiral (1); Small Tortoiseshell (2). [Posted by Francis Plowman]
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| Small Copper Photo © Francis Plowman | Gatekeeper Photo © Francis Plowman | Small Tortoiseshell Photo © Francis Plowman |
Moth trap on in my Garden at Leigh Park. I had my moth trap on overnight in my garden at Leigh Park, from 27th June into the following morning. I caught 45+ species some of the highlights included Privet Hawk-moth, Elephant Hawk-moth 2, Clancy's Rustic, Least Carpet, Festoon male, Coronet 3, Varied Coronet, L-album Wainscot 8, Blackneck, Kent Black Arches 2, Beautiful Hook-tip, Flame, Common Emerald, Box-tree moth 6, Heart and Club 3, Dark Arches 34, Uncertain 22, Heart and Dart 20, Bright-line Brown-eye 16, Pale Mottled Willow 12 etc. [Posted by Barry Collins]
Silver-studded Blues in large numbers in the New Forest. This my first use of your site, advised by a contact.
I observed large numbers of Silver-studded Blues at 50.86834° N, 1.49069° W in the New Forest last Saturday June 24 afternoon between 2 and 4 pm. The area is open heathland with heather ling and whortleberries. There were hundreds over the whole area, I observed 20 in pairs and small groups in any ten metre square. Many were mating pairs.
It was a most uplifting sight. [Posted by Robert Seymour]
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| Photo © Robert Seymour | Photo © Robert Seymour | Photo © Robert Seymour |
Alice Holt. Despite there being considerable cloud cover it was warm and fairly still throughout my visit to Alice and the butterflies seemed to appreciate the weather. Very good numbers of White Admiral are now flying and I came across another one that had diminished white wing bars (ab. oliterae) - they are very distinctive in flight. Silver Washed Fritillaries seem to be peaking now with females being pursued down the rides by males in their nuptials flights - always a highlight of peak summer - along with the Purple Emperors of course. As noted by others, the male emperors now seem to have all emerged and having been flying for a few days now. They are eagerly searching for the first females busily flitting around the oak edges and gliding in and out of the mature sallows hoping to strike it lucky, and of course descending to the rides to obtain their much needed minerals from noxious substances! [Posted by Mark Tutton]
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| Minerals? Photo © Mark Tutton | White Admiral ab. obliterae Photo © Mark Tutton |
Silver-studded Blue at Yew Hill. Yew Hill reserve still has the capacity to spring the odd surprise, even after over 30 years of visiting the site, with a pristine male Silver-studded Blue there this afternoon. I don't think it's the first ever record for the reserve, but they have certainly been very few and far between. [Posted by Rupert & Sharron Broadway]
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| Silver-studded Blue at Yew Hill Photo © Rupert & Sharron Broadway |
Magdalen Hill Down, Winchester. Fourteen species were seen on an incredibly blustery afternoon where the cool breeze was very disruptive especially on the southern slopes. Thus, from 1340-1505 we recorded a rather mixed bag. The counts for Meadow Brown and Marbled White were soon terminated; both species are both doing well especially compared to the blues. Just two Common Blue males was noted but Green-veined White put in a good showing its count exceeding Small White. Total: Green-veined White (10); Small White (8); Meadow Brown (60++); Comma (2); Marbled White (70++); Ringlet (14); Red Admiral (1); Large White (1); Small Skipper (4); Small Skipper/Essex Skipper (10); Gatekeeper (3); Small Heath (8); Large Skipper (1); Holly Blue (1); Common Blue (M)(2). [Posted by Francis Plowman]
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| Green-veined White Photo © Francis Plowman | Small Skipper pair Photo © Francis Plowman | Common Blue male Photo © Francis Plowman |
Long-tailed Blue at Freshwater.. Very pleased if not ecstatic to see this female Long-tailed Blue flying energetically around the Everlasting Sweet pea in my garden. Took time out to rest on leaf until sun came out again and began to egg lay on the new pea flower buds. [Posted by Peter Hunt]
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| Photo © Peter Hunt | Photo © Peter Hunt |
Havant Thicket. Visited Havant Thicket today the temperature reaching 21 degrees. Totals: Marbled White 1, Meadow Brown 9, Small Heath 1 and Large Skipper 2 [Posted by Roy Symonds]
Chalton Down. Today I visited Chalton Down where the temperature reached 21 degrees. Here large numbers of Marbled White and Meadow Browns were in flight. Totals: Small White1, Green-veined White 1, Marbled White 45, Meadow Brown 42, Small Heath 1, Common Blue 2M and Large Skipper 3. [Posted by Roy Symonds]
Great Fontley surprises. First was this year's very first sighting of a Small Tortoiseshell, in pristine condition, basking on a whitewashed wall. Second was the number of White-letter Hairstreaks populating the elm cultivars, including one ovipositing, perhaps 35 in total, with four seen nectaring at one time on the broad-leafed lime sapling. Nearer the ground, the grasses thronged with Marbled Whites, Meadow Browns, and Ringlets. [Posted by Andrew Brookes]
Purple Emperor - Straits Enclosure. With a brisk westerly wind persisting, and clouds scudding somewhat ominously across the skies, breaking up the sunshine from time to time, I was dubious about setting out for the Straits Inclosure this afternoon, for a lengthy and most probably fruitless cycle trip would have been at best disappointing. I need have had no such concerns, however, as the inclosure itself proved to be an ample windbreak, and this turned out to be one of the most productive visits I've ever made to this favoured location. It was truly astonishing to see several newly-emerged male Purple Emperors in quick succession, looking impressive in flight, and even more dazzling when viewed from close quarters, while imbibing mineral salts from the gravelly main east-west path. Each remained on the ground for some 15-20 minutes at a time, seemingly unconcerned by the proximity of human company. We agreed that these are probably just the first of hopefully many more to emerge, and despite concerns that last summer's heatwave might have severely curtailed numbers in 2023, this somewhat impromptu afternoon visit proved to be one of my most memorable ever! [Posted by Michael Jameson]
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| Purple Emperor (m) - Straits Inclosure Photo © Michael Jameson | Purple Emperor (m) - Straits Inclosure Photo © Michael Jameson | Purple Emperor (m) - underside. Straits Inclosure Photo © Michael Jameson |
Battle of the Emperors at Alice Holt. Today I went to look for Purple Emperors at Alice Holt.
It seems that their numbers have built nicely and I had numerous encounters throughout the morning counting upwards of fourteen individuals.
After lunch I walked back down the track, with my constant companion Flossie the spaniel by my side, when we flushed a male from the gravel. Unfortunately it just stayed up in a hazel eying us suspiciously.
Further on I encountered a lady looking for her first viewing off a Purple Emperor and I managed to find her one within a few minutes. As we were watching three individuals searching the oaks and sallows, one flew out to chase off an Emperor dragonfly - big mistake. In an instant the dragonfly had the hapless butterfly in its grip. However the prey was nearly as big as the predator, and it was putting up a valiant struggle, which dragged them both to the ground. I was able to get some still and movie footage before the dragonfly admitted defeat and went off to find more suitable lunch.
Sadly the Purple Emperor didn’t survive its encounter. [Posted by Mark Tutton]
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| Demise of iris Photo © Mark Tutton |
Monks Walk, Frater Fields & Woods, Gosport. It's an unusual Summer's day here when individual counts of Comma and Red Admiral exceed those of Small White and Large White combined! A walk over 3 hours from 12:15 (23 deg C, cloudy and blustery conditions) provided interest throughout with a total of fourteen species recorded. The absence of Common Blue and Brown Argus marks a significant downturn in the fortunes of these species. On the brighter side I was pleasantly surprised to see my first Small Tortoiseshell of the Summer making the most of wild Buddleia. The majority of Skippers that I could identify were Essex Skippers and the nearer to the shoreline the less Small Skippers were seen. Probably the highlight was the amazing emergence of Red Admiral with the majority being really fresh and in quite stunning condition. Total: Small White (7); Large White (4); Comma (14); Small Skipper/Essex Skipper (114); Red Admiral (15); Marbled White (31); Essex Skipper (33); Meadow Brown (59); Small Heath (1); Small Skipper (8); Holly Blue (1); Gatekeeper (7); Ringlet (3); Small Tortoiseshell (1); Speckled Wood (2). [Posted by Francis Plowman]
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| Ringlet Photo © Francis Plowman | Small Tortoiseshell Photo © Francis Plowman | Red Admiral male Photo © Francis Plowman |
Whiteley Pastures. An unexpected opportunity to visit Whiteley Pastures again so taken with thanks and there by 0900. Saw a Purple Emperor within 15 minutes of starting my walk (with grateful thanks to a friend's help who probably saw the same one the previous day). I made the classic mistake though of looking up to the top of the oaks when I should have been looking down and managed to startle the Purple Emperor on the ground. No mistaking the blue flashes though as it launched itself to the top of the trees (followed by an expletive from me because of my basic error!). Nothing else Emperor wise for two hours then as I was leaving the site a couple at the top of the trees on the main track having a real aerial 'dogfight'. I watched this for about 10 minutes whizzing round and round two oaks, crossing the path at times but no indication they would come lower. Other than these then all the usual suspects including White Admirals, Silver-washed Fritillary, Ringlet, Gatekeepers and 2 very fresh Commas. Not as many (of any species) as last week but much more likely to settle briefly in the cooler (and sometimes cloudy) conditions. All in all a wonderful 3 hour (slow!) walk. [Posted by Mark Wagstaff]
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| Ringlet - Whiteley Pastures Photo © Mark Wagstaff | White Admiral - Whiteley Pastures Photo © Mark Wagstaff | Silver - washed Fritillary - Whiteley Pastures Photo © Mark Wagstaff |
Old Winchester Hill Field Trip. On probably one of the hottest days of the year where there weren’t many hiding places the butterflies were somewhat disappointing. There were a good few Marbled Whites and Small Heaths, and the fast flying Dark Green Fritillary for our efforts but there was very little else, although freshly emerged Small Tortoiseshell was seen on the car-park down in the bright sunshine. It was far too windy to see if there were any White-letter Hairstreaks on the Elms. In the Coombe, there were a token few Silver-washed Fritillary, Speckled Woods and Ringlets. We were hoping for a Chalk Hill Blue outbreak but it wasn’t to be, as the other blues have all disappeared. I thank all who came and braved the heat! [Posted by Ashley Whitlock]
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| Braving the heat! Photo © Ashley Whitlock | Dark Green Fritillary Photo © Ashley Whitlock | Marbled White Photo © Ashley Whitlock |
Dark Green Fritillary, Beaulieu Heath. Dozens of Dark Green Fritillary at Beaulieu Heath [Posted by James Spence]
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| Photo © James Spence |
Whiteley Pastures. I spent an enjoyable morning around Whiteley Pastures this morning. On arrival at 08:30 White Admirals were encountered almost immediately and continued to be seen throughout the visit. The meadow near Ridge Copse was alive with skippers, Meadow Browns and Marbled Whites. The main target was Purple Emperor and a male was seen briefly flitting around an oak. On returning to this spot later on, what was probably the same individual flew close by before landing low down in an oak. It then descended down on to the stoney path before moving to a shady spot under a grass clump to feed, mostly closed winged, for 20 minutes or so.
Butterflies seen: Small Skipper 10; Essex Skipper 2; Skipper sp. 50; Large Skipper 6; Large White 1; Silver-washed Fritillary 10; White Admiral 24; Red Admiral 6; Comma 1; Purple Emperor 1; Marbled White 8; Ringlet 20; Gatekeeper 2; Meadow Brown c100.
Also 2 Golden-ringed dragonfly; 5 Emperor dragonfly; 4 Black-tailed Skimmer; 1 Common Darter; 12 Beautiful Demoiselle. [Posted by Mark Rolfe]
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| Photo © Mark Rolfe | Photo © Mark Rolfe | Photo © Mark Rolfe |
Four first of year for me at Whiteley Pastures. Another trip to Whiteley Pastures this morning (09:10 - 12:00). Picked up a few more FOYs taking me to 40 of the Hampshire & IOW list.
The four were Purple Hairstreak (3), Gatekeeper (2), Silver-washed Fritillary (10+) and Purple Emperor. Other species seen White Admiral, various Skippers, Meadow Brown, Red Admiral, Comma, Brimstone and Ringlet. [Posted by Nic Burns]
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| Purple Hairstreak Photo © Nic Burns | Gatekeeper Photo © Nic Burns | Purple Emperor Photo © Nic Burns |
Havant Thicket. Today I visited Havant Thicket, the temperature 24 degrees. Totals: Brimstone 1M, Small White 1, Marbled White 1, Meadow Brown 7, Silver-washed Fritillary 2 and White Admiral 1. [Posted by Roy Symonds]
Blackbush Hanger, Southleigh Forest. Returning to Blackbush Hanger in Southleigh Forest once more for absent Purple Emperors with only a single Meadow Brown and Speckled Wood recorded. [Posted by Roy Symonds]
Whiteley Wood. In sweltering conditions a walk around Whiteley eventually delivered the hoped for Purple Emperor, but only at the top of an oak, however there was a good supporting class with plenty of all three skippers, Ringlet, White Admirals and Silver-washed Fritillary. In addition Emperor and Golden-ringed dragonflies, Black-tailed Skimmers, Broad-bodied Chaser and Beautiful Demoiselle
https://awayfromfourmarks.blogspot.com/ [Posted by Chris Rose]
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| Essex Skipper Photo © Chris Rose | White Admiral Photo © Chris Rose | Large Skipper Photo © Chris Rose |
Alver Valley / Browndown. An early morning start provided excellent views of White-letter Hairstreak albeit at the top of the Wych Elms. A walk from there to Browndown had Marbled White and a splendid Small Copper
https://awayfromfourmarks.blogspot.com/ [Posted by Chris Rose]
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| White-letter Hairstreak Photo © Chris Rose | Marbled White Photo © Chris Rose | Small Copper Photo © Chris Rose |
Meadow Brown and Robberfly at Portsdown Hill. The demise, on Portsdown Hill, of a Meadow Brown. Is this a Brown Heath Robberfly? [Posted by Paul Ingate]
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| Photo © Paul Ingate |
Silver-Studded Blues, Beaulieu Heath. Lots of silver-studded blues at Beaulieu today. [Posted by James Spence]
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| Photo © James Spence |
Havant Thicket. We had a look around the car park area in Havant Thicket and the main track that runs east to west this morning. Some of the highlights were Purple Emperor 2 males, White Admiral 8, Red Admiral 2, Silver-washed Fritillary 12, Ringlet 10, Holly Blue 1 etc. Birds of note included 2 male Firecrests singing, 1 adult Red Kite and good numbers of juvenile Long-tailed Tits.
Yesterday the 23rd June we had a look around Leigh Park Gardens and the adjacent field called Thicket Lawn. Butterflies of note included Silver-washed Fritillary 10, White Admiral 3, Ringlet 4 plus good numbers of Marbled White and Meadow Brown. Dragonflies etc of note included Southern Hawker, Four-spotted Chaser, Black-tailed Skimmer, Red-eyed Damselfly, Large Red Damselfly. Also 2 Firecrest showing extremely well and a distant Red Kite flying over the new Havant Reservoir site. [Posted by Barry and Margaret Collins]
Caterpillar infestation of Bladder Campion??. We have a pretty flower in the garden which we think may be a Bladder Campion, see attached photo, we went to collect some seeds so that we could grow more around the garden but every flower head was occupied by a caterpillar about 1/2 inch long. They were eating the seeds. We assume they are moths and would love to have someone identify the caterpillars and confirm our identification of the flower. [Posted by M J & S Martin]
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| every flower is occupied by a caterpillar Photo © M J & S Martin | Flower broken open to reveal caterpillar Photo © M J & S Martin |
Blackbush Hanger, Southleigh Forest. With the temperature reaching 24 degrees I called in Blackbush Hanger within Southleigh Forest to search fir the Purple Emperor. I was unsuccessful only recording Meadow Brown 4, Speckled Wood 1 and Comma 1. [Posted by Roy Symonds]
Chalton Down. Today I visited Chalton Diwn, the temperature reaching 24 degrees. Not many species were in flight but recorded my first Dark Green Fritillary this year. Totals: Marbled White 17, Meadow Brown 14, Common Blue 2M abd Dark Green Fritillary 1. [Posted by Roy Symonds]
Old Winchester Hill. Today I visited Old Winchester Hill on my first visit of the year to search for Adonis Blues. I was unsuccessful, with low numbers of species. Totals: Brimstone 2F, Small White 1, Marbled White 13, Meadow Brown 11, Small Heath 6 and Small Tortoiseshell 2 [Posted by Roy Symonds]
Browndown (North) Gosport. Fourteen species were identified on a slow wander in this area from 1250-1450 with 23-24 deg C of sunny warmth and a SW breeze much less intrusive away from the coast. The great start to the day on the southern area was matched with my first sightings this year of White-letter Hairstreak; two were buzzing around the tops of surviving mature elms adjacent to the woodland entrance where it meets the road to The Grange. (I was indebted to a passing gentleman possessed of binoculars who kindly pointed the distant butterflies out to me!) Another highlight was coming across a large and bright Comma (f.hutchinsoni); I think it was a female as it appeared to be egg-laying under stinging nettles but cannot be sure. All in all, today's five hours around Browndown combined a total of 19 species which pleased me no end! Total: Meadow Brown (41); Essex Skipper/Small Skipper (56); Gatekeeper (2); Comma (3); Large White (1); Speckled Wood (1); White Admiral (4); Large Skipper (3); Holly Blue (1); Small Heath (3); Ringlet (6); Small Copper (1); Marbled White (6); White-letter Hairstreak (2). [Posted by Francis Plowman]
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| Large Skipper Photo © Francis Plowman | Comma f.hutchinsoni Photo © Francis Plowman | Distant White Admiral Photo © Francis Plowman |
Browndown (South) Gosport. A very early start (0900-1200) brought rewards on what turned out to be a most successful butterfly day on The Solent shores of Hampshire. The temperature remained around 23-24 degrees Celsius with a fairly intrusive SW sea-breeze. The early Skippers were sedentary and were mostly found to be Essex. As the morning wore on these small butterflies were zipping around and accordingly Skipper sightings needed to be lumped together. First season sightings for me of Silver-studded Blue (mid-heath between Elmore gate and rifle range), Grayling (just west of the rifle range) and Purple Hairstreak (on the low oaks) were the highlights especially the blue since it was the only such coloured butterfly to be seen; sadly Common Blue and Brown Argus remain conspicuous by their absence. Total: Essex Skipper (8); Meadow Brown (14); Small Skipper/Essex Skipper (55); Small White (3)(incl 1F); Small Copper (2); Small Heath (13); Silver-studded Blue (M)(1); Large White (2); Marbled White (18); Grayling (1); Purple Hairstreak (6); Large Skipper (1); Gatekeeper (2). [Posted by Francis Plowman]
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| Silver-studded Blue male Photo © Francis Plowman | Grayling Photo © Francis Plowman | Purple Hairstreak Photo © Francis Plowman |
White-letter Hairstreak at Yew Hill. True to form, the White-letter Hairstreak always seems to emerge at Yew Hill exactly one week after the season's first reserve walk. (We may put the date of the walk back next year, but that will probably cause to butterfly to delay its emergence by the same duration :-) ).
I ran into Neil, one of my fellow reserve volunteers, who told me he had seen two WLH fly around one of the elm trees and as we watched, we were treated to a couple of brief test flights. I hung around a while and got some decent views of them perched, although they wouldn't pose for photographs. I didn't see more than a couple, plus a probable third on a large patch of bramble at the bottom of the lane, which I couldn't relocate in my binoculars. [Posted by Rupert Broadway]
Purple Emperor, Whiteley Pastures. Two male Purple Emperors in Whiteley Pastures today. [Posted by James Spence]
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| Photo © James Spence | Photo © James Spence |
Whiteley Pastures/Botley Wood. A wonderful walk through Whiteley Pastures and Botley Wood this morning between 0900-1130. I didn't see Purple Emperor although it looks perfect for them. That said, I saw everything else I could hope for in a woodland walk and in abundance. I was into double figures for White Admirals within 15 minutes and that set the tone for the morning. It's not an exaggeration to say I must have exceeded 50+ by the end - they are literally in every glade and a few settled nicely. In contrast I couldn't find a Silver Washed Fritillary anywhere in the first hour and then as if an alarm had gone off at 1000 they too appeared and were numerous. Unlike the White Admirals they were moving with intent and I never found a perched one. Others butterflies seen included Ringlet, Speckled Wood, Marbled White, Gatekeeper, Skippers, Meadow Browns - even a Purple Hairstreak posed at about 1 m off the ground. In addition to butterflies there were really good numbers of dragonflies and damselflies - Emperors and Golden Ringed dragonflies in particular. I think this was the most pleasing aspect of the trip - in stark contrast to my Spring butterfly experiences this seemed to be a bumper year for the woodland species. Can only hope that applies to Purple Emperor too when they emerge. [Posted by Mark Wagstaff]
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| White Admiral - Whiteley Pastures Photo © Mark Wagstaff | Ringlet - Whiteley Pastures Photo © Mark Wagstaff | White Admiral - Botley Wood Photo © Mark Wagstaff |
Havant Thicket. Today I visited Havant Thicket where the temperature was 26 degrees. Despite the heat few species were flying, Brimstone 1M 2F, Marbled White 1, Meadow Brown 2 and Large Skipper 1. [Posted by Roy Symonds]
Purple Hairstreak, Browndown South. Purple Hairstreak feeding. [Posted by James Spence]
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| Photo © James Spence |
IBM Lake. Usually the White-letter Hairstreaks are up in the tops of the elms, but this one was down and allowed some iPhone photos [Posted by Tim Doran]
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| Photo © Tim Doran |
Fort Widley, Portsdown Hill, Portsmouth. Our first visit to the hillside surrounds of Fort Widley surprisingly revealed no sighting of any blue butterflies. From 1150-1245 (24 deg C and rising) in full sunshine and gentle SW breeze a total of eight species were recorded. The count of Meadow Brown and Marbled White was soon brought to an end and hope of finding mating pairs within such numbers was not misplaced. Probably the most enjoyable moment of the walk, however, was entering the main hillside meadow to the north-east of the fort and finding there a veritable sea of wild orchids. By far the most spectacular display we have ever had the pleasure of experiencing; well worth a visit just for that. Total: Marbled White (72+); Meadow Brown (112+); Gatekeeper (3); Comma (1); Small White (1); Small/Essex Skipper (2); Large White (1); Red Admiral (1). [Posted by Francis Plowman]
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| Marbled White (female uppermost) Photo © Francis Plowman | Gatekeeper (actually at the gate!) Photo © Francis Plowman | Meadow Brown (male lower) Photo © Francis Plowman |
Whiteley Pastures, Fareham. With the temperature now at 25.5 deg C the initial shelter of the pastures was welcome as from 1345-1530 we made our way northwards towards the start of Botley Wood and then by the main pathway back to the shops (which revived wonderfully my faithful yet flagging recorder!) Nine species recorded including my first sighting of Ringlet and one very fresh female Silver-washed Fritillary which was stretching its wings and narrowly avoided an aggressive dragonfly. White Admiral reached double figures but the males were flying fast and furiously and, presumably, one shy female disappeared into the darkened depths of the undergrowth. Total: White Admiral (11); Small/Essex Skipper (18); Large Skipper (9); Meadow Brown (35); Small Skipper (6); Red Admiral (2); Common Blue (F)(1); Ringlet (4); Silver-washed Fritillary (2)(F)(1). [Posted by Francis Plowman]
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| Ringlet Photo © Francis Plowman | Silver-washed Fritallary female Photo © Francis Plowman | Small Skipper Photo © Francis Plowman |
White Admiral var Nigrina at Straits Inclosure. Having planned to cycle over to photograph Silver-Studded Blues at Broxhead Common this morning, the sight of some familiar vehicles parked outside the Straits Inclosure (Alice Holt Forest) prompted a change of plan, especially having heard that two Purple Emperors were seen here yesterday. It was good to almost immediately bump into Mark Tutton once again, who described having just spotted an unusual, and very dark-hued butterfly, observed very fleetingly from the main path. Mark suspected that this could have been the very rare White Admiral var. Nigrina, in which the diagnostic white markings on the upper side are entirely absent, while the underwings reveal an indistinct wash of brown and orange. Shortly, another observer, Richard, visiting from elsewhere in the UK, joined us in response to a text alert from Mark, and we continued to catch irregular and infrequent glimpses of one, and possibly a second somewhat smaller example, between midday and around 15:00hrs. The butterfly exhibited totally different patterns of behaviour compared to its "normal" siblings, never coming to take nectar from brambles, and settling only high up in overhanging Oak trees to take honeydew, thus making photography exceptionally difficult. I did, however, manage to obtain a few acceptable images, using a long lens at great distance, and these confirm the identity of this butterfly as being undoubtedly var. Nigrina, which I last saw at this location back in August 2020, when photography proved entirely impossible. A fascinating and unique opportunity to observe this exceptional rarity was greatly enjoyed by us all - great stuff Mark, and thanks again! [Posted by Michael Jameson]
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| White Admiral, var. Nigrina, Straits Inclosure (underside) Photo © Michael Jameson | White Admiral, var. Nigrina, Straits Inclosure Photo © Michael Jameson |
Browndown South. A return visit to Browndown South today a) to see if the Grayling had emerged yet and b) because it's scheduled to close for over a week from Saturday. On the way over to the Rifle Range I checked the small oaks and sure enough Purple Hairstreaks are on the increase there with up to 6 seen on one tree. Very lively though in the hot sun. Then on to the rifle range area - I managed a solitary Grayling but it did not want to be seen or photographed! Apologies for the worst record shot I've put on here below but on the one occasion I managed to see it clearly it flew off just as I pressed the shutter and that was it! I think you can make out its a Grayling - just! The usual suspects on the way home through the Alver Valley with the added bonus of my first White Admirals in the oak copse and Gatekeepers further along the valley. Time for Whiteley (and some shade) I think! PS I did look for Grayling at Browndown North but as Francis has previously reported the area has been damaged by fire and I could sadly find none. [Posted by Mark Wagstaff]
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| Purple Hairstreak - Browndown South Photo © Mark Wagstaff | Grayling - Browndown South Photo © Mark Wagstaff | Gatekeeper - Alver Valley Photo © Mark Wagstaff |
Chalton Down. Today I visited Chalton Down where the temperature reached 21 degrees. In recent years with the absence of rabbits, the longer turf has provided a habitat once more for Marbled Whites of which I recorded a total of 26. Full counts were: Brimstone 1M 1F, Small White 3, Common Blue 2M, Marbled White 26, Meadow Brown 18, Small Heath 5 and Large Skipper 2. [Posted by Roy Symonds]
Haslar Sea Wall Car Park Scrub - Gosport. My first check-up of the scrubby acre or two between the sea wall and the car park provided only six/seven species. Small and Essex Skippers were not in the mood to settle for the camera so are lumped together. Total: Small Heath (3); Essex/Small Skipper (12); Large White (1); Meadow Brown (16); Marbled White (7); Common Blue (F)(1). [Posted by Francis Plowman]
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| Female Common Blue Photo © Francis Plowman | Small Heath female Photo © Francis Plowman | Small Skipper Photo © Francis Plowman |
Gilkicker Point, Gosport. 1450-1550 (24 deg C, SW breeze, sunny). Just six/seven species recorded on a fairly cursory circulation of the area which resounds to the destruction work on the listed Fort Gilkicker. 'They' mean it this time and all the soil forming the hill to the seaward and fort sides is being removed with a strong perimeter fence brought out many metres northwards and neatly enclosing a nice stony patch favoured, previously, by Small Copper. None recorded today! Total: Holly Blue (1); Meadow Brown (17); Essex/Small Skipper (10); Marbled White (3); Small White (1). [Posted by Francis Plowman]
White-letter Hairstreak numbers growing at Great Fontley. At least 10 White-letter Hairstreak on the wing by midday at Great Fontley; never more than three seen at once, on the leeward sides of the elm cultivars, LUTECE the most popular, as usual.
Numerous Meadow Browns and Marbled Whites, and probably Ringlet if only they'd settle for a second or two. Beyond that, one Holly Blue, and one fresh Comma sunbathing on the farmhouse wall. [Posted by Andrew Brookes]
Night Manoeuvres for Purple Emperor. Over the years I have become a little obsessed with the Purple Emperor and the challenge was to see all the life stages in the wild. The butterfly itself is somewhat elusive, but once you know where and when to look sightings become pretty regular during its flight season. However the egg and caterpillar are pretty tricky but again with some expert tuition I managed to get my eye in and have found a few over the years.
However the pupa is in a completely different league being a superstar of the cryptic arts - almost a perfect mimic of a Sallow leaf - its larval food plant.
However its one weakness is that it fluoresces under UV light, so whilst it is a little odd you need to go butterflying at night! So for the past couple of weeks I have been wandering the woods in the dead of night armed with a UV torch to see what I could find.
After much searching I finally found a bright spot about 4m up in a Sallow which in daylight turned out to be just what I was looking for. [Posted by Mark Tutton]
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| Faint bright spot in UV at night Photo © Mark Tutton | Daylight 1 Photo © Mark Tutton | Daylight 2 Photo © Mark Tutton |
Southleigh Forest. A male Purple Emperor was already on the wing and holding territory here today. First seen on arrival at 12:13 then brief treetop sorties observed every 10- 15 minutes until I left at 13:00. At around 12:30 a second male was chased off and the victor buzzed me indignantly in the process. A female Emperor Dragonfly was also seen off.
Few other butterflies on offer with just one Silver-washed Fritillary, one Speckled Wood, two Large Skipper, one Red Admiral and around ten Meadow Brown. [Posted by Peter Gammage]
Browndown South. After so many red flag days it was a joy to see the gate into Browndown South open this morning. I headed for the stunted oaks and was fortunate enough to find two Purple Hairstreaks. They were almost impossible to photo bouncing around on the oak leaves in a stiff breeze but I managed a couple of shots that are nearly in full focus! One hairstreak in particular posed perfectly with wings open - I was very lucky. To put these into perspective - they were the only butterflies I saw in an hour on Browndown in half decent weather! Please be aware if you're heading this way the boards say it is open up until (and including) Friday but closed thereafter for a while. The boards aren't 100% accurate but I can only report what they indicate. Weather looks good for the rest of the week. More butterflies in the Alver Valley on the way home - plenty of Large Skippers, Small Skippers and Essex Skippers and most of all - Marbled Whites in abundance. Missed out on Gatekeepers and no Grayling yet (Browndown South and Alver) - maybe just a tad early for them or I was getting tired. [Posted by Mark Wagstaff]
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| Marbled White - Alver Valley Photo © Mark Wagstaff | Purple Hairstreak - Browndown South Photo © Mark Wagstaff | Purple Hairstreak - Browndown South Photo © Mark Wagstaff |
Monks Walk, Frater Fields & Woods, Gosport. Finally butterflies are appearing on both sides of Heritage Way. First sighting for me this season of Gatekeeper and a fleeting glimpse of a Painted Lady. Fresh Comma and Red Admiral now in evidence but unusually no Brown Argus yet. From 1130-1310 thirteen species were recorded assisted by the warm sunshine (23-25 deg C). Sadly the clump of elm trees in the southern sector are now just tall and dry twigs. That will likely prove fateful for the White-letter Hairstreak. Total: Red Admiral (5); Comma (3); Meadow Brown (28) incl (F)(1); Speckled Wood (5); Holly Blue (M)(3)(F)(1); Essex Skipper (8); Marbled White (M)(10)(F)(1); Small Skipper (13); Small White (2);Common Blue (M)(1); Large White (3); Gatekeeper (1); Painted Lady (1). [Posted by Francis Plowman]
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| Comma Photo © Francis Plowman | Holly Blue female Photo © Francis Plowman | Gatekeeper Photo © Francis Plowman |
White-letter Hairstreaks at Peartree Green LNR. I have been checking this site every couple of days for the last week and have finally been rewarded with some sighting of White-letter Hairstreaks (17) whizzing around the tops of the elms along Sea Road. Definitely a day for the binoculars as only one settled long enough in the open, very high up, for me to get the camera zoomed in and nearly focused. [Posted by Nic Burns]
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| White-letter Hairstreak Photo © Nic Burns |
White Admirals and White Ermine in Whiteley Pastures. I took an afternoon walk (15:45-18:00) up the main track at Whiteley Pastures and within 50 metres came across the first White Admiral basking on the track. I walked the whole length of the main track up to the Botley Woods junction and back, with a minor excursion into Botley woods following a trail that goes under the power lines.
In all I saw at least 9 White Admirals and a White Ermine with other species recorded Comma (2), Meadow Brown (10), Red Admiral (2), Large Skipper (5), Small Skipper (6), Ringlet (2), Green-veined White (2) and Speckled Wood (2). [Posted by Nic Burns]
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| White Admiral Photo © Nic Burns | White Admiral Photo © Nic Burns | White Ermine Photo © Nic Burns |
Browndown (South), Gosport. My first wander across this wide mixed habitat area - closed for many days by the dreaded red flag - realised nine species. From 1200-1530 (broken by a pleasant lunch at the seaside cafe) the weather was rather humid (23 deg C) with even a spot or two or rain but refreshed by a cooling breeze from the East. No sight of Purple Hairstreak on the low oaks; too early obviously for Grayling and Silver-studded Blue. The whites are conspicuous by their absence this year but at last a Large White was noted. Total: Meadow Brown (18); Marbled White (M)(3)(F)(2); Small Heath (12); Red Admiral (1); Large White (M)(1); Small Skipper (25); Essex Skipper (9); Holly Blue (2); Brimstone (M)(1). [Posted by Francis Plowman]
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| Small Skipper Photo © Francis Plowman | Marble White male Photo © Francis Plowman | Large White male Photo © Francis Plowman |
White Admiral at Ampfield Wood. Having enjoyed seeing a White Admiral in our garden yesterday, I went a couple of miles down the road to do the Ampfield Wood butterfly transect this morning, and was treated to another lovely fresh White Admiral. After gliding around for a bit, then settling too high for a good photo, it eventually descended and posed beautifully for me on a bracken frond in the hazy sunshine. I went back to another part of the wood in the afternoon and was treated to yet another White Admiral. These early sightings are an encouraging sign, so hopefully the White Admiral will have a good year. [Posted by Andy Barker]
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| White Admiral on bracken Photo © Andy Barker |
Yew Hill Reserve Walk. Fine weather and a good attendance at the first Yew Hill reserve walk of the season, including a number of winter work party members inspecting the fruits of their labours.
Butterfly sightings reflected the time of year with a few spring stragglers such as Brimstone, Common Blue and Speckled Wood joined by singles of early summer emergers including Large Skipper, Small Skipper and Ringlet alongside higher numbers of Small Heath, Marbled White and Meadow Brown. 5-spot Burnet, Mother Shipton and Burnet Companion were amongst the day flying moths noted.
As ever there was a fine show of flora with Yellow Rattle, Wild Thyme, Birdsfoot Trefoil, Fragrant and Pyramidal Orchid particularly prominent, alongside a few interesting Fragrant/ Common Spotted Orchid hybrids. Blackcap, Whitethroat, Bullfinch and Yellowhammer were amongst the birds providing the background accompaniment.
Once again, thanks to Fiona Scully for her enthusiasm and expertise, particularly in identifying the flora. Next walk is scheduled for Friday 4th August when the reserve should be alive with summer butterflies. [Posted by Rupert Broadway]
Ringlet at Yew Hill and Silver-studded Blues in the New Forest. This morning I visited Yew Hill to join up with the Branch Reserve walk. Arriving early I had a saunter through the reserve and up the footpath under the elms hoping for a sighting of a White-letter Hairstreak - no luck there but I did manage a very quick photo of my first Ringlet of the year. The organised walk led by Rupert and Fiona was very interesting (no doubt they will be submitting an update so I won't steal their thunder).
This afternoon I popped down to the New Forest hoping to see one or two Silver-studded Blues. I parked in a gravel layby on the A337 just north of Lyndhurst and was planning on searching the heath area beyond the wooded area. However I found 15+ Silver-studded Blues (and one Large Skipper) on the brambles between the double gate off the layby! I nearly didn't go any further but decided to take a quick look at the heath for future reference. So glad I did as immediately as I emerged from the trees the heath was alive with Silver-studded Blues (50+). [Posted by Nic Burns]
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| Ringlet Photo © Nic Burns | Silver-studded Blue female Photo © Nic Burns | Silver-studded Blue male Photo © Nic Burns |
Browndown North, Gosport. Four new season sightings (for me) made for a very rewarding search through Browndown North (1200-1355), my first visit here in 2023. The biggest surprise was sighting at least six White Admiral in the woodland glade and adjacent rides; plenty of Honeysuckle and Bramble blossom. Also my first opportunity to record Large, Essex and Small Skipper among the grasses and hedgerows. Sadly the eastern heath - adjacent triangle path junction - where in a few weeks we should be seeing Grayling has been burnt to a crisp leaving just a small scallop of heather. Every cloud has a silver lining and with all the scrub gone even more WW1 training trenches may clearly be seen. But I fear the Grayling will suffer here this year. Perhaps a little early for Silver-studded Blue but hope springs eternal! Total: Small White (1); Meadow Brown (35); Speckled Wood (5); Holly Blue (1); Red Admiral (1); White Admiral (6); Large Skipper (3); Essex Skipper (3); Small Skipper (13); Small Heath (3); Common Blue (M)(1). [Posted by Francis Plowman]
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| Large Skipper Photo © Francis Plowman | White Admiral Photo © Francis Plowman | Essex Skipper Photo © Francis Plowman |
White Admiral at Yarmouth, IOW. Four sightings today of White Admiral in Bouldnor Forest, Yarmouth. The first individual nectaring on bramble flowers in the shade. Also three Marbled White, all feeding on the bountiful supply of flowering bramble. [Posted by Peter Hunt]
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| Photo © Peter Hunt | Photo © Peter Hunt | Photo © Peter Hunt |
Surprise White Admiral, Chandlers Ford. Whilst Linda and I were sitting having a cup of tea in our Chandlers Ford garden this morning, we got a surprise visit by a beautiful White Admiral visiting our back garden. This is our first of the season, and to have the first in our garden was fantastic. We've had them before, but not very often, the last being in 2012. It spent some time investigating our honeysuckle, made a few short glides, then it was off somewhere else before I could even think of taking a photo. [Posted by Andy Barker]
Havant Thicket. Today I visited Havant Thicket where the temperature reached 26 degrees. Here Meadow Brown's were appearing. Totals: Brimstone 1M 2F, Small White 1, Meadow Brown 16, Speckled Wood 2 and Large Skipper 2. [Posted by Roy Symonds]
White Letter Hairstreaks at Cosham. After Paul’s report I thought I would have a look at the Cosham site today. It seems that the White-letter Hairstreak is bucking the ‘low numbers’ trend, as I counted at least 28 in a forty minute visit. There were scuffles and chases a plenty including groups of four, five and even six any one point! Nothing low down and nectar sources seem scarce, in particular most of the Bramble flowers have yet to open.
In all a pleasing visit. [Posted by Mark Tutton]
Small Skippers at Mansbridge, Southampton. This morning's walk was along Riverside, through Itchen Valley NR and around the reservoir at Itchen Valley CP (and back!).
Plenty of very active Meadow Browns scattered along the route and a few Marbled Whites, most were far too busy to photograph. Also seen were a couple of Red Admirals and a Small Tortoiseshell but the stars of the day were the 6 Small Skippers seen at Mansbridge (another one was seen on a circuit of the reservoir).
That takes me up to 31 Hampshire & IOW and 33 British species for the year which is far higher than noted on previous years and somewhat of a surprise after the very slow start to the season. [Posted by Nic Burns]
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| Small Skipper Photo © Nic Burns | Meadow Browns Photo © Nic Burns | Small Skipper Photo © Nic Burns |
Marbled White at Great Fontley. Seated in the wilderness of the elm plantation at Great Fontley, idly eyeing the Red Kites outnumbering the Buzzards, I was distracted by a Marbled White quartering the clearing, far too preoccupied to pose for a photo. Still no White-letter Hairstreaks, just Meadow Browns now in the ascendancy. Later tending the nettle patch in the garden, I chanced on a small colony of Peacock larvae, perhaps no more than 30, but in a range of sizes, some now final instar. [Posted by Andrew Brookes]
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| Peacock larva, final instar Photo © Andrew Brookes | Peacock larvae Photo © Andrew Brookes |
Welcome visitor at Portsdown. A couple of dire walks on Portsdown in recent days revealed very little butterfly activity other than my first Meadow Brown, and an unfortunate Brimstone that had been snared by a crab spider. However whilst in the garden enjoying the late afternoon weather, desperately scanning the skies for sadly absent Swifts, a well travelled Painted Lady refuelled on the Michaelmas daisies in my uncut lawn.
Something to brighten up what seems to be an increasingly depleted natural world. [Posted by Mark Tutton]
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| Weary traveller Photo © Mark Tutton |
Martin Down National Nature Reserve South. A very hot wander down the NNR's western pathways to the butts then back with the temperature at 28 degrees Celsius between 1300-1450. Not the best time of the day for sure and those butterflies seen were fast and fractious; close photography was nigh impossible. Nevertheless, ten species recorded. (A somewhat more stable photographic target was a four-ship formation of Apache helicopters which added to the interest). Total: Dingy Skipper (1); Brimstone (M)(3)(F)(3); Meadow Brown (45); Small Heath (39); Common Blue (M)(18); Marsh Fritillary (2); Small Copper (1); Small Blue (M)(7)(F)(1); Adonis Blue (M)(6)(F)(1); Grizzled Skipper (1). [Posted by Francis Plowman]
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| Adonis Blue male Photo © Francis Plowman | Grizzled Skipper Photo © Francis Plowman | Small Blue Photo © Francis Plowman |
Reserve volunteers on the road again: Martin Down. Excellent turnout in glorious weather for the second reserve volunteers' Grand Day Out, this time to the sweeping chalk downland of Martin Down NNR. We were met at the main car park by Pete Durnell who heads up the Hampshire Countryside Service reserves team and Theo, the reserve warden, who took us round the western side of the reserve explaining the history of the site and the management strategy. Butterflies were in mid-season mode with plenty of Meadow Brown, Small Heath and Common Blue accompanying a few spring stragglers such as Brimstone, Speckled Wood, Small Blue, Adonis Blue and Brown Argus. Some interesting day-flying moths including Forester, Five-spot Burnet, Common Heath and Wood Tiger. The abundant flora included Dropwort and many orchids including Burnt-tip Orchid, with a constant backdrop of birdsong from Skylark, Corn Bunting, Cuckoo amongst others.
After lunch we moved round to the eastern side where we added Red Admiral and Dingy Skipper to the butterfly list and enjoyed close examination of Greater Butterfly Orchids to the fluty melodic song of a Tree Pipit, having given a Green Tiger Beetle the respect this ferocious predator deserves. Finally a Grizzled Skipper for a couple of attendees on their way back to their car.
Many thanks to Pete and Theo for their informative and enthusiastic guided tour and, once again, to Fiona Scully for organising another excellent day out for the volunteer team. [Posted by Rupert Broadway]
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| Forester Photo © Rupert Broadway | Wood Tiger Photo © Rupert Broadway | Common Heath Photo © Rupert Broadway |
Saltmarsh Lane, Hayling Island. A short walk today near the Hayling Cycle trail this morning Small White 1 and Holly Blue 3. [Posted by Roy Symonds]
Early Marbled Whites on Portsdown. One Marbled White seen on Portsdown today. Richard Jones had one earlier in the week. [Posted by John Goodspeed]
White-Letter Hairstreak at Lakeside. White-letter Hairstreak are now out at the IBM Lakeside complex at Cosham. 2 seen today (no photo) mid morning from the pavement along Western Road outside the site.. Quite a lot of diseased Elm is now evident at this site, but still plenty to keep the population thriving.
I also checked another site at Southwick where none were seen today. [Posted by Paul Harfield]
Chalton Down. Today I visited Chalton Down where the temperature was 22 degrees, here I recorded my first of many Meadow Brown's. Totals: Brimstone 1M 2F, Small White 2, Common Blue 4M, Meadow Brown 3, Small Heath 8 and Large Skipper 1. [Posted by Roy Symonds]
Magdalen Down. Did the Magdalen Down walk from the excellent Butterfly Walks book.
Lots of Common Blues and Small Heaths and a good number of Large Skippers seen, particularly at the lower end of the reserve. Some Meadow Browns seen as well as a very faded Painted Lady and my first Marbled White of the year. I could not find any Small Blues on the scrape. [Posted by Paul Warren]
Monks Walk, Frater Fields & Woods, Gosport. Following a return from a very warm holiday in Germany (31 species), with one exception it was a poor return to my local habitat. The bog that it was back in early May is now hard-baked although abundant with flora especially Bramble blossom and vetches. What few species were around, however, did not pose for the camera (except one bolshie male Speckled Wood) on my walk in 25 degrees of heat from 1400-1520. The 'exception' was the (annoying) disturbance of a Silver-washed Fritillary off Bramble blossom; a remarkably fresh and large butterfly it quickly disappeared into the woodland. Total: Small White (2); Red Admiral (2); Holly Blue (5); Speckled Wood (10); Silver-washed Fritillary (1). [Posted by Francis Plowman]
Afton Down -Tics. After 70 years of being tick-free the little perishers at Afton Down this week have cottoned on to me no less than four times! Take care. Meanwhile the Glanvilles have been performing admirably. [Posted by Daniel Law]
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| Photo © Daniel Law |
Chalton Down. Today the temperature was 22 degrees when I visited Chalton Down a total if six species were recorded: Brimstone 1m 1F, Small White 1, Small Heath 6, Common Blue 5M, Small Copper 1 and Dingy Skipper 1 [Posted by Roy Symonds]
Coulters Dean Field Trip. Never known a spring like this one with sunny periods and a constant North-Easterly breeze blowing off of the North Sea and at times today it was quite hot. There were hundreds of 5 spot Burnet Moths seeming on every plant with nectar and few Small Blues were in the mix with the last of the Green Hairstreaks and Dingy Skippers, also showing were Burnet Companions in good and faded condition. The lovely carpet of Cowslips has now gone over, making way for the many Orchids that abound this site. We even saw the rare Cheese Snail today, a speciality in this area, although there not easy to find! [Posted by Ashley Whitlock]
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| Mating 5 spot Burnet moths Photo © Ashley Whitlock | Burnet Companion Photo © Ashley Whitlock | Large Skipper Photo © Ashley Whitlock |
A Small Skipper on the Isle of Wight.. Skipper ID is not one of my strongpoints,but this certainly seems to be one.Seen today at Bouldnor Forest,Yarmouth. I have recorded a Small Skipper only once before in June. [Posted by Peter Hunt]
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| Photo © Peter Hunt | Photo © Peter Hunt |
White Admiral at Pamber. The surviving White Admiral larvae at Pamber Forest are still doing well, although I'm now down to just 4 larvae from an initial count of 30. Of the survivors, 2 are in their 5th instar, 1 in 4th and 1 in 3rd. [Posted by Pete Eeles]
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| White Admiral L5 larva Photo © Pete Eeles | White Admiral L5 larva Photo © Pete Eeles |
Peppered moth in Fleming Park, Eastleigh. On my walk in Fleming Park today, this nicely-marked peppered moth caught my eye. [Posted by Kevin Freeborn]
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| Peppered moth Photo © Kevin Freeborn |
Bentley Wood Field Trip. A field trip to a place I used to love which is sadly in decline and has been for many years, although it’s not conservation work or management to blame, it’s the weather and global warming to blame I fear. Eastern clearing is now so dry and there are so few wild flowers, in the rides or in the meadow.
Once you used to see the Pearl-bordered Fritillary in great numbers but sadly they have been reduced to an alarming few now. We did manage to see about 6-8 individuals all in poor condition, as they have been flying in exceptional warm weather for well over a fortnight now. We did see (16) butterfly species but there was a good amount of moths as well, with Long Horn Moths, 4 dotted Footman, 5 and 6 spot Burnet Moths, Cinnabar Moths, Silver ‘Y’ Moths, Drinker Moth larvae, Common Carpet, Speckled Yellows, Yellow Shell, Mother Shipton, Burnet Companion, and Brown Silver-line.
We walked to the Elm tree area in the afternoon, but sadly these are succumbing to Dutch elm disease, although several trees seemed to be OK in their present state. There were some leaves that had evidence of White-letter Hairstreaks being present, and some sallow was seen with evidence of Purple Emperor larvae damage. [Posted by Ashley Whitlock]
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| Long Horn Moth (Nemophora degeerella) seems quite common in 2023 Photo © Ashley Whitlock | 4 dotted footman Photo © Ashley Whitlock | Speckled Wood Photo © Ashley Whitlock |
Portsdown Hill East. Today the temperature was 23 degrees where I walked the Eastern paths on Portsdown Hill near Fort Widley. Sightings Brimstone 1M 1F, Small White 1, Common Blue 2M, Speckled Wood 1 [Posted by Roy Symonds]
Meadow Brown debut in Boarhunt. Meadow Brown seen in the Wallington valley at Priors Hold, Boarhunt. Sadly, the only butterfly seen during an hour-long visit. [Posted by Andrew Brookes]
Dingy Skipper at North Baddesley.. First ever Dingy Skipper seen today on my reserve at North Baddesley. Maybe they will colonise here. [Posted by kevin ross]
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| First ever Photo © kevin ross |
Pearl Bordered Fritillaries at New Copse Inclosure. Another trip to the New Forest today, with a view to see what proportion of this year's PBFs were still going strong. Even though this is now very close to the end of their flight period for another year, it was good to find so many specimens still in good condition. This time I followed Ashley Whitlock's lead, and went to the Perrywood Ivy and New Copse Inclosures, rather than to Ramnor and Pignal, which I had visited with some success earlier in May. Numbers were certainly much higher in both locations than I had anticipated, and despite the persistent north easterly breezes which had dominated our weather for much of May still being in evidence, the Pearl-bordered Fritillary put on a fine display in the warm mid-afternoon sunshine. I am fairly certain that their smaller and much more elusive cousin, the Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary, is still present in this area, though doubtless in much smaller numbers, and this will be my next objective this summer. For the moment, however, these photos attest to the longevity and fine condition of the New Copse and Perrywood PBFs of 2023. [Posted by Michael Jameson]
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| PBF - New Copse Inclosure (underside) Photo © Michael Jameson | PBF - New Copse Inclosure Photo © Michael Jameson |
Magdalen Hill Down : Large species list. From 3pm until 4:30pm walking from bottom road in a circular direction up to the cemetery and back down. Saw Small White, Large White, Brimstone, Small Heath, Small Tortoiseshell, Red Admiral, Marsh Fritillary (lots), Brown Argus, Common Blue, Adonis Blue, Small Blue, Green Hairstreak, Large Skipper, Grizzled Skipper and Dingy Skipper ! A very rewarding walk. [Posted by Alison vincent]
Isle of Wight. Mottistone Down Isle of Wight Wednesday 30th May 2023
Setting off on the ferry the forecast was good weather but the wind was still very keen and the clouds were still in evidence. However once we got around to the southern side of the Island things began to pick up and the sun shone even though it still felt cool. Visited the small car park at the bottom of Afton Down first but the weather wasn’t good at this time with the wind and there was very little of note a Large Skipper or two and the odd Common Blue. Once on the down the sun was out and the wind had abated, and in the chalk pits of Mottistone we were in our own little world.
The Glanville Fritillary were everywhere, and it was hard to count them but guestimate was up to 40 plus. They were very active, however I didn’t see any females and their foodplant was rather scarce, but it must have been around. Common Blues Small Blue, Brown Argus, Dingy Skipper the odd Grizzled Skipper, Large Skipper, Green Hairstreak, and Small Heath, added to the totals. The Moths there were Silver ‘Y’, Common Carpet, Speckled Yellow, Cinnabar Moth and Burnet Companion.
Other sites visited were Afton Down again, where the odd Adonis Blue was noted along with Wall Brown and Small Blue. But the Glanville was again the most populous butterfly, flying amongst the Rock Rose and Horseshoe Vetch stands. The Ribwort Plantain was everywhere here along with a host of other plants but parts of the down seem to be getting rather overgrown; although I only saw a fraction of this downland other parts are probably very short turf which would be more of the liking for the Adonis Blue, especially in front of the Military road facing south where there is good amounts of Horseshoe Vetch. [Posted by Ashley Whitlock]
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| Fresh emerged Male Glanville Fritillary Photo © Ashley Whitlock | Mottistone Down Isle of Wight Photo © Ashley Whitlock | Bee Orchid at Mottistone Down Photo © Ashley Whitlock |