string boozel
Well-known member
Hi, I thought given that the season is drawing to a close I would offer a review of my butterfly season for this year I didn't want to clog up the birding thread (for a change) so thought it better to put it here instead. If anyone else fancies doing the same then please weigh in with your own sightings/experiences.
I saw a total of 30 species in the county with the first sightings on the 25th of March. many of my butterfly observations were a bit of a bonus on birding days, I didn't tend to make trips just to watch them. One of the highlights for me was seeing Silver-washed Fritillaries at several places where I did not expect them and I saw this spectacular species at a total of five sites. Amongst the other high points good views of Purple Emperor, a Small Copper, seeing Black Hairstreak again after many years and a very good showing of Small Tortoiseshells stand out.
Most species appeared to do quite well, Speckled Woods and Red Admirals seemed rather late but made up for it later and while 2016 was not a vintage year for Painted Ladies it was by no means the worst.
The list of species for this year (and you may want to skip this) were; Dingy, Grizzled, Essex, Small and Large Skipper, Red and White Admiral, Comma, Peacock, Small Tortoiseshell, Painted Lady, Purple Emperor Silver-washed Fritillary, Holly and Common Blue, Brown Argus, Small Copper, Green and Black Hairstreak, Large, Small and Green-veined White, Orange-tip, Brimstone, Meadow Brown, Ringlet, Gatekeeper, Speckled Wood, Small Heath and Marbled White.
As is now normal I've included some pictures of my favourite pictures, I'll stick a few more in other posts
James.
I saw a total of 30 species in the county with the first sightings on the 25th of March. many of my butterfly observations were a bit of a bonus on birding days, I didn't tend to make trips just to watch them. One of the highlights for me was seeing Silver-washed Fritillaries at several places where I did not expect them and I saw this spectacular species at a total of five sites. Amongst the other high points good views of Purple Emperor, a Small Copper, seeing Black Hairstreak again after many years and a very good showing of Small Tortoiseshells stand out.
Most species appeared to do quite well, Speckled Woods and Red Admirals seemed rather late but made up for it later and while 2016 was not a vintage year for Painted Ladies it was by no means the worst.
The list of species for this year (and you may want to skip this) were; Dingy, Grizzled, Essex, Small and Large Skipper, Red and White Admiral, Comma, Peacock, Small Tortoiseshell, Painted Lady, Purple Emperor Silver-washed Fritillary, Holly and Common Blue, Brown Argus, Small Copper, Green and Black Hairstreak, Large, Small and Green-veined White, Orange-tip, Brimstone, Meadow Brown, Ringlet, Gatekeeper, Speckled Wood, Small Heath and Marbled White.
As is now normal I've included some pictures of my favourite pictures, I'll stick a few more in other posts
James.