Norfolk Butterflies and Moths (6 Viewers)

[firstreesjohn]

The valesina was seen today- but not by me. Nonetheless, I would have said that the total of Silver-washed was pushing twenty, this early in the season. Moreover, the White Admirals were probably nearer to thirty. These numbers bode well for the rest of the summer.

What I thought was a Convulvulus Hawkmoth was flushed into the gorse, on the Lowes just south of the CP fence. The species was, however, Dark Arches- corrected by a couple of experienced mothers.

 

[James Emerson]

A Convulvulus Hawkmoth was flushed into the gorse, on the Lowes just south of the CP fence.

The photos looks like a Dark Arches?

 

[firstreesjohn]

Thank you for the correction, James.

To a novice mother like me, it resembled the 'Hawk'. Looking at the image again, I can see that it was those zig-zags wot fooled me.

It is just not fair that one creature should resemble another: it makes 'nature study' so difficult !

I will go back and edit my previous post, whilst not making any darkly arched comments.

 

[jimbob]

Photos on Wheatfen Facebook page of Silver-washed Fritillary from yesterday.
Not so far for me to go for them now!
Last person to record one on the reserve was Ted himself in 1940
https://www.facebook.com/groups/108886053969/
Cheers,
Jim.

 

[firstreesjohn]

Several of us saw the valesina at Holt CP today- mainly high up. She had been seen by one of the rangers earlier, being carried off by a male (she was ‘hanging’ underneath him), in apparent imitation of the Roc, from Sinbad the Sailor.

A Rosy Footman was a good find at Stonepit.

 

[Tideliner]

Several purple hairstreaks emerging today at Swanton Novers , good numbers of silver washed fritillary and white admirals about today plus sm torts , red admirals , good numbers of commas, a very late\early male brimstone , ringlets meadow browns , speckled wood , large and green v whites. Lots of 5 spot burnets necturing on thistles and one narrow boardered 5 spot burnet , the first for six years when they used to be quite common.

Massive catches in the moth trap including a Lyme grass ( uncommon away from the coast ) first light brocade for the site, eyed , popular, elephant hawkmoth and 5 species of footman including lots of rosy's. Alltogeather 300 moths of 80 species in 3 small actinic traps.

 

[firstreesjohn]

Dark Greens flourish

The caterpillars of DGF feed on Common Dog-violet so I don't think the lose of some Ragwort will matter to much.

You were correct, Señor Roberto. Despite the almost complete loss of the main Ragwort clump, there seem to be more single plants scattered throughout the dune system.

Today, I was in the company of two of the UK's foremost butterfliers. With the limitations of the number of digits I possess, I relinquished the count to another so much more experienced in these matters.

He had over 60 between the boardwalk and the W end of the pines at Holkham.

 

[ChrisBish]

A few of the moths I've had in the garden over the past few weeks: a female Ghost, Common Footman (showing the v-shape of grey onto the neck, the main feature that separates Common from Scarce), Phoenix, True Lovers Knot and July Highflyer.

 

[ChrisBish]

And a few more: Brimstone, Swallow-tailed and Herald, plus Notch-wing Button - a micro recorded in 45% of 10k squares in Norfolk, making it the least widespread of the moths I've had so far. Also, Lilac Beauty.

 

[ChrisBish]

And finally, Golden Plusia, the least distributed of the macros I've had so far (recorded in 51% of 10k squares)

 

[Lightthiscandle]

Swallowtails

Amazingly, there were still five or six flying at Strumpshaw yesterday: as well as the very tatty individual I managed to photograph, there was a pristine pair flying together along Lackford Run. Also, the first Gatekeeper I've seen at the Fen this year!

 

[firstreesjohn]

Wings all a-flutter at Holt CP

The male Silver-washed (on the left) is creeping up on the female (on the right), with an obvious glint in his eye. They then went off, wheeling up-and-away.

The vaselina has been a slippery customer, this week. I saw her briefly this afters, high above the sallows near the pond.

 

[tonyfenn]

Do you think the SSF will still be about next weekend? please, thanks

 

[Tideliner]

What is a SSF ?

 

[tonyfenn]

Sorry my mistake, should have been SWF. Must read before posting.

 

[firstreesjohn]

SSF will still be about next weekend?

In theory, of course.

It depends, however, on the clemency of the weather- and the forecast is not looking fantastic.

I'm beginning to think the Silver-washed (and White Admirals, for that matter) prefer it to be slightly warmer and sunnier for longer until they venture forth. Yesterday afternoon, once the rain had stopped, Ringlets, for example, abounded, whilst I had quite a wait for the above; and, since it wasn't very sunny or warm, there weren't many of either.

[BTW, if your ‘Location’ is where it says it is, there are sites for both of these much nearer you, with the added attraction of Marbled Whites and other goodies.]

 

[tonyfenn]

Thanks for your reply, can you surply details please? PM me you like

 

[firstreesjohn]

Large-scale emergence of Skippers (mainly Small) at Salthouse, this afternoon, after the rain.

PM me you like

I dearly wish it was in my gift to replace the Prime Minister. Unfortunately, the opportunity will probably not occur until next year. In addition, I’m unsure of your qualifications.

However, I have sent you a private message, as requested.

 

[tonyfenn]

Thank you, had a trip out this afternoon to Glopthorn and managed two silver frits. Well pleased.

 

[STS]

White-letter and Purple Hairstreaks at Mousehold Heath, Norwich, today.

The former were around the Elms beside the road, on the left if you are looking up towards Zacs restaurant from the pavement.

The Purples were up on the heath.

Cheers,

Thomas