CLOUDED YELLOW at North Baddesley. First Clouded Yellow of the year seen today on my reserve at North Baddesley.It was flying north to south (not the direction of the wind) but did not stop for a photo. [Posted by kevin ross]
Chalton Down. Today I visited Chalton Down where the temperature was 21 degrees. Here I recorded 2 Small Blues. Totals: Brimstone 1M 2F, Large White 1, Small White 5, Chalk Hill Blue 7,M, Common Blue 1M, Small Blue 2, Gatekeeper 4, Meadow Brown 9, Comma 1, Red Admiral 2. [Posted by Roy Symonds]
Oxenbourne Down. Today I visited Oxenbourne Down where the temperature reached 20 degrees. Here the numbers of Chalk Hill Blues had increased since my last visit, but still not reaching three figures. Totals: Brimstone 2M 2F, Small White 2, Chalk Hill Blue 56M, Marbled White 2, Meadow Brown 7, Gatekeeper 17. [Posted by Roy Symonds]
Fort Widley, Portsdown Hill. A short walk around Fort Widley today where the following were seen: Small White 2, Holly Blue 2, Gatekeeper 1, Marbled White 1, Meadow Brown 3. [Posted by Roy Symonds]
Portsdown Hill (East). Visited the East end of Portsdown Hill where I walked the slopes opposite Fort Widley. The temperature was 22 degrees. A total of 10n different species were recorded including a Small Blue. Totals: Brimstone 4M 2F, Large White 2, Small White 10, Common Blue 1m, Small Blue 1, Gatekeeper 8, Meadow Brown 4, Painted Lady 1,Peacock 3, Red Admiral 5. [Posted by Roy Symonds]
Havant Thicket. Today I visited Havant Thicket where the temperature reached 20 degrees. Totals: Brimstone 2M 6F, Small White 3, Gatekeeper 43, Meadow Brown 24, Ringlet 3, Peacock 1, Red Admiral 2, Silver-washed Fritillary 4. [Posted by Roy Symonds]
Monks Walk, Frater Fields & Woods, Gosport. I write this report with the rain coming down heavily under darkening skies yet this morning enjoying the warm sunshine (22 deg C) some sixteen species were recorded. For four hours from 10 o'clock I slowly investigated the fields, woods and foreshore of Monks Walk both north and south of Heritage Way. We have probably passed the zenith of the butterfly season here but numbers of those seen were very good, 34 Red Admiral, for example. Late in the season here I saw my first Purple Hairstreak zipping around the top of an established oak surrounded by a copse of dead elm trees - hence no White-letter Hairstreak this year. The epicentre of the action is undoubtedly the butterfly meadow where the butterflies congregated on the two buddleia bushes. At one time it provided sustenance for 2 Peacock, 7 Red Admiral, 3 Brimstone, 2 Comma and countless Gatekeeper and Meadow Brown. Total: Purple Hairstreak (1); Red Admiral (34); Small White 25; Meadow Brown (37); Common Blue (M)(13)(F)(1); Brown Argus (13); Gatekeeper (109); Small Copper (4); Peacock (4); Comma (10); Brimstone (M)(3)(F)(3); Large White (14); Holly Blue (19); Speckled Wood (24); Green-veined White (M)(2); Small Skipper (2). [Posted by Francis Plowman]
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| Brimstone male Photo © Francis Plowman | Small Skipper (last of the few!) Photo © Francis Plowman | Brown Argus Photo © Francis Plowman |
Shipton Bellinger & Broughton Down (part 2). On arrival at Broughton Down the breeze had picked up and the clouds were rolling through. Sat down on a log for a spot of lunch and was visited by a Peacock, Brimstones, Gatekeepers, a Small Copper, a Small Skipper and a Red Admiral and had a couple of rather worn looking Dark Green Fritillary fly passed.
On my walk around I ended up seeing 20+ Dark Green Fritillary (all had seen better days) and 10 Chalk Hill Blues. Other species seen on visit: Brown Argus, Comma, Common Blue, Meadow Brown, and Silver-washed Fritillary (2). [Posted by Nic Burns]
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| Dark Green Fritillary Photo © Nic Burns | Chalk Hill Blue Photo © Nic Burns | Meadow Brown with a very distinct hindwing. Photo © Nic Burns |
Shipton Bellinger & Broughton Down. I was hoping to see some early Brown Hairstreaks and/or Silver-spotted Skippers but no luck on that front today (other than a "likely" Brown Hairstreak sighting flitting about the tops of Ash trees).
Highlights from Shipton Bellinger was watching a Hummingbird Hawk-moth, a mating pair of Small Coppers and a Dusky Sallow.
Other species seen in good numbers except where indicated: Brimstone, Brown Argus, Comma, Common Blue (2), Gatekeeper, Green-veined White, Holly Blue, Large White, Meadow Brown, Peacock, Red Admiral, Silver-washed Fritillary (3), Small White and Speckled Wood. And for moths: Silver Y and Spindle Ermine. [Posted by Nic Burns]
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| Hummingbird Hawk-moth Photo © Nic Burns | Small Coppers Photo © Nic Burns | Dusky Sallow Photo © Nic Burns |
Browndown (North) Gosport. My walk from 1045 was brought to a halt by a complete lens failure combined with ominous black clouds! Not so breezy today and a temperature range between 18-20.5 deg C until 1315. Thirteen species recorded but couldn't positively identify any of the three skippers seen. No White Admiral nor Marbled White. Grayling numbers tailing-off but they are certainly spreading out with three seen on the paths upon exiting the wood, the main heath and the patch adjacent to the burnt-out area of heather and ferns. At one time a Grayling was settling upon a couple of walkers which made their day but not mine as the lens was not as cooperative as the Grayling. Total: Small White (9); Gatekeeper (61); Red Admiral (16); Large White (4); Speckled Wood (11); Holly Blue (4); Meadow Brown (29); Comma (4); Grayling (12); Brown Argus (19); Small Skipper/Essex Skipper (3); Common Blue (M)(3); Small Copper (2). [Posted by Francis Plowman]
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| Large White female Photo © Francis Plowman | Grayling Photo © Francis Plowman | Common Blue male Photo © Francis Plowman |
Vanessid census at Longstock Park. Red Admirals runaway winners at the Longstock Park buddleja collection, with numbers easily exceeding 100. Peacocks were a respectable second at 34. Wooden spoons to the Small Tortoiseshell (1) and Comma (1), the latter, along with the bees, preferring the more complex nectar of the golden yellow Buddleja weyeriana 'Sungold'. Half a dozen Large Whites, one Meadow Brown, and a Hummingbird hawkmoth were also seen.
The Longstock 'Flutterby News' poster announced the recent sighting of a male Purple Emperor 'feasting on duck poo' in the Water Gardens, a 'first' for the site. [Posted by Andrew Brookes]
Monks Walk, Frater Fields & Woods, Gosport. From 1320-1515 fifteen species noted. 21.5 deg C in strong breeze. The Buddleia in the butterfly meadow was veritably awash with butterflies and amazing to just stand and watch. Total: Large White (7); Small White (17); Comma (5); Red Admiral (7); Holly Blue (7); Speckled Wood (5); Green-veined White (2); Gatekeeper (38); Meadow Brown (11); Common Blue (M)(3); Painted Lady (1); Brimstone (M)(1); Peacock (2); Brown Argus (3); Small Copper (1). [Posted by Francis Plowman]
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| Painted Lady Photo © Francis Plowman | Speckled Wood Photo © Francis Plowman | Red Admiral female Photo © Francis Plowman |
Garden Painted Ladies at Freshwater.. Now that our Buddleia bush is in full flower it is attracting alot of butterflies including three Painted Ladies and a host of Red Admirals. [Posted by Peter Hunt]
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| Photo © Peter Hunt | Photo © Peter Hunt |
Old Winchester Hill. Weather conditions were not as good as we had hoped this morning at Winchester Hill, but we still managed to see 19 species of butterflies in a very enjoyable couple of hours.
Dark Green Fritillary 22, Silver-washed Fritillary 2, Painted Lady 2, Red Admiral 36, Peacock 20, Large White 30, Small Tortoiseshell 2, Chalk Hill Blue 5, Small Copper 2, Brimstone 6, Holly Blue 3, other species seen but not counted were Ringlet, Gatekeeper, Marbled White, Small White, Comma, Meadow Brown, Common Blue, Small/Essex Skipper and one Humming-bird Hawk-moth. [Posted by Barry and Margaret Collins]
Wild Grounds Nature Reserve - Gosport. Bordering both Browndown North and the Alver Valley Country Park where the public have free access, the 67 acres of the Wild Grounds Nature Reserve costs £2.50/£2.00 (conc). Access is from the overflow car park of the Alver Valley Garden Centre in Barrington Close, Rowner (PO13 8NZ). This enclosed area of mature woodland and meadows bordering the River Alver is an SSI. Pity about today's weather here (19-22 deg C) under gloomy skies and towards the end of my circuit (1135-1350) it started to rain. Even so thirteen species (and nothing remarkable among them) were recorded. For all that the area is well set-out with marked paths, ponds with hides for bird-watching etc and is very quiet and peaceful. There are WC facilities by the office gate and the neighbouring garden centre provides refreshments for all tastes. Total: Small White (9); Red Admiral (7); Gatekeeper (95); Meadow Brown (37); Speckled Wood (3); Brimstone (M)(1); Large White (1); Marbled White (2); Brown Argus (6); Peacock (1); Small Copper (2); Small Skipper (4); Small Heath (1). [Posted by Francis Plowman]
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| Small Copper Photo © Francis Plowman | Small Skipper Photo © Francis Plowman | Meadow Brown Photo © Francis Plowman |
Purple Emperor - Micheldever Wood. We took our dog for a walk at Micheldever Wood this morning - she loved it. We saw loads of Red Admirals, Silver-washed Fritillary, Ringlet, Peacocks and a few assorted Skippers, Meadow Brown, Marbled White, Large, Small and Green-veined Whites, Speckled Wood and a couple of White Admirals.
And was delighted to have a fleeting, if distance, view of a Purple Emperor on the deck. [Posted by Nic Burns]
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| Purple Emperor Photo © Nic Burns | Purple Emperor Photo © Nic Burns |
Brown Hairstreak at Shipton Bellinger. A single male Brown Hairstreak seen at Shipton Bellinger today, along with 20 other species. [Posted by Lee Hurrell]
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| Brown Hairstreak, male, Shipton Bellinger, 20th July 2023 Photo © Lee Hurrell |
In our garden at Leigh Park. One Painted Lady nectaring on the Buddleia in our front garden this morning, was our first sighting of this species this year. There were also good numbers of Red Admiral10, Peacock 6, Brimstone 2, Holly Blue, Small Tortoiseshell, Gatekeeper 4 plus numerous Large and Small Whites. Also a superb Humming-bird Hawk-moth all on one bush. [Posted by Barry and Margaret Collins]
Whiteley Pastures. One last trip to Whiteley to try and find a female Purple Emperor - but no luck. That said, thanks to another observer (thank you Richard) I did see two male Purple Emperors fighting in the same tree tops where I saw two just over 3 weeks ago. I must be a rare enthusiast who is 'disappointed' to see a male Purple Emperor and wanting to see a female one! Otherwise all the usual woodland species in abundance excepting White Admiral which seem to have finished (or are in their last few days). The highlight today (other than the Purple Emperors) was Brimstone - a marked increase on previous trips and in pristine condition. [Posted by Mark Wagstaff]
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| Gatekeeper - Whiteley Pastures Photo © Mark Wagstaff | Brimstone - Whiteley Pastures Photo © Mark Wagstaff | Silver washed Fritillary - Whiteley Pastures Photo © Mark Wagstaff |
Portsdown Hill East. A short walk around the East end of Portsdown Hill following the path opposite Fort Widley. Totals: Brimstone 2M 1F, Small White 8, Meadow Brown 2, Red Admiral 2. [Posted by Roy Symonds]
Fort Widley, Portsdown Hill. A walk around Fort Widley at the East end of Portsdown Hill where the temperature was 22 degrees. Totals: Brimstone 2M 1F, Large White 5, Small White 3, Holly Blue 1, Gatekeeper 2, Marbled White 1, Meadow Brown 4, Red Admiral 1. [Posted by Roy Symonds]
Paulsgrove Chalk Pits. Today I visited Paulsgrove Chalk Pits where the temperature reached 21 degrees. My search for the Small Blue yielded 2 specimens, while a single Brown Argus was also recorded. Totals: Brimstone 1M, Small White 3, Brown Argus 1, Common Blue 3M, Small Blue 2, Gatekeeper 2, Marbled White 5, Meadow Brown 1, Painted Lady 1, Red Admiral 2, Large Skipper 1. [Posted by Roy Symonds]
Southampton Common. A short walk, 11-12am, around the North East part of the main Southampton Common site, resulted in the following 15 species: Purple Hairstreak (9), Small Copper (12), Small Skipper / Essex Skipper (20), Brown Argus (5), Brimstone (30+), Comma (6), Peacock (5), Red Admiral (16), Large White (18), Small White (28), Meadow Brown (50+), Gatekeeper, (60+), Silver-washed Fritillary (1), Holly Blue (12), Marbled White (9).
Small / Essex Skipper still hanging in there (but numbers greatly reduced from last week). I've never seen so many Purple Hairstreak on the Common - the past few years, I've been finding the occasional singletion. Most were looking a bit tatty. Sadly, not one Common Blue... [Posted by Jon Holden-Dye]
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| The first of 3 close encounters Photo © Jon Holden-Dye | Ovipositing Holly Blue Photo © Jon Holden-Dye | Parasitisation in progress - the RH cat was waggling furiously... Photo © Jon Holden-Dye |
Garden butterflies in Winchester. Garden butterflies seem to be quite prolific at the moment with a dozen different species in my Winchester garden today. The undoubted star of the show was a lovely fresh Small Copper -they only turn up once every few years. Others noted were Small Skipper, Brimstone, Green-veined White, Large White, Small White, Common Blue, Holly Blue, Peacock, Red Admiral, Gatekeeper and Meadow Brown. [Posted by Rupert Broadway]
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| Small Copper Photo © Rupert Broadway | Small Skipper Photo © Rupert Broadway | Holly Blue Photo © Rupert Broadway |
Portsdown is buzzing. A lunchtime dog walk along Portsdown Hill revealed that some second brood species are doing very well. A short flower rich stretch was alive with Brown Argus, Common Blue and Small Blue which were accompanied by a few very fresh Chalk Hill Blues. They were constantly squabbling, launching from their look out posts to intercept incomers, sometimes resulting in all four species in hot pursuit of one another tumbling in the air as they went - which all made for a very entertaining, and pleasing ramble. [Posted by Mark Tutton]
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| Chalk-hill Blue Photo © Mark Tutton | Common Blue Photo © Mark Tutton | Small Blue Photo © Mark Tutton |
Brown Hairstreak in Alton, Hampshire. In a mere 50-metre stretch from my back garden in Alton, no fewer than 14 species, comprising a male Brown Hairstreak, an Essex Skipper and multiples of other second brood species. [Posted by Matt Eade]
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| Photo © Matt Eade |
Oxenbourne Down. Visited Oxenbourne Down toady to search for Chalk Hill Blues. The temperature was 21 degrees. Here I recorded around 20 Chalk Hill Blues only a fraction of what I would expect to see at this site this time of the year. Totals: Brimstone 1F, Small White 1, Chalk Hill Blue 23M, Gatekeeper 10, Marbled White 5, Meadow Brown 9, Peacock 2, Small Skipper 3. [Posted by Roy Symonds]
Chalton Down. Visited Chalton Down today where the temperature reached 20 degrees. Here a total of fourteen different species were recorded including two fresh male Chalk Hill Blues. Totals: Brimstone 2M 1F, Large White 3, Small White 3, Chalk Hill Blue 2M, Common Blue 5M, Comma 1, Gatekeeper 15, Marbled White 9, Meadow Brown 10, Peacock 5, Red Admiral 2, Silver-washed Fritillary 2, Large Skipper 2, Small Skipper 10. [Posted by Roy Symonds]
IBM Lake. White-letter Hairstreak still showing and this rather worn individual low down for a photo. A single Painted Lady was best of the rest - 12 species seen [Posted by Tim Doran]
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| Photo © Tim Doran |
Browndown (South) Gosport. Some nineteen butterfly species were observed on a walk of almost four hours from 10:40 (19-21.5 deg C). Mostly the sun shone and the day was warm throughout; the wind direction eventually changing from SE at the start to a fresher SW at the end. (According to the notice on the gate the area will be under red flag from Thursday 20th to Sunday 23rd July 2023). Purple Hairstreak was still recorded and Grayling numbers rising mostly in the region of the rifle range. My first Painted Lady this year here was another pleasure. It was also satisfying to free a panicky Meadow Brown from a large spider's web - one for the butterflies! Total: Large White (7); Small White (37); Common Blue (M)(10)(F)(1); Small Copper (9); Red Admiral (10); Small Skipper/Essex Skipper (15); Gatekeeper (118); Meadow Brown (13); Marbled White (1); Small Heath (3); Ringlet (1); Peacock (2); Purple Hairstreak (5); Brown Argus (3); Holly Blue (2); Comma (2); Grayling (19); Brimstone (M)(2); Painted Lady (1); Small Skipper (3). [Posted by Francis Plowman]
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| Grayling female at left Photo © Francis Plowman | Painted Lady Photo © Francis Plowman | Brown Argus & Bee share the Heather Photo © Francis Plowman |
Browndown (South) Gosport. Additional photographs from my walk today. [Posted by Francis Plowman]
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| Common Blue female Photo © Francis Plowman | Purple Hairstreak Photo © Francis Plowman | Peacock Photo © Francis Plowman |
West Harting Down Field Trip. Still blowing a gale In the treetops as we set off with cloud cover covering three quarters of the sky but we were all in high spirits hoping for the best weather wise as long as it didn’t rain! Along the very long ride at the bottom of the site there are numerous spots where I’ve seen HIM but today wasn’t one of them despite looking skyward for most of the time. However the ride was full of invertebrates and one of the highlights was Dark Green Fritillary, Small Copper and several White Admirals and Silver-washed Fritillary.
The large areas of Sallow kept me on my toes hoping for a glimpse of the Lady Emperor, and we saw a very quick glimpse on a tract on a footpath going through many sallow stands, probably where a female was just getting ready to lay eggs at about 11:30. This led onto another good ride where the sallow was just everywhere and I’ve encountered good sightings of the ‘Empress’ and soon enough we encountered a female Emperor overfly some of us giving a good view of her underskirt, and then she disappeared into a sallow thicket. Almost immediately there was another a bit further down the ride but she scuttled off into a Hazel stand.
On to the summit the ‘butterfly of the year’ has to be the Red Admiral as they were absolutely everywhere.. As we ate our lunch I went for a wander and there were 7-8 feasting on something not very nice, and the buddleias were festooned with all the Vanessids, and Hummingbird Hawk Moths put in an appearance as well. Coming back I managed to save a pair of Commas in the road from being squashed as they were busy mating, and I would like to thank everyone who came for a very enjoyable trip even if it was the top end of 7 miles! [Posted by Ashley Whitlock]
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| Female Dark Green Fritillary Photo © Ashley Whitlock | Butterfly of the year The Red Admiral Photo © Ashley Whitlock | Mating Commas Photo © Ashley Whitlock |
Havant Thicket. Visited Havant Thicket today where the temperature was 21 degrees. Totals: Brimstone 6M 6F, Small White 4, Green-veined White 1, Gatekeeper 5, Meadow Brown 9, Ringlet 2 and Silver Washed Fritillary 2. [Posted by Roy Symonds]
Butterflies in abundance at Alice Holt. A walk through one of the rides in Alice Holt forest turned up butterflies in quantities I haven’t seen for a few years. One clump of bramble had no less than thirteen species including Green-veined White, Speckled Wood, Holly Blue, White Admiral, Comma, Small Skipper, Large Skipper, Peacock, Red Admiral, Silver-washed Fritillary, Ringlet, Gatekeeper and Meadow Brown. Not just one or two of each either but really good numbers such that they were jostling each other for the prime flowers with up to four species trying to muscle each other off!
Star of the show was another aberrant White Admiral ab. nigrina I think? [Posted by Mark Tutton]
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| White Admiral ab. Photo © Mark Tutton | White Admiral ab. Photo © Mark Tutton |
Browndown South - in search of Graylings in 20+mph wind. On the spur of the moment I decided, despite the high winds and exposed location, to pop over to Browndown South in search of my first Graylings of the year. I wasn't feeling very confident but ever hopeful.
It turned out to be an excellent decision with my count of 23 Graylings, in just over an hour, being significantly more than I generally see in a year!
Other species putting in brief appearances included: Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Small Copper, Common Blue, Brown Argus, Brimstone, Red Admiral, Holly Blue and Silver Y. And as a bonus I had a fleeting encounter with a Purple Hairstreak which I saw blown off one of the stunted oaks but unfortunately I only managed a quick record photo before it was taken away in the wind. [Posted by Nic Burns]
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| Grayling Photo © Nic Burns | Grayling Photo © Nic Burns | Grayling Photo © Nic Burns |
Monks Walk, Frater Fields & Woods, Gosport. Mad dogs and butterfly enthusiasts go out in gale force winds..........and some times it pays off! Notwithstanding the at times violent gusts of winds, my walk accounted for 17 species - the best here of the year. If the butterflies have emerged they have to go somewhere and to the butterfly meadow and in particular around the sheltered corner buddleia bush many found a safe haven. From 1300 for three hours with the temperature around 18 deg C and with the trees swaying and some shedding heavy branches I quartered my local area. Highlight was the return of Common Blue to the butterfly meadow; my first sighting this year was of a mating pair on the top of the grasses, yet still sheltered. Whereas a pair of Gatekeeper were coupled deep in the grasses of the meadow and clung on to a strand of grass for all they were worth. News of the seasonal death of skippers was premature - over twenty still and many feeding on thistle flower. I came across a male Gatekeeper courting a female but he quickly gave up - sadly the female was caught in the deathly grip of an Orb spider. Shame. It is definitely a great summer for the Red Admiral with 18 noted and most in spectacular condition. So a great day - out of the wind! Total: Small White (13); Red Admiral (18); Comma (14); Meadow Brown (24); Large White (F)(1); Meadow Brown (24); Marbled White (7); Gatekeeper (76); Peacock (6); Small Skipper/Essex Skipper (18); Small Copper (4); Holly Blue (4); Small Skipper (5); Brown Argus (4); Common Blue (M)(3)(F)(1); Ringlet (2); Essex Skipper (3); Green-veined White (F)(1)(M)(1); Speckled Wood (8). [Posted by Francis Plowman]
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| Unmistakably Small Skipper Photo © Francis Plowman | Common Blue male at left Photo © Francis Plowman | Green-veined White female Photo © Francis Plowman |
Monks Walk, Frater Fields & Woods, Gosport. Some additional photographs from today's report. [Posted by Francis Plowman]
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| Large White female. Scarce this year? Photo © Francis Plowman | Common Blue. Fresh male. Photo © Francis Plowman | Small Copper & female Gatekeeper Photo © Francis Plowman |
Chalton Down. Visited Chalton Down today where the temperature reached 20 degrees. Total of eight different species recorded. Totals: Large White 2, Small White 2, Gatekeeper 3, Marbled White 12, Meadow Brown 16, Peacock 1, Large Skipper 1 and Small Skipper 2. [Posted by Roy Symonds]
Browndown (North) Gosport. Three additional shots of this afternoon's wander. [Posted by FRANCIS PLOWMAN]
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| Comma Photo © FRANCIS PLOWMAN | White Admiral with tatty wings Photo © FRANCIS PLOWMAN | Small Copper Photo © FRANCIS PLOWMAN |
Browndown (North) Gosport. The strong SW wind precluded a visit to Browndown South today so once again the walk (1345-1700) took in part of the northern sector. Even here the wind was intrusive but with warm sunshine and temperature of 21 deg C some 19 species were recorded. The Marbled White season appears to have ended and the skippers running close to the end of their courses too. White-letter Hairstreak not seen today. Numbers of Grayling are increasing and at least two females seen. The best part of the ramble was from 4 pm when I was leaving the woods for the path to Apple Dumpling Bridge. I literally waded into a huge swathe of brambles and was entertained royally to an amazing display of butterflies cavorting in full sunshine over the brambles and adjacent trees. White Admiral was chasing Red Admiral and always joined by Comma; the chases went on continuously. At times the White Admiral was feeding too close to bring the camera to bear! Condition of most of the White Admiral was very shabby. Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper and Brimstone of both sexes flitted around feeding avidly and generally avoided the melee. I was enthralled for over 30 minutes and just approaching the River Alver came across the sixth White Admiral simply basking in the sun until a noisy child on his bicycle whizzed by and the butterfly flew away. Total: Speckled Wood (11); Gatekeeper (60); Small White (11); Brown Argus (8); Red Admiral (20); Meadow Brown (17); Small Copper (4); Ringlet (1); Holly Blue (4); Comma (11); Peacock (1); Brimstone (M)(2)(F)(2); Small Skipper/Essex Skipper (4); Large White (1); Grayling (8); Common Blue (M)(2); Large Skipper(1); White Admiral (6); Small Heath (1); Small Skipper (1). [Posted by FRANCIS PLOWMAN]
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| Grayling (prob. female) Photo © FRANCIS PLOWMAN | White Admiral Photo © FRANCIS PLOWMAN | Common Blue male Photo © FRANCIS PLOWMAN |
West Walk. This woodland is growing on me as time marches on with the Purple Emperor season in its final week or so in Hampshire, and today with a very windy day and mostly cloudy I didn’t expect really much. I set off down the main ride from the car=park and had noticed before how much sallow there was in the ride and very tall mature oak trees. The Forest of Bere is ancient woodland going back hundreds of years, and it has many parts dotted over the southern part of Hampshire. I had seen a Purple Hairstreak descend down onto the ferns close-by and I managed to get photos of him, and there were several Red Admirals flying about, but no Silver-Washed Fritillaries and only one White Admiral observed. Halfway down the ride at 11:45 I saw a large male Purple Emperor sallow searching weaving in and out of a sallow not more than 20 feet above my head, he was seen for a few brief moments, but long enough to see he was in good condition. At 12:00 another male was seen a bit further down the ride, and the one we had seen previous was seen as well so we knew we had at least two Emperors sallow searching, in the breezy and cool cloudy conditions. These brief moments were our limit as the weather was getting worse and the spots of rain started and the wind was really lashing the tops of the trees so any observations now were going to be very limited. So we went back to the car-park for coffee and cake. [Posted by Ashley Whitlock]
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| Purple Hairstreak Photo © Ashley Whitlock | West Walk main ride and coffee and cake! Photo © Ashley Whitlock | The main ride in a sunny patch Photo © Ashley Whitlock |
Monks Walk, Frater Fields & Woods, Gosport. A wander of a couple of hours from 1215 was brought to a premature end by rain. The walk was under threatening skies with a temperature around 20 deg C and was combined with first blackberry sortie of the year - most successful! Usual suspects noticed but numbers down significantly from 10 days ago especially in regards to Small Skipper/Essex Skipper. This decline may be attributable just to today's dodgy weather (I didn't get into the butterfly meadow either) or we have passed the Summer peak for a number of species, I'm not sure; probably a bit of both. Total: Essex Skipper (1); Holly Blue (1); Small White (13); Speckled Wood (M)(5)(F)(1); Comma (2); Red Admiral (9); Gatekeeper (31; Meadow Brown (19); Peacock (3); Small Skipper/Essex Skipper (4); Ringlet (2); Marbled White (8); Small Copper (2); Brown Argus (1). [Posted by Francis Plowman]
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| Ringlet on Blackberry blossom Photo © Francis Plowman | Fresh Speckled Wood female Photo © Francis Plowman | Marbled White male Photo © Francis Plowman |
Peacocks on the wing at Great Fontley. Four pristine Peacocks seen nectaring on Buddleja 'Ellen's Blue' ('Lochinch' seedling) together with Painted Lady (1), Red Admiral (3), Comma (1), and a very ragged Marbled White. A small Peacock larval tent (@30 larvae) was found on the Great Fontley nettle patch last month; presumably these are the result. [Posted by Andrew Brookes]
Yew Hill, Winchester. Cloudy and breezy conditions with a temperature around 20 degrees Celsius hardly affected butterfly numbers today (1115-1350) with some 21 being recorded. Chalk Hill Blue butterflies are building-up with both sexes noted. Two Painted Lady witnessed including an example in really fine condition; on reflection possibly a local release. Good to meet Clive on his transect and to chat/swap notes. The Swifts were very active over the main field, continually swooping with one diving so close that I could hear its swish of air far too close to my left ear! Total: Small Tortoiseshell (1); Small White (46); Meadow Brown (91); Small Skipper (3); Essex Skipper (1); Small Skipper/Essex Skipper (40); Marbled White (56); Gatekeeper (46); Red Admiral (18); Ringlet (6); Large White (7); Brown Argus (6); Common Blue (M)(4); Chalk Hill Blue (M)(12)(F)(2); Small Heath (2); Green-veined White (2); Comma (4); Large Skipper (3); Brimstone (M)(7)(F)(3); Painted Lady (2); Holly Blue (8); Peacock (3). [Posted by Francis Plowman]
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| Chalk Hill Blue female Photo © Francis Plowman | Distant Painted Lady Photo © Francis Plowman | Marbled White female Photo © Francis Plowman |
Whiteley Pastures. Another trip to Whiteley - I suspect it may be the last this year given the forecast for the rest of the week. Also, a change of scenery is long overdue. Some open space is calling! This was probably my 4th or 5th trip here in the last two weeks and without exception they have all been lovely walks and very productive. There was a subtle change today - I only saw a single White Admiral in 2.5 hours. Gatekeepers have probably taken over as the most numerous - they seemed to be on every bit of bramble or bracken. Similarly for Ringlets. Others of note were Red Admirals in abundance still, 2 Brimstone, some very fresh Peacocks on the top path and 3 Painted Lady. An unusual Purple Hairstreak in that it was settled on the track - trying to imitate its big brother (of which there were none seen). Plenty of Silver-washed Fritillary seen but some showing wear and tear as they nectar on the bramble. [Posted by Mark Wagstaff]
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| Gatekeeper - Whiteley Pastures Photo © Mark Wagstaff | Ringlet - Whiteley Pastures Photo © Mark Wagstaff | Ringlet - Whitely Pastures Photo © Mark Wagstaff |
Chalton Down. Photos from my visit to Chalton Down on 9th July. [Posted by Richard Symonds]
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| Chalkhill Blue male. Photo © Richard Symonds | Chalkhill Blue male. Photo © Richard Symonds | Brown Argus Photo © Richard Symonds |
Magdalen Hill - Chalk Hill Blues +. After another very enjoyable Branch field trip to Micheldever Woods I popped in on Magdalen Hill at about 15:00 in search of my first Chalk Hill Blues of the year. Starting from the footpath up from the layby on the A31 my first butterfly through the gate was a Comma closely followed by a Chalk Hill Blue. On my anti-clockwise walk around which included the both the extension and original areas I only ended up seeing one more CHB.
However the visit was certainly worthwhile with 20 species of butterfly, 3 moths, a quick chat with a Common Lizard which was sunbathing on the stile at the far end of the extension and a lovely sighting of a Peregrine firstly escaping the attention of a couple of crows and then circling over the hill for a few turns. Moth of the day went to the Hummingbird Hawk-moth which after its usual hectic buzzing around decided to give me my first ever chance of a photo of one at rest.
Butterflies seen at Magdalen included: Brimstones, Brown Argus, Chalk Hill Blue (2), Comma, Common Blue (3), Essex Skipper, Gatekeeper, Green-veined White, Large White, Meadow Brown, Marbled White, Painted Lady (4), Peacock, Red Admiral, Small Blue (2), Small Copper (2), Small Skipper, Small Tortoiseshell (3), Small White and Speckled Wood.
Moths: Hummingbird Hawk-moth, Silver Y and Six-spot Burnet. [Posted by Nic Burns]
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| Chalk Hill Blue Photo © Nic Burns | Hummingbird Hawk-moth Photo © Nic Burns | Peregrine Photo © Nic Burns |
Micheldever Wood Field Trip. It was raining in the car park as we all gathered and were wondering what the rest of the day held….although it wasn’t long before patches of blue sky appeared and we set off in to pastures new for our quarry the Purple Emperor. There were lots of Coniferous woodland on either side of the main ride, and very little sallow, and then we had good stands of mature Oak interspersed with sallow further along the ride. There were good areas of Blackberry bushes where there were good counts of White Admiral and Silver-washed Fritillary. The Red Admiral count went through the roof, and we had to be careful in the ride not to step on them. There were several newly hatched Painted Lady. In the last week or so there have been excellent counts of Purple Hairstreak, but today we really did struggle to find it. HIM never materialised in the morning, probably not warm enough.
In the afternoon we went to the Assembly point and as we arrived on the side of a very mature Beech tree I espied two male Purple Emperors having a good fight tumbling down and then splitting, this was at 13:45, by this time the sun was shining again after having a cloudier spell making it a lot warmer. We then got a low pass by a male swooping down just over our heads heading west at speed, at 14:00. We all gathered in the Assembly area but there wasn’t any action, just two males seen just flying over the tops of the oak and Ash tree. I suspect we missed a lot of the action when we were in the car-park having lunch when the sun was shining and it was a lot warmer. [Posted by Ashley Whitlock]
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| Red Admiral very common in the wood Photo © Ashley Whitlock | White Admiral Photo © Ashley Whitlock | Walking through the woods... Photo © Ashley Whitlock |
Longstock census. Many buddlejas beginning to flower at Longstock Park, attracting 8 Red Admirals and 1 Painted Lady (another on lavender). Further along the Test, more Red Admirals competing with Large Whites for the bramble flowers. Fresh Brimstones and whites, browns, and skippers elsewhere. An encouraging summer, so far. . [Posted by Andrew Brookes]
Chalton Down Chalkhill Blue. Today in company with my father I visited Chalton Down at Old Idsworth. Here the temperature reached 21 degrees in the late afternoon following unsettled weather in the morning. The downland slopes are now a habitat of grassy meadows following a decrease in the rabbit population. This has benefitted the Marbled Whites, Meadow Browns, Gatekeepers and Small Skippers with large numbers recorded. Among the grasses lower height turf was found where a fresh Brown Argus was recorded. Two Small Skippers were identified as Essex Skippers from photos taken. A through search across the most accessible areas was conducted where on a slope with less grass, a fresh male Chalk Hill Blue was recorded and was cooperative with several photos taken.
Totals: Brimstone 1F, Large White 1, Small White 8, Brown Argus 1, Chalk Hill Blue 1M, Common Blue 2M 4F, Gatekeeper 83, Marbled White 55, Meadow Brown 120, Ringlet 6, Small Heath 2, Comma 3, Red Admiral 5, Essex Skipper 2 and Small Skipper 72. [Posted by Richard Symonds]
Havant Thicket. Photos from my visit to Havant Thicket on 8th July. [Posted by Richard Symonds]
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| Brimstone male. Photo © Richard Symonds | Silver Washed Fritillary male. Photo © Richard Symonds | White Admiral Photo © Richard Symonds |
Havant Thicket. In company with my father I visited Havant Thicket, where in the late afternoon following thundery showers in the morning the temperature reached 23 degrees in humid sunshine. At total of 15 species were recorded, with a patch of large thistles close to construction work in connection with the new reservoir being a great nectar source for many specimens. Totals: Brimstone 5M 2F, Small White 3, Purple Hairstreak 1, Gatekeeper 25, Marbled White 1, Meadow Brown 13, Ringlet 23, Comma 2, Peacock 1, Red Admiral 12, Silver-washed Fritillary 10M 3F, White Admiral 3, Large Skipper 4 and Small Skipper 21. [Posted by Richard Symonds]
Abbotts Wood Inclosure. Photo from my visit to Abbotts Wood Inclosure on 7th July. [Posted by Richard Symonds]
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| Marbled White Photo © Richard Symonds |
Broxhead Common. Photos from Broxhead Common from my visit on 7th July. [Posted by Richard Symonds]
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| Silver Studded Blue female. Photo © Richard Symonds | Small Copper female. Photo © Richard Symonds |
Goose Green Inclosure. Photo from Goose Green Inclosure from my visit on 7th July. [Posted by Richard Charles Symonds]
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| Purple Hairstreak Photo © Richard Charles Symonds |
Straits Inclosure. Photos from my visit to Straits Inclosure on 7th July. [Posted by Richard Symonds]
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| Purple Emperor male Photo © Richard Symonds | Purple Emperor male Photo © Richard Symonds | Purple Hairstreak Photo © Richard Symonds |
Broxhead Common. With the temperature in the late afternoon reaching 28 degrees, the sandy heathland of Broxhead Common seemed like a desert. Here I searched for Silver-studded Blues and found in a relatively small area I walked 2 males and 2 females. Totals: Large White 1, Silver-studded Blue 2M 2F, Small Copper 2, Gatekeeper 1 and Meadow Brown 1. [Posted by Richard Symonds]
Abbots Wood Inclosure, Alice Holt Forest. Continuing my tour of Alice Holt sites, I visited Abbotts Wood Inclosure in the early afternoon where the temperature had climbed to 27 degrees. Here I was not lucky to see the Purple Emperor, possibly as it was too hot. I did however towards the far end of the track spot a fleeting glimpse of a male Silver-washed Fritillary which flew out of the undergrowth across the track beside me and disappeared into some dense bushes. I noticed in those few seconds the abnormal black patternation on the upper wings so presume it may have been the specimen of ab.occllata.Frings which has been recorded here in the last few days. Activity of the Purple Hairstreak was interesting with many active with over 30 seen, including 10 around one small oak. They were also flying out of the oaks and flying down close to the ground, a behavior I had not previously seen with this species and which may have been influenced by the high temperatures.
My totals: Brimstone 4M, Large White 6, Small White 11, Holly Blue 2, Purple Hairstreak 34, Marbled White 1, Meadow Brown 34, Ringlet 33, Red Admiral 5, Silver-washed Fritillary 10M 1F, White Admiral 5 and Small Skipper 8. [Posted by Richard Symonds]
Goose Green Inclosure, Alice Holt Forest. Visited Goose Green Inclosure, Alice Holt Forest where the temperature reached 26 degrees. This former stronghold of the Purple Emperor is now starting to become overgrown, with the once open vista covered in bracken and scrub. Despite this nine species were recorded even with the Purple Emperor being absent. Totals: Large White 4, Holly Blue 2, Purple Hairstreak 2, Gatekeeper 6, Meadow Brown 8, Ringlet 7, Red Admiral 1, Silver-washed Fritillary 8M 2F and Small Skipper 1. [Posted by Richard Symonds]
Straits Inclosure, Alice Holt Forest. In company with my father on my trip from Cornwall to see the Purple Emperor, I visited three sites in Alice Holt Forest starting with Straits Inclosure. The temperature here reached 25 degrees, where many Meadow Browns, Ringlets and Small Skippers were in flight. My target the Purple Emperor was seen first at 10.20 where a male flew past a sallow twice before disappearing. Next further along the main track another male flew past me and briefly landed on my left bicep before resting on a sallow bush where it sat from 10.53 to 11.03 about 5 feet from the ground where I was able to get some close closed wing photos. This male then flew down on the ground where it sat for 3 minutes feeding on fox faeces. Another sighting of a male at 11.11 before the dip in the main track before the electricity generator. A fourth sighting was on an oak near the second deer tower at 11.48. On leaving the site a female Purple Hairstreak flew past me and landed on grass by the side of the path. It was very calm and then flew onto a nearby dock. Two other lepidopterists who I showed this fresh, possibly newly emerged, specimen were able to entice the female onto his finger before flying high once more.
Total counts: Brimstone 2M 1F, Large White 11, Small White 12, Holly Blue 2, Purple Hairstreak 9, Gatekeeper 22, Marbled White 5, Meadow Brown 63, Ringlet 76, Small Heath 2, Comma 6, Peacock 1, Purple Emperor 4, Red Admiral 8, Silver-washed Fritillary 23M 10F, White Admiral 9, Large Skipper 1, Small Skipper 60 and Essex Skipper 2. [Posted by Richard Symonds]
Abbotts Wood Inclosure. Visited Alice Holt Forest on one of the hottest days of the year, and throughout the day looking up at the mighty Oaks today it became apparent that there were a lot of Purple Hairstreaks. Many were coming down to head height and feeding on the honeydew, and then alighting on the ferns and then feeding on Bramble. The other highlight today was seeing so many Silver-washed Fritillaries, I haven’t seen so many I don’t think for many years. A magic moment along the main ride when I espied a lovely ‘Valezina’ and it was in perfect condition, she was so perfect I was struck by its beauty, just by the light shining through the foliage of the Oaks dappled her silvery grey colours, as she flitted from bramble to bramble and occasionally warding off potential suitors.
On the Purple Emperor front I was in the wood early, but there was very little sign of HIM, until 10:20 when the first male was seen, and then it was just a few low passes as they were sallow searching and oak edging, one of the best passes was a large male in good condition passing right over the ride to follow the sallow line right to the back of the ride, this was on the time of 11:00, which signals the rush, although today it was just a dawdle around the ride for several of the males. I saw up to 9 Emperors, but this probably equates to about ¾ as there was probably more than one pass by several of the males.
The heat must have affected them as I visited 4 Assembly points in the afternoon and these were either empty or they were just too fagged out to bother squabbling over territories. [Posted by Ashley Whitlock]
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| Valezina Silver Washed Fritillary Photo © Ashley Whitlock | Female White Admiral Photo © Ashley Whitlock | Purple Hairstreak Photo © Ashley Whitlock |
Garden butterflies in Chandlers Ford. Today proved to be an excellent day for seeing a great range of different butterflies in our Chandlers Ford garden. We have a good range of nectar sources, and at this time of year marjoram is popular with many species, especially Gatekeeper, Meadow Brown and skippers. In total we recorded 11 different species whilst sitting outside having a cup of tea this morning, namely: Gatekeeper, Meadow Brown, Ringlet, Large Skipper, Small Skipper, Small White, Large White, Brimstone, Red Admiral, Comma and Small Tortoiseshell. We also saw Painted Lady and Green-veined White yesterday, and to date for 2023 our garden list is 23 species. A particular highlight of today was seeing a female Small Skipper lay a batch of eight eggs in the leaf sheath of Yorkshire Fog (Holcus lanatus) and adding to the list of those species that are confirmed to breed, or attempt breeding in our garden. [Posted by Andy Barker]
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| Garden habitat with marjoram Photo © Andy Barker | Small Skipper (male) on marjoram Photo © Andy Barker | Small Skipper eggs Photo © Andy Barker |
Painted Lady at Freshwater.. First sight of a Painted Lady this season for me today on our garden Buddleia. It is just started to flower and sees it's first customer. [Posted by Peter Hunt]
Urban White-letter Hairsteak on Havant Road. This morning walked the dog to the groomers and checked out the colony of White-letter Hairstreak on the Lobel cultivar Elm on the Havant Road outside of the doctor’s surgery. Sure enough several were flying high and there was a female searching for egg laying spots on one of the lower branches. [Posted by Mark Tutton]
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| Lobel Elm streetside Photo © Mark Tutton | Looking to lay an egg Photo © Mark Tutton |
Whiteley Pastures. Another lovely walk around Whiteley Pastures in perfect sun. Started early and it was quiet - but after 0930 ish the place came alive. It is literally teeming with butterflies. Lots of the usual suspects - Silver-washed Fritillaries, Comma, White Admirals, Skippers, Ringlets etc. The only species that seemed a little down on numbers from visits about 7-10 days ago were White Admirals - and some were very worn. In addition though there must have been a Red Admiral 'explosion' as they were everywhere and in prime condition. Also nice to see Brimstone (presumably 2nd generation?), my first Painted Lady of the year and also plenty of fresh looking Large Whites which I've not seen many of earlier in the year. No Purple Emperor - I was hoping for a female but as usual in Whiteley if I don't see one early (in the first week or so) they elude me. Wonderful day to be out though after murky conditions in the last few days. Right on cue even the Nightjar churred at just a few minutes before 1000! [Posted by Mark Wagstaff]
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| Silver Washed Fritillary - Whiteley Photo © Mark Wagstaff | White Admiral - Whiteley Photo © Mark Wagstaff | Painted Lady - Whiteley Photo © Mark Wagstaff |
St Catherine's Hill. At St Catherine's Hill staggered by the numbers of Red Admirals to be seen all over car park and along the new path in the restored lands. Worth a visit just to be be at eye level of the sallows growing along the old railway line. [Posted by Chris Piatkiewicz]
Browndown (North) Gosport. Public access to Browndown South was denied today as indicated by the red flag. My disappointment was well and truly assuaged by recording 23 species on a four hour walk around the adjacent northern expanse of former military training area. Of note was the return of Grayling; clearly some survived the burning of the heathland although the first was found on bramble blossom beneath the tree canopy on the main impacted-gravel path on exiting the main wood (heading south). The remainder were all on the heath flying right to the edge of the scorched area. At last Common Blue (two males) was recorded while numbers of Brown Argus are on the up. Small Heath was not seen nor any Green-veined White which given the damp river borders was a surprise. Total: Small Skipper/Essex Skipper (58); Meadow Brown (29); Brown Argus (8); Gatekeeper (66); Small Tortoiseshell (1); Red Admiral (13); Ringlet (9); Large Skipper (4); Small White (23)(incl 5F); White-letter Hairstreak (3); Speckled Wood (6); Purple Hairstreak (6); Brimstone (M)(2)(F)(3); Peacock (4); Marbled White (4); Holly Blue (1); White Admiral (4); Grayling (7); Large White (3); Comma (2); Small Copper (8); Common Blue (M)(2); Essex Skipper (2); Small Skipper (4). [Posted by Francis Plowman]
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| Gatekeeper Photo © Francis Plowman | Brown Argus Photo © Francis Plowman | Grayling on bramble blossom Photo © Francis Plowman |
Browndown (North) Gosport. Three more species' photos taken today. [Posted by Francis Plowman]
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| Small Copper mating pair Photo © Francis Plowman | Brimstone female Photo © Francis Plowman | White Admiral showing wear and tear Photo © Francis Plowman |
Haslar Sea Wall Car Park Scrub - Gosport. Ten species on a brief circulation (1010-1050) with the temperature at 19.5 deg C and under light clouds. All usual suspects today with numbers of Marbled Whites and skippers dwindling somewhat and Small Heath absent. Total: Small Copper (2); Small Skipper/Essex Skipper (20); Small White (10)(incl 2F); Gatekeeper (4); Small Skipper (3); Peacock (1); Meadow Brown (26); Essex Skipper (1); Marbled White (1); Red Admiral (2); Ringlet (1). [Posted by Francis Plowman]
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| Essex Skipper Photo © Francis Plowman | Small Copper Photo © Francis Plowman | Small Skipper Photo © Francis Plowman |
Painted Lady in North Baddesley. At last the first Painted Lady of the year seen here on my reserve at North Baddesley. Normally seen plenty here by now but not this year. 27 species of butterfly seen here so far this season. [Posted by kevin ross]
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| Pinted Lady Photo © kevin ross |
West Wood and Pitt Down Field Trip. Another day of cool cloudy conditions, and there wasn’t much hope of seeing much at 07:00 in the car park of West Wood, however by the time the field trip started the blue sky had appeared but so had the windier conditions, but we were extremely lucky to get away without a shower! The Emperor's now are reluctant to fly and when they do it for very short periods and with this in mind we scanned the tops of the trees for several hours falling short of anything resembling a Purple Emperor.
On the magic hour of 11:00 the Emperors had suddenly got out of bed and we saw several, but just glimpses of them Oak edging and flying across the main ride. What we did see a few of were Scarlet Tiger Moths, several were roosting in the tall grasses but several others were flying down the main ride. There were Silver-washed Fritillary mating and a couple of White Admirals, but on Pitt Down this year the Dark Green Fritillary was barely noticeable, only a couple being seen in the taller grasses where the Knapweed flowers.
I’d like to thank all who came especially the new faces and look forward to seeing you on the next field trip. [Posted by Ashley Whitlock]
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| Scarlett Tiger Moth Photo © Ashley Whitlock | Silver Washed Fritillaries Mating Photo © Ashley Whitlock | It went that way! Class of West Wood 2023 Photo © Ashley Whitlock |
Straits Inclosure. Following on from Abbotts Wood Inclosure, the following day I visited Straits Inclosure, where today it was really gloomy and breezy in the canopy. However there were several intervals of sunshine and after counting good numbers of Silver-washed Fritillary and White Admiral we saw at the magical time just after 11:00 a vista of up to 4 males having little bundles over the oaks and then parting their ways to Oak edge and sallow search. As we waited for the next instalment of flying I noticed a strange looking White Admiral sitting on a Hazel leaf. After looking at it through my long lens, which I will be grateful for, it turned out to be an ab: Obliterae, of which Straits Inclosure is quite famous for.
There were several more instances where males were searching the tops of the oaks coming from the west and ones coming from the east and they would tend to bump into each other and have a little fight and then go on their merry way. Today I counted up to twenty males just ambling about and searching for that elusive female. [Posted by Ashley Whitlock]
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| White Admiral ab: obliterae on Hazel Photo © Ashley Whitlock | Four Emperors in a vista at 11:00 Photo © Ashley Whitlock | Female Silver Washed Fritillary Photo © Ashley Whitlock |
Alice Holt Forest Field Trip. A good turnout at Hampshire’s most prestigious Purple Emperor site, made it for an early start at 0930, and once in the ride the cloudy conditions were hampering any real sightings of our quarry. I first blew my whistle at 0950, with a male Emperor flying fast over the main ride. We walked along the main ride stopping at major points having a look at all of the flora and fauna, with plenty of Silver-washed Fritillary including two aberrations, and White Admirals tormenting those who were convinced they were Purple Emperors, however these were certainly not confusing when several sightings came along with one male coming down halfway of a small Oak and clearly displaying all his regal Purple.
I espied many Purple Emperors Oak edging and sallow searching throughout the cloudy conditions but with sunny intervals with a stiff breeze at times. In the morning I counted up to (30) males and we made our way back to camp very happy about 12:50.
In the afternoon a few of us went back down into the woods and the breeze was well and truly battering the tops of the trees, hampering any further good counts, However I did find another Assembly Point and there was at least two males chasing and clashing with each other in the vista. The sun came out but for lengthier periods by mid-afternoon and there were still many males still Oak edging and sallow searching into the latter part of the afternoon. We had a close encounter with a Purple Hairstreak, on the way back.
As we went back to the carpark a male Purple Emperor came down from his lofty perch, and we got buzzed by him flying around each of us, and this was a marvellous experience, flying right down to waist height, although we were out of luck on the grounding front. I would like to thank all who came and made this a very enjoyable field trip. [Posted by Ashley Whitlock]
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| Silver-washed Fritillary ab: ocellata Frings Photo © Ashley Whitlock | New Assembly Point Photo © Ashley Whitlock | Purple Hairstreak on Oak Photo © Ashley Whitlock |
Silver-studded Blue at Miller's Pond LNR, Southampton. Very surprised to come across a Silver-studded Blue so far from it's normal habitat. I only managed an open wing photo on this morning's dog walk, so re-visited this afternoon between the showers.
While I was there I also had a nice bonus of a fresh Brown Argus. [Posted by Nic Burns]
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| Silver-studded Blue Photo © Nic Burns | Silver-studded Blue Photo © Nic Burns | Brown Argus Photo © Nic Burns |
Straits Inclosure - Alice Holt Forest. Weather conditions today were not promising, with the wind still blowing from the south-west under overcast skies with just occasionally sunny intervals. Undeterred, I journeyed once again to the Straits Inclosure, but it seemed as if the frequent Purple Emperor groundings of recent days have come to an abrupt end, with two observers reporting a solitary male coming down to the far-eastern end of the main gravel track, but not settling for more than a few moments before spiralling back to the high Oak canopies, not to be seen again. Quite by chance, though, I glimpsed this male taking sap from a tree trunk after an hour and more of unsuccessful searching, and this individual, as if sensing the camera from at least 80 feet away, continually imitated woodpecker behaviour by unhelpfully ducking behind the trunk and out of view, only to re-appear a few moments later! Purple Hairstreaks were in abundance today, but the main news of the afternoon, relayed to me by a couple who had previously spent the morning over in the Abbotts Wood Inclosure (where once again no PE groundings were seen) was the sighting of one of the most remarkable (and extremely rare!) aberrations of the Silver Washed Fritillary, var. ocellata, of which I was shown an extremely good photograph. True to form, I was in the wrong place at the time, but anybody planning on visiting Abbotts Wood this week should certainly keep an eye out for this specimen. [Posted by Michael Jameson]
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| Purple Emperor (m) on sap - Straits Inclosure Photo © Michael Jameson | Purple Emperor (m) on sap - Straits Inclosure Photo © Michael Jameson | Purple Hairstreak - Straits Inclosure Photo © Michael Jameson |
Abbotts Wood Inclosure - interesting finds.. I had a very enjoyable morning on the Branch field trip at Abbotts Wood Inclosure. And a stiff neck after continually searching for Purple Emperors and Purple Hairstreaks!
Anyway my finds of the day were a Ringlet and a Silver-washed Fritillary f.valesina [Posted by Nic Burns]
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| Ringlet ab. arete (I think) Photo © Nic Burns | Valesina Photo © Nic Burns |
Beaulieu Conservation Awareness Day. Great to meet Jacky Adams, (WCBS) Wider Countryside Butterfly Survey Co-ordinator and Nigel Owen BC Branch Species Champion for Grayling for Branch representation at Beaulieu’s Conservation Awareness Day at Buckler’s Hard organised by the New Forest Transect Group.
Visitors also had the delight of seeing the previous night's moth catch courtesy of a volunteer from Natural England with a very impressive moth ledger, in connection with a warden from an SSSI on the Beaulieu Estate. Participation at such events for the branch brings the reward of not only engaging with visitors on Lepidoptera species and habitat conservation but also the value we can bring together for the aims of conservation within the county of Hampshire and the IOW and the message that gets taken elsewhere. A satisfying day in this respect. Needless to say if you would like to volunteer with the branch on events get in touch with myself or Rupert Broadway, Chair of the Engagement Sub-committee. [Posted by Suzie Brown]
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| Photo © Suzie Brown | Photo © Suzie Brown | Photo © Suzie Brown |
Garden Essex in Portsmouth. Our kitchen extension has a roof light that acts as a great malaise trap when we have the patio doors open. Insects and butterflies fly in and automatically go up towards the light and get trapped. I always have a little aquarium net on hand to gather up hapless insects and release them out of harms way. The kitchen list stood at twelve species including, Clouded Yellow, but today I added another - Essex Skipper. My wife let me know that a skipper was in the rooflight so I dutifully stood on the counter top and netted it. Before releasing I popped it in a glass and took a couple of photos to check the ID and sure enough the antennae had the tell tale “dipped in ink” characteristics. It also means that is my 31st species within the City of Portsmouth [Posted by Mark Tutton]
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| Captive Essex Photo © Mark Tutton |
Monks Walk, Frater Fields & Woods, Gosport. July started well with 15 species recorded on a walk (1230-1510, 22-24 deg C) under mostly cloudy skies interspersed with really hot sunshine. Two 'new' summer species appeared - Peacock and, finally, Brown Argus. My estimation is that the vast majority of skippers here are Essex with the Butterfly Meadow grasses alive with them. The Small White count of six days ago (just 7) was today well overtaken with at least 34 noted included one mating pair. One young fox seen behind the MOD wire and a grey squirrel happily munching its way through the early fruit on the pear tree! Total: Small White (30(F)(4); Red Admiral (15); Comma (14); Gatekeeper (18); Ringlet (6); Meadow Brown (28); Large White (4); Small Skipper/Essex Skipper (106); Marbled White (18)(F)(2); Essex Skipper (17); Speckled Wood (8)(F)(1); Peacock (2); Small Skipper (1); Brown Argus (1); Holly Blue (3); Small Copper (1). [Posted by FRANCIS PLOWMAN]
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| Brown Argus Photo © FRANCIS PLOWMAN | Marbled White (female uppermost) Photo © FRANCIS PLOWMAN | Peacock Photo © FRANCIS PLOWMAN |
Drab Looper at West Wood. Many people go to West Wood and this time of year in search of Purple Emperor, but as well as an excellent range of woodland butterflies, the site also has a some interesting day-flying moths. Many of you may have spotted a Scarlet Tiger moth or two, and indeed, I saw one today, but I thought I'd highlight the Drab Looper moth. It's small, and easily overlooked, and not the most eye-catching species, but it has a rather restricted UK distribution. It's larvae feed on Wood Spurge in sunny clearings and woodland rides. I've recorded it at West Wood for quite a few years now, and today I saw six individuals, but there were probably more. You may have spotted a tiny moth seemingly drifting along the rides. This could well be a Drab Looper, but I usually like to see at least one settled to be sure of my identification. Today I found one that spent some time nectaring on Creeping Thistle, and allowed a few photos. [Posted by Andy Barker]
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| Drab Looper habitat Photo © Andy Barker | Drab Looper resting position Photo © Andy Barker | Drab Looper nectaring Photo © Andy Barker |
Long-tailed Blue eggs at Freshwater.. Result of Long-tailed Blue visit to my garden at Freshwater, Isle of Wight last Tuesday is discovery of several eggs on flower buds of Everlasting Pea. Hopefully hatch within one week and perhaps a new butterfly in one month. [Posted by Peter Hunt]
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| Photo © Peter Hunt | Photo © Peter Hunt |