Thanks Paul - never seen one before. Presumably it carries all that stuff on its back for camouflage - like the WA larva.

Seen in the garden recently. A few mm long carrying bits of stuff on its bristles. Grateful for any ideas?

There have been a number of constraints on me this season which have been outside of my control. These have significantly impacted the number of butterfly outings I have been able to enjoy and severely restricted my time at venues. As a result I was not able to spend as much time as I would have lik...

Thank you David. That's an interesting question. I wish I could answer it but I have no idea. Perhaps temperature or other factors have an influence. Maybe someone more experienced than me could provide some input.

Thank you Neil. I was quite pleased with some of thoose shots.

Very nice BH images Trevor - particularly like the 1st and 3rd.

Thanks Dave. I am feeling a bit frustrated as it all happened so very fast - the emergence and the pumping up of the wings (much faster than many butterflies I have reared). I really didn't know quite what to expect and was somewhat unprepared, experiencing focusing problems with the camera. That's ...

It was a large pupa Katrina which made me think it was perhaps female, and certainly the liveliest I have ever seen. It made itself very clear as to where it wanted to be positioned. 10 mins after the last shot was taken the moth emerged. It happened very fast. A quick shot of the end result: P11502...

That's a very generous offer Scott. I'm sure whoever takes you up on it will not be disappointed. Let's hope you're not inundated eh?!! Save some room for me!

I think an update on that HBHM pupa is about due (because it's raining :) ). I think the pupal stage of any butterfly or moth is an interesting one and not one I really fully understand. However, there are some really beautiful pupa around and I don't think they are as appreciated as much as perhaps...

Cheers Wurzel - I don't think that sounds like something Ian would do. Hi David, Neil - that's exactly right. There has been more firing noted of late (hence the site being closed for much longer), the local rumour being that they are training the Ukrainians. Who knows? Yesterday I made the mistake ...

Just catching up with your diary David. You must know by now that I admire something a bit different. Whilst your BH shots with open wings are really lovely the images I admire the most are the ones with the acorn and sloe - very unusual and fall into that category of ones I wish I'd taken. Sooooo e...

Lovely to hear from you Guy - yes, it was wonderful to see the Brown Hairstreaks; several at once made it quite special. Thank you for the ID too. There seemed to be lots of different types there but I was focused on the Grayling. Must pay more attention when I return. If anyone else had told me the...

September is often a good month for me Wurzel. I was delighted to see those Hairstreaks. Today was another good day and for that I must thank Scott - AGAIN!!!!!! :D :D I was only 3.5 mins away from where I live. I don't usually post scenic shots but here are a few: P1150048d.jpg P1150049d.jpg P11500...

Really appreciate the ID Allan - thank you. I have been very interested to rear the HBHM and hope it won't be long before I see the end result. Very pleased you liked the BH shots. Like you, I imagine I shall have more time next season so who knows what we might discover???? :) Cheers Wurzel - I am ...

Some fresh looking specimens there David, nicely captured. I don't think I've seen 7 this whole season, let alone on one visit. It used to be possible at Noar Hill but not any more

It's generous of you to say so Wurzel but I can't agree with you. Trouble is, if I waited until I had some 'mighty fine' images then I'd never post anything!!! :roll: :) I really don't know how to get better shots with this camera - I'm beginning to think that this is the best it can do. I'd be inte...

Sounds like the perfect Bank Holiday Katrina Lovely shots of the BH and well done with the LTB. You are making it look so easy!

I'd love to go out looking at butterflies with you Allan - yet another Ab!!!!! Perhaps your nickname should be 'Hawkeye' It just goes to show how each and every specimen should be carefully observed. Well done.

Well, I didn't find any LTB (still time perhaps :) ) but there were a couple of HBHM. I focused on the larger of the 2 which I think is the female. How I would love to be able to 'freeze' this movement and get some sharp shots. Perhaps I need to explore the video capability. P1140856ad.jpg P1140858a...

Gorgeous! - also sounds like you still have time for more!!!