Identification help needed. - Updated 17/08/18

[Old Wolf]

Thanks for the help Padfield.

More great news as I can add this to my list of first ever sightings this year (up to 3 now).

Do you have any tips on what I need to look for to identify it as a Chalkhill Blue? I really struggle with the Blues as they are all so alike.

[Padfield]

In the forewing there is a cell spot - a spot closer to the base than the large central one. That reduces the field (in the UK) to common, Adonis and chalkhill. The chequered fringes further reduce it to Adonis and chalkhill. The contrasting colours of forewing and hindwing, with rather chalky forewing, indicate chalkhill.

Blues get much, much easier with experience!

Guy

[Old Wolf]

Guy,
Thanks for the info. I never considered looking at them and using a process of elimination.

I will try this method in the future. Thanks again.

Old Wolf

[bugboy]

With a bit of practice you'll soon be wondering why you found them all so confusing.... well apart from Adonis and Chalkhill females.

[Old Wolf]

With a bit of practice you'll soon be wondering why you found them all so confusing.... well apart from Adonis and Chalkhill females.

Hopefully, but the trick is finding them first

[David M]

With a bit of practice you'll soon be wondering why you found them all so confusing.... well apart from Adonis and Chalkhill females.

Hopefully, but the trick is finding them first

I suspect both those species will be around in excellent numbers (I wonder how long it'll be till the summer brood of Adonis emerges) so there'll be plenty of opportunities to practice.

[Old Wolf]

More help required please

My daughter saved a caterpillar from a lake today and I need help identifying this bedraggled fellow please.

[Allan.W.]

Looks like a Buff=Tip .
Regards Allan.W.

[Old Wolf]

Brilliant. Thanks very much Allan.