Notes and Views - November 2018

[Vince Massimo]

The unusual sight of a mating pair of Brown Argus was witnessed by David Cook and Vince Massimo at Mill Hill, Sussex on 2nd November. Reported on UKB sightings forum viewtopic.php?f=8&t=9992#p138716

Brown Argus pair 2-Nov-2018 (Vince Massimo)

David Cook later reported that Brown Argus continued to fly at the site until 14th November via the Sussex BC branch website https://www.sussex-butterflies.org.uk/sightings/

Vince

[Vince Massimo]

Regular sightings of fresh Holly Blues in November in recent years confirms that a partial third brood is possible in the south of Britain. This year a fresh male and female were photographed at Stanwell Moor, Middlesex by Dave Miller on 14th November. Reported on UKB personal diary viewtopic.php?f=29&t=6157&start=2800

Holly Blue 14-Nov-2018 (Dave Miller)

Vince

[Vince Massimo]

A fresh male Clouded Yellow was photographed at Mill Hill, Sussex by David Cook on 30th November, indicating just how resilient the adults of this species can be. Reported on Sussex BC branch website https://www.sussex-butterflies.org.uk/sightings/

Clouded Yellow 30-Nov-2018 (David Cook)

Two weeks earlier, on 14th November, David also witnessed egg laying by this species at the same site.
These sightings and activity indicate that potential overwintering of larvae of this species may be spreading away from the recognised location at Southbourne undercliff near Bournmouth.

Vince

[David M]

Fabulous to see them at all, let alone on the last day of November!!

Nice in-flight image too.