June 2020

[Bertl]

Thanks for your help David with that ID.

[Allan.W.]

A few pictures from local sites(in Kent ) ,from the last few days ,the Coppers are from Dungeness ,the White Letters from a well known site on Romney marsh ,and the Small White from Temple Ewell . Regards Allan.W.

[Jack Harrison]

Many years ago (we're talking about early 1980s) just along the road from Cambus o' May near the garage at Dinnet, Northern Brown Argus was on roadside verges.  Also found them in a clearing on the track up behind Crathie Church, Balmoral.

A meadow by the old Invercauld Bridge near Braemar had an isolated colony of Scotch Argus.  Of course, Scotch Argus is widespread and abundant further west - I even get them in my garden near Nairn.

Jack

[Bertl]

Jack, the Northern Brown Argus is still on my list of butterflies I have to see. Here’s hoping I can locate a decent site on Deeside.

[David M]

A few pictures from local sites(in Kent ) ,from the last few days ,the Coppers are from Dungeness ,the White Letters from a well known site on Romney marsh ,and the Small White from Temple Ewell

Very nice, Allan. Small Coppers in cop are enviable, but White Letter Hairstreaks nectaring at eye level are precious. You are so, so lucky to have a site where you can see that.

[David M]

Saturday 20th, Bernwood Forest, saw excellent numbers of butterflies. Meadow Browns, Large Skippers and Marbled Whites were into the hundreds despite largely cloudy conditions.

Best of the bunch were a dozen or so Silver Washed Fritillaries, three White Admirals and a solitary Black Hairstreak:

[Allan.W.]

Thanks David ,
I,ve been visiting this particular tree along the Royal military canal on Romney marsh ,Kent,for easily 30+ years ,and could count on one hand,the times I,ve seen the White Letters down so low on the brambles ……………………….as for pictures, a case of making hay ,while the sun shines !
The host tree is a magnificent Huntingdon Elm ,and one of only two original survivors,which once lined the north bank of the canal and were planted when the canal was dug in 1807 (ish) during the Napoleonic wars . But curiously enough most of my regular sightings of WLH ,come from the small Sucker Elms ,that sprout (for a few years !),along the ditches (back dykes ) close to the main tree.
Regards Allan.W.

[adrian riley]

Jack, the Northern Brown Argus is still on my list of butterflies I have to see. Here’s hoping I can locate a decent site on Deeside.

Hi, there
If it's of any use I have just returned from Cumbria and there were 20+ NBA at Latterbarrow.
Cheers, Adrian

[David M]

Wednesday 24th - 31 Large Blues seen at Daneway Banks, Gloucestershire on a beautiful morning.

This site has largely recovered from drying out in early June I'm pleased to say and things are looking quite lively there at the moment.

[Bertl]

Adrian thanks for the tip on NBA site. I have heard Whitbarrow Scar is also a great butterfly site to visit.

[Jack Harrison]

Your Large Blue pictures David show the hind wing sheen beautfully. I have seen Large Blue but never looking as splendid as that.

Jack

[Allan.W.]

Totally agree with Jack , some excellent shots there David ,particularly the pair ,something I have been lucky enough to find myself ,but definitely not captured as well ,and never managed a decent upperside shot...……………………..nice one !
Regards Allan.W.

[Jack Harrison]

I posted this on 20th June

I presume it's an Orange Tip but it is a monster at 5 cms length.

I didn't actually see the transformation so can only conclude that this is a parasite:

20-06-29-001-Pupa.jpg (23.03 KiB) Viewed 1205 times

This is the first time I have come across a parasitised Orange Tip (if that is indeed the explanation)

Jack

[David M]

Thanks, Jack/Allan. I was surprised to see so many fresh individuals on the site given it's been an early year but I guess when the heatwave broke on 2nd June, not all the adults had emerged meaning that the life cycle slowed down somewhat.

The females are particularly glorious when in mint condition, with that lovely metallic blue sheen at the base of the hindwings - a joy to see!

[bugboy]

I posted this on 20th June

20-06-20-026-OrangeTip.jpg

I presume it's an Orange Tip but it is a monster at 5 cms length.

I didn't actually see the transformation so can only conclude that this is a parasite:
20-06-29-001-Pupa.jpg
This is the first time I have come across a parasitised Orange Tip (if that is indeed the explanation)

Jack

Hi Jack, I missed that caterpillar when you first posted it. It's not an Orange-tip though. I'm at work currently so don't have any books at hand to flick through but it's a moth of some sort. Hang on to the pupae and see what emerges. If I can identify the caterpillar I'll let you know, the pupae looks a bit noctuidae but they all look very similar.

[Trev Sawyer]

It does look like a Noctuid moth. Maybe a Sword Grass or a Grey Chi?.. I think the colours can vary quite a bit, so you will have to see what it turns into and let us know Jack. If it is one of the above, it probably won't hatch until September or beyond.

[Stevieb]

Very dull, overcast and windy today but our walk brightened up by this nice fresh ♂ Gatekeeper.

29th June

29th June

[Allan.W.]

Hello Jack ,I agree with Trev ,good call ! I reckon its Grey Chi (Antitype Chi ) ,keep it ,and see what occurs !
Regards Allan.W.

[Chris L]

Those Large Blue photos are fantastic David. I was unaware that they were in Gloucestershire. Mental note made of that.

[David M]

Those Large Blue photos are fantastic David. I was unaware that they were in Gloucestershire. Mental note made of that.

Yes, Otep, there are two public access sites for this species and Daneway Banks is one of them. It's a beautiful site and well worth a visit so if you get chance.....