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Lovely to see there are still fresh specimens in the UK after several weeks of dry, baking weather, Mark.

Looking forward to your images of mariposas de espana!

It’s going to take a while, David!

MONTES UNIVERSALES.

For a country where summers are hot sunny and dry, the variety of habitats we visited in Spain was surprisingly diverse, even quite lush in places, which to me, was most unexpected. So perhaps I will separate my pictures into habitat groups though, it must be said, some species were found in more than one area.

Several dry, stony river beds were visited. Here is a picture. Spanish Chalkhill Blues were common here, my first ever. Paler than our Chalkhill Blues, but the same size, and using the same foodplants, horseshoe vetch. Among the many Gatekeepers present in this habitat,I was pleased to find Southern Gatekeepers, another lifer for me. Spanish Gatekeepers were also found, but their flight-season is earlier than the others, so I only saw faded females. But they were most welcome!

Essex with these Gatekeepers you're really spoiling us

Have a goodun

Wurzel

That’s the aim, Wurzel

Southern Hermit were found at several locations, usually where it was dry and stony. This, I think, is Southern Marbled Skipper. Oberthur’s Anomolous Blues were everywhere, in many different habitats. With lots of Phlomis Sage plants around, in dry sites of all kinds, Sage Skippers were common in many areas. Striped Graylings were hard to spot, among the stones. They were seeking shade by the middle of the day. And lastly, for now, the Black Satyr. Fairly common in hot, rocky areas. This is a male.

Great stuff, Mark. You concentrated on some of the species that I was rather guilty of ignoring.

I'm no expert on Hermit/Southern Hermit, but your second 'Southern Hermit' might well be an 'ordinary' Hermit. Who cares? Both were seen in decent numbers and they are lovely butterflies.

Sorry for late reply, just back from (wet) Dorset. Checking the Paul Browning book-sorry David, teasing you there!- the second Hermit picture is the f. uhagonis variety of female Southern Hermit.

Also abundant in dry habitat, in fact grassland of all types , were Iberian Marbled Whites. And Bath Whites, though in much lower numbers. A few Tree Grayling were seen during our week, their dark markings confused us for a while. Dusky Heath were fairly common, mostly in dry, stony areas. I think this is Tufted Marbled Skipper. And lastly for now, a Hermit.

Despite the hot, dry weather in Spain in summer, the grasslands in places was surprisingly damp and lush. Here is an example of the damp grass and woodland edge habitat that we visited. Butterflies in such surroundings were abundant, in both numbers and diversity.

Happy memories, Mark (even though they are less than three weeks old).

That last spot was quite remarkable, and I could happily spend several hours every day there for a couple of weeks without getting bored!

Azure Chalkhill Blues were one of the pleasures of the trip. We were excited to find the first one, but as the week progressed, they were seen in greater numbers. Marbled Fritillaries were found in low numbers here. Dusky Meadow Browns were seen throughout the week. It wouldn’t be Spain without the Queen of Spain Fritillary. They turned up in ones and twos in many sites. The False Grayling was seen in the second half of the week. This one got a bit too close to one photographer! Although mostly fairly worn, Southern White Admiral were seen in decent numbers.

For some reason I find that Dusky Heath rather attractive and of course the Queen of Spain Frit - but you captured on camera so many lovely butterflies on your trip you must be well-chuffed.

I am well chuffed, you had to see it to believe it, Ernie!

Also in this habitat, Rock Graylings were very abundant! In contrast, just one Meadow Fritillary was seen. Lesser Marbled Fritillaries were more common, especially in the second half of the week. Spotted Fritillaries are a spectacular species, and I always hope to see them when I go to Europe. Mother of Pearl Blues were one of our target species for the Montes Universales, and I’m pleased to say they were fairly common.

What a brilliant selection Mark, lovely stuff.

What a great variety of butterflies. I have enjoyed looking at your pictures. What dates were you there? We always go on holiday to Spain during the first two weeks in July and I usually see the same species each time. Maybe, now the kids are grown up we can go on holiday a little earlier or later to see some different butterflies! (I am sure my wife wouldn't mind!! lol!)

What a great haul of species and all brilliantly photographed. What a brilliant trip it looked like.

I am especially envious of you managing to capture the silvery, electric blue colour of the Chalk Hill which is something I failed to do recently, albeit with their cousins found here.

Hi Nick. We were there from 28 July to 4 August. I would wholeheartedly recommend a trip there at this time. I am astonished at the stuff we saw there and, with virtually guaranteed weather as well, few places would be more productive!

Thanks Old Wolf. The Chalkhill Blues, as well as the other species, were most impressive!

Damon Blues were new for me. They became more common as the week progressed. Oriental Meadow Brown was also a new one for me. Lang’s Short Tailed Blues were present in low numbers. Sticking with the Blues, Turquoise Blues were seen in ones and twos in several places. And, in the same family, Spanish Brown Argus were fairly common. They are similar to our Brown Argus, but have richer markings.

Wow - looks like I need to book the family holiday to Spain next year Essex Some truely stunning butterfly species

Have a goodun

Wurzel

You should, Wurzel. I’m sure Mrs. Wurzel would love the hot sunny climate as well. But you’ll have to be good!

Zapater’s Ringlet was a big target for the group. We were at the very beginning of the flight season and it was touch and go whether were would find it. We only saw a couple, and I snatched a couple of pictures. Very similar to the Scotch Argus. Blue Spot Hairstreaks were seen in low numbers throughout the week. A few Knapweed Fritillaries were found, mostly worn individuals. They are usually double brooded, so were probably coming to an end.

Great that you got the Zapater's Ringlet, Mark. This is a butterfly I need to study in greater detail. We now know that it 'puddles', so sooner or later they should be found in numbers around a water course!