Very refreshing to see something exotic.
Chris

It sounds like you were reluctant to end your journey home!
Chris

Now this was a fluke shot of form helice. I doubt if I'll ever get another one like it again, but this has raised the bar and given me a goal to reach. I can't wait for next season already - it might require some investment in better photo gear.
Chris

This is not a common sight down my way (perhaps 2 sightings a year if I'm lucky) so I was happy to see this one in the garden, AND it posed for a shot at point-blank range. Having 11 buddleias in a 60 m2 garden does tend to attract passing BFs.
Chris

Another French cousin here I'm afraid! I quite like this shot because of the full underwing view. All the other piccies above are great - Bravo!!

This is the first time I'd ever seen a Chalkhill Blue, this one was at 1600 m in the Alpes de Haute Provence in July 2013. Sorry I haven't got any from the UK - this is a French cousin!

Roger Gibbons wrote:Some friends of ours who live in Callas in Var

Thanks for the links Roger. Very interesting viewing with a clear ecological message. The skill and patience necessary in the filming is praise-worthy.
Chris.

Hi David and Russ,
I hear you've got some bad weather arriving soon back in the UK, so batten down the hatches!
Cheers
Chris

Hi all, Just to say that we are still keeping going here for the moment in the Med. This week there were a few of the following on the wing: Large Whites, Clouded Yellows, Painted Ladies, Red Admirals. Here below are 3 photos: A Crimson Speckled Footman, who puts in an appearance at precisely this t...

I like your Mantis, though I doubt your BFs would want to get too close. Once again, I'm not an expert but I bet your croce a is an helice . I'm seeing plenty down here in the South - either there are lots of them this year, or its just that I've never noticed them before. By the way, that yellow fo...

Hi Russ,
I see they are all feeding on Dittrichia viscosa - Fleabane - which is pretty typical for the end of the season. Down here in the South it is one of the last flowers around to feed on. Even now (mid October) much of it has gone over although some may resist another week.
Cheers. CJ.

There were plenty around. Impressive!
Chris

Excellent find Russ. Now that is one I'd like to get a photo of!!
Let's see what the experts say.
By the way, your second shot of a Striped Grayling was more the average colour I'd expect to see.
CJ

Thats great Vince.
Thanks, CJ

Hi Vince,
Must the photo of the given species have been taken in the UK ?
Thanks
CJ

I'm learning loads of things thanks to you all !!
CJ

Thank you Colin and David,
Glad to see the continental / ex-continental contingent are always there !!
And indeed your photo Colin is a perfect match.
Thanks
CJ

Hi, I got a couple of decent shots of this BF near Marseilles this afternoon. Although they are quite clear, the more I browse through my reference books the more unsure I get. This is a rare sight in this particular place. Can someone ID it for me please. Fortunately in this end of season there are...

Hi Russ, Looks like there was plenty on the wing then, and that Swallowtail must have been the icing on the cake. Keep an open mind, your Clouded Yellow may be crocea f. helice, but lets hope you get an expert opinion. Just confirming that your Striped Graying higher up is indeed one (they are quite...

C'est vrai David