bugboy wrote:I think they are mostly hybrids of various European and Asian Elm spp. Luckily the Hairstreak doesn't seem to be particularly fussy, any Elm will do, although I've seen it written that Wych Elm is preferred.

I know the Ademuz variety is a “Spanish field Elm” Jamie’s diary has more info about it.

I would be keen to know more about the resistant strains of Elm. Are they the same species as the native Elm? Actually Jamie Burston has some information about the types of DED resistant Elm’s used in his excellent personal diary here. http://www.ukbutterflies.co.uk/phpBB/viewtopic.php?f=29&t=8...

Sorry guys, I have been trying to get some news on here re White-letter Hairstreak eggs in Scotland this past few days. Thanks Iain :D Great story James. Well done for taking the initiative. It is pleasing to find a landowner who is so positive. I am amazed that there aren't more like that. I would...

Thanks James. I can see that the Owls and Morpho's are now part of Satyrinae subfamily which I wasn't aware of before. It's almost a wall worthy diagram

You're not kidding! A very interesting diagram indeed!

Having seen my First WLHS last year i think you've done a fantastic job and really stuck to your guns in doing so :D I've just posted about a find of WLHS eggs in Scotland . Goldie :D Thanks Goldie :D WOW White-Letter Hairstreaks in eastern Scotland! Who'd have thought it! You kept that one quiet, ...

Absolutely wonderful story - well done you :D :D :D . Tony M. Thanks Tony, it’s great to know you can still encounter the help and generosity of total strangers. Yes, great stuff James. I remember you telling me about this up on High and Over last year. After I found and reported a WLH egg a month ...

bugboy wrote:I just wish the chart on the right wasn't so low resolution, it would help me get my head around who's who's cousins!

Here you go Paul.

http://www.cell.com/cms/attachment/2119 ... r1_lrg.jpg

Captains Log: About 5 years ago, while on the look out for White-letter Hairstreak colonies in Sussex, I was delighted to stumble upon a particularly large and healthy example thriving on some private land. Stardate: 2014 1.WLH 2014.jpg 2.WLH 2014.jpg 3.WLH 2014.jpg Over the next couple of years I ...

Very nice James! Where did you find the Emperor moths? Happy Christmas to you too :D Cheers John Cheers John, you can find Emperor Moths all along the South coast, these particular ones were quite local - on the outskirts of Seaford. Having said that they are not easy to find we just got very lucky...

badgerbob wrote:That was a pretty special day James. You could even call it an 'Emperor of a day'!!

All the best to you all and see you on the other side!!

Indeed it was Bob! Can't get a better start to the season than having an Emperor of a day!!

My best Xmas wishes to you, see you soon - not long to wait now.

A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL! Every spring I look forward to meeting up with my friend Bob on our first foray into the Sussex countryside, and this year would prove to be a rather special and memorable start to the season when we had a wonderful encounter with these beautiful creatures. It was a r...

Great QOS sequence Gary! I’m pleased you made it over to enjoy the spectacle. Excellent reports and images from your transect too. I hope to join you up there next year.

Best wishes

James

That’s a very smart Comma Goldie, the white comma really stands out from the dark underside. I think you might be in luck, there appears to be a window of decent weather this coming week.

Best wishes

James

Glad to see you enjoying the last of this seasons butterflies Trevor. I think my season is pretty much over for this year. Overall it’s been great, see you out there again somewhere next year.

BW’s

James

A second brood Dingy is always a great find, seems they were widespread this year with a couple seen over here too. My shot was terrible compared to yours though! If feels a bit odd having autumn arrive on time this year, I’ve been getting used to summer lasting until the end of October. Cheers James

Very handsome Peacock there Katrina! Good to see you’re still finding some fresh butterflies. The weather has been a bit dodgy lately, seems autumn is on time this year.

ATB

James

Life goes on despite the weather, it’s often surprising what you can find in unpromising conditions. Good to see you succeeded against the odds. Great Copper shots on your previous post, I particularly like the closed wing photo.

Neil Hulme wrote:It's too early to report on yet, but I'm working on a Fritillaries for the Future project which will dwarf everything else I've ever been involved with.

That sounds very exciting indeed! I look forward to learning all about it when you’re ready to reveal the grand plan.

ATB

James

What a beautifully marked female Wall :D :mrgreen: That second Red Admiral shot is a cracker too - those red,evil eyes watching you :shock: :D Have a goodun Wurzel She was a cracking specimen Wurzel :D those red eyes you pointed out are one of the reasons I liked the shot from that angle. :wink: Gr...

If this turns out to be your last time (or not) I think it's safe to look back and say it's been a fantastically enjoyable and memorable year! Not least the time we spent as a group together at Abbots Wood - absolutely terrific! And what an exceptional year it's been for Purple and Brown Hairstreaks...