Thank you all for the comments, it does cheer me, it seems that I was lucky enough to see a species on every ones wish list.

Thanks Roger, I was puzzled so I plumped for athalia, varia will do very nicely thank you.

As we left Camping St James I wondered if there is a patron Saint for  lepidopterists, if not I will nominate St James, may be he will bring me luck today. We left early hoping to avoid the crowded roads and drove to Briancon choosing it as an alternative route to the narrow gorge from Guillestre to...

I am very grateful David, they were found exactly at the site you recommended at the Col de Vars.Please can you take a look at the Skippers and Erebia, I can then add them to my reference folder.
This has made our journey worthwhile given all the problems that we encountered.
Next stop Col d'Izoard.

No kidding Pete, you have made my day, the best is yet to come.

Is there a specific area where you have posted butterflies from this particular trip, Jim? Hi David, no specific page, as you kindly gave me the information on this site I thought it would be of interest to you. https://jamesgibbs6929.zenfolio.com/ Today is Fritillary day, not as many as I had hope...

Over to you David , https://jamesgibbs6929.zenfolio.com/ The  Erebia , there were ten or so flitting around our camper but never stopping ,however two, sometimes three came in to inspect our travelling home, iPhone picture. IMG_4495 3x2.jpg Skippers. Olive Skipper (Pyrgus serratulae)  ? I'm guessing...

Leaving Valjouffrey we continued our journey towards Gap making a stop at a disused quarry north of Gap, where I had previously found some interesting species, on this occasion only a Black Satyr. Satyrus actaea greeted me JUL_0363 La Rochette Haute Alps 3x2.jpg , avoiding Gap by a steep narrow back...

Thanks you both,Guy ,Roger.
I have found a better shot of one of the skippers, it somehow ended in the bin, and have attempted to enhanced the aethiops ? picture, I hope this helps.

https://jamesgibbs6929.zenfolio.com/

Valjouffrey, Isère ,continued https://jamesgibbs6929.zenfolio.com/ Taking a stroll in the neighbouring field I spotted this amorous couple, my favorite picture of the day. JUL_0343 Wood White (Leptidea sinapis) 3x2.jpg Dark Green Fritillary (Argynnis aglaja). JUL_0300 Dark Green Fritillary (Argynnis...

Now for the Butterflies. From Grenoble we took the Route Napoleon, the road is demanding to drive but scenically very beautiful , we waved to old Bony as we passed by the Prairie de la Rencontre , and continued on, finally we arrived at the small parking space just below the village of Vajouffrey, I...

Breakfast this morning was slightly disappointing. I was presented with a tray containing a rather small piece of French bread, a tiny piece of toast, and one of the smallest croissants I have ever seen, along with a pot of jam (miniature of course) and a small glass of orange juice. I asked madame...

Many thanks Guy, I believe the moth justifies its English name Purple-shaded gem, lovely subtle colours , it was fascinating to watch it greedily nectering on the scabious flower.Pictures no 3 and 4 may be of a different species found at the same location if memory serves.

More Moths
https://jamesgibbs6929.zenfolio.com Day flying moths at L'Echalp 1800m


I do hope somone can put a name to this magnificent moth, one of my best finds at L'Echalp

More Moths from Camping Le Gouret.
Day flying Moths to follow.
https://jamesgibbs6929.zenfolio.com

More Moths from Camping Le Gouret , the best are yet to come.
https://jamesgibbs6929.zenfolio.com

A challenging trip to the Alps with the dark cloud of Corvid overhanging us, nevertheless we were able to enjoy the mountains, the sky was blue and we could avoid the crowds rushing to enjoy themselves regardless of any fears that they may have had. The Alpine locations we visit are fairly remote, w...

Hi David , you timed your visit to France well, we arrived at Nevache yesterday and found the place swarming with visitors, the mountain road leading up from the Village was barred, access limited by Navette, a large queue was patiently waiting their turn, most without masks, we decided to move on, ...

26-07-2020. David thank you for the ID (Montana) another first to add to my growing list of French butterflies. Checked out the moth population in the ablutions, and then prepared to return to l’Echalp, this morning I drove to the upper park. The access road is a stone track but drivable, we parked ...

Ristolas, l’Echalp . A simple drive up to l’Echalp from our campsite and found the place we had parked a few years ago, I had no great expectations, in the event it turned out to be one of the most exciting day’s butterflying I have experienced, on my first visit I was excited to find my first Damon...