Iridescent Meadow Brown

[Brian Arnold]

I my garden near Swanage on 27th July 2015 I saw this rather iridescent Meadow Brown. At first sight I assumed it was getting reflection from the flowers, but whenever it opened its wings it looked the same except when viewed sideways on when the iridescence did not show. I looked at the UK Butterflies site and see that there are 2 subspecies known as Jurtina and Insularis which can have this iridescent appearance. The Insularis version is known to be in the south coast area. The underside looked quite normal - no sign of any green or blue. Have I just had too many glasses of wine or is this specimen something different?

[David M]

Of the multi thousands of Meadow Browns I've seen over the years, I've never noticed any element of blue on the wings in any type of light.

Most unusual.