A Study of the Life Cycle of the Chequered Skipper Butterfly

[Pete Eeles]

Something I've been promising for at least 6 months has now been published! I needed to do something to keep me occupied while on holiday (when I "go quiet" on UKB there is normally a good reason!), and this is the result:

http://www.dispar.org/reference.php?id=119

I hope you enjoy the read, especially those of you looking to search out Chequered Skipper at some point (I deliberately included site descriptions as part of the article).

All comments welcome, as ever.

Cheers,

- Pete

[Neil Hulme]

Brilliant. I haven't had time to read every word yet, but will do.
I'm fast giving in to the urge to make a return visit.
BWs, Neil

P.S. I was becoming slightly concerned that that image was not going to appear!

[Padfield]

You're a hero, Pete. To do all this work entirely in the wild, especially given that you live in the South of the UK, is a fantastic example of respect and dedication.

I presume the contracting of the silk as it dries explains how white admiral larvae stitch themselves up too - I have wondered about this. They must cut the leaves a bit, wait for them to start curling, then lay the silk, which will close up the hibernacula.

Next, you will have to come out to CH again and compare your findings with our populations.

Guy

[Pete Eeles]

P.S. I was becoming slightly concerned that that image was not going to appear!

Thanks Neil. Yes, I thought I'd leave you in suspense

Cheers,

- Pete

[Pete Eeles]

Thanks Guy!

... is a fantastic example of respect and dedication.

That's not what my wife called it

I presume the contracting of the silk as it dries explains how white admiral larvae stitch themselves up too.

I believe so, and have another article in the works describing the 4 types of hibernacula where I mention this.

Next, you will have to come out to CH again and compare your findings with our populations.

Indeed - it's been a while! Martin Warren has studied the continental populations, although I've not read the results. But I believe that they're sufficiently different in terms of both genetics and behaviour to use them as the donor population into a Northants site.

Cheers,

- Pete

[David M]

That's even more stunning than it is comprehensive, Pete. I shudder to think of the number of hours you've invested over the years. A real labour of love and a true education for those interested not just in Chequered Skippers, but in butterflies generally.

[Trev Sawyer]

I don't post much on here nowadays, but that is a truly amazing piece of work Pete - Just superb - Well done!

Trev

[Vince Massimo]

A superb piece of work, Pete .
The larval images were outstanding, but I also liked the site descriptions and evocative photos.
A new benchmark has been set for making observations in the wild of which you should be rightly proud

Vince

[Chris Jackson]

An excellent in-depth study, Pete.
Great reading - you've set the bar high.
Chris

[Neil Freeman]

A really excellent article Pete

Thanks for the mention, I feel really glad and privileged to have been of help in a very small way and really enjoyed discussing first hand with you some of the points raised in the article.

Cheers,

Neil.

[Paul Harfield]

Superb. You are an inspiration to us all

[peterc]

A most impressive article, Pete. And to include over 100 superb images as well. Well done

ATB

Peter

[Pete Eeles]

Thanks David, Trev, Vince, Chris, Neil, Paul, Peter - I'm very flattered! I certainly appreciate the positive response since it makes it all the more worthwhile when fellow enthusiasts get something from the article

Cheers,

- Pete

[bugboy]

Do I hear whispers of Eeles and Frowhawk in the same sentance...! An extremely interesting article

[Pete Eeles]

Thanks Paul!

Cheers,

- Pete

[selbypaul]

Fantastic article Pete. Seriously amazing work
Paul

[Pete Eeles]

Thanks Paul!

Cheers,

- Pete