The Alps 2019 From Briancon to Barcelonnette via the Col des Var.

[Medard]

From Briancon to Barcelonnette via the Col des Var.

Col de Bonette 2715 m, 8907 ft

Col de Bonette 2715 m, 8907 ft

More cyclists more bikers, only to be expected, the Tour de France will pass this way in a couple of days, a stop along the way provided some Almond eyed ringlets and a Painted lady, where are all the butterflies I ask ?

However the following morning would provide me with some interesting species.
We set off on a bright sunny morning from Barcelonnette, the summit of the Col de Bonette 2715 m, 8907 ft is one the highest paved mountain pass in Europe, it proved to be an easy drive, on the ascent we  stop by a lake set in this beautiful mountain setting , Mountain Clouded Yellows (Colias phicomone) gave a merry chase, the now familiar  Painted Lady (Vanessa cardui) and Almond eyed ringlets were easily spotted, then at the roadside edge I noticed some small dark butterflies that captured my attention, astonishingly how the light captured the sheen on their upper wings, Common brassy ringlets ?

The views from the summit of the pass are spectacular, I did not linger, so many bikers.
We drop down towards St Etienne du Tinee, a coffee break gives an opportunity to look around.
A freshly emerged  Blue-spot Hairstreak (Satyrium spini) and a superb Purple shot copper ? made my day.
I rate the day a success.
We over night at a pleasant campsite at St Étienne du Tinee.

[David M]

Certainly looks like Common Brassy Ringlet, Jim. In good years these can be around in huge numbers in that part of the French Alps.

Lovely scenery again. Col de Vars is a favourite location of mine.

[aeshna5]

Some lovely butterflies plus the unnamed Speckled Yellow.