October 2019

[Vince Massimo]

Thanks Dave, I have now corrected the species to Ruby Tiger.

I have been contacted by Dave Harris, a Sussex resident, who observed Red Admirals flying southwards on Saturday 19th at Cowdray Country Park (Midhurst). These were leaving the UK and the wind was against them.
He pointed out that according to research published in the 1958 book, Insect Migration by CB Williams, the preferred direction for insect migrational flight (not just of butterflies) is into the wind, with the second most preferred direction being with a tail wind. I have have not read the book, but have it on order. Thanks also go to Roger Lane.

Vince

[millerd]

Another batch of fresh third brood Holly Blues on my local patch near Heathrow today (22nd), though with brighter sunshine today not as cooperative as the one on 10th...

Also a very worn Painted Lady...

... plus plenty of Red Admirals and a Comma or two.

Full report in my PD in a day or two...

Dave

[David M]

Another batch of fresh third brood Holly Blues on my local patch near Heathrow today (22nd), though with brighter sunshine today not as cooperative as the one on 10th...

You lucky boy!

[essexbuzzard]

At Bedfords park (Essex/London border) on Monday, 4 Small Copper, one each Red Admiral and Comma.

[bugboy]

Found this little chap in my fridge this evening. I was just preparing some Broccoli for tea and noticed him curled up in the florets. Hopefully the single Broccoli leaf which is all I have to hand at home will keep him going until I can grab something better. Looks to be a final instar so he probably only has a few days before he pupates and then I'll pop him back in the fridge until next March/April

Small White 5th instar larvae

[David M]

Finally, a sunny and mild day in south Wales on Sunday 20th.

16 Red Admirals, 2 Painted Ladies and a Small White spotted at Port Eynon, Gower (and en route):

[Matsukaze]

Red Admiral and Comma in the garden here in Somerset; an unidentified white flying through a few days back.

[Essex Bertie]

I was lucky enough to be shown a continental Swallowtail pupae today in central Essex. The original observer had posted the larvae on FB and the ID has been confirmed

[Allan.W.]

Very few butterflies now on the wing ,in my part of Kent .I did see a Speckled Wood briefly on my neighbours Ivy
but it never hung around .Today was the first bit of decent sunshine for weeks ,and my first butterfly pic ,for four weeks .
A brief visit to Hothfield Common ,mainly to pick up a few Chestnuts ,with an outside chance of a Small Copper (no luck !),but did manage a single
Red Admiral . The weather was so good ,we headed for Dungeness ……………….. again an outside chance of Small Copper ,but once again no luck !
Was surprised to see so many Common Darter still on the wing ,probably around 25+ around ,hoping for a late Red -Veined Darter ,but again no luck.
After a bite to eat and another short walk and almost back at the car ,we disturbed a large butterfly on the fragrant bush in the Lighthouse garden
Probably the last Painted Lady for me this year. I,ve also included a late Dungeness female Common Blue from a couple of weeks back and the moth from the garden trap,which has a Dungeness link ,a Clancys Rustic ,named after Sean Clancy from Romney marsh who I believe first described it in the UK.
Regards Allan.W.

[Matsukaze]

Speckled Wood in flight today at Odcombe in south Somerset.

[KeithS]

A couple of Clouded Yellows still on the wing today at Longhoes, Ranscombe Reserve, Cuxton (North Kent)...

[David M]

A couple of Clouded Yellows still on the wing today at Longhoes, Ranscombe Reserve, Cuxton (North Kent)...

Very nice, Keith. They've done well to survive this recent stormy spell.

[Kip]

Ground frost yesterday, but in the sun today up here in North Yorkshire, was pleased to see a late Brimstone and a Comma catching some late nectar.

The Brimstone has some dark markings which I am not used to seeing, similar to the pic in the "unclassified aberrations, Brimstone" section of UKB.

Funny isn't it! Just checked through my bank of Brimstone photos, and whilst some do not have these spots, quite a lot do!!! Never noticed them before!

[David M]

Fabulous sightings and excellent images, Kip.

The Brimstone is particularly impressive, as is the knapweed type flower it's settled on. Normally, these blooms have well gone over by now.

[Kip]

Thanks Dave.
Quite right... but I cut the knapweed back harshly in July to allow another plant to breath and it's now like this!

[millerd]

Along with Red Admirals and a solitary Peacock still flying today (30th October) on my local patch near Heathrow was yet another lovely new third brood female Holly Blue. Initially spotted when the sun was behind some hazy cloud, she opened up nicely when the sunshine and warmth increased.

Dave

[millerd]

Three Hallowe'en Holly Blues today... Two males and a female.

Full reports of these and yesterday's sightings in my PD very soon.

Dave

[David M]

Beautiful, Dave. How do you do it?

[David M]

Red Admiral seen near my home is Swansea on 24 October. Given the continuing storms, I fear this will be my last butterfly of 2019.