I rely on you Buggy as my quality control person but you appear to have let me down!
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. It would seem that I have posted the wrong shot and the 'Ringlet' is actually a Meadow Brown
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I DID see 2 Ringlets that evening - just got to find the right images! I'd like to be able to say I must have had too much sun but ............
Dodging the thundery showers today I made another trip today to see the WLH pupa. It has darkened considerably since my visit 4 days ago. I am told it was discovered on 12 June, already pupated, so I can't imagine having to wait too long before the butterfly emerges - tho' I doubt whether I shall see that.
Speaking of pupa, as suspected my Brown Hairstreak has now pupated:
Given that many species are late this year, I am concerned that this is too early (I have history as many will recall!). However, these BH eggs which were rescued from the bonfires on Noar Hill were tied to Blackthorn in my garden. As the larva disappeared, one by one, presumably being predated, I took a few and put them into a butterfly cage in a sheltered but shady position outside (near the blackthorn). At no time have they been indoors - So my question to the team and any other experts reading this, to avoid repeated mistakes (for myself and others) is, what can I do in the future to ensure timings are in line with wild species? I would be grateful for any helpful suggestions. If a larva pupates early, would storing it in a fridge until its wild counterparts are emerging recify things?
My Brimstone larva are also looking to pupate. 2 have already left and the next 2 look like they are on their way. I have been following one of them for 3 days now which is how long it has been since he left the Alder Buckthorn. He seems intent on staying down amongst the clover. This is him earlier:
I include a shot of the Alder Buckthorn which is in a pot in a part of the garden I allow to go wild:
and another having weathered last nights monsoon:
Thank you Neil - I had never thought about birders. I'm pleased you like that female Skipper - she was very obliging.
I don't think you need to be envious Dave - I know you have some great shots waiting to be posted in your diary
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.I'm glad you like the DGF (I WILL get a good shot of a female some day) but my favourite shot of the year so far has to be that first Brown Hairstreak
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