Tony Moore

[bugboy]

Congratulations, that's another 3 species to add to Wikipedia's exhaustive list Looking forward to seeing what else you can add. Really does look like a tempting country to visit

[Tony Moore]

Sorry, Bugboy, but that's the end of it.

I did see many Painted Ladies and a few Desert or Bath Whites but didn't manage a photo to separate them. My feeling is that they were daplidice because of the size.

Tony.

[David M]

You certainly get to some unusual places, Tony.

There may not have been too much in the way of variety, but what you DID see is very interesting. I especially like those two colotis, as well, of course, as the spectacular Blue Pansy. I'd happily pay £5 for a beer if it guaranteed one of those.

[Tony Moore]

A little avian light relief in these troubled times...

Robins have taken up residence in a hole in the wall right outside my back door.

Both doors are in frequent use, which seems to faze the Robin not a bit!

She is now sitting hard and I hope for a subsequent successful fledging.

Also several Peacocks looking at my camellia.

Keep well, everyone...

Tony M.

[David M]

Love it, Tony. One consolation is that this year, nesting birds will suffer minimal interference.

[Tony Moore]

Am I alone in thinking that this is a good butterfly year? I only see common species around Stafford, but in numbers that I have not seen for many a long year. Long may it continue...

Tony M.

[David M]

Given the weather right now, it's not surprising that butterfly numbers are on a sharp upturn, Tony. Hopefully this will translate to greater numbers of early stages for next year - God knows, insects need a break in these challenging times.

[Tony Moore]

Just back from Palanga on the Baltic coast of Lithuania, where there were literally hundreds of very fresh Red Admirals, both on the beach and in the small town The area comprises sand dunes giving way to Pine forest, where nettles are relatively scarce. I was delighted to see them as RA is my all time favourite butterfly! Anybody have idea where they might have come from?

Tony M.

[David M]

Probably a mass local emergence, Tony. I'm finding the same thing here in south Wales this last few days. Red Admirals have been pretty scarce for much of the year but suddenly their numbers have shot up (although not in the hundreds like you saw). I'm guessing that the previous generation laid eggs and these are the resulting adults.

[Tony Moore]

A friend sent this pic from Croatia. Spotted Fritillary?? Any thoughts, anyone?

Tony M.

[David M]

I'd say so, Tony. In fact, judging by the pale ground colour I'd suggest it is the dalmatina form.

[Tony Moore]

Thanks, David.

They are so variable, I wasn't sure.

Tony M.

[David M]

Thanks, David.

They are so variable, I wasn't sure.

Probably the most variable butterfly out there, Tony. Even within the same colony they can differ enormously.