Marsh Fritillary

[Susie]

Could someone give me details of the best place to see Marsh Fritillary, please? I've had a glimpse and I want more.

PM if you prefer.

[millerd]

If you don't mind the climb, Hod Hill at the moment is guaranteed to produce dozens of the little jewels. Kipper's report of a couple of days ago says it all, and they were out in force today.

Dave

[Susie]

So if I turn up at the bottom of the hill on a suitable day I am likely to find them even if I don't know specifically where to look, Dave?

[Zonda]

Freshly emerged at Cerne Abbas today.


Loads of caterpillars still active, you can't walk without treading on them. Although i do try.

[Susie]

Wow, that's a cracking imagine, Zonda.

I've just seen how long it will take me to drive from West Sussex to Hod Hill, is there anywhere nearer to where I am? Sorry to be a fusspot.

[FISHiEE]

I think Hod Hill is definitely your best bet. When I was in Kent it was the nearest place to go and was a 160 mile each way trip for me back then. Now I'm in Hampshire it's still 70 miles each way but well worth it. The place was alive with them and there's stacks of skippers, blues, brown argus, coppers etc. to go with them.

It's a bit of a hike to the top but when you get there the south west corner of the site is the most prolific. You'll see dozens easily though they're pretty active and a bit of cloud cover from time to time helps to slow them down.

I would try to combine it with stopping at some other sites as well such as Martin Down which is quite close by or Bentley Wood perhaps which should be full of Pearl Border Fritillaries by now. Helps to justify the long trip

One from yesterday to help try and tempt you... they are stunners!

[Susie]

Wow! That really is stunning!

Thanks for all the advice, chaps.

[Piers]

Wiltshire is the UK straonghold for the species, there are sites where they fly in their thousands.

[EricY]

Will there be any left worth looking at on 26/27th ? those are the dates we intended to try Hod hill on our week long big swing through southern England. we booked accomodation in the january sales based on "normal" flight times & cannot change it! It is definately too far for a day trip from our wind blown Norfolk. Eric

[Pete Eeles]

Will there be any left worth looking at on 26/27th ? those are the dates we intended to try Hod hill on our week long big swing through southern England. we booked accomodation in the january sales based on "normal" flight times & cannot change it! It is definately too far for a day trip from our wind blown Norfolk. Eric

I think you'll be fine. The only species I ever worry about is the Black Hairstreak which has a flight period measured in weeks! But the Marsh Fritillary has a relatively extended flight period (http://www.ukbutterflies.co.uk/species. ... es=aurinia) and I'm sure they'll still be around at the end of May at Hod Hill. Even if the adults are worn (and there are always fresh adults, whatever the point in the flight season!), you'll get to see behaviour that early-season specialists often miss out on (such as ovipositing).

If I were you, I'd keep track of the various sightings, since there are sites where MF emerge later in the season than Hod Hill.

Cheers,

- Pete

[Piers]

The only species I ever worry about is the Black Hairstreak which has a flight period measured in weeks!

I am told that larvae of all sizes as well as a few pupae are to be found in the wild at present. Probably nothing to worry about though, I am sure that the species will survive an early season given it's life cycle.

Felix.

[Essex Bertie]

I think Hod Hill is definitely your best bet.

I would try to combine it with stopping at some other sites as well such as Martin Down which is quite close by or Bentley Wood perhaps which should be full of Pearl Border Fritillaries by now. Helps to justify the long trip

I did just that combination last year at the end of May. Early start at Bentley Wood for Small & (worn) Pearl-bordered. I made a mad dash for Hod Hill and saw dozens of Marsh Frits well after 4pm, alongwith everything else i had seen at Martin Down - Adonis & Small Blue, Grizzled & Dingy. So, much that Martin Down has the 'butterfly corner' reputation, I'd probably skip it for the nice little package of Hod Hill and a more leisurely cruise.

Rob

[P.J.Underwood]

I arrived at Hod Hill at 2pm on Wed.The wind was getting up and it was cool.The sun was out intermittently.I reached the dips on the far side,and found ,for me,the only one of the afternoon.It was there ,hiding in the grass.Many small coppers and small heath's also around.I feel this is a site for the best weather and when the wind is down!
P.J.U.

[Goldie M]

Are there any Marsh Fritillaries in my part of the country? Lancashire, Cumberland around the Lake District NP Goldie M

[Lawts]

Does anyone know if Marsh Fritillary is still seen at Strawberry Banks, and whether they are on the wing yet this year?

Thanks.