Great Orme - 2nd Brood Grayling? and possible Clouded Yellow

[Zac.Hinchcliffe]

A visit to the Great Orme, Conwy today produced 3 Grayling. I am led to believe that they were of the race thyone due to the smaller size and location. UK Butterflies states that this race should be finished by mid-july. Could this be a second generation due to the 'interesting' weather we are having, or could this be a late example of another race? (See attached link)

Also present was a very probable Clouded Yellow species that was more of a lemony colour rather than the classic pastel yellow of Clouded Yellow. A suggestion I have received is a faded Clouded Yellow or helice form of the female....suggestions welcome

Link to my blog for Grayling image - http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9HaBIObYS7M/T ... G_6715.JPG

Zac

[Padfield]

I can't comment on the specifics of thyone, but the species in general may have a very protracted flight season even in a single generation. I saw my first one out here on 4th June this year and they were still flying on Sunday (25th Sept). Last year my latest grayling was on 5th November. I must admit it hadn't occurred to me they might be double-brooded - that is a thought.

As for the clouded yellow: helice normally appears quite white in flight and rather greenish when seen from the underside, so I doubt it was that. I've never seen a clouded yellow that looked lemon yellow in flight, even when worn. I presume you've ruled out brimstone, which does look lemon yellow and is still on the wing. Other than that, the other two clouded yellows (males) also look lemon yellow. They are much rarer visitors, of course.

Guy

[selbypaul]

Hi there
I saw a late Grayling on the Great Orme in the first week of September in 2009. It did look pretty fresh, so I had just assumed it was a 2nd brood. Not an expert though, so happy to told otherwise.
Paul