Chequered Skipper discovered in Glencoe

[Willrow]

Chequered Skipper have been discovered in Glencoe, Scotland, at least 20 individuals were found during a recent search by rangers that 'targeted' the species. This is the first time the butterfly has been found in this iconic Scottish glen, there are no historical records for the species.

Bill

[Pete Eeles]

Wow! Thanks Bill! Is there a formal report of these sightings anywhere?

Cheers,

- Pete

[Willrow]

I believe Butterfly Conservation have been officially informed/involved Pete. Just Google; Wildlife Extra its on their latest news page. Excellent if a bit 'doom laden' resource, you can also read about the latest Butterfly extinctions and new Texas butterfly find in the USA at the same time, that's if you so wish

The Chequered Skipper find is a highly significant one.

Bill

[Pete Eeles]

Thanks again Bill. For anyone else, the link is here:

http://www.wildlifeextra.com/go/news/ch ... encoe.html

Just goes to show that any suitable habitat within its range might throw up a nice surprise

Cheers,

- Pete

[MikeOxon]

Having followed the link,there seems to be a wee problem - the sightings are reported to be around Dalness, which is actually in Glen Etive! It looks as though the 'Glencoe' bit is journalistic licence Still, it is a new area for CS

Mike

[ScottD]

A new colony of course would be great news but it's been known for a no. of years that there are CS around L.Etive incl. the Northern end so imo it's more an extension of recording of an existing meta population & therefore perhaps not unexpected.
There are so few people on the ground in Scotland to cover a large area in variable weather with species with short flight periods that under recording is a real problem e.g. I know someone who strongly believes (& I believe him) that the paper a few years ago that said that Mountain Ringlet was retreating up hills as a result of climate change was actually due to the recording team missing the flight period at lower altitude entirely ...

Still, positive news

[MikeOxon]

it's been known for a no. of years that there are CS around L.Etive

From the map, it looks as though Glen Etive has a very similar aspect to Glasdrum.

It's always a problem deciding whether records show the distribution of butterflies or the distribution of observers.

Mike