August 2013

[Willrow]

Twenty species seen during our visit as follows; Clouded Yellow, Brimstone (many dozens!), Large, Small & Green-veined White, Brown Hairstreak, Holly Blue, Common Blue, Chalkhill Blue, Small Copper, Red Admiral, Painted Lady, Small Tortoiseshell, Peacock, Comma, Speckled Wood, Gatekeeper, Meadow Brown, Ringlet and Small Heath.

I'm not sure if this is an eyesight or memory issue Bill, but I think you saw at least one Brown Argus as well (probably more)!
If it's a memory issue then I'll try and jog it for you - a little brown butterfly sitting on a white tissue as we walked back to the village.
I think you commented that 'It was a photo opportunity that was not to be sniffed at'

It was great to meet up with you and look forward to seeing you again next spring, if not before.

I doubt I can see any further species this year

If you want to go for species no. 53 this year, Neil Hulme has assured me today that there will be a worthwhile emergence of Long-tailed Blue in Kent during October. Must be worth the effort, as Neil said 'It's a once in a lifetime occurrence'. I'll be there when it happens.

Eeek Brown Argus...tissue paper...'not to be sniffed at'...one of my best jokes of the day and I still forgot Its those bl**dy Holly Blue are to blame, they got me all confuzzed

Long-tailed Blues in October now that's called tempting Phil

Best Wishes,

Bill

[Pete Eeles]

If you want to go for species no. 53 this year, Neil Hulme has assured me today that there will be a worthwhile emergence of Long-tailed Blue in Kent during October. Must be worth the effort, as Neil said 'It's a once in a lifetime occurrence'. I'll be there when it happens.

Given the speed at which these critters get through their immature stages, I wouldn't be surprised if there are sightings of the next generation at the end of September Perhaps we should run a sweepstake

Cheers,

- Pete

[MikeOxon]

At my third attempt, I found Brown Hairstreaks this afternoon on the Roman Road, Otmoor ... and in quantity.

I have read that they disappear into the treetops soon after lunch but, on this occasion, there were several basking low down along the side of the ride at around 2:30pm. I saw 4 females and 1 male but another observer recorded 9 individuals earlier in the day.

Otmoor, Oxon - 21st August 2013
Nikon D300s wth 300/4 + 1.4X TC - 1/180s@f/6.7 ISO400

Otmoor, Oxon - 21st August 2013
Nikon D300s wth 300/4 + 1.4X TC - 1/180s@f/6.7 ISO400

Other species that I saw included Brimstone, Green-veined White, Small White, Peacock, Comma, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, and Common Blue.

Mike

[Neil Hulme]

Pete wrote:

Given the speed at which these critters get through their immature stages, I wouldn't be surprised if there are sightings of the next generation at the end of September Perhaps we should run a sweepstake

You may well be correct Pete. I did a 'back of a fag packet' calculation based on eggs being laid at the time of my visit. I suspect that all of the Long-tailed Blues seen in the UK recently are primary migrants, which arrived with the noticeable influx of other species during the first week of August. Given favourable weather, early eggs could produce adults in the last week of September. Let's see what Ladbrokes have to say ...
BWs, Neil

[andy_j]

Ok, so it's not a flutterby but i just love watching these critters. First Hummingbird Hawk moth of the year, filmed in Brighton yesterday

[Jack Harrison]

Isle of Mull 22nd August

"Black butterflies" (wife and I use that name for roadside Scotch Argus) hanging on but numbers diminishing.

"White butterflies" (aka GV White) still in good numbers.

First Speckled Wood for a couple of weeks or so. Fresh condition implying a complex breeding sequence. A handful of Specklies had been see in in May, then large numbers in July and now just the one so far in second half of August.

Jack

[badgerbob]

AT LAST!!! After so many visits and hours spent looking I've completed the full set of Wall Brown stages. Several females on the lower slopes of the scarp at High and Over this afternoon including a mating pair. I was just starting the steep climb back up when I saw a female go into one of the recesses, looking as if she was looking for places to lay. When she left a look on the exposed roots revealed two eggs. Unfortunately the light was poor and the stiff breeze was blowing the root where the egg was, but several shots taken resulted in a couple of acceptable results (just). And no Vince, I am not going for every instar stage!!

[Neil Hulme]

Great work Bob.
BWs, Neil

[David M]

Seconded, Bob.

You've really been determined regarding this species in 2013 and I'm so glad you've got your reward.

[nomad]

A nice female Clouded Yellow at Shipton Bellinger the other day.

[Stampy98]

I have been very envious of people seeing clouded yellows so I thought I would try my luck. Unfortunately today I was without car so I thought I would try Cardiff Bay Wetland Reserve which is walking distance from home. The weather this afternoon was very warm and still. Butterflies of note included:

2 wall brown
25 common blue
Lots of small white
Clouded yellow - one flew past but was not stopping!
3 migrant hawkers also

Thanks

Gareth

[nomad]

During a couple of visits to Shipton Bellinger this year, I was able to see a number of Brown Hairstreaks, mostly males. By the way, if anyone is thinking of going this weekend you will not be able to access the boundary hedge [ the best site] due to a dog event being held in the main field. Caravans will be placed all along this hedge and you will be unable to walk along it! I have added the times to show Brown Hairstreaks can be seen low down throughout the day in spite of what some experts say.

Male basking on the ground [ 8 a.m ]

Male on blackberries [ not ripe yet, 9 p.m ]

Male [ 9 p.m]

Male resting [9.30]

Female feeding at Creeping Thistle [ 2 p.m ]

Male on Stinging nettle, I am not sure what he is feeding on [ 3 p.m ]

Male showing upperside. [ 4.pm]

[Vince Massimo]

AT LAST!!! After so many visits and hours spent looking I've completed the full set of Wall Brown stages..............and no Vince, I am not going for every instar stage!!

I'm saying nothing ...............except congratulations.
Could you add the egg to the Species-Specific Album when you get time please. There are only 3 images on file at the moment and none of those were taken in the wild.

Many thanks,

Vince

[badgerbob]

Thanks guys for the comments. you could say I'm eggstatic and Ova the moon. Double apology there!!

[David M]

Interesting day spent at the Brown Hairstreak site in West Williamston, Pembrokeshire, today.

Full species tally:

Small White 30-50
Green Veined White 20-40
Small Tortoiseshell 15-25
Large White 10-20
Hedge Brown 10-15
Common Blue 10-15
Red Admiral 5
Silver Washed Fritillary 4
Brown Hairstreak 4
Holly Blue 4
Wall Brown 3
Speckled Wood 3
Meadow Brown 3
Peacock 2
Comma 1

Four female Brown Hairstreaks seen, all within a 20m square area between 1300hrs and 1345:

[LancsRover]

Really sharp photos of BHS David, especially the last one, they are a beautiful butterfly.

Russ

[Jack Harrison]

You people are beginning to p--- me off (in the nicest possible way) with your enthusiastic reports of what clearly has been an exceptional butterfly summer in the south.

I have to make do with some indifferent scenery – and a rather peculiar mouse.





Jack

[David M]

I have to make do with some indifferent scenery

Jack, while butterflies are here in abnormally abundant numbers darn saarth, this is a transient feature.

Scenery, by contrast, is permanent.

You beat 99% of other UK citizens hands down.

Don't get "p---ed off".

[Pete Eeles]

and a rather peculiar mouse.

Very good

Cheers,

- Pete

[David M]

and a rather peculiar mouse.

Very good

LOL!

Just noticed it on the far side of the loch.