Our second family hike took us across the Grand Balcon Nord. A levelish walk at 2000m from Plan Du L'Aiguile to the Mer De Glace. Prior to this we took in the summit of the Aiguille Du Midi at 12600ft. To my amazement we saw a couple of Small Tortoiseshells. Is this an altitude record, or is not unusual to see Butterflies reach these dizzying heights?
Given my naivety with Satyridae in Part 1, I'm hoping I can redeem my self with the first two photos here. I think they could be Blind Ringlets, although I am aware that Mnestras can sometimes have the two small dots often missing.
Next up was another Alpine Heath, which were plentiful in most places we visited.
Another most numorous species in the area was the Arran Brown.
The footpath then entered an area of increased vegetation and the variety of fauna was magnificent. Whilst I tried to photograph more Alpine Heaths, my wife urged me to join her, where she said she had spotted something special. She had indeed, our first ever Large Blue.
The next two blues have me flummoxed though. Any help greatly appreciated.
No mistaking what we saw next though. A chequered skipper. I have been reading about these in Northern Scotland, so was very happy to stumble across one. I would have liked a slightly closer photo, but I was perilously close to tumbling a couple of hundred feet getting this one!
One ofthe most common butterlies seen during the holiday was the Black Veined White. A superb species, especially when I found two mating.
Shortly after this we saw a Peak White.
I add the next white for ID purposes please. Not sure if it is Small White or Southern Small White?
Finally to afritillary. I'm taking a guess at Titanias.
The next installment to follow.
Kind Regards and thanks for any corrections and IDs.
Kevin
