Chamonix (French Alps) - Part 4

[kevling]

Next day took us to Lac Vert, at the far western end of the Chamonix valley. At 1250m, it's more meadows and forest compared to the rocky landscape thus far. Needless to say the number of species increased as a result. There were a number of different fritillaries present.
First up was High Brown Fritillary.

Close by were a good number of Silver washed, both male and female. Particular liked the photo I got of a flyby.

The next Frit has me completely puzzled. It was the clearest one I photographed all holiday, but I cannot decide what it is. Any help appreciated please (got upper and underside shots)

In the woodland edge were large numbers of browns. Due to the excessice heat, they were not holding still for long, making photography tricky. Amongst those seen were Meadow Brown, Arran Brown, Ringlet and Alpine Heaths.
I did manage photos of Large Wall Brown and I believe Scotch Argus.

As we headed thorugh the woods to Lac Vert itself, it was nice to see some Brimstones.

Lac Vert is truly magnificent. Surrounded by trees the mid afternoon sun reflects Mont Blanc on to the water and at the water's edge I found blues drinking from the puddles. This Damon Blue was a particularly nice find.

Also present were Chalkhill Blues.

Last but not least were a couple of skippers. I think the first two photos are of a Large Grizzled Skipper (same butterfly) and possibly a Grizzled Skipper for the third. Please correct me if I'm wrong.

Kind Regards
Kevin

[Roger Gibbons]

I can't see any reason why your fritillary is not Heath (athalia). The options at this altitude are Meadow (parthenoides) and Provencal (dejone) and there are good reasons why it is neither of these.

Your third Pyrgus looks good for Oberthur's (armoricanus).