Maximus
- Neil Freeman
- Posts: 4443
- Joined: Fri Jul 23, 2010 6:25 pm
- Location: Solihull, West Midlands
Re: Maximus
Great report and photos of the Glanville Fritillaries Mike
I am heading down there next Monday(Bank holiday) and stopping in Ventnor until the Thursday so I am obviously hoping to see some Glanvilles which would be a first for me.
Cheers,
Neil.
I am heading down there next Monday(Bank holiday) and stopping in Ventnor until the Thursday so I am obviously hoping to see some Glanvilles which would be a first for me.
Cheers,
Neil.
Diary entries for 2014 have been archived. If there are missing images in this post, then they can be found in this archive if one exists. All archives can be found here.
Re: Maximus
Thanks Pauline, it would be great to see a Glanville at Wrecclesham again
Cheers Neil, Staying in Ventnor you'll be just a short walk from Wheelers Bay, where we saw the Glanvilles. Hopefully more will now have emerged for you to enjoy
...Isle of Wight Continued
Following our success in finding the Glanville Fritillaries, the next morning we decided to head up onto Bonchurch Down to see what we could find. It was sunny as we entered the down and walked along the path on the hillside. The first butterflies we saw were lovely Brown Argus posing nicely in the grass and on flowers.
We saw a couple of Wall Browns, but they did not stop for any photos. As we walked further along the down we began to see some fresh Adonis Blues, mainly males but also a couple of females...
...and a mating pair
We also saw a few Common Blues and our first Small Heath of 2014.
Apart from getting caught in a thunderstorm and getting soaked through, we spent a great day on the down. We saw at least fifty Adonis and thirty Brown Argus all of which were very fresh looking.
Although we did'nt know it then, the Isle of Wight had yet more to offer us...
Cheers Neil, Staying in Ventnor you'll be just a short walk from Wheelers Bay, where we saw the Glanvilles. Hopefully more will now have emerged for you to enjoy
...Isle of Wight Continued
Following our success in finding the Glanville Fritillaries, the next morning we decided to head up onto Bonchurch Down to see what we could find. It was sunny as we entered the down and walked along the path on the hillside. The first butterflies we saw were lovely Brown Argus posing nicely in the grass and on flowers.
We saw a couple of Wall Browns, but they did not stop for any photos. As we walked further along the down we began to see some fresh Adonis Blues, mainly males but also a couple of females...
...and a mating pair
We also saw a few Common Blues and our first Small Heath of 2014.
Apart from getting caught in a thunderstorm and getting soaked through, we spent a great day on the down. We saw at least fifty Adonis and thirty Brown Argus all of which were very fresh looking.
Although we did'nt know it then, the Isle of Wight had yet more to offer us...
Diary entries for 2014 have been archived. If there are missing images in this post, then they can be found in this archive if one exists. All archives can be found here.
- Lee Hurrell
- Stock Contributor
- Posts: 2423
- Joined: Mon May 25, 2009 7:33 pm
- Location: Hampshire
Re: Maximus
I am really enjoying this report, Mike...what can be next!?
Best wishes,
Lee
Best wishes,
Lee
Diary entries for 2014 have been archived. If there are missing images in this post, then they can be found in this archive if one exists. All archives can be found here.
To butterfly meadows, chalk downlands and leafy glades; to summers eternal.
-
- Posts: 854
- Joined: Sat Nov 26, 2011 9:48 pm
- Location: Hampshire
Re: Maximus
Hi Mike
Your female Adonis is beautiful Very fresh
Your female Adonis is beautiful Very fresh
Diary entries for 2014 have been archived. If there are missing images in this post, then they can be found in this archive if one exists. All archives can be found here.
Re: Maximus
Thanks Lee, glad you're enjoying it this is the last instalment.
...Isle of Wight continued
For our last day on the island we decided to head to West Wight and Compton Bay. Although we looked for Glanvilles along the cliff tops we found none, it's amazing how much more of the cliff has subsided during the winter storms, which will probably provide ideal conditions for the Glanvilles food plant. It also appears that the Glanvilles emerge later here than in the more sheltered areas of the island. We found a nice sheltered spot under Afton Down which began to reveal a wealth of butterflies to us. First were the Green Hairstreaks which were particually numerous..
It soon became apparent that this area also held a colony of Small Blue, once again all very fresh in appearance.
We also found both Dingy and Grizzled Skippers, with the Dingy far outnumbering the Grizzled.
...Isle of Wight continued
For our last day on the island we decided to head to West Wight and Compton Bay. Although we looked for Glanvilles along the cliff tops we found none, it's amazing how much more of the cliff has subsided during the winter storms, which will probably provide ideal conditions for the Glanvilles food plant. It also appears that the Glanvilles emerge later here than in the more sheltered areas of the island. We found a nice sheltered spot under Afton Down which began to reveal a wealth of butterflies to us. First were the Green Hairstreaks which were particually numerous..
It soon became apparent that this area also held a colony of Small Blue, once again all very fresh in appearance.
We also found both Dingy and Grizzled Skippers, with the Dingy far outnumbering the Grizzled.
Diary entries for 2014 have been archived. If there are missing images in this post, then they can be found in this archive if one exists. All archives can be found here.
Re: Maximus
An omission from my Isle of Wight posting yesterday which I'll now correct, is this rather handsome Western Green Lizard (Bilineata viridis) seen in Wheelers Bay while looking for Glanvilles. These are an introduction possibly dating from 1841, but there is no verification for this date.
Diary entries for 2014 have been archived. If there are missing images in this post, then they can be found in this archive if one exists. All archives can be found here.
Re: Maximus
Cracking reports and shots Mike I'm especially envious of the Adonis Blues as I've still to see them this year - we seem to be well behind over this way, unless I've blinked and missed them
Have a goodun
Wurzel
Have a goodun
Wurzel
Diary entries for 2014 have been archived. If there are missing images in this post, then they can be found in this archive if one exists. All archives can be found here.
Re: Maximus
Wow! That's one hell of an exotic looking lizard for these fair Isles!
Diary entries for 2014 have been archived. If there are missing images in this post, then they can be found in this archive if one exists. All archives can be found here.
- Padfield
- Administrator
- Posts: 8182
- Joined: Sun Nov 05, 2006 10:19 pm
- Location: Leysin, Switzerland
- Contact:
Re: Maximus
I'm no expert on lizards, but isn't that a wall lizard, Podarcis muralis? It certainly doesn't resemble any male or female green lizard I've ever seen.
(Western green lizard, this May, in Switzerland)
Guy
EDIT: I had a look online and found this, which might be of interest: http://www.surrey-arg.org.uk/SARG/02000 ... te=Ventnor. It suggests 'there are reports of the colony spreading as far east as Wheeler's Bay'. So probably worth sending in the sighting.
(Western green lizard, this May, in Switzerland)
Guy
EDIT: I had a look online and found this, which might be of interest: http://www.surrey-arg.org.uk/SARG/02000 ... te=Ventnor. It suggests 'there are reports of the colony spreading as far east as Wheeler's Bay'. So probably worth sending in the sighting.
Diary entries for 2014 have been archived. If there are missing images in this post, then they can be found in this archive if one exists. All archives can be found here.
Guy's Butterflies: https://www.guypadfield.com
The Butterflies of Villars-Gryon : https://www.guypadfield.com/villarsgryonbook.html
The Butterflies of Villars-Gryon : https://www.guypadfield.com/villarsgryonbook.html
Re: Maximus
Yes Guy you're correct, it's a Wall Lizard (Podarcis muralis) and not a Western Green lizard I made a wrong ID based on information, obviously incorrect, from another website.
Diary entries for 2014 have been archived. If there are missing images in this post, then they can be found in this archive if one exists. All archives can be found here.
- False Apollo
- Posts: 204
- Joined: Mon Nov 04, 2013 6:18 pm
Re: Maximus
Hi There Maximus,
Of interest at Southbourne Undercliff we get both Wall Lizard and Green Lizard (although I have not seen a Green Lizard for a few years now). Green Lizards are stunning, and masters of camouflage. It took me ages to see one even when It pointed out. We also have good numbers of Common Lizard. Wall Lizards are most frequently seen though.
Regards
Mike
Of interest at Southbourne Undercliff we get both Wall Lizard and Green Lizard (although I have not seen a Green Lizard for a few years now). Green Lizards are stunning, and masters of camouflage. It took me ages to see one even when It pointed out. We also have good numbers of Common Lizard. Wall Lizards are most frequently seen though.
Regards
Mike
Diary entries for 2014 have been archived. If there are missing images in this post, then they can be found in this archive if one exists. All archives can be found here.
- Neil Freeman
- Posts: 4443
- Joined: Fri Jul 23, 2010 6:25 pm
- Location: Solihull, West Midlands
Re: Maximus
Great reports and photo from the IOW Mike
I am really looking forward to going down there next week now, just keeping my fingers crossed for the weather.
Cheers,
Neil.
I am really looking forward to going down there next week now, just keeping my fingers crossed for the weather.
Cheers,
Neil.
Diary entries for 2014 have been archived. If there are missing images in this post, then they can be found in this archive if one exists. All archives can be found here.
-
- Posts: 791
- Joined: Sun Aug 25, 2013 10:34 am
Re: Maximus
A highly enjoyable report from the IOW Mike! Some great photos and yes indeed what a handsome Wall Lizard that is. I'm a bit of a fan of Lizards on the quiet.
All the best
B'saurus
All the best
B'saurus
Diary entries for 2014 have been archived. If there are missing images in this post, then they can be found in this archive if one exists. All archives can be found here.
Re: Maximus
Cheers Wurzel, I'm sure that they will begin to emerge in Wilts soon
It's a beautiful Wall Lizard David, very exotic looking and the first time I have ever seen one.
Thanks Guy for the correct ID.
Hi Mike, that's interesting that you have seen both lizards at Southbourne. I believe that both Wall Lizard and Green Lizard were introduced to the Isle of Wight, I'm not sure if the Green is still present however.
Cheers Neil, I'm sure you'll have a great time and see plenty of Glanvilles
Monday 19th May
Today at an early hour we headed into deepest Dorset hoping to find some Marsh Fritillaries. Arriving at our chosen destination in warm sunshine and with a light breeze prevailing, we grabbed our cameras and headed onto the site. Within ten minutes we had seen our first Marsh Fritillaries, and how very fresh they were. The colour variations were striking, with some individuals having white cells while others had much more orange, and some were like tartan.
I managed to capture this female being pursued by an amorous male
..and we also found this mating pair
It was obvious that a fair number had emerged, and we stopped counting at fifty. It was not always easy to get good shots due to their habit of landing among the grass, much of which made taking photographs difficult. Later in the morning I noticed an individual which was strikingly different. It took me quite a while just to get close enough for a record shot, and I reckoned that any other photos would be a bonus. In the past I have found that aberrant butterflies can be very difficult to approach and can also disappear in the blink of an eye, so I took my time and didn't rush things. I was exceptionally lucky to get really close, and although the butterfly was down amongst the grass most of the time, I managed to get some reasonable photos.
It took flight but I managed to follow it until it settled on a cowslip.
Suddenly without warning it took flight again and I lost sight of it for good, and despite repeated searching of the area I could not locate it. We did get a brief glimpse of another aberrant Marsh Fritillary, but once again it was obscured by grass and we were only able to get one photo.
At this point we retired to the car for refreshment. When we returned to the site the sun was obscured by cloud, and it was clear that the Marsh Fritillaries had gone to ground, probably deep in the grass. But luckily for us they were replaced by some magnificant Duke of Burgundy..
..and we even saw an ovipositing female.
We enjoyed a great day out
It's a beautiful Wall Lizard David, very exotic looking and the first time I have ever seen one.
Thanks Guy for the correct ID.
Hi Mike, that's interesting that you have seen both lizards at Southbourne. I believe that both Wall Lizard and Green Lizard were introduced to the Isle of Wight, I'm not sure if the Green is still present however.
Cheers Neil, I'm sure you'll have a great time and see plenty of Glanvilles
Monday 19th May
Today at an early hour we headed into deepest Dorset hoping to find some Marsh Fritillaries. Arriving at our chosen destination in warm sunshine and with a light breeze prevailing, we grabbed our cameras and headed onto the site. Within ten minutes we had seen our first Marsh Fritillaries, and how very fresh they were. The colour variations were striking, with some individuals having white cells while others had much more orange, and some were like tartan.
I managed to capture this female being pursued by an amorous male
..and we also found this mating pair
It was obvious that a fair number had emerged, and we stopped counting at fifty. It was not always easy to get good shots due to their habit of landing among the grass, much of which made taking photographs difficult. Later in the morning I noticed an individual which was strikingly different. It took me quite a while just to get close enough for a record shot, and I reckoned that any other photos would be a bonus. In the past I have found that aberrant butterflies can be very difficult to approach and can also disappear in the blink of an eye, so I took my time and didn't rush things. I was exceptionally lucky to get really close, and although the butterfly was down amongst the grass most of the time, I managed to get some reasonable photos.
It took flight but I managed to follow it until it settled on a cowslip.
Suddenly without warning it took flight again and I lost sight of it for good, and despite repeated searching of the area I could not locate it. We did get a brief glimpse of another aberrant Marsh Fritillary, but once again it was obscured by grass and we were only able to get one photo.
At this point we retired to the car for refreshment. When we returned to the site the sun was obscured by cloud, and it was clear that the Marsh Fritillaries had gone to ground, probably deep in the grass. But luckily for us they were replaced by some magnificant Duke of Burgundy..
..and we even saw an ovipositing female.
We enjoyed a great day out
Diary entries for 2014 have been archived. If there are missing images in this post, then they can be found in this archive if one exists. All archives can be found here.
Re: Maximus
Great report and photos Mike - gorgeous ab. well spotted.
Diary entries for 2014 have been archived. If there are missing images in this post, then they can be found in this archive if one exists. All archives can be found here.
Re: Maximus
Superb stuff Maximus - particularly the ovipositing Duke and that stunning aberrant
Diary entries for 2014 have been archived. If there are missing images in this post, then they can be found in this archive if one exists. All archives can be found here.
Re: Maximus
That aberrant is an absolute stunner I was looking through my photos and thought some were a little darker but nothing anywhere near as spectacular as that Mike
Have a goodun
Wurzel
Have a goodun
Wurzel
Diary entries for 2014 have been archived. If there are missing images in this post, then they can be found in this archive if one exists. All archives can be found here.
Re: Maximus
Thanks Pauline
Thank you William
Thanks Wurzel
Thank you William
Thanks Wurzel
Diary entries for 2014 have been archived. If there are missing images in this post, then they can be found in this archive if one exists. All archives can be found here.
Re: Maximus
Thanks B'saurus, sorry I missed you out I can imagine how big a fan of lizards you are
I found another shot of the Marsh Fritillary ab. we saw last Monday with its wing raised showing its markings more clearly. Looking online at the NHM Cockayne collection, it would appear that the closest match to ours is ab. atricolor which just has a touch more brown in the middle of the forewing.
I found another shot of the Marsh Fritillary ab. we saw last Monday with its wing raised showing its markings more clearly. Looking online at the NHM Cockayne collection, it would appear that the closest match to ours is ab. atricolor which just has a touch more brown in the middle of the forewing.
Diary entries for 2014 have been archived. If there are missing images in this post, then they can be found in this archive if one exists. All archives can be found here.
Re: Maximus
What a fantastic looking aberration and top shots as well!
Diary entries for 2014 have been archived. If there are missing images in this post, then they can be found in this archive if one exists. All archives can be found here.