After having just one UK mainland species of butterfly left to photograph for the past couple of years, I finally snapped them last week on a trip up North. We found a few (rather worn) ssp. salmacis individuals at Bishop Middleham Quarry on the way up to our accommodation in the Lindisfarne area, but a few days later popped across the Scottish border in search of the "full monty" ssp. artaxerxes (with the white spots). Fortunately, some of these were in very good condition and I was very satisfied to have finally completed my quest. At least one individual (a male) had white spots on all 4 wings (presumably an aberrant butterfly?) Superb little insects - well worth waiting for!
A worn female ssp. salmacis
Female ssp. artaxerxes
A male "Four-Spotter" ssp. artaxerxes
Trev
Northern Brown Argus
- Trev Sawyer
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Northern Brown Argus
Last edited by Trev Sawyer on Tue Jul 22, 2014 9:26 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Re: Northern Brown Argus
That last artaxerxes is a blinder, Trev.
- Neil Hulme
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Re: Northern Brown Argus
Well done Trev. That last one is ab. quadripuncta.
BWs, Neil
BWs, Neil
- Pete Eeles
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Re: Northern Brown Argus
Congratulations, Trev!Trev Sawyer wrote:After having just one UK mainland species of butterfly left to photograph for the past couple of years, I finally snapped them last week on a trip up North.
Cheers,
- Pete
Life Cycles of British & Irish Butterflies: http://www.butterflylifecycles.com
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British & Irish Butterflies Rarities: http://www.butterflyrarities.com
- Trev Sawyer
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Re: Northern Brown Argus
Thanks guys,
If it hadn't been for UKButterflies, I can safely say that I would never have been enthused to get out and look for those species presumed unattainable in my youth. ... And I know there are countless others who have rekindled a fascination with our native butterflies after visiting this site, so many thanks from all of us. I may not post on the forums as much as I used to, but there aren't many days when I don't surf by to see what exciting insect has been spotted.
Trev
If it hadn't been for UKButterflies, I can safely say that I would never have been enthused to get out and look for those species presumed unattainable in my youth. ... And I know there are countless others who have rekindled a fascination with our native butterflies after visiting this site, so many thanks from all of us. I may not post on the forums as much as I used to, but there aren't many days when I don't surf by to see what exciting insect has been spotted.
Trev
Re: Northern Brown Argus
Well done Trev.
I remember the feeling back in 2012 when I finally saw the Lulworth Skipper, my final UK breeding butterfly to see. So I know how you must be feeling.
Great stuff, and the "four spot" Northern Brown Argus is lovely too!
Paul
I remember the feeling back in 2012 when I finally saw the Lulworth Skipper, my final UK breeding butterfly to see. So I know how you must be feeling.
Great stuff, and the "four spot" Northern Brown Argus is lovely too!
Paul
Re: Northern Brown Argus
Congratulations, Trev and super photos too. So what is your next challenge now you've completed the set?
Peter
Peter
My website: https://www.stevenage-butterflies.co.uk
- Trev Sawyer
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Re: Northern Brown Argus
It's always good to add to the wonderful places where you've seen butterflies before and there's always a better photo to take, so I won't be at a loose end.
Trev
Trev
- Neil Hulme
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Re: Northern Brown Argus
.... and you haven't photographed a mating pair of taras yet!
BWs, Neil
BWs, Neil
- Trev Sawyer
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Re: Northern Brown Argus
Hahahahahahahahaha! That really made me smile Neil.
Even you and Pete might struggle to get that one, but I look forward to see the image one day on this site
Trev
Even you and Pete might struggle to get that one, but I look forward to see the image one day on this site
Trev