Kev Ling

[kevling]

We rescued some Large White Larvae last November before they perished with no food plants. The first one hatched today and was released this afternoon into the Garden whilst it was sunny (6 hours old). After taking a little sustenance on some Bugle, it was off. Managed a couple of photos before it fled.

Regards Kev

[kevling]

We are continuing with our study of Large White at home and this morning a further four adults had emerged (2 male/2 female). I managed to secure a single record shot of a pupa in it's last hour before the adult merged.

What follows are some rather poor quality images of an adult emerging (I did not think it just to expose it to a flash). But it gives you an idea, nonetheless. Please stick with me, the photo quality does improve later on

One of the females released this afternoon after the rain had passed.

One of the males released this afternoon.

Here follows two photos taken of the same male within seconds of each after. What is interesting is the movement of the abdomen between the two, revealing what I assume is the male's genitalia?

Regards Kev

[Maximus]

Nice images of your Large Whites, Kev. It's not always easy to get the best shots

[David M]

Interesting shots, Kev. Always great to see a butterfly emerge from its chrysalis.

[Wurzel]

Cracking shots Kev - Large Whites are often tricky especially the open wing shots

Have a goodun

Wurzel

[kevling]

Maximus: Thanks for your kind comments. It's better to get a shot, that none at all
David: Thanks also. It is great to see them emerge. Even if I 'm in the habit of missing them by seconds each time
Wurzel: I know what you mean about open wing shots. That's why I resort to getting them when their semi comatosed

Here are some more images of my Large Whites, just prior to and just after hatching. Once again, I turn my back on them for a couple of minutes and they pop out (if you listen carefully you can hear my Muttley curse).

Just prior to hatching;

I nip off to get some breakfast, and this happens;

Released in the garden;

and finally, one female decides it does want to leave us and flies back onto my daughter;

Regards Kev

[trevor]

HI Kev.,
The Orange Tips seem to be more scattered around here this year. But I saw quite a few Males today
whilst driving. By chance you'll find some unexpectedly ( that's how I found that Female )

Best wishes ,
TREVOR.

PS. Nice Large Whites.

[trevor]

HI Kev.,

Yes, that Holly Blue was one of the great moments , made even better as it was unexpected. But they
can turn up anywhere, as i'm sure yours did.

All the best,
TREVOR.

[kevling]

Thanks for previous comments Trevor

The last installment of ourLarge White breeding follows.
There were a total of 22 caterpillars, of which just three climbed up the walls of the house to pupate. One of those never made it to pupation and of the other two, just one hatched (female).
19 caterpillars were rescued from the wilted Nasturtiums and after fattening up,pupated in our breeding cage. Just one failed to pupate with the other 18 all safely released in early May. Of those 18, 11 were female and 7 male.
There were no parasites visible on the small number that failed to make adulthood.

Regards Kev

[kevling]

After a very barren period with out any Orange Tip sightings, my patience was finally rewarded at my local (Belstead Meadows, Ipswich).
After seeing a number of active males, I came to a patch of Garlic Mustard that had good numbers of eggs on show (+15).

Then my first female of the year (one of three seen in total)

Also of note was this Holly Blue that seemed very content to be photographed

With Brimstone, Speckled Wood, Small Tortoiseshell,Peacock, Red Admiral,Comma, Green Veined White and Large White also seen, it turned out to be the best day of the spring so far.

Kind Regards
Kev

[kevling]

The first Orange Tip larvae are hatching in my quite corner of Ipswich.
These first instar were seen today.

Having photographed my first female last weekend, I managed a male today preparing to roost.

Regards Kev

[kevling]

Now that the Orange Tips are out in force, I'm getting my fill while they last. Once again I ventured to my local hot spot where I found eggs and larvae last week.
This pair were so focused on themselves, I managed to get close and capture the following images, before a second male joined them at the end.

Regards Kev

[kevling]

Having a fairly urban position at home, we were pleased to welcome our first ever recorded Orange Tip to the garden.
Unfortunately I missed it due to work, but Mrs L captured this female in addition to a Holly Blue.

Regards Kev

[trevor]

HI Kev,
Congrats. with the Female Holly Blue, open wings, lovely colour. This species seems to have done
well this Spring. I have found that a shot like yours is more likely to be achieved on a blustery day,
with cloud and intermittent sunshine. It was these conditions that worked for me.

Keep 'em coming,
TREVOR

[Wurzel]

Great shots Kev, especially the OT action shots they're fab

Have a goodun

Wurzel

[bugboy]

Hi Kev,

Great shots of the Orange action

Re Dukes, the weather forcast for the weekend doesn't look too bad at all and you won't be too late, a lot of the ones I was seeing looked very fresh, especially the 2 females pictured in my PD so I think your chances of getting some good sightings are pretty good. I'm going for another Duke experience on Bison Hill this Saturday, they're my new favourite British butterfly

Buggy

[Willrow]

Some great images Kev, a lovely sequence of shots to illustrate your posts...well done that man

Regards,

Bill

"When in doubt - venture out"

[kevling]

Thanks Trevor. Mrs L takes the credit for that photo. Relaxing in the garden while her old man works.

Wurzel & Bill; Thanks for your comments. As my favourite butterfly, those OT will be one of the highlights of my year without a doubt. First time I've ever observed them mating.

Buggy; Thanks too. I'm contemplating a trip to Bison Hill on Saturday, myself. We may well see each other.

Regards Kev

[Pauline]

Just catching up on your diary Kev and they are smashing shots of the OT's

[kevling]

Thanks Pauline. Every once in a while, my limited skills with a camera bear fruit