Thank you Pete for bringing that to my attention. I really must start looking at some of the many books I have. I have just looked at Page 198 and yes, it is remarkably similar, tho' I must say I didn't notice any silk tent. Having said that I wasn't looking at the undersides of the leaves. I shall definitely be returning there for a better look as I would very much like a definite ID.
Thank you for your input Buggy. I so wish I had some more photos of it. I have one but it is almost identical so not much use. I really just like to know what these things are
Thank you Trevor. I guess there is always a silver lining if you look hard enough but it didn't seem that way as I handed over my £70.00!!!
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I am sure it won't be too long before you are seeing lots of them.
Thank you also David, Bill, Dave, Wurzel and Goldie - your kind comments and compliments are very much appreciated.
Having been housebound for a couple of days due to minor car repairs and waiting around for an electrician, this afternoon I could hear the SSB’s calling to me so I had to pay another brief visit to Bramshott. Many more males have emerged since my last visit (I counted around 30) but I could almost feel their frustration as they searched for those elusive females. I only saw 2 worn specimens so I hope there are many more still to emerge.
The Dingy Skippers were still around – and still fighting fit – although clearly past their best. On the other hand 3 newly emerged Large Skippers spiralled into the heavens before travelling sideways at an incredible speed, only to return to their original positions.
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I could not resist a shot of this lovely Speckled Wood – slightly larger than most and with striking markings and it was whilst I was taking this photo that I caught a glimpse of something out of the corner of my eye – it was quite large but definitely not one of the many Meadow Browns, and moving much faster in any case. Another Speckled Wood crossed my mind as I fancied I had seen pale spots on it as it shot past, but this butterfly was circling in a frantic manner and quite unlike a Speckled Wood. I gave it my full attention and quickly realised it was my first Painted Lady of the Season. It was a bit worn and a bit ragged but tearing around the place at a rate of knots. Twice it briefly touched down before disappearing and it was then I managed to grab this one and only shot. Painted Ladies have reached Liphook!
As I watched the blue butterflies I had time to compare the SSB with the Common Blue – both lovely and both so different.
As I was leaving I spotted the Brimstone that I have seen on previous occasions. He is immediately apparent, even from a distance, as he is unable to attain any height, although reasonable speed does not seem to be a problem. As he gets closer the reason is immediately obvious – his wings have been shredded. Not just the usual bird attack. He looks like he has been put through a pasta making machine, his tattered wings streaming out behind him as he flies along. Good luck to him.