www.ukbutterflies.co.uk

No butterflies to report but for a taste of autumn here's a snap taken yesterday a pal has just sent me.

Fairly certain it's a Snakeskin Grisette (Amanita ceciliae).

I say taste of autumn....I certainly wouldn't eat it !

Thunderstorms both early and late today (23rd) on my local patch, but in between there was a spell of very warm sunshine - probably up to 19 degrees again. During this spell I managed to see five butterflies. One piece of ivy had attracted a Red Admiral and a Holly Blue, but neither sat in an accessible position. However, my slight frustration at this was assuaged by the appearance of a Speckled Wood which had decided to take advantage of one of the last available nectar options.Approaching home on the way back, a Small White crossed my path, and then I spotted another Holly Blue in the hedgerow. This one briefly obliged with a couple of photos, but appeared to be preoccupied with laying eggs. Dave

Holcombe, Somerset. A male Brimstone and a Peacock flying today.

Matsukaze wrote: ↑Sun Oct 23, 2022 10:09 pmHolcombe, Somerset. A male Brimstone and a Peacock flying today.

Wow! That's quite a combo for late October!

Long-tailed Blue reported at Sand Point, Somerset. The location suggests a migrant, rather than an adventive.

A quick look at the nearest part of my local patch this morning in more sunshine after a rainy night produced the brief appearance of a Red Admiral. It very quickly took to the air and like others I've seen recently headed straight towards the sun at speed. Dave

Matsukaze wrote: ↑Sun Oct 23, 2022 10:13 pmLong-tailed Blue reported at Sand Point, Somerset. The location suggests a migrant, rather than an adventive.

Amazing!

Also a Long-tailed Blue at Beachy Head on Sunday 23rd. Seen and photographed by my son. Found by Laurance Pitcher.

badgerbob wrote: ↑Tue Oct 25, 2022 8:02 amAlso a Long-tailed Blue at Beachy Head on Sunday 23rd. Seen and photographed by my son. Found by Laurance Pitcher.

Incredibly that they're still about on the cusp of Hallowe'en. Won't be easy for them to get across the Channel now that conditions are becoming damper and windier.

Tuesday 18th, Lower Kilvey Hill & Dan-y-Graig cemetery, Swansea:

Speckled Wood 11
Small White 5
Common Blue 4
Red Admiral 3

Those two new butterflies don't look as if they belong to mid-October, David!

I'm currently up in Yorkshire staying with my sister in Wilberfoss. Today's warm sunshine (25th) tempted me out to nearby Calley Heath at lunchtime, where I was rewarded with the sight of a Red Admiral (which didn't hang around) plus a Small Tortoiseshell and a Brimstone (both of which did). The Brimstone was very sluggish unless the sun was fully out, but the Tortoiseshell was not so bothered.

Dave

The Common Blues are undoubtedly 3rd brood, Dave. Not something too common round here.

I think Speckled Woods had a bit of a break during that August heatwave. I don't ever recall seeing so many in October and quite honestly, I'm confident there'll be a few in November given the condition of many I've seen lately.

A single fresh LTB photographed at Bockhill (St .Margarets area .............close to Kingsdown ) 2 or 3 days back ,Kent butterflies facebook for anyone interested.
Allan.W.

Oh ! Almost forgot a single Queen of S seen 3 days ago at the Walmer site . Allan.W.

Yesterday a fairly fresh Painted Lady visiting Cosmos flowers in the gardens of Fulham Palace as well as a more expected Red Admiral.

Peacock in the garden this afternoon.

Matsukaze wrote: ↑Thu Oct 27, 2022 4:32 pmPeacock in the garden this afternoon.

You lucky blighter, Chris.

Peacock, Red Admiral and Comma this morning. Beacon Hill, Wiltshire

David M wrote: ↑Fri Oct 28, 2022 9:57 am

Matsukaze wrote: ↑Thu Oct 27, 2022 4:32 pmPeacock in the garden this afternoon.

You lucky blighter, Chris.

Today was even better...
5 species this week, remarkable for late October.

Matsukaze wrote: ↑Fri Oct 28, 2022 6:49 pmToday was even better...

Painted Lady is a good one, Chris, and Small Tortoiseshell is probably up there with Peacock given how they've behaved this autumn.