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Long-tailed Blue - Favourite Photo of 2022

Week 10

It’s that time of year again…Happy Christmas or Seasons Greetings whichever you prefer!

Please could I ask that everyone waits until a topic has been opened by me for a particular species before posting photos as then it will be easier to keep track of things? Of course our overseas members are very welcome to fill in the obvious gaps relating to rare UK migrants. As in previous years details of locations, dates, times and circumstances would be welcome as would any accompanying stories and anecdotes or other observations of behaviour and interesting other points.

Have a goodun

Wurzel

Well before I had recovered from my enforced absence from things lepidopterous during August, I had been teased by increasing numbers of reports from the Sussex coast of flocks of Long-tailed Blues throwing themselves under the lenses of every passing camera. Luckily, the summer continued into September, and with a favourable forecast for the 21st, I set off on my first extended day out for quite some time. I headed for the hotspot on the Worthing seafront, where I encountered a good selection of UKB folk - and a good selection of Long-tailed Blues as well. What a great day. Here are some favourites (of the latter group - the former is a different species ). Dave

Only saw a handful on my overseas tours this year. I'm sure several on here saw plenty more around the south coast of the UK! Sign of the times.

This female is from Javalambre, in Spain, on 5th August:

My favourite from Worthing

I don't have a suitable photo this year for my occasional 'Spot the Grayling' competition, but instead have this Long-tailed Blue, hilltopping near Alhaurin el Grande (Malaga, Spain) in November:
It was not alone there.

Well, nearly 600 images to sift through, so the winner of eeny meeny miny moe was this one!

Worthy winner too, Paul. Mint specimen.

Not really wanting to make the long trip to Worthing I make do with the ones I see overseas. I found plenty in Cyprus and Spain this year, but my favourite is the one below from La Pineda, Cataluna in September.

David M wrote: ↑Sun Dec 18, 2022 8:57 pm Only saw a handful on my overseas tours this year. I'm sure several on here saw plenty more around the south coast of the UK! Sign of the times.

This female is from Javalambre, in Spain, on 5th August:

2.LTBfem(1).jpg

What was Javalambre like for butterflies? It's on my (rather long) list of places to visit in Spain, and I very much doubt I'll get round to all of them.

Matsukaze wrote: ↑Thu Dec 22, 2022 6:31 pmWhat was Javalambre like for butterflies? It's on my (rather long) list of places to visit in Spain, and I very much doubt I'll get round to all of them.

Not especially productive at the beginning of August to be honest, Chris. Quite a few hilltoppers near the summit (LTBs, Lang's, Swallowtails, Small Coppers, etc) but like most places in Spain, the general area is quite overgrazed.

There were a few Spanish & Azure Chalkhills a couple of hundred metres further down, and the odd Tree Grayling, but I wouldn't make a special effort unless you've got plenty of time on your hands.