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Allo there I've only been photographing butterflies for a year now and on my stores I've come across a few unusual forms and also one or two that I could do with checking. Hopefully you guys will be able to help me confirm or deny their identify...

First up is a female Common Blue - is this the form caerulea ? Next is another blue, this time Adonis - the hind wing has black spots near to the margin (although they're very hard to see on this sized image) - is this suffusa? Then there's this really worn Silver Washed Fritillary - is it valesinaor a really aged Silver that's lost all it's ginger as the shot was was taken this week at Garston Wood and it is pretty late in the season? Then there are two Small Coppers - the first has blue markings on the hind wing - is this a common aberrant and does it have a flash sounding name? The second was taken in strong sunshine last week at Martin Down and I was wondering if the golden metallic sheen was a usual sight? Any help is greatly appreciated cheers

Wurzel

Hya Wurzel, the only one that really rings a bell with me is the Silver-washed valezina female, because i took an almost identical pic of a worn one not long ago, and i think you have that ID right.



Personally, i have not seen any blue spots on Small Copper upperwings, but seek out the experts on here. They will certainly know.

Your first pic could be a worn Common Blue male.

Hi Wurzel.
Yes, the Small Copper with the blue spots is a very common aberration known as caeruleopunctata.
The metallic sheen on the other Small Copper is normal - it becomes very apparent if viewed from an angle like that.

Trev