www.ukbutterflies.co.uk

Today at Martin Down. The DGF (fems) were lying low in the sward (pic). Does this indicate ovipositing or just evasive behaviour from nearby males. I can't think that many violets grow on these coarse grasslands.

The females have been doing this for as long I can remember in my local Cotswold grasslands. The first female I ever saw as a schoolboy was doing just that.

I check in to the Gloster Birder website frequently and there's a picture of a well marked female in a similar postion there. Here's the website location for anyone interested. Check 2nd july entries :~

http://www.birder.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/

Image taken at Edge Common one of my all time favourite local habitats for all manner of wildlife. :~



No evidence why they do this but suspect it is a 'dry run' practice for seeking violets in the grass when they become sexually mature and ready for egg laying.