www.ukbutterflies.co.uk

After having just one UK mainland species of butterfly left to photograph for the past couple of years, I finally snapped them last week on a trip up North. We found a few (rather worn) ssp. salmacis individuals at Bishop Middleham Quarry on the way up to our accommodation in the Lindisfarne area, but a few days later popped across the Scottish border in search of the "full monty" ssp. artaxerxes (with the white spots). Fortunately, some of these were in very good condition and I was very satisfied to have finally completed my quest. At least one individual (a male) had white spots on all 4 wings (presumably an aberrant butterfly?) Superb little insects - well worth waiting for!
A worn female ssp. salmacis


Female ssp. artaxerxes


A male "Four-Spotter" ssp. artaxerxes



Trev

That last artaxerxes is a blinder, Trev.

Well done Trev. That last one is ab. quadripuncta.
BWs, Neil

Trev Sawyer wrote:After having just one UK mainland species of butterfly left to photograph for the past couple of years, I finally snapped them last week on a trip up North.

Congratulations, Trev!

Cheers,

- Pete

Thanks guys,

If it hadn't been for UKButterflies, I can safely say that I would never have been enthused to get out and look for those species presumed unattainable in my youth. ... And I know there are countless others who have rekindled a fascination with our native butterflies after visiting this site, so many thanks from all of us. I may not post on the forums as much as I used to, but there aren't many days when I don't surf by to see what exciting insect has been spotted.

Trev

Well done Trev.
I remember the feeling back in 2012 when I finally saw the Lulworth Skipper, my final UK breeding butterfly to see. So I know how you must be feeling.
Great stuff, and the "four spot" Northern Brown Argus is lovely too!
Paul

Congratulations, Trev and super photos too. So what is your next challenge now you've completed the set?

Peter

It's always good to add to the wonderful places where you've seen butterflies before and there's always a better photo to take, so I won't be at a loose end.


Trev

.... and you haven't photographed a mating pair of taras yet!
BWs, Neil

Hahahahahahahahaha! That really made me smile Neil.
Even you and Pete might struggle to get that one, but I look forward to see the image one day on this site

Trev