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Last Thursday I was kindly invited to join David M and Roger Gibbons on a butterflying expedition in the Var, in the south-east of France. So, with wife and camera in the car, I headed east from Marseilles.

This is one of the backdrops you can expect to see in the area : The sun was reluctant to show itself but it was just about warm enough for a few brave species to put in an appearance.

Roger pointed out an LHP, Aristolochia, which is used by certain species.
Aristolochia rotunda ?: And sure enough it wasn't long till we spotted the Southern Festoon that goes with it:The first new species for me on that afternoon.

Shortly followed by the appearance of a Weaver's Fritillary.
Some distribution maps for this species indicate the Bouches du Rhône where I live, however I have yet to spot one near home. Here is another shot, with Roger's wife keeping an eye on technique. In fact the sky was overcast which provided some good opportunities for sitting subjects. This Western Dappled White finished by calming down and posing nicely. These are common enough around home in Marseilles. Then perhaps the high point of the afternoon for me was the Provence Hairstreak. This species is quite scarce. It is threatened in the south of France by human occupation and land usage, and in particular by vine growing and the pesticides used. Here, David (L) and Roger (R) are studying the best angle for the subject, with Madame Jackson looking on, despite a few spots of rain. All in all, a successful afternoon. Thank you again David and Roger.
Cheers, Chris

A shame we all met on the one cloudy day of the week, Chris.

Still, Provence Hairstreak and torpid Weaver's Frit was well worth the effort in getting to Roger's end of the Var.

In spite of the conditions I think we still saw approximately a dozen species - Baton Blue, Grizzled Skipper, Western Dappled White, Green Hairstreak, Berger's Clouded Yellow, Common Blue, Weaver's Fritillary, Provence Hairstreak, Small White, Southern Festoon, Cleopatra......have I missed any?

It sounds like a wonderful day, with quality more than making up for lack of quantity, and good company to boot.

Excellent pictures.

Guy

David M wrote: ... In spite of the conditions I think we still saw approximately a dozen species ...

Yes, David, imagine if the sun HAD come out

Padfield wrote: ... and good company to boot.

In fact, far from stepping on each others toes, butterfly spotting in a group is an efficient method, the more pairs of eyes the better .

Chris

Chris,

Could I ask where in the Var region you visited please. We holiday in the South of France quite regularly and up until now (including this year) we go in the Summer. However a late spring visit is what I would like to do and it is worth noting where I could find Festoons in particluar.

Kind Regards Kev