www.ukbutterflies.co.uk

I saw this butterfly yesterday at Minsmere. Believe that it is a Speckled Wood but it does not quite match up with my guide. Can you help please

You're right - it's not a speckled wood but a female Grayling. Graylings normally rest with the wings closed, except when flirting, so this is an unusual view.

Guy

Thanks. This would fit in with what I saw. there were two flying around together and it certainly looked like they were flirting.

Excellent effort to catch it with its wings open like that.

Splendid shot, and good to be reminded that there are still unusual sightings to be made in Britain - even though we have such a limited species list

Mike

Brimstones (can't recall whether it is female or male but I think female) open wings when courting or rejecting, but otherwise wings stay closed. Maybe female Graylings and perhaps other normally-wings-closed species also behave in this manner.

Thoughts? (eg Green Hairstreak, Small Heath)

Jack

Jack Harrison wrote:Brimstones (can't recall whether it is female or male but I think female) open wings when courting or rejecting, but otherwise wings stay closed. Maybe female Graylings and perhaps other normally-wings-closed species also behave in this manner. Thoughts? (eg Green Hairstreak, Small Heath)

I can add Large Heath to the list - see download/file.php?id=42282&mode=view (taken at Whixall Moss, 2013)

Female Brimstones quite often sit with open wings, as you describe, Jack. The first time I saw this behaviour, I was stunned since all my books said it doesn't happen. Since then, I have seen and photographed the behaviour on several occasions. The male tends to flutter his wings more but can leave them open for short periods. see download/file.php?id=16927&mode=view (taken at Otmoor, Oxon, 2011)

Jack Harrison wrote:Brimstones (can't recall whether it is female or male but I think female) open wings when courting or rejecting, but otherwise wings stay closed. Maybe female Graylings and perhaps other normally-wings-closed species also behave in this manner.

Thoughts? (eg Green Hairstreak, Small Heath)

Jack

I've seen Graylings, both male and female, flick their wings open during courtship. Similarly, female Brimstones (and Cleopatras) will open their wings in 'rejection mode' when approached by males.

Must admit, I've not seen either of our Heaths do this and certainly not Green Hairstreaks.

I've also seen female Brimstones doing this as well as Graylings. I have also several times watched Small Heaths flick their wings open when nectaring, but not for long enough to get a decent photo. However, a fast shutter speed would probably capture this. Green/Black/White-letter Hairstreaks - not even close!

Dave

error

The courting position of these two Woodland Graylings
are reminiscent of that of Wood Whites.
--
Colin

I took this photo in 2012 of a Grayling rejecting a suitor Goldie