www.ukbutterflies.co.uk

Loire Atlantique.44

Perhaps not as well known as some other regions of France the Briere Regional Natural Park has its share of little gems,here a few that may be of interest to UK Butterfly enthusiasts,pictures taken during my recent visit to search for the springtime Map butterfly.
An unexpected bonus was my first
Nymphalis polychloros

Araschnia levana

Nymphalis antiopa

Callophrys rubi

Lasiommata megera

Lycaena tityrus
http://jamesgibbs6929.zenfolio.com/

Thanks for sharing these images, James. They've certainly whetted my appetite for my forthcoming Pyrenees trip.

Yes, the spring brood Map is a lovely creature, and one that I would like to see much more of personally (still in single figures).

Did you not check out any Large Copper sites? This species is present in many areas of western France at this time of year.

For your pleasure David, below is a Large copper taken at a small reserve in the Vendee, 31-05-2015, the first week in June seems to be the best time to see them,a very difficult species to locate, the second brood is in August.
Hope you enjoy the Pyrenees it is a area that I know well ,truly beautiful.

Four more from Loire Atlantique.44
A very interesting account on the life of the N antiopa, in French.
https://www.insectes-net.fr/morio/morio2.htm
Can someone help with the Moth.
Melitaea cinxia
Leptidea sinapis
Nymphalis antiopa
http://jamesgibbs6929.zenfolio.com

Hi James, your moth looks like a Burnet Companion to me.

Many thanks for the Large Copper image. It's a very photogenic butterfly and like all Coppers tends to pose well. That said, your image is beautifully crisp and and makes me yearn even more for a first encounter with this species. It's unusual in the sense that it's one of the very few species that is west and north-centric in its French distribution, which explains why I have yet to see it!!

thanks for sharing the lovely Papillon photos Medard

much appreciated.

Charles

Can someone please identify this caterpillar seen along a track during my recent visit to Loire Atlantique.44.approx 44mm long .