19 June 2013 - When Will Summer Arrive?

The on-going theme of generally cloudy and unsettled weather in central southern England continues to delay the 2013 butterfly season, and the consequences of last year’s poor performance in suppressing butterfly numbers this year, is all too evident. From a personal perspective, I have also reduced the number of out of area visits I have made – it’s one thing to have disappointing visits in your own patch without being compounded by travelling many miles to sites that are much less familiar – only to have a similar (or worse) outcome!

In mitigation, Hampshire is now in the middle of its June Gap between the flight periods of the early spring species, which are now drawing to a close and the emergence of the main summer crop of butterflies, including large species such as Dark Green and Silver–washed Fritillaries, White Admiral and Purple Emperor, but not forgetting some of their smaller brethren such as Silver-studded Blue, White-letter and Purple Hairstreaks.

A Dark Green Fritillary has already been reported from the New Forest - earlier than I had expected when the season is so late - and hopefully most of the other species above, perhaps with the exception of the purple varieties, will start to emerge within the next two weeks. The term calm before the storm would normally come to mind now, but I fear, looking at the weather forecast for the second half of this week, that might literally be true!

14 June 2012 - Fears for Surrey's Glanville Colony

You may recall in my 2012 Blog, that I visited a site in Surrey (near Farnham) where a Glanville Fritillary colony has been surviving (indeed thriving) for more than 10 years, following an unofficial introduction. Wishing to avoid the longer journey and windswept walk along the shingle spit to the Hurst Castle Glanville site (with absolutely no guarantee of success), I opted for a return visit to Surrey this afternoon.

Needless to say, I had no success there either, at least not for Glanvilles. I know this is a very late and slow season for many species, but with Glanvilles seen on the IoW almost 3 weeks ago, there must be concern that the Surrey colony is now in serious trouble. Introduced colonies are especially prone to sudden collapse, and it should not really a surprise in this case, given two consecutive years of challenging weather and perhaps unseen factors such as the effects of predation or parasites.

Having said that, I was doubly surprised during my visit - not only to find Grizzled Skippers (2) on this site, but to find them in quite reasonable condition for mid-June! So maybe we ought to give the Surrey Glanvilles a few more days to appear and hopefully any thoughts of an obituary will turn out to be premature.

Other species seen were Common Blue, Small Heath, Large Skipper, Peacock and various whites. No full size photos posted on this occasion. Grizzled Skipper thumbnail is shown below.

7 June 2013 - Unexpected Rain Clouds Have Pearl Lining In The Clearing

This morning's thundery rain in south Hants was an unwelcome surprise, but it turned out have some blessings for a mid-afternoon visit to the Eastern Clearing in Bentley Wood. There was little flying on arrival, except for a lone Duke Of Burgundy flitting around at the western end of the clearing, as the sun's rays began to dry things out. Next up a couple of Pearl-bordered Fritillaries took wing, perhaps for their first laboured flights of the day across the sodden vegetation.

In the circumstances, a good start, and it got even better as I explored the rush areas just to the north if the main clearing. A fresh Small Pearl bordered Fritillary was climbing a rush stem, before opening its wings wide to warm up ready for flight. A few easy photos were captured as it gathered its resources. There were several others too, including a female, gliding around the same vicinity, taking short breaks to indulge in open wing basking amongst the rushes.

Back in the main clearing, activity was also warming up, but mostly of the Pear-bordered variety, Of 8 Pearls seen in total, two were fresh males - an unusual sight for early June and an indication of the very late season. In all numbers of Pearls and Small Pearls were comparable (although focussed in different areas) with the Small Pearls in the ascendency and soon to over-take their larger cousins.

6 photos (Small Pearl, Pearl, Duke Of Burgundy) posted to Recent Photos Gallery.

5 June 2013 - Dukes And Dingies Finding New Homes!

During the last couple of days, I have made short visits to 3 local sites: Oxenbourne Down, Old Winchester Hill and Portsdown Hill. Let's get the bad news out of the way first - firstly, butterfly numbers are generally lower than normal and compared to a few years ago, significantly lower. Secondly I failed to connect with Duke Of Burgundy at Oxenbourne Down.

Despite our butterflies having another difficult season (after the coldest spring for 50 years) it's not all doom and gloom. I had noticed over the last two years records of Duke Of Burgundy at Old Winchester Hill, which until recently has been 'Dukeless' despite some passable Duke habitat. Well, it's not Dukeless anymore! A recent report produced a count of 13 and although I was in no way able to match that I did see two male Dukes on downland bordering woodland, along with several Dingy Skippers. It is probable that the sizeable Duke colony on private land nearby is the original source of the Old Winchester colony.

It was then on to the Paulsgrove Quarry on Portsdown Hill. This time a known colony of Small Blue was the target. Having struggled to find the first two Small Blues there, they eventually showed themselves in small pockets, with 8 males counted in about half an hour. The surprise here however was a fairly faded Dingy Skipper - a species not normally found on Portsdown Hill, despite some reasonable habitat. I noted that Common Blue numbers are starting to build, albeit belatedly, with two females also seen.

4 photos of Duke Of Burgundy (OWH specimen with curved antenna tip), Dingy Skipper (OWH specimen) and Small Blue (Portsdown Hill) posted to Recent Photos Gallery.

31 May 2013 - Marsh Frits & Much More On Cotley Hill

Cotley Hill, near Warminster was the destination of my first out-of-county butterfly visit of this season. I have never visited this site previously, but it certainly delivered today, producing season firsts for me of Marsh Fritillary, Wall Brown and Small Blue - and in some style.

I had barely ascended 100m along the path heading north from the Cotley Hill roundabout when I came across the first Marsh Fritillary - a fresh male - and it was the first of more than a score of Marsh Frits seen, as I explored the lower slopes of the western side of the hill.

At one point, a larger, fast flying brown butterfly crossed my path - that turned out to be a pristine female Wall Brown - flighty as ever and definitely camera shy. I saw a male after that in an area where there are bare scrapes of earth and managed to snatch an underside photo.

As if that wasn't enough, there were also Small Blues (some actually looking slightly tired) including a mating pair, as well as Dingy Skippers and many Small Heath. On the return to the previously mentioned path, a single Green Hairstreak was also spotted.

On my way home, I called into Bentley Wood, Eastern Clearing to check if the Small Pearl-bordered Fritillaries have started emerging there. They have, as reported by a couple of observers with confirmed sightings today, although I myself was not successful during my short visit. However I did manage a male Duke Of Burgundy at the far end, as well as several Pearl-bordered Fritillaries around the clearing - some fresh.

5 photos of Marsh Fritillary, Wall Brown and Small Blue posted to Recent Photos Gallery.

Visit Photo Diary created and accessible from Video and Photo Diaries page or Click here to view (Flash object 1108KB). 

    

27 May 2013 - Brown Hairstreak To Peak In September!

The generally below average temperatures, prolonged periods of unsettled weather and late arrival of spring has played havoc with the early season plans of many butterfly groups and individual observers (including me!).

Often a late start to a season due to the weather will tend to be compensated later, with the butterfly season making up most of the lost time. The fine bank holiday weekend will help with this process, however, with a further spell of cool, unsettled weather now forecast, 3 fine days will have little impact on a season which is estimated as 2-3 weeks late.

Unless we really do have a 'flaming June', it's difficult to see how the season will now recover the delay, and it is probable that flight periods of the remainder of this season's species and second broods will be significantly later than normal - perhaps catching up a week or so before high summer.

I cannot imagine that the cumulative effect of multiple stressful seasons (including last year) will not result in reduced populations for many of our species. There might even be the prospect of our late summer species, such as Brown Hairstreak and Silver-spotted Skipper, not seeing the peak of their flight seasons before September!

One additional photo of Pearl-bordered Fritillary (taken 25 May in the New Forest) posted to Recent Photos Gallery.

25 May 2013 - Missing Dukes Explained As Pearls Glide The Forest Tracks

This afternoon I returned to Chilcomb Hill near Winchester on my quest to reconnect with Duke Of Burgundy, having failed last week. Not only did I succeed today with 7 seen close to the bottom of the escarpment, but I also have a pretty good idea why they were AWOL last week.

The weather was much better today, but the fact that all the Dukes seen were males, many of them fresh, would indicate that their season on this North facing site is still in its early days. If Dukes are only just emerging on some downland sites, it would suggest that the few woodland colonies (using primrose as foodplant) in Hampshire may not even have begun their flight periods yet. I shall have more to say on this very late season in the next few days.

Satisfied that this mystery had been solved, it was off down the M3 to the New Forest to check out how the Pearl-bordered Fritillary season is developing there. I think we can accurately say 'slowly' as the answer to that!

In New Copse Inclosure, 4 Pearl-bordered Fritillaries (all males) were seen, in the margins of the gravel track at the eastern end of the inclosure, feeding and investigating anything which could resemble a female. The picture was similar, although slightly better in Parkhill, where 7 were seen in and around the large clearing. I say 'clearing' but it is more like a young forest now and less suitable for the species than it used to be. However the diagonal grassy track though it, with decent margins should allow a population to be sustained.

5 photos of Pearl-bordered Fritillary and Duke Of Burgundy posted to Recent Photos Gallery.

   

18 May 2013 - Duke And Grizzled Prove Elusive At Small Site

The weather did not seem to know what to do with itself today - as the low cloud lifted this morning, the hope of good butterflying weather failed to materialise, as thicker cloud moved in to render a mainly overcast day.

Around mid-afternoon, I decided to head out anyway in the Winchester direction to visit a downland site near Chilcomb, which I had not visited for at least a couple of years, but one where I have never failed to connect with both Duke Of Burgundy and Grizzled Skipper. It's not a great site for Grizzled, but can be quite decent for Dukes, sometimes reaching double figure counts.

There was one other observer with the same idea and we both failed to connect with either species, despite some weak sunshine. The explanation for the lack of Dukes is unclear (too early in the season at this site, too late in the day (Dukes go to bed early!), not enough sun or even population collapse?). Perhaps a return visit in better weather and earlier in the day will help solve the mystery.

Species seen were Brimstone, Peacock, Holly Blue and, on the way back to the car, a very faded Small Tortoiseshell. No photos posted on this occasion.

16 May 2013 - Sunshine Finally Brings Out The Bentley Pearls

A late afternoon visit to Bentley Wood was close to leaving me with just one sighting of a Pearl-bordered Fritillary and no photos, but the sun finally got going as the heavy cloud moved north to allow a brief, but welcome window of activity.

An initial search of the rather wet, Eastern Clearing produced only Brimstone, Orange Tip and Peacock, under rather cool and mainly cloudy conditions. However, I noted from the visitor's book that Pearl-bordered Fritillary were first reported there on 7 May, with sporadic subsequent reports.

At the other end of the wood (in Howe Copse West), half an hour of searching had produced just one sighting during a brief bright interlude. However, as I watched the cloud eventually give way to more in the way of blue sky, the sunny intervals became sunny spells and soon Pearls started appearing, as if from nowhere (but in reality from their tree roosts). 5 fresh males were seen in total. After a few minutes of sunshine (and now close to 4.30pm) all went quiet again.

It is clear that the very late and cool spring is still in no mood to yield as summer approaches, and is not only causing mayhem with the normal butterfly calendar but also with the build-up of flight periods.

Two photos of Pearl-bordered Fritillary posted to Recent Photos Gallery.

10 May 2013 - From Late Start To Stop-Start! 

Following the short spell of good weather at the beginning of this week, it's back to normal business once again, meaning cool and unsettled. Hence, not a day to venture far, which meant that any thoughts of an early attempt for Pearl-bordered Fritillary in the west of the county were soon dispelled in view of the dubious weather (although I have since heard they are starting to emerge in Hampshire).

Instead, short walks along the Lythe (steep slopes of birch and ash on NT land near Selborne) and on Oxenbourne down were the limit of my travels this afternoon. The rough meadows along the Lythe are indeed colourfully filled with flowers. Green-veined Whites (including mating pair) were the most common species, however a few Orange Tips, both male and female, were also enjoying the nectar forage and seeking mates, attracted by the decent showing of cuckoo flower on the lower slopes.

One of my mini-goals this year is to see Duke Of Burgundy on Oxenbourne Down. I had to be satisfied with a couple of Grizzled Skippers today, in far from ideal conditions (little sun, cool and breezy) but I'm not giving up yet! Sightings of this species at Oxenbourne I will regard as a bonus but they are recorded most years in very low numbers.

Photo of Female Orange Tip posted to Recent Photos Gallery (this one was actually taken at Butser Hill on Monday but better than today's!).

 

6 May 2013 - Dukes And Dingies Emerging In Rake Bottom

I recall making the comment previously that it should be possible to record Duke Of Burgundy, Green Hairstreak, Grizzled and Dingy Skipper on a single visit to the Rake Bottom area of Butser Hill, but had never actually succeeded myself - until today that is!

Joining up with another butterfly enthusiast for the search proved an advantage, in the case of Duke Of Burgundy and Dingy Skipper in particular, which are just starting to emerge here. 4 fresh male Dukes were seen on both sides of the track at the western end of Rake Bottom (including an earlier fleeting glimpse when I was searching on my own) but just the one Dingy Skipper further along the valley. One of the Dukes looks as though its wings are still to fully fill out after emergence.

2 Green Hairstreaks and 12 Grizzled Skippers were also seen on the lower slopes close to the valley bottom, with 5 Peacocks, 6 Brimstones, 2 Commas, 1 Red Admiral and 4 Orange Tips (including 2 females) completing my afternoon's count. A few more days like today (both weather-wise and butterfly-wise) will be most welcome!

3 photos of Duke Of Burgundy and 1 of Dingy Skipper posted to Recent Photos Gallery.

   

3 May 2013 - Sunshine Eventually Brings Its Rewards At Magdalen And Butser.

Spring species are, as expected, emerging quite quickly now - with even Duke Of Burgundy on the wing at Noar Hill. I resisted that temptation however, and instead headed this afternoon for Magdalen Hill Down and Butser Hill, with the main targets being Green Hairstreak and Grizzled Skipper. The weather was almost perfect with plenty of sunshine and just the occasional cool breeze to remind one that this is still early spring.

At Magdalen, the hibernators were showing quite well (Brimstone and Peacock in particular) and Orange Tip numbers are building nicely, with one female seen as well as several males. A walk along the lower slope did eventually produce the targets - I disturbed a Green Hairstreak from the scrub. Luckily this first one settled back down in the low vegetation for some photos, unlike its two peers who decided it was safer high in the hawthorn.

I had almost given up on seeing Grizzled Skipper at Magdalen, but a good look around a patch where there was plenty of Bugle coming into flower produced one individual. I need not have worried too much, since a stop on the way back at Butser Hill (Rake Bottom), produced 4 more Grizzled Skippers on the slope behind the shrubs along the valley floor.

5 Photos of Green Hairstreak and Grizzled Skipper posted to Recent Photos Gallery.

    

30 April 2013 - Fine Weather Will Help Season Catch Up

The spell of fine weather we are at last enjoying should help this belated season to catch up - and there is certainly plenty of that to do! Estimates that this season is about 3 weeks later than normal are completely believable.

I had not been out and about on the butterfly front for a few days, but a short visit to Oxenbourne Down today was notable, not so much for the butterflies seen (a few Brimstones) but for making me realise just how dry our downland is at present. This will enable the ground to warm up faster and accelerate the development of the adult spring butterflies, presently undergoing metamorphosis as pupae. Hopefully the still isolated sightings in Hampshire of species such as Grizzled Skipper and Green Hairstreak will turn quickly into decent numbers.

It could be a busy May!

23 April 2013 - Orange Tip Sees My Season Up And Running - At Last!

It may be late April but a male Orange Tip, seen today on Portsdown Hill, heralds the true start of this year's butterfly season for me - a case of better late than never!

Despite the beautiful sunshine and pleasant temperatures, there were actually fewer butterflies on the wing during my short lunchtime walk today, compared to my visit last week. In addition to the Orange Tip, just two Commas and two Brimstones were seen.

As usual with fresh Orange Tips, there is a huge imbalance between flying time and rest time, but luckily this one did oblige for a few quick photos.

Weather permitting, the season should now build quite quickly, as the first emerging individuals are soon joined by their peers of the same species and other species. Two photos posted to Recent Photos Gallery.

19 April 2013 - First Outing Of The Season (What Season?)

It's almost late April and by now the spring crop of butterflies would normally be making their presence known - Orange Tips, Whites as well as the hibernators. A search of more specialist habitats would produce Grizzled Skippers and Green Hairstreaks.

I am sure it does not need me to tell you that this season is very late, and whilst singletons of Orange Tip and Green Hairstreak (as well as a few whites and hibernators) have been reported in Hampshire, we are hardly up and running yet.

My first foray of the season took me to two chalk downland sites this afternoon, Portsdown Hill and Butser Hill (Rake Bottom) in cool conditions with rather limited sunshine. The only non-hibernator I saw was a Speckled Wood. On Portsdown there were also several male Brimstones, Peacocks and Commas going about their business (searching for females in the case of Brimstones, flying and basking for the Nymphalids).

There was even less activity in Rake Bottom and it was clear that the season here is very far behind, with most of the cowslips still in tight bud - just a few beginning to open. When it's like this, I have found in the past that it pays to wait at least a few days before making another venture.

Photos of Peacock (with missing wing corner) and Comma are shown below and posted to recent photos gallery.

   

31 March 2013 - Late Spring Means A Compressed Season

As temperatures continue to struggle to reach anything resembling normal for early spring, I begin to ponder the consequences of the late start to this year's butterfly season.

Just two non-hibernating species have been recorded in Hampshire so far (Speckled Wood and Small White) - a rather measly turn-out compared to last year at this time, when Holly Blue, Orange Tip, Grizzled Skipper, Green Hairstreak, Large and Green-veined Whites could be added to the list. The early start last year of course, was the precursor to one of the worst seasons in recent times, which became all too evident soon after its blockbusting entrance.

So what is likely to happen this spring? The late start will mean that the emergence period for spring species will be shortened, with newly emerged species appearing in quick succession, almost one after another, over a period of a month or so. Once emergence starts, the flight periods should build more quickly than usual (weather permitting of course), with more adults on the wing at the same time, albeit for a shorter period. I say that with tongue in cheek of course, since the consequences of last year's poor season on the health of this year's butterfly populations, remains uncertain.

22 March 2013 - Nature Is Best At Biomechanical Engineering!

It might be late March, but continuing cold and wintry weather indicates a late spring this year, with significant action on the butterfly front still a few weeks away.

So I take the opportunity to reflect on an article I read recently. It relates to a recent study conducted at the Ohio State University on the techniques which nature has evolved to keeps surfaces (including butterfly wings) clean. The researchers believe that incorporating some of these features into man-made products might help solve the bio-fouling problem which plagues many industries. Bio-fouling may be considered as the gradual build-up of natural debris and contaminants over time, such as barnacles on a ship.

Researchers found that butterfly wings make use of some unique surface characteristics that promote self-cleaning. They are characterized by shingle-like scales, which keep water from pooling, and microgrooves which repel water and reduce surface adhesion. These features help keep the surface free of debris and contaminants.

With 3.5 billion years of research and development under her belt, it's not surprising that Mother Nature is the best biomechanical engineer! 

3 March 2013 - New Month Should Herald First Sightings Of Newly Emerged Spring Butterflies

The first two months of 2013 have been unremarkable in terms of weather in Hampshire, with cold and cloudy conditions generally prevailing. However, March heralds the beginning of spring, not only in a formal sense but also in the sense of witnessing the first sightings of newly emerged spring species in the county. The most likely are Speckled Wood, (already recorded in neighbouring Sussex), Holly Blue, Small Copper, Orange Tip and other common Whites. Late in the month there is also the possibility of Grizzled Skipper and perhaps one or two other species more usually associated with first emergence in April, depending on how spring-like March turns out to be.

So it's time to make sure the camera battery is fully charged and ready for action!

9 February 2013 - No-one Told The Glanville That 'A Life In The Fast Lane Is Usually A Short One'!

In the animal kingdom, there is often a reverse correlation between the energy an individual burns in living its life (its 'metabolic rate' in science jargon) and lifespan. In other words, those who 'live life in the fast lane' tend to die young. This is not just a coincidence - scientific justification indicates that burning more energy results in greater production of free radicals and other cell damaging molecules, which tend to shorten life.

It seems however, that one butterfly species has not yet got the message. Researchers reported last month in the Journal of Experimental Biology that in the case of the Glanville Fritillary, the butterflies which had the highest metabolic rates also lived the longest. There may be a number of reasons for this, such as access to more nutritious food sources or maybe they have evolved other ways to protect themselves from the harmful effects of their own high speed metabolisms.

So next time you see a Glanville Fritillary taking things a little too easy, tell it to get a move on and it might just live longer!

13 January 2013 - 2012 Ends With A Record And 2013 Starts With One!

2012 ended as the wettest year on record in England - hardly a record to be proud of - but 2013 has already started with a more agreeable one! During the last decade (or to be precise, since 2002 for which data is published online), the earliest 'first sighting' reported on the BC website for a non-hibernating species was 13th January and occured last year. The species concerned was a Speckled Wood recorded in Cornwall.

Well the same species has really hit the jackpot this year for a non-hibernator, by being seen in the same county on New Year's Day! So our butterflies have wasted no time welcoming the New Year, with five other hibernating species also reported in UK on the same day.

In isolation of course, the early sighting on an individual butterfly is not necessarily of great significance, since it's what happens on the wider scale of butterfly populations which is important. Nevertheless let us hope that 2013 has a few more pleasant surprises in store!

9 December 2012 - Unremarkable Autumn Is Good News

The fact that this autumn has been unremarkable on the butterfly front (few late broods, sightings now restricted to occasional hibernators) as a result of a return to relatively normal autumnal weather should be welcomed. I hope the benign autumn heralds, for a year or two at least, a return to typical weather patterns during other seasons. Unseasonal extreme weather has wreaked havoc with many species of our butterflies in recent years.

I for one will be more than happy with a fairly cold, but mainly dry winter leading to a spring which arrives on time (and not ridiculously warm or  early as has characterised some recent years) to be followed by a decent summer, free from prolonged deluges in June or July.

The other uncertainty which awaits us next year is the development and potential spread of Ash dieback disease. Whilst I don't believe any cases are reported in Hampshire so far (and I guess the disease is relatively dormant during the winter), the spread and severity of Ash dieback is a major concern for our woodlands and the wildlife that depends on them. Whilst effects on butterfly populations are not likely to be rapid or dramatic in the short term (very few butterflies are directly dependent on Ash) the effect on woodland ecosystems could be very severe and take decades to recover.

27 October 2012 - News Of Ash Dieback Not Welcome As Season Bows Out

Whilst the first few weeks of autumn have witnessed a bumper crop of Red Admirals, hopes of other late season highlights such third brood Wall Brown, have not borne fruit, due to the overall lateness of the season. So it would seem, as the first taste of frosty mornings and chilly daytime temperatures arrive, the butterfly season is now about to bow out (more or less) until next spring.

On a different topical note, I notice that the local branch website has opened a new page for species conservation, with the first article on the Brown Hairstreak, quite coincidentally following a similar theme to the updated introduction I have recently created for the species pages. On a less welcome note, news of the outbreak of Ash dieback disease in East Anglia has come to prominence this week. Apart from the potentially devastating effect on our native woodlands, if this outbreak is not controlled and spreads, it would represent a further setback to the Brown Hairstreak - Ash is its favourite tree in which to perch and feed (from aphid honeydew).

29 September 2012 - Squirrel Had Right Idea Turning His back!

Little did I know when I took this photo in March of a Red Squirrel's "backside" on the Isle of Wight, that it would provide an ironic "tribute" to the 2012 butterfly season!

In many ways I am pleased to be turning my back on the season, which has overall been the poorest I have experienced in recent years, yet just like the squirrel's amazing tail, this butterfly season has not been without a few highlights. I will not go into verbose detail here, but instead post a few additional photos to an end of season bonus gallery, accessible via the photo archive or by clicking here. Each photo has a short caption continuing the light-hearted theme.

The 2012 season, for many of our butterflies, is of course now over or all but over. Late summer Vanessids will continue to be seen on reasonable days, typically enjoying the fruit harvest, and there are late broods of Whites, Small Copper and Speckled Wood for the avid observer to see, perhaps to be joined by a few Wall Brown (if lucky) in the next couple of weeks. Occasional Clouded Yellow sightings are also being reported in locations along the south coast in preparation for an attempt by some to seek warmer climes across the channel.

For me, the period of the year to perform some website housekeeping has arrived (gallery updates, site feature updates, species pages updates) partly in an attempt to reflect the evolving populations of our butterflies - and disappointingly, it seems to be one of continued decline at a number of sites. I will notify significant updates on the What's New page and will aim to maintain occasional blog entries on my reflections or topical points (e.g. once or twice a month) during the quiet period.

14 September 2012 - Late Summer Broods Enjoying The Mellow Fruitfulness

It's the middle of September and the butterfly species which seem to characterise this time of year are enjoying the fruits of the season. A walk around an area of Gosport this afternoon where brambles abound was providing a feast for them - Red Admirals and Commas in particular, with many fresh individuals. They were complemented by a new crop of Whites too - of the Large and Small varieties. They were more intent on seeking mates or joining the aforementioned species feeding from the remaining blooms of buddleia.

Whilst technically we are in autumn, summer has not quite relinquished its tenure yet. The sighting earlier in the month of a second brood Duke Of Burgundy at Noar Hill is an event which normally occurs in mid-August (and in fact has now happened in 3 out of the last 5 seasons). It also bears testimony to the season still being a couple of weeks later than normal - so in season terms it could be argued we are only at the end of August now!

That may be slightly wishful thinking however, since other factors such as the shortening length of the days and falling temperatures may accelerate the inevitable progress towards autumn as we normally know it - as well as those ripe fruits and rustic foliage, there will also be morning mists, cold nights, wind, rain, wasps and daddy longlegs!

3 photos posted to Recent Photos Gallery - Red Admiral, Comma and Small White.

7 September 2012 - Ths Strange Season Still Has Some (Positive) Twists!

I was delighted to learn from the branch website that Adonis Blue had made a belated appearance this year at Old Winchester Hill - so delighted that I decided to take a look myself this afternoon. It was feared that the species had (once again) become extinct there, following no sightings in 2011 and none during the 2012 spring flight period.

This news was surprise enough, but my exploration if the prehistoric fort and in particular two of the Adonis' old haunts led to another surprise. Adonis has not only reappeared on the south field (considered its main location) but also on the car park slope. I recorded 4 males at the bottom of the south field and a further three towards the bottom of the car park slope, after the path turns south.

One possible factor in the recent lack of sightings is that Old Winchester Hill is a late site, with flight periods typically a week or two behind some other sites - this applies also to Silver-spotted Skipper and Dark Green Fritillary. There are other explanations of course, but I have no information to suggest any artificial intervention!

The other recent positive twist is the decent late summer brood of Small Tortoiseshell. Like many people, I have started to see them more frequently, in gardens and on downland - indeed I saw three today and last week when returning to Selborne from the common, there were several pristine Small Tortoiseshells feeding voraciously on a large buddleia in the garden of the Selborne Arms.

I think the demise of the Small Tortoiseshell over recent years is not well understood (although it is heavily parasitized) and I suspect its resurgence is also a mystery, but let's hope that it does represent the start of a sustained period of recovery.

3 photos posted to Recent Photos Gallery - 2 Adonis Blue and 1 Silver-spotted Skipper of which 6 were seen today at OWH.

1 September 2012 - Late Summer Visit To Selborne Common

Having visited Selborne Common a couple of years ago in search of Brown Hairstreak (without success!), I returned yesterday hoping for better luck. Selborne Common is managed by the National Trust and is close to Noar Hill (another Brown Hairstreak site, although sightings there have been declining in recent years).

The National Trust has produced a downloadable leaflet called 'Selborne Common and The Lythe Butterfly Walk', which I used as a guide. The areas mentioned on Selborne Common for Brown Hairstreak certainly look very suitable, particularly the so-called 'blackthorn jungle'. There is also good habitat for other residents such White Admiral and Silver-washed Fritillary, particularly on the eastern side of the common.

I had hoped for a more definitive outcome from my visit, which started well, with two probable Brown Hairstreak sightings in flight at separate locations, and occurring soon after completing the climb up the zig-zag path from Selborne. However, as sometimes happens with this species, it was a case of early promise being unfulfilled, with no further sightings to report, despite searches of nectar sources (hemp agrimony, bramble) and blackthorn (for egg laying females).

I am certainly planning return visits next year to the Common, both for summer woodland species and Brown Hairstreak. Roll on next summer!

Photos of Peacock and Red Admiral (which were enjoying the Hemp Agrimony!) posted to Recent Photos Gallery.

26 August 2012 - A Season On Which To Ponder

As the 2012 butterfly season begins (belatedly) to wane, it will no doubt leave us with plenty to ponder in its wake.

Maybe it's still a little early to be pondering too deeply, but there are a few points concerning two late summer species which I mention now. These relate to Brown Hairstreak and Silver-spotted Skipper. From a Hampshire perspective, neither of these species can be said to be thriving,

Most Brown Hairstreak sightings have been confined to the far north west of the county, around Shipton Bellinger, with just one record I am aware of from Noar Hill so far. In the case of the latter, whilst the population of Silver-spotted Skipper at Broughton Down seems to be holding up, sightings at 3 other sites (Stockbridge Down, Oxenbourne Down and Old Winchester Hill) have typically been in single figures and a number of observers have failed to find it. In addition, emergence at Old Winchester Hill has been very late, which is the probable consequence of the poor spring/early summer weather and the degrading habitat to support this species.

Thankfully we are not in danger of losing either of these butterflies from the county, at least in the short/medium term, due to at least one good site in each case (Shipton Bellinger and Broughton Down respectively). However, there is a danger that they could be lost from some sites in the not distant future, where populations seem to be struggling.

21 August 2012 - Adonis Blank At Broughton But Success In Wilts

On my way to Shipton Bellinger yesterday, I called in at Broughton Down in the hope of finding a few summer brood Adonis Blues, which have emerged on their main downland sites (outside Hants). The disappointment of not finding any was well compensated by my escapade at Shipton Bellinger soon afterwards, however I had not given up on Adonis, and in late afternoon I made the short hop down the A30 to Figsbury Ring (in Wilts).

No problem finding Adonis here and without the distraction of any other blues on the wing. During my short visit ~15 Adonis were recorded in a small section of the ramparts, including a mating pair. I suspect that Adonis will be seen at Broughton Down soon, but are just slightly later in emerging due to its essentially north facing aspect.

2 photos of Adonis Blue (incl mating pair) posted to Recent Photos Gallery.

20 August 2012 - Lazy Days Of Summer For Bellinger Brownies!

Having recently returned from a butterfly-free short break, I was keen to see how the Brown Hairstreak season was developing, including the prognosis for seeing females or egg laying behaviour. Key sites such as Shipton Bellinger can get quite busy on fine weekends, so I opted to wait until today to visit - the last day of my break - in the hope off adding a female to my sighting of males there, some 10 days ago.

Arriving late morning to be welcomed by a rain shower was not a good start, and a first reconnoitre of all the usual locations was unproductive. A spot of lunch was therefore called for to allow time for the sun to dry things off and hopefully spur the hairstreaks into activity. It seemed to work! A male nectaring on bramble in the boundary hedgerow was first up. He was in surprisingly good condition - perhaps even better than the males I had seen 10 days ago, and a further indication of the lateness of the season.

Little did I know the best was yet to come. I had already checked without success, the large clump of bushes close to the gap in the boundary hedge where I have seen 'Brownies' on previous occasions, but after photographing the male, another look was called for. I could hardly believe my luck - a beautiful female Brown Hairstreak had now taken up residence and was perched on a leaf!

She stayed for at least half an hour, using several postures - closed wings, half open wings, fully open wings - the latter being her favourite pose when the sun disappeared, even manoeuvring on one occasion with fully open wings to take nectar from a nearby bramble flower!

Having gathered some photos I was becoming greedy and made a further search of the boundary hedge for more hairstreaks, but I guess I had already had my fair share of luck. On returning to the location of the female, about 20 minutes later, she had move a metre of so further into the bushes and was now out of reasonable photographic range. It may be still too early for egg laying, bearing in mind a female was watched yesterday in similar docile mood. They are simply making the most of a relaxing time before the real business begins. Anyway, it was time for me to head off on a high!

4 photos of Brown Hairstreak posted to Recent Photos Gallery (including 1 of the male).

    

15 August 2012 - Change Of Plan Needed In The North Country

I took the opportunity of a short visit yesterday to Northern England to check out some boyhood haunts in the Tyne Valley. A trip down memory lane if you like, with the aim of enhancing the memory of this difficult butterfly season!

My initial target was Wall Brown, which is much more common in Northern England than the south. I should have known however, it was not going to be easy, since second brood Wall Brown have not so far been reported on the local branch website (they normally start emerging in early August).

Having visited a couple of known Wall Brown sites, including one where there is a strong colony, without success, I decided radical action was needed, and I switched attention to another member of the Brown family - the Scotch Argus. If the season was working against me in respect of Wall Brown, it could work in my favour for Scotch Argus, whose season would normally be well on the wane by now.

The downside was of course the 90 minute journey, either to Cumbria or into the Scottish Borders. I opted for the latter, having read that the species may actually be significantly under-recorded and having previously researched a couple of new locations close to the source of the River Tweed.

I only had time to visit one of these - the Badlieu Quarry, not far from Moffat, There had been a heavy shower in the area just before I arrived, so I was relieved to locate the colony with ease in the damp grassland below the disused quarry face (~20 seen). I even witnessed the brief courtship and mating. There was no standing on ceremony here - a few seconds of close contact fluttering and then down to business - they were coupled! Most of the Scotch Argus seen were males, some quite faded.

Apart from the paired female, the only other female which provided a photo opportunity was partly obscured, low down amongst the grass stems. 4 photos of Scotch Argus posted to Recent Photos Gallery, including mating pair.

11 August 2012 - Silver-Spotted Skipper Numbers Holding Up At Broughton Down

Hampshire is not blessed with an abundance of suitable habitat for short-turf loving species such as Adonis Blue and Silver-spotted Skipper. There is very limited suitable habitat for the former in the county and, in respect of the latter, populations at previous strongholds such as Old Winchester Hill, Stockbridge Down and Beacon Hill (Warnford) seem to have fallen significantly in recent years. This is probably due to damp/wet weather during the growing season, boosting grass growth, and lack of grazing to keep the sward short. Thankfully Broughton Down is maintaining a decent population of Silver-spotted Skippers and it remains one of few Hampshire sites where Adonis Blue can still be found.

On my way to Shipton Bellinger yesterday, I called into Broughton Down and recorded a dozen Silver-spotted Skippers on the main down and the western extension. Hopefully they will be joined by the small population of Adonis Blues in the next week or so.

2 photos of Silver-spotted Skipper posted to recent photos gallery and also one of a fresh Brown Argus (taken at Shipton Bellinger).

10 August 2012 - Right Place, Right Time For Brown Hairstreak (And Wall Brown!)

Brown Hairstreak spotters were gathering at Shipton Bellinger this morning hoping to see the elusive species. Most were not disappointed, taking benefit from two or three pairs of eyes being better than one, and as always, a case of being in the right place at the right time. The focus of low level activity seemed to be the blackthorn rich hedgerow and scrub close the county boundary, although a number were also spotted high in Ash trees along the track heading west from the village.

As for me, my count was 4 males, three at low level, the low level ones all showing signs of fading. They were feeding on creeping thistle and bramble, with a momentary coming together of 2 males on the same thistle head (luckily photographed). How often does that happen with Brown Hairstreak!

After lunch it was time to move on to look for another of Hampshire's difficult species - the Wall Brown. Anyone would think I'm a glutton for punishment since Shipton Bellinger to Keyhaven is also a rather tortuous and lengthy journey! It was however rewarded by 6 Wall Brown seen along the 'Ancient Highway', heading west from the end of Lower Pennington Lane. Most were males, however there was at least one female which was photographed.

So, it turned out to be a very productive late summer day in glorious weather. 5 photos of Brown Hairstreak and Wall posted to Recent Photos Gallery.

     

6 August 2012 - Small Blues (And A Small Copper) Enjoying A Taste Of Summer

The Small Blue spring flight period was about as good as June's weather (dismal!) so it was heartening to find a few of their summer brood out again on Portsdown Hill today, close to the Paulsgrove Quarry. In fact I saw more there today (around six, including at least one female.) than on any of my visits during the spring period. I don't usually see Small Copper here, but a very fresh one was also  in the same area. Unfortunately it darted off at great speed over the 'rampart' around the site before I could photograph it.

So, two photos of Small Blue posted to Recent Photos Gallery, including the female below.

3 August 2012 - Chalkhills Win Gold For Numbers

As Great Britain's medals tally mounts up, there was no doubt which species was leading the way on Old Winchester Hill this afternoon. In the south field, close to the fort, Chalkhill Blues were abundant - hundreds were on the wing, with the lower slopes alive with them, including a significant number of females. So despite a late start for this species, its fortunes do not seem to have been badly affected by the poor spring and early summer weather.

I made a short exploration of a couple of other areas around the fort, keeping an eye out for the odd Dark Green Fritillary or Silver-Spotted Skipper but it would seem that the season here is probably over for the former and not yet started for the latter. I was pleased to see a Small Tortoiseshell (sadly they seem to be having another very poor season) and several Red Admirals, basking or feeding along leafy pathways close to the road.

As we enter August and the latter part of the butterfly season, let us hope that the British Summer will be reasonably kind this month. I note that Brown Hairstreak has not so far been reported in Hampshire and Painted Lady and Clouded Yellow have been conspicuous by their absence this season, so a late flurry for those species would also be welcome.

Photos of Chalkhill Blue, Small Tortoiseshell and Chalkhill Blue posted to Recent Photos Gallery.

28 July 2012 - Surreal Emperor Moment In The Pastures!

I had a little spare time this morning before the main event of the day (my son's wedding!) so a gentle walk in Whiteley Pastures, providing exercise and fresh air seemed the perfect solution. The outward walk up the main track (no more than 1km) did not produce anything out of the ordinary - a couple of White Admirals and several Silver-washed Fritillaries which was in line with expectations. So I decided to use the return to gather a few photos of common species (you know, browns, whites etc) for the species photo archive.

As I stepped into the track margin where a Ringlet had landed with open wings, the next thing I know is that a male Purple Emperor, in excellent condition and showing full regalia, is flying around me a few feet from the ground! I stood perfectly still hoping it would land. It did think about it but then, in another moment - it was gone - vanished!

I can only think it had been down on the ground just off track, perhaps taking moisture, when I disturbed it in pursuit of - well yes - a Ringlet!

Sadly I did not obtain any photos of the enigma, so it will just remain in my memory as one of those surreal Emperor moments. As a consolation, a White Admiral, posed for an underside photo, which is posted to the Recent Photos Gallery.

26 July 2012 - Heatwave Provides Much Needed Boost for Summer Butterflies

I have visited a number of local sites, both woodland and downland, during the last week of fine weather and have been pleasantly surprised by the number of butterflies on the wing. The hot weather seems to be having a number of beneficial effects.

In woodlands, there was significant concern that populations of key species such as Silver-washed Fritillary, White Admiral and even Purple Emperor had been decimated by 3 months of wet weather. Thankfully that does not appear to be the case. Sightings of Purple Emperor in particular, have increased dramatically at its main sites in Central Southern England and South Midlands, as adults have emerged almost 'en masse' during the fine weather (if such a term can ever be used for PE!) . On downland, a visit to the lower slopes of Portsdown Hill yesterday saw the down positively thronging with Chalkhill Blues, Marbled Whites and Meadow Browns. I also noticed plentiful Kidney Vetch, so hopefully there will be a decent showing of second brood Small Blue there soon.

In addition, the full UK list of resident butterflies has now been reported, with Brown Hairstreak (Dorset), Silver-spotted Skipper (Oxon and Sussex) and Scotch Argus (Cumbria) arriving on the scene in the last few days. So it would appear that the heatwave has also accelerated the season to the point that it is now only slightly behind normal, with species enjoying a rapid, rather than gradual build up in numbers.

We cannot yet know what the long term consequences of the prolonged wet period will be on our spring and early summer species, however for the main crop of summer butterflies, the recent fine weather has come to the rescue just in time. Photos of Chalkhill Blue, (male and female, thumbnails below), Common Blue and Gatekeeper taken during the last few days posted to Recent Photos Gallery.

    

24 July 2012 - Flitting Hairstreaks Enhance Summer Evening Stroll

I never thought I'd be saying this a couple of weeks ago, but today has almost been too hot for butterflying!  Thus an early evening butterfly stroll, when the temperature had cooled to mere 23 degrees, seemed the perfect choice. The destination was my local woodland of Whiteley Pastures, where the main track was still enjoying warm sunshine on its east side. A 45 minute circular walk using one of the minor rides to return, produced 8 species, all on the wing of their own accord.

I was particularly pleased to see 7 Purple Hairstreaks flitting in oaks along the main track, but whereas a few years ago they would be seen in much greater numbers, almost along the whole length, only selected trees now seem to be favoured. Patience was also needed to observe candidate trees for a few minutes at a time, awaiting some activity, but this was rewarded on several occasions.

Other sightings included Small Skipper (5), Essex Skipper (1 probable), Gatekeeper (3), Meadow Brown (7), Green-veined White (2), Comma (2) and Red Admiral (1). I guess they too were glad of some respite from today's heat! Nevertheless, by 7.45pm when I departed, activity did seem to be waning. No photos on this occasion.

22 July 2012 - His Majesty Drops In On Observation Tower For Breakfast!

The slow build-up of the Purple Emperor season and, at last some fine weather, provided another opportunity for me to search for the enigma of the butterfly world. When you visit key sites in Alice Holt Forest on a fine Sunday morning in the middle of Emperor season, you know you won't be alone, but the opportunity to meet people with similar interests and the additional pairs of eyes to spot these elusive creatures paid dividends today.

A pre-emptive early reconnaissance along the main track in the Straits Inclosure produced no sightings, however on the return several observers were gathered at the first observation tower, as a fresh male Emperor had tucked himself under the overhanging roof to feed on - would you believe - a tie-wrap!. Another one did a couple of sorties around the tower before returning into the trees. This set the pattern for a good part of the morning with two males making flights around the observation tower area, the one having a partiality for the observation tower itself, feeding also on the upper echelons of its wooden structure.

I then departed for the southern part of Abbotts Wood Inclosure where two further males were seen close together in tall oaks (not at an assembly point) before making their separate ways in search of females.

A brief return to Straits Inclosure in late morning saw the action now shared between both observation towers, with another male perched in oak close to the second tower, having previously shown a similar partiality for its timbers, A few minutes later and it set off over the tower in a southerly direction.

Whilst the general view is that Purple Emperor numbers are well down on normal, a spell of fine weather may yet turn in a reasonable season for this majestic species, which should now extend well into August. 3 photos of Purple Emperor posted to Recent Photos Gallery, all from distance.

20 July 2012 - Grayling Make Belated Appearance On Browndown

Followiing an unsuccessful visit last week to Browndown South for Grayling, a return visit late this afternoon turned in a better result. It was a close thing however, with glowering cloud over much of the area and just a few chinks of blue sky, butterflies were scarce. On arrival at the usual shingly Grayling area, in front of the huge brick wall of the firing range, the first couple of jinking browns that flew up were my old friends - Meadow Browns.

As the possibility of a second unsuccessful search loomed, thankfully the third brown to fly up was indeed my quarry - a fresh male Grayling which settled again on the shingle. Seconds later another flew up ….and that was basically it.

A further fifteen minutes or so of searching produced just two more Meadow Browns and a Small Heath. Still, I can't complain - I did not get wet (just!), I enjoyed a pleasant walk with great views across the Solent and saw my target species - a couple of Graylings noted for the record!

One photo of Grayling sat on shingle is much the same as another, so just the one posted to Recent Photos Gallery.

15 July 2012 - A Usable Day At Last To Enjoy East Hampshire's Contrasts

After what seems like a string of butterfly outings which have struggled to deliver, it was refreshing this afternoon to experience a more typical one - and meet a few other butterfly enthusiasts not seen for a while (well that's one feature of the Purple Emperor season!). The return to something like old times no doubt had something to do with today's interlude from the rain, and whilst there were prolonged cloudy spells, the afternoon was certainly a usable one.

In the Straits Inclosure of Alice Holt Forest, numbers of White Admiral and Silver-washed Fritillary were certainly greater than I had been expecting - around 8 White Admirals and 18 Silver-washed Fritillaries including a few females. Even during the cloudy spells, some activity continued - the frenetic activity characteristic of the first days of the flight season now matched by the need to restore energy levels - mainly by feeding on bramble flowers. I did not see His (or Her) Majesty this afternoon although a male at high level had been seen earlier in the day, and I am not one for spending hours looking up at the tree tops in the hope that one will take wing.

As a perfect complement and contrast to Alice's woodland rides, just 2 miles away on Broxhead Common, Silver-studded Blues were flitting amongst the heather. Whilst not at all difficult to find, numbers seemed well down on normal (I have known the common teaming with them). Some are now fading but there were also some fresh males. I was reminded also of the dangers of heathland as the unmistakable zig-zag patterning of a young adder slid under heather as I followed one of the blues. I was much more careful where I was trodding after that!

4 photos (White Admiral, Silver-washed Fritillary and Silver-studded Blue) posted to Recent Photos Gallery.

   

14 July 2012 - Season Still Blighted By The Weather But Some Good News

During this prolonged period of unsettled weather, I have spent longer than I would normally do reading what's going on both locally and further afield, via butterfly related websites and blogs. Whilst the poor weather and its detrimental effect on the summer season is a strong theme, there are one or two bright spots (well metaphorically speaking at least!). It's becoming clear that the Purple Emperor season has started very slowly and not only in Hampshire, with relatively few sightings so far. Whilst there still time for this to improve, it's probably too late now for any recovery in the Black Hairstreak season in the Midlands, where again sightings have been well down on normal.

Further north, I note that there was something of an explosion of Small Pearl-bordered Fritillaries at a site in County Durham, with scores of them on the wing. This sometimes happens during a prolonged unsettled period, with butterflies being ready to emerge for days whilst awaiting a suitable weather window - and of course they like it damp! Grayling are out in very good numbers on Arnside Knott in Cumbria - yet I am not aware they have been reported in southern England, which seems odd. I took a walk around Browndown South near Gosport yesterday afternoon, which is often an early site for Grayling and found none, albeit in far from great conditions. Also nearer home, the first Chalkhill Blue of the Hampshire season has been reported from Magdalen Hill Down - very late by recent standards, but at least some positive news.

I close this posting with a photo of a courting pair of Marbled Whites, also taken yesterday near Gosport. The female (on the right) was "all of a flutter", so at least some butterflies are enjoying themselves! Photo also posted to Recent Photos Gallery.

8 July 2012 - Butterflies Flying Again After Recent Deluge But Numbers Below Par

After the seemingly incessant rain of the past days, I went for a gentle stroll in the New Forest this afternoon, as the threat of heavy showers seemed to be receeding. I chose Pondhead near Lyndhurst, which has a circular route around the inclosure - perfect for a short walk. It was all very wet underfoot of course, but nevertheless enjoyable to experience the special New Forest environment again - its sights, sounds and even smells, under the powerful, but so far all too scarce rays of the July sun.

On the butterfly front I saw most species I would expect to find, including Silver-washed Fritillary and White Admiral, as well as common woodland dwellers such as Ringlet. I note also there are good numbers of fresh Red Admirals around at present - offspring from overwintering adults or this year's migrants.

However, butterfly numbers for early July (equivalent to late June this year) were well down on normal, with just two White Admirals and 6 Silver-washed Fritillaries seen. Thankfully, I did manage to obtain a couple of highly-cropped photos of one of the White Admirals as it perched in hazel.

I am rapidly recalibrating my expectations for this season as a result of the weather and its effect on our butterfly populations, and guess I am not the only one! Two highly cropped photos of White Admiral posted to Recent Photos Gallery.

6 July 2012 - First Emperors Spotted In Hampshire But Season Still On A Go Slow

In my butterfly diary I had planned to take some time off in early July, on the basis (weather permitting of course) that it is normally around the optimum time for summer woodland species, including of course Purple Emperor. Instead it has coincided with another very unsettled week and the woodland butterfly season, far from approaching peak is still barely past tick-over. At least I have managed to do some jobs around the house planned for later in the year!

However, there is some good news on the butterfly front - the first Purple Emperors were spotted in Hampshire yesterday, at two different locations in Alice Holt Forest, so if the weather does calm down a little over the next week, it should be a good time to see them, although I will have few, if any opportunities. The week has not been a total wash-out either - when the sun came out yesterday afternoon in South Hants, I visited my local woodland (Whiteley Pastures/Botley Wood) again. Silver-washed Fritillary numbers are building slowly (~10 seen) but White Admirals were scarce - just 3 with no photo opportunities. It provided a chance then, to record on camera some of the other species which have appeared in the last week or so - Ringlet and Small Skipper, as well as a boldly marked female Comma.

4 photos posted to Recent Photos Gallery including the female Comma below.

2 July 2012 - Can You ID This Butterfly?

So the weather is still doing its best to turn this summer into a joke (and not a very funny one at that!) however yesterday morning, parts of the SE Hampshire coastal fringe were basking in sunshine (albeit with a cool blustery wind). A short outing for me confirmed that one of our scarcer species had made its 2012 entrance at a local coastal site.

Can you tell what it is from the thumbnail below (larger image here)? You can just about make out the wing tails and it is perched about 15ft above ground in an elm tree, which is the real giveaway!  When the wind dropped there were several flurries of flight activity high in the elm, and I would estimate that at least 3 individuals were present, but never offering a reasonable photo opportunity. Being an above-ground dweller in all its life stages, I am hopeful that this enigmatic little butterfly (White-letter Hairstreak) will have a reasonable, albeit late, flight season.

 

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