Six-spot Burnet Moth. Photo: Penny Hawes

Penny commented there were hundreds of Burnet moths at Perryfield on 19/07/23. and has managed to capture the lovely greenish wing colour   which from a different angle usually looks black or even dark navy.

This species is seen late June-Aug  and from August-June the creamy silk-like cocoons of the larvae can be easily spotted attached to grasses or other plant stems.

A blue butterfly with some black markings and a white fringe to the wings

Common Blue. Photo: Penny Hawes

Two butterflies on a yellow flower - one blue with a white fringe to the wings and the other pale brown with black, white and orange markings

Common Blues. Photo: Penny Hawes

Two photos of Common Blues from Penny taken on 16/09/2022 at Perryfields where she told us she saw a lot of ‘Blues’ but still didn’t manage to achieve her ambition of finding an Adonis – one which has eluded her so far.

A brown and blue butterfly with black, white and orange markings on a pink flower

Chalkhill Blue. Photo: Penny Hawes

A brown butterfly with black, white and orange markings on a yellow flower

Common Blue. Photo: Penny Hawes

Penny sent us these two photos together with the following comments:

Congratulations Dorset BC.  Perryfields was wonderful yesterday, on a hot, hazy Sunday afternoon (17/07/22). Thousands of butterflies flying up from under my feet with every step! Lots of Meadow Browns, Gatekeepers and Marbled Whites and Six Spot Burnets. And a multitude of Common Blues and Chalkhill Blues. I have far too many photos!

Greyish brown moth , with darkn brown crossbands on forewings.

Burnet Companion. Photo: Penny Hawes

Penny spotted this Burnet Companion moth while at our Perryfields reserve on Portland on 24/06/20.

This species is a day time flying moth and can be found in sunshine or overcast weather. Easily disturbed ,flying only short distances. It can be found in a variety of habitats, grassland, flower rich meadows, woodland rides, verges etc.

Flight season Mid May to early July.

Black moth with 6 red blotches on  each forewing

Six-spot burnet moth. Photo: Penny Hawes

On 30/07/20 Penny enjoyed a trip to Portland where she photographed this Six-spot burnet moth at our Perryfields Reserve. It isn’t often you see the underwings on this species so this is a very pleasing photo.

Penny tells us she met a fellow enthusiast, Martin Adlam and enjoyed a butterfly related chat. It’s always good to meet others whilst out walking who appreciate Lepidoptera, especially whilst many of our activities are so restricted due to Covid 19 and we miss out on social events where we might normally exchange views and ideas.

Perryfields

Track leading through a grassy area
Perryfields Reserve looking west. Photo: Bernard Franklin

Guide to this top Dorset butterfly site, including: location, description, species of interest and photo gallery.

view of a pair of Chalk Hill Blues mating

Chalk Hill Blues, Mating. Photo: Penny Hawes

Penny found these mating Chalk Hill Blues on 2/08/18 at Perryfields on Portland.

Identification of this species is sometimes confusing when only the underside of the wings are seen.

The difference between Chalk Hill Blue and Common Blue is the chequered fringe as clearly seen on the female butterfly in this photograph.

view of a Chalk Hill Blue resting on rocks with wings open

Chalk Hill Blue. Photo: Penny Hawes

Penny caught up with this pristine Chalk Hill Blue at Perryfields Quarry on Portland on 2/08/18.

The Chalk Hill Blue is found on chalk downland, although limestone downland is also used. it can be found from mid July – early Sept, and in flight looks a lot lighter than other Blues. The chequered border to the wings is a good way to distinguish it from Common Blue when at rest.