Adonis Blue. Photo: Penny Hawes
Adonis Blue. Photo: Penny Hawes
Two photos from Penny sent in saying:
I was SO excited at Perryfields this afternoon, 29/08/2024. Could this be my first ever Adonis?! I have been searching for 12 years since I first acquired my camera, and have never seen one. This one was a noticeably much brighter blue than the Common Blues flying near it. But I’m still not sure, as it has quite a tattered border – I’m hoping the black lines reach the edge?
EDITOR’S NOTE: I too wanted this to be an Adonis Blue for Penny but to be certain decided to refer the photos to one of our Dorset BC “verifiers” and he responded as follows:
Though it was very tricky to see the underwing spots, I’m now pretty certain that it’s an Adonis Blue. Did lots of comparing with photos on UK Butterflies website and match to Adonis is much stronger – also colour of underwing looks brownish whilst it tends to be much greyer with Common Blue. Definitely not the best example and very hard to ID.
Six-spot Burnet moth. Photo: Penny Hawes
Penny sent us this photo of a Six-spot Burnet moth which she saw at Perryfields on Portland on 17/07/24, showing the red underwings which we don’t always see.
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.
Common Blue. Photo: Penny Hawes
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.
Chalkhill Blue. Photo: Penny Hawes
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!
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.
Small White. Photo: Penny Hawes
Penny sent us this rather lovely image of a Small White. Continue reading →
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.
Guide to this top Dorset butterfly site, including: location, description, species of interest and photo gallery.
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.
