Dorset butterfly updates
Large Yellow Underwing Moth. Photo: George McCabe
George’s dogs looked up and became alert when this Large Yellow Underwing landed on the kitchen floor in their Weymouth home on 24.07/19. George said it was one of a number that had gained their attention that week.
These moths have one protracted generation June- Oct and sometimes November, peaking in August. and is long lived.
It comes readily to light sometimes in huge numbers.
Large White with Fly. Photo: Mark Pike
Brown Hairstreak > Photo: Mark Pike
Mark sent us this photo of a Large White from Alner’s Gorse on 1/08/19, wondering how it didn’t notice the fly on its wing. No answer to that unless anyone else has any idea?
The Brown Hairstreak was a surprise too, as it was very low down on Ragwort rather than high in trees as is their usual practice.
We have had two reports recently of Glanville Fritillaries in North Dorset! Continue reading
This very tired-looking Duke of Burgundy turned up in a very surprising place: Continue reading
We asked you recently to paint Dorset yellow by reporting Brimstones – now we want you to look out for Orange Tips as well! The map shows Continue reading
Orange Tip. Photo: Shona Refoy
Dingy Skipper Photo: Shona Refoy
Shona tells us:
I went to Badbury Rings yesterday (29/04/2019), and saw this Orange Tip beside the path on the way to the Rings. The Dingy Skipper was in the valley between the Rings. Both are nectaring on Dandelions, which seem to be a popular source of nectar at the moment!
Do you have any interesting or notable butterfly/moth experiences to share with our members? Continue reading
Our Branch AGM is not far away. Would you like to join our Committee? If so, let us know, and we can arrange to suggest you for election at the meeting, or you Continue reading
We are delighted that, at the eleventh hour, we have a volunteer to run the results meeting at Wimborne: huge thanks to Stephen Brown for stepping forward. We do, however need help from those who undertake the butterfly monitoring walks in the east Continue reading
Silver-studded Blue. Photo: Peter Salmon
Peter spotted this male Silver-studded Blue while at Bourne Valley NR on 30/06/18.
This delightful butterfly is found in close-knit colonies, with individuals rarely flying any distance.
The newly-emerged larva feeds on the tenderest parts of the foodplant, including young shoots, buds and flowers. The larva is often found in the presence of ants, especially the black ant Lasius niger, which are believed to offer the larva some form of protection against parasites and other predators.