Dorset butterfly updates
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.
Brian Arnold sent us the above photo, taken on 14 August. Dingy Skippers are usually around in May and June Continue reading
Hummingbird Hawk Moth. Photo: George McCabe
George found this Hummingbird Hawk Moth in his house at Weymouth on 4/07/18 and says when he tried to catch it to put it safely outside, it played dead!
An immigrant species which sometimes occurs in large numbers, especially if there’s an extended period of warm weather or southerly airflow.
It flies in the sunshine and hovers in front of flowers, sipping the nectar with its long proboscis, very much like the hummingbird which gives it its name.
The larvae feed on bedstraw (Galium), and some of these may hatch and give rise to autumn adults in an influx year.