Silver-studded Blues. Photo: Mark Pike

Another remarkable photo from Mark of Silver-studded Blues taken at Slop Bog in Ferndown on 31/05/2020.

Silver-studded Blue, Slop Bog
Posted on: 3 June, 2020

Wood White. Photo: Brian Arnold

Brian went to Lyme Regis yesterday, 02/06/2020 on a hunt for the Wood White and the following is his report on his expedition:

We followed the footpath up to Timber Hill, then down to the edge of the landslip at The Spittles.

We were hopeful of seeing lots of Wood White, and as we arrived saw our first on the rough cracked ground just above the landslip. I got a quick photo as one landed on the Bird’s Foot Trefoil which was there in abundance. Over the next 4 hours we saw a total of 3 Wood White flying slowly and close to the ground, but none would settle for a photo. Maybe it was too hot today – we were certainly roasted. Often they flew around us, going back and forward sometimes going over the edge of the landslip and down to the bottom – well out of reach, but never settling for more than a second or so. One settled briefly right on the edge of the drop but I did not have the courage to get close enough for a photo. In four hours I got just the one photo.

Wood White, Lyme Regis
Posted on: 3 June, 2020

Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary. Photo: Brian Arnold

Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary. Photo: Brian Arnold

Brian has sent us these two photos taken when he went to a site near Swanage on 01/06/2020 to do a count for the National Trust and there he found 4 Small Pearl-bordered Fritillaries.

Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary, Swanage
Posted on: 3 June, 2020

Dark Green Fritillary. Photo: Mike Kirby

Mike and his partner Sarah were very excited to find this very fresh newly emerged Dark Green Fritillary at Badbury Rings on 02/06/2020, posing nicely for a photo and they commented that they could even see its crumpled wings.

Dark Green Fritillary, Badbury Rings
Posted on: 3 June, 2020

Grass Wave. Photo: Mark Pike

Mark visited Slop Bog on 31/05/20 and found this Grass Wave moth.

Readily disturbed by day, it is in flight from May -July. Its foodplants include Heather and Broom and it is mostly abundant on lowland heathland, open woodland, and bogs.

Grass Wave, Slop Bog
Posted on: 3 June, 2020

Crescent Plume moth. Photo: Mark Pike

Mark photographed this beautiful Crescent Plume moth at Badbury Rings on 1/06/20.

They are in flight Mid June -August so this one put in an early  appearance this year.

The foodplant is Restharrow and Spiny Restharrow and it  has various habitats, one being downland.

Crescent Plume, Badbury Rings
Posted on: 3 June, 2020

Mullein moth caterpillar. Photo: Brian Arnold

When Brian was walking back from Ailwood Down, Swanage on 30/05/20 he spotted this striking Mullein moth caterpillar.

The foodplants are wild and cultivated mulleins, buddleias, and Water figwort.

To see a photo of the adult moth see our gallery post on 28/04/20.

Mullein moth caterpillar, Swanage
Posted on: 3 June, 2020

Brown Silver-lines. Photo: Ann Barlow

Ann spotted this moth in DWT’s Corfe Mullen Meadow on 31/05/20.

This species is in flight from mid April in the south until June and easily disturbed by day from Bracken which is its foodplant.

Brown Silver-line, Corfe Mullen
Posted on: 3 June, 2020

Marbled White. Photo: Mark Pike

Mark has sent us this photo of a freshly emerged Marbled White butterfly taken at Motcombe Meadows on 02/06/20. A superb example of this attractive and distinctive butterfly.

Marbled White, Motcombe Meadows
Posted on: 2 June, 2020

Dingy Skipper. Photo: Brian Arnold

Brian has been very patient for the past week and this photo he has sent us is the result of his patience – photo sent with the following comments:

I have tried for the last week to get an underside shot of a by now rather worn Dingy Skipper in our garden at Harman’s Cross near Swanage.  Finally succeeded this morning, 01/06/2020.  

Dingy Skipper, Harmans Cross
Posted on: 2 June, 2020