Brown Argus. Photo:Andy Martin
Andy found this Brown Argus at Ulwell on 16/09/18.
This species occurs in small, compact colonies, and is not a great wanderer, only travelling a couple of hundred metres, at most, from where it emerged.
They have two generations each year and in good years a partial third generation is possible in the south.
This faded individual would be from a second brood which would have emerged late July to early August.
Posted on: 18 September, 2018
Wall Brown. Photo: Andy Martin
Andy came across this lovely Wall Brown on 16/09/18 at Ulwell near Swanage.
The Wall gets its name from the characteristic behaviour of resting with wings two-thirds open on any bare surface, including bare ground and, of course, walls! Many people will have come across this butterfly on footpaths, especially in coastal areas, where the butterfly flies up when disturbed, before setting again a few metres ahead.
There are 2 generations each year and, on occasion, a small 3rd generation may appear in October. After such a lovely summer a third generation is quite likely this year.
Posted on: 18 September, 2018
Horse Chestnut Leaf Miner moth. Photo: Mark Pike
Mark tells us he was surprised to find this Micro moth, wing span 8mm, on his windowsill at home in Motcombe on 11/09/18.
This species was discovered near Macedonia in 1985, and since then has spread rapidly to other countries in Europe.
It was first discovered in Britain at Wimbledon in south-west London in 2002, but possibly had arrived the previous year, as it was quite plentiful. It is thought that the species may be expanding partially due to accidental transportation by man, either by road or rail.
Posted on: 12 September, 2018
Small Copper, aberration. Photo: Mark Pike
Mark photographed this Small Copper in his Motcombe garden, on 9/09/18.
This aberration showing blue spots is named Caeruleopunctata, and when it is found it is often noticed that a small colony of Small Coppers will be found with these extra spots in the same location. (more…)
Posted on: 10 September, 2018
Common Blue. Photo: Penny Hawes
Penny found this lovely male Common Blue at Portland on 6/09/18.
It looks in such a pristine condition, so it is hard to believe we are already into Autumn. The Blues seem to have had a very good year and after the prolonged dry spell, the rains have revived the caterpillar foodplants . Hopefully this will ode well for the 2019 butterfly season.
Posted on: 10 September, 2018
Small Copper, Aberration. Photo: Ann Cryer
Ann and Gordon came across this Small Copper in a meadow near their Shaftesbury home on 2/09/18.
They told us they saw a number of Small Coppers and then noticed this one with a pale wing. It is an aberration, but not a named one as some are.
http://www.ukbutterflies.co.uk/index.php
Small Coppers have had at least three broods this year so they should be on the wing for a few weeks yet for us to enjoy.
Posted on: 4 September, 2018
Small Copper. Photo: Nicola Maslen
Nicola spotted this pristine Small Copper while at RSPB Chaffey’s, Weymouth on 21/08/18.
This sun-loving butterfly is often found resting on the ground, vegetation or flowers, as it absorbs the sun’s rays. Males establish small territories and fly up to intercept any passing insect in the hope of intercepting a passing female. When egg-laying, females are easy to distinguish from males, as they fly low across the ground searching for suitable foodplants on which to lay. Both sexes roost head down on grass stems.
Posted on: 1 September, 2018
Small Heath, mating. Photo: Brian Arnold
Small Heath, mating. Photo: Brian Arnold
Brian found this mating pair of ‘tame’ Small Heaths whilst walking his transect at Durlston East on 28/08/18.
Males set up territories where they can be found perching, although they also spend time patrolling in search of a mate. (more…)
Posted on: 31 August, 2018
Adonis Blue aberration. Photo: Mark Pike
Adonis Blue aberration. Photo: Mark Pike
Mark found this Adonis aberration on Fontmell Down on 25/08/18.
There are 109 named aberrations known to occur in Britain.
http://www.ukbutterflies.co.uk
Posted on: 31 August, 2018
Small Copper. Photo: Martin Wood
Martin was visiting Longham Lakes on 27/08/18 when he saw this Small Copper
This sun-loving butterfly is often found resting on the ground, vegetation or flowers, as it absorbs the sun’s rays
When egg-laying, females are easy to distinguish from males, as they fly low across the ground searching for suitable foodplants on which to lay. Both sexes roost head down on grass stems.
Posted on: 31 August, 2018
Holly Blue. Photo: Ann Barlow
Ann spotted this lovely female Holly Blue in her Corfe Mullen garden on 27/08/18.
The Holly Blue is primarily found in the southern half of the British Isles, and is a frequent visitor to gardens. This species is renowned for fluctuating wildly in numbers, forming a predictable cycle over a few years, believed to be caused by parasitism from the wasp Listrodomus nycthemerus whose sole host is the Holly Blue.
Posted on: 31 August, 2018
Eyed Hawkmoth Caterpillar. Photo: Dave Law
Dave found this Eyed Hawkmoth Caterpillar in his garden near Duncliffe Wood, Shaftesbury on 20/08/18 (more…)
Posted on: 24 August, 2018
Small Blue. Photo: Mark Hardacre
Small Blue. Photo: Mark Hardacre
Mark visited Durlston Country Park on 15/08/18 and photographed this second brood Small Blue.
This is our smallest resident butterfly with a wing span that can be a little as 16mm. The sexes are similar in appearance, although the male upperside is almost black with a dusting of blue scales, whereas the female is more dark brown in colour.
Adults generally appear in early May in southern sites, reaching a peak at the end of May and start of June. This butterfly has a partial second generation each year, appearing again in late July through August.
Posted on: 24 August, 2018
Holly Blue. Photo: Diana Jones
Holly Blue. Photo: Diana Jones
Diana spotted this Holly Blue in her Sturminster Newton garden on 21/08/18.
They have two broods, early April-June and July-August.
Holly Blue caterpillars favour holly, Ivy, buckthorn, dogwoods and bramble.
Posted on: 22 August, 2018
Common Blue. Photo: Harold Gillen
Harold went on a guided walk to Ballard Down on 19/08/18 and photographed this Common Blue.
Sadly the weather was not good, and only one other person turned up, which was a pity asit brightened up later and a few butterflies were seen.
This female Common Blue is lovely and it shows how variable the females can be. Often the upperwing ground colour is brown with blue basal and discal shading, but on this specimen the blue is very extensive.
Posted on: 22 August, 2018
More photos: Gallery Archive
