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Forester moth. Photo: Mark Pike
Mark found six of these beautiful iridescent green moths when he visited Motcombe Meadows on 30/05/19
This moth can be found feeding at flowers such as Ragged Robin, Field and Devil’s bit Scabious, clovers and Viper’s-Bugloss between May and July. Occasionally an individual can be found in August.
Brimstone. Photo: Mark Pike
Mark sent us this photo of a Brimstone from Motcombe Meadows which he took on 14/04/18.
This is a species which over winters as an adult, and can be seen on the wing on warm winter’s days when it comes out of hibernation.
Most Brimstones that survive the winter will end their life cycle in Midsummer when new young Brimstones can be seen.
Guide to this top Dorset butterfly site, including: location, description, species of interest and photo gallery.
Peacock. Photo: Mark Pike
Mark found this Peacock at Motcombe Meadows on 14/04/18 and noticed that one hind-wing looked a bit unusual.Interestingly the wing appears to be complete in shape and pattern but a good bit smaller than the other. This butterfly is another species that can emerge from hibernation on warm late winter or early spring days, its normal flight period being June-August.
Tortoiseshell. Photo: Mark Pike.
Mark found this beautiful Small Tortoiseshell at Motcombe Meadows on 14/04/18.
The sun had appeared at last and this butterfly would have emerged from hibernation to enjoy the warmth. The flight times for new adults would be May-Oct in 1-3 broods
An aberration with an unusually light underwing caught at Motcombe Meadows in north Dorset on 23/06/2017. Save
These shots show the upperwings and underwings of a Ringlet aberration known as ‘arete’. It is very much plainer than most Ringlets. Mark photographed it at Motcombe Meadows in north Dorset on 23/06/2017 despite the gloomy and breezy conditions prevailing. Save
Small Skippers. Photo: Mark Pike
We could run a caption competition on this, couldn’t we? What are the two male Small Skippers saying to one another?
Mark got the photos at Motcombe Meadows in north Dorset on 23/06/2017
Mark says: “fabulously fresh Forester moth, seen today (03/06/17) in Motcombe Meadows.” The Forester is a day-flying moth, on the wing in June and July. Its caterpillar feeds on common sorrel or sheep’s sorrel. It is a declining species in the UK and afforded “Priority” status by Butterfly Conservation.
This Meadow Brown sighting was a first of the year for not just Dorset but all of the UK! Seen at Motcombe Meadows (North Dorset) on 24/05/2017. Save Save