Tag Archives: Corbett

Orange butterfly with detailed markings in cream and brown

Marsh Fritillary. Photo: Sarah Corbett

Sarah said she was hoping this was the first sighting of a Marsh Fritillary for this year, and it was, indeed, the first one reported to us (on 11 May). As she says “What gorgeous butterflies they are!”

Broad -bordered Bee Hawkmoth. Photo: Sarah Corbett

Sarah spotted this Broad-bordered Bee Hawkmoth in the cafe garden at RSPB Arne on 11/08/23.

Her first sighting of one of these wonderful moths.

This species can usually be seen in the day time from May -July, and as with this one maybe a little later due to the inclement weather we have suffered this year.

A brown butterfly with some white markings on a green leaf

Dingy Skipper. Photo: Sarah Corbett

A silvery blue butterfly with some black markings resting on a green leaf

Holly Blue. Photo: Sarah Corbett

Sarah sent in these two photos telling us:

A lovely wander around Badbury Rings on Bank Holiday Monday, 01/05/2023 resulted in a sighting of this Dingy Skipper and Holly Blue  Also spotted a Grizzled Skipper but unfortunately too quick to photograph.

Editor’s Note: It is not “Dingy Skipper Day” today although as you look at this and the next two postings it may seem like it as they each contain a photo of one

A mainly brown but part blue butterfly with black, white and orange markings

Adonis Blue ab. krodeli. Photo: Sarah Corbett

A mainly brown but part blue butterfly with black, white and orange markings perching on a plant seed head

Adonis Blue ab. krodeli. Photo: Sarah Corbett

Sarah sent in these photos telling us:

We visited Hambledon Hill on 27/08/2022 – sad to see how dry and parched it was, with the butterflies gorging on what little they could find.  However, Nick and I saw a lot of Adonis Blues which was encouraging, including this Adonis aberration which I thought everyone may like to see.

Editor’s Note:  My thanks to Mark Pike for identifying this particular Adonis Blue aberration which he told me is ab. krodeli.  He also mentioned that they even though they seem to turn up quite often it is always good to find one.

Two orange, brown and white butterflies on a green plant stem

White Admirals mating. Photo: Sarah Corbett

Two butterflies on a green plant stem - one blackish brown with white markings and the other white and orange

White Admirals mating. Photo: Sarah Corbett

This is the third and final posting of White Admiral photos being added to the Gallery today. These two were sent in by Sarah telling us:

I visited Piddles Wood today, 19/06/2022 in the hope of seeing some White Admirals.  The weather wasn’t at its best, but we were very lucky to see this mating pair.  What a treat!!  More than a few photos were taken so it was difficult to choose just 2.  A very special and memorable experience.

An orange butterfly with black markings on a green leaf

Dark Green Fritillary. Photo: Sarah Corbett

A greenish brown butterfly with black and white markings on a green leaf

Dark Green Fritillary. Photo: Sarah Corbett

Here are two photos of a Dark Green Fritillary sent in by Sarah who saw it at Badbury Rings yesterday, 04/06/2022 commenting:

Look at those under-wings – just beautiful.

The name of the butterfly comes from the distinctive greenish wash on the underside which is apparent in the bottom photo.

A blue butterfly with white fringe to the wings and some black markings

Common Blue. Photo: Sarah Corbett

A blue and beige butterfly with black, white and orange markings on a yellow flower

Common Blue. Photo: Sarah Corbett

Sarah sent us these two photos of a Common Blue she saw at Badbury Rings on 04/05/2022.

The Common Blue is by far our most widespread blue butterfly and the brilliant blue of the male can be distinguished from the similar Adonis Blue by its unbroken white margins to the wings.  The Adonis has diagnostic fine black veins/lines that cross the outer white fringes of their wings.