An update from Martin after a visit to Portland on 11/05/2026 where he found several Lulworth Skipper larvae on Wood False-brome Brachypodium sylvaticum instead of on the usual Tor Grass B. pinnatum. Continue reading
Our County Butterfly Recorder, Robin George writes: Portland Bird Observatory alerted us to a question about Brimstones recently in a post on their website :
“We’re forever puzzled by the status of the Brimstone butterfly at Portland. Continue reading
Small White. Photo: Mike Kirby
Mike sent in this photo telling us:
A trip to Portland today, 22/03/2026 gave me this Small White, my 7th species of the year. I can’t admit to working hard for this one – it popped up in front of me and landed, just after I got out of the car and was the only one I saw all day!
Passenger. Photo: Glen Maddison
Glen was thrilled to trap this stunning and rare migrant moth on Portland at the observatory on 20/10/25.
All British records are Aug- Sept, but they have two generations in Southern Europe ,Apr-May and July-Sept.
Georgie Laing tells us that Chalkhill Blue numbers on Portland are amazing at the moment, but may they not last much longer. She says: “to see them Continue reading
Beautiful Marbled. Photo: Glen Maddison
Gold Twin-spot. Photo: Glen Maddison
Whilst Glen was at Portland for a few days recently he saw these Beautiful Marbled and Golden Twin-spot moths, photos of which he sent to us on 30/07/25.
The former was first trapped on Portland in 2004, but further investigation revealed that a number had been found previous to this and a hitherto mis- identified specimen was unearthed from 2001.
The later is also a migrant moth, present from July – November.
Painted Lady. Photo: Glen Maddison
Adonis Blue. Photo: Glen Maddison
Glen sent in these two photos he took between the 24th and 27th July 2025 in and around Portland Bill.
Grayling. Photo: Roy Norris
Chalkhill Blue. Photo: Roy Norris
Roy sent us these two photos of a Grayling and Chalk Hill Blue he saw on a butterfly trip to Portland yesterday, 18/07/2025.
Chalkhill Blue. Photo: Philippa Taylor
Phillippa sent in this photo of a Chalkhill Blue she saw on the west coast of Portland between Weston and Southwell yesterday, 08/09/2024.
One of our guided walks this year was on 10 August on Bowers Quarry on the West side of Portland. Continue reading