Red Admiral. Photo: Warren Port
Ruby Tiger Caterpillar. Photo: Warren Port
On 8th November Warren tells us:
Today I photographed a Red admiral and a Ruby tiger moth caterpillar enjoying the sunshine on Park Walk, Shaftesbury. I moved the caterpillar off the path to safety.
Comma. Photo: Warren Port
Comma. Photo: Warren Port
Warren sent in these two photos telling us:
Today, 08/09/2025 at Castle Hill, Shaftesbury there were several Commas, many Large Whites, a Small White, a Peacock and several Speckled Woods. I took these photos of two of the Commas.
Brown Argus. Photo: Warren Port
Brown Argus. Photo: Warren Port
Warren sent in these photos telling us:
I’ve just seen my first ever Shaftesbury Brown Argus today, 14/08/2025 at Castle Hill, Shaftesbury.
Holly Blue. Photo: Warren Port
Warren saw this beautiful female Holly Blue while at Breach Common on 5/08/25
The broad dark edges to the forewings tell us it is a female.
Hummingbird Hawkmoth. Photo: Warren Port
Warren was pleased to see a Hummingbird Hawkmoth on blackberries at Breach Common, Shaftesbury on 5/08/25
Its good to see them at rest as its the only way to see the colour and pattern of their wings.
Small Tortoiseshell. Photo: Warren Port
Warren sent in this photo saying:
I managed to photograph this Small Tortoiseshell at Castle Hill, Shaftesbury today, 21/07/2025. I have recorded it as a part of the Big Butterfly Count. It looks very fresh.
Common Blue (male). Photo: Warren Port
Common Blue (Female). Photo: Warren Port
Two photos from Warren sent in telling us:
Today, 16/07/2025 I saw the first Common Blue butterflies I have seen in Shaftesbury for two years. I saw the stunning male first and then found the female at Breach Common.
Large Skipper. Photo: Warren Port
Warren sent in this photo of a Large Skipper he saw earlier today, 04/07/2025 at Breach Common in Shaftesbury telling us that it is awash with butterflies at the moment.
Silver-washed Fritillary. Photo: Warren Port
Small Copper. Photo: Warren Port
Warren sent us these two photos with the following comments:
I finally got evidence of what I believe might be a small population of Silver-washed Fritillaries at Breach Common, Shaftesbury.
I saw a fritillary there last year, but failed to photograph and identify it. Two years ago I kept seeing fast flying large orange butterflies flying around the trees, but convinced myself they must be Commas. But, now I have a photo of a male SWF.
I’m also including a photo of the first Small Copper I’ve seen in Shaftesbury for two years. Also at Breach Common.
Editor’s Note: Both photos were taken today, 02/07/2025
Ringlet. Photo: Warren Port
Marbled White. Photo: Warren Port
Warren says:
I saw my first Ringlet of the year today in Shaftesbury at St John’s Church. I also was lucky enough to get a photo of a Marbled white at Breach Common. We don’t get many of those here.