Catching an earlier flight

This week’s transect brought a fluttery change for the better. With a welcome (if brief) boost in temperature, the butterfly scene really stepped up its game. Species diversity soared compared to last week, as more Dingy Skippers took to the air – and they weren’t alone. Making their seasonal debut were the radiant Small Copper and the charming Small Heath, clearly ready to join the springtime party.
Even more intriguing was the early arrival of two butterflies who clearly missed the memo about their flight times starting in May: the photogenic Common Blue and the elegant Brown Argus both checked in ahead of schedule. Whether they were keen or just impatient, they certainly made a surprise arrival midway through the afternoon.
Their reward? Exclusive admission to the transect’s ‘first-class lounge’ (our well-earned refreshment break at Fames Rough), where tea, snacks, and butterfly banter are always in-flight entertainment.

Count details:
20 Brimstone
16 Dingy Skipper
  8 Small Heath
  7 Peacock
  3 Comma
  2 Green-veined White
  2 Grizzled Skipper
  1 Brown Argus
  1 Common Blue
  1 Holly Blue
  1 Orange Tip
  1 Small Copper
Total: 63 butterflies from 12 species.

​Click on butterfly names for more info from Butterfly Conservation.

Butterflies of the week

Common Blue (Polyommatus icarus) – the classic blue with a wild side.

• Males are a brilliant sky blue, while females vary from dull brown to bright blue – no two are quite the same.
• It’s the most widespread blue butterfly in the UK, thriving in gardens, grasslands, and even roadside verges.
• Its caterpillars communicate with ants by sound and scent, earning protection in exchange for sweet secretions.

Common Blue, Fames Rough - Liz North

Small Copper (Lycaena phlaeas) – a tiny butterfly with a fiery personality.

• Its bright orange wings with bold black spots make it one of the most eye-catching small species.
• Despite its delicate appearance, it’s fiercely territorial – often chasing off much larger butterflies.
• It can produce up to three generations a year, making surprise appearances from spring right through to autumn.

Small Copper, Fames Rough - Graham Kenward

Brown Argus (Aricia agestis) – a subtle beauty with secrets.

• Though it looks similar to female Common Blues, it has no hint of blue – just rich chocolate-brown wings with orange spots.
• It’s a sun-lover often found in warm, dry grasslands, basking with wings wide open on bare ground.
• Its caterpillars feed on low-growing plants like rockrose and geraniums – and they’re guarded by ants in return for sugary rewards.

Brown Argus, Fames Rough - Liz North

Survey by Brian G, Graham Harris, Liz North and Duncan Jennings submitted to Butterfly Conservation (UKBMS). ​Report by GK & AI.