Fewer species and numbers

GH, GK and BG walked Monday afternoon's transect (No. 21 of 26) in warm weather with increasing amounts of sun. Despite a couple of light rain showers in recent days, the summer's drought continues and the fields are virtually devoid of flowers to feed any butterflies. These difficult conditions for our butterflies resulted in the lowest ever week 21 count with overall numbers (97) and the species seen (5): these are both 50% of what we've seen in previous years.

Count Details:
49 Meadow Brown 
21 Chalkhill Blue
17 Common Blue
  7 Small Heath
  3 Small White
Click on butterfly names for more info.

The five species that we recorded were in low but not unusual numbers: it was the missing species (that have boosted other years' week 21 counts) that have so reduced this week's figures. In previous years we've seen Brimstones, Small Coppers, Silver-washed Fritillaries, Dark Green Fritillaries, Brown Arguses, Large Whites and Gatekeepers.
​As I write this report we've had a few hours of the first heavy rain from several months but this will probably will not benefit our butterfly population.

Survey by Brian Gardner, Graham H and Graham K
​submitted to Butterfly Conservation (UKBMS).  ​
​Report by Brian Gardner. ​Pics by Graham K and Brian G. ​​
Click to enlarge.

Common Blue, Hill Wood Field -GK

Female Chalkhill Blue, Stagbury -GK

Brown grass in Harholt Plantation -BG

Artificial grass left at Holly Lane Car Park -GK