Heat up, numbers still down

Despite the very high temperatures encountered on today's transect, the overall butterfly count was quite similar to last week's, so it seems that we're still in the June lull (as reported last week).  However, we did see our first Meadow Browns and a Dark Green Fritillary and we were very pleased to find our first Small Blue on the prolifically flowering Kidney Vetch on Hither Field.
 
Count details:
19 Small Heath
18 Meadow Brown
15 Common Blue
  9 Dingy Skipper
  6 Large Skipper
  5 Brimstone
  3 Green Hairstreak
  2 Grizzled Skipper
  1 Dark Green Fritillary
  1 Painted Lady
  1 Peacock
  1 Small Blue
  1 Speckled Wood

Meadow Brown, Coneyboro Hill

Small Blue, Hither Field

Total: 82 butterflies across 13 species.

Survey by Brian Gardner, Graham H, Graham K, Duncan Jennings and Roger Vye ​submitted to Butterfly Conservation (UKBMS). 
​Report by Brian Gardner. Pics by Graham Kenward. Click on pics to enlarge.

Peacock, Coneyboro Hill

Small Heath, Banstead Wood

Our transectuals outline the increased area of Kidney Vetch (food plant of the Small Blue) flowering in Hither Field.

Blooming this week: Yellow-wort (Blackstonia perfoliata), Coneyboro Hill