Ideal weather

11/5/2024

At last some proper weather for butterflies. And very pleasant for humans too. Benefiting from ideal conditions – warm sunshine with little or no breeze throughout – this transect saw a doubling of butterfly species (10) and higher numbers (104) in contrast to last week’s outing.

While Brimstones were once again in the majority, notable firsts of the season included Green Hairstreaks and Skippers (both Dingy and Grizzled), most of which occurred in Fames Rough. A more unexpected surprise was the Painted Lady we met in Hill Wood Field.

As you’ll see from the photos, on our transect travels we often come across other remarkable creatures, like the carefully camouflaged Sawfly (Rhogogaster viridis), and the bewitching Red-tailed Mason Bee (Osmia bicolor) which, while nest building, can look as if it is riding a broomstick. Both species were found in Fames Rough.

Count details:
41 Brimstone
21 Dingy Skipper
10 Green Hairstreak
8 Peacock
6 Grizzled Skipper
6 Small White
5 Holly Blue
4 Small Heath
2 Orange Tip
1 Painted Lady

Summary:
104 butterflies from 10 species.
Click on butterfly names for more info.

Survey by Graham H, Graham K and Liz North submitted to Butterfly Conservation (UKBMS).
Report by Graham Kenward
Pics by Liz North and Graham Kenward