Record breakers

The hottest May Day on record didn’t just have humans reaching for the sun cream – it sent our butterfly count soaring too. Unsurprisingly, the blazing sunshine gave our sun-worshipping species a major boost, resulting in a record-breaking 151 butterflies spotted on this transect – the highest ever for week 5 of the season.
A remarkable 128 of those were found in just the first five sections –Stagbury, Great Parsons, Coneyboro, and Fames Rough – clearly the prime destination for nectar-hunters and basking beauties.
We were delighted to see Speckled Woods make a surprise return to their usual shady hangouts, a first appearance here in some time and a hopeful sign for this woodland-loving species. Also spotted was the dashing Red Admiral, a familiar favourite that often migrates from the continent and seems equally at home flitting through gardens or sunning itself on paths.
Butterflies love a heatwave – and apparently, so do the record books!

Count details:
41 Dingy Skipper
36 Small Heath
32 Brimstone
14 Grizzled Skipper
  6 Common Blue
  6 Peacock
  5 Brown Argus
  4 Green Hairstreak
  3 Holly Blue
  2 Speckled Wood
  1 Orange Tip
  1 Red Admiral
Total:151 butterflies from 12 species.
​For more info on these species visit butterfly-conservation.org

Butterflies of the week

Holly Blue (Celastrina argiolus) – a high-flying beauty with seasonal tastes.

• It's one of the earliest blues to emerge in spring, often seen flitting high around holly bushes (hence the name).
• The caterpillars are picky eaters, feeding on holly in spring and switching to ivy in late summer – two broods, two diets.
• Unlike many butterflies that stay close to the ground, Holly Blues often fly high among trees and shrubs, making them easy to miss unless you're looking up.

Holly Blue, Fames Rough -Duncan Jennings

Speckled Wood (Pararge aegeria) – the shady woodland specialist with a twist.

• Unlike most butterflies, it prefers dappled shade over open sun, often seen dancing in sunlit glades and woodland rides.
• Males are fiercely territorial, spiralling into mid-air battles to defend their favourite sunspots.
• It can overwinter either as a caterpillar or chrysalis, giving it flexibility to cope with the UK's unpredictable seasons.

Speckled Wood, Coneyboro Hill - Duncan Jennings

Orange Tip (Anthocharis cardamines) – a springtime splash of colour with hidden talents.

• Only the males have the bright orange wingtips – females are white and often mistaken for other white butterflies.
• It’s one of the first butterflies to appear in spring, often seen darting through hedgerows and along woodland edges.
• Its caterpillars are cannibalistic and will sometimes eat their own kind to eliminate competition for food.

Male Orange Tip, Stagbury -Graham Kenward

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