A record-breaking spring surge

The spring’s sunny and dry weather continues, and the strong cool winds we’ve experienced slackened for Friday’s transect, allowing the temperature to rise pleasantly to around 18 degrees: great for spring butterflies. 
GH, LN, BG and DJ headed out on transect number 4 at midday and even though the count was a bit slow to start, upon arriving in Fames Rough the butterfly numbers shot up rapidly. 
Highlights included first sightings of the year for Grizzled Skippers, Small Heaths and Green Hairstreaks, joined by strong showings of Brimstones, Dingy Skippers, Holly Blues and Peacocks. We also recorded our first Small Coppers of the season. 
​The total count for the transect was 159 butterflies (from 9 species), our highest ever week 4 count by almost 100.

Count Summary:
​50 Brimstone
46 Dingy Skipper
17 Grizzled Skipper
10 Green Hairstreak
10 Holly Blue
9 Peacock
7 Orange Tip
7 Small Copper
3 Small Heath

A first sighting this season
Green Hairstreak (Callophrys rubi) – pictured above.

• The UK’s only green butterfly, its shimmering underside acts as perfect camouflage among leaves – it rarely opens its wings when at rest.
• Males are highly territorial, often seen perching on the same sunlit lookout and chasing away rivals.
• Unlike many butterflies, it uses a wide range of food plants, including gorse, bramble and bird’s-foot trefoil.
• When it's on the wing: Typically April – June, with a single brood each year.

For more info on the species mentioned, visit butterfly-conservation.org

This week's survey by Graham Harris, Brian Gardner,  Liz North and Duncan Jennings submitted to Butterfly Conservation (UKBMS).
​ Report by GK, BG & AI.
 Green Hairstreak pic by
​Graham Kenward.