Another record week

Week 5’s transect was carried out by GH, LN, BG and by new-girl Luka, who clearly showed her keen interest and willingness to learn about butterflies. 
​Friday afternoon was selected for the survey as it was forecast to be very warm and sunny before the weather was set to deteriorate. Just as last week’s count was a week 4 record, week 5’s tally broke the record once again with 196 butterflies seen from 13 species. This was largely due to the surge in Dingy Skipper numbers. 
Our records for the past 10 years show that it’s extremely rare for count numbers to reach into the hundreds at this point in the year, let alone to surge as high as 159 and 196.
Just after we’d finished our walk we saw a Painted Lady, the first of the season but, sadly, off the transect.

Count Summary:
​76 Dingy Skipper
56 Brimstone
19 Holly Blue
11 Green Hairstreak
7 Small Copper
7 Small Heath
6 Peacock
5 Orange Tip
5 Grizzled Skipper
1 Comma
1 Large White
1 Small White
1 Speckled Wood
Total Summary:
196 butterflies from 13 species.

Small Copper - Liz North

Small Copper (Lycaena phlaeas) – a fiery flash in the grass

• Despite its tiny size, it’s a bold and territorial butterfly, often chasing off intruders many times larger.
• Its caterpillars feed on sorrel plants, making it a common sight in open grasslands, paths and even urban edges.
• It can produce multiple broods in a single year, allowing numbers to build quickly in good conditions.
• On the wing: Seen from April–October, with two or three broods depending on the weather.

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

This week's survey by Graham Harris, Brian Gardner,  Liz North and Luka submitted to Butterfly Conservation (UKBMS).
​Report by GK, BG & AI.
Small Copper photo: Liz North.
​Small Heath header photo: Liz North.