Second broods boost late-season numbers

LN and BG walked Transect 24 on a morning of shifting skies – a mix of warm sunshine and passing cloud. The overall species list remained much the same as in recent weeks, but the balance of numbers told a different story.
As expected for late summer, Meadow Browns, Large Whites, Small Whites, and Small Heaths are now gradually declining. However, the downturn was offset by a strong showing from second-brood species. Common Blues were out in good numbers, but the real stars were the Brown Argus and Small Copper, both enjoying an exceptionally strong season. Their late flush added to a count that might otherwise have shown the first clear signs of autumn.

Count details:
43 Meadow Brown
25 Common Blue
15 Brown Argus
15 Small Copper
  8 Small White
  5 Small Heath
  3 Speckled Wood
  2 Chalkhill Blue
  2 Large White
Count Summary:
118 butterflies from 9 species.
​​​For more info on these species visit
​​butterfly-conservation.org    

Brown Argus - Liz North

Survey by Brian Gardner and Liz North submitted to Butterfly Conservation (UKBMS).
Report by GK, BG & AI.