Small Blues shine despite the gloom

GH, LN and BG chose to go for transect 9 on a day when the week’s stifling heat was forecast to cool. What we got was warm, muggy weather with dense high cloud and only a few brief glimpses of the sun. 
The butterflies didn’t seem to think much of it either; this week’s count was our lowest since mid-April. 
But it wasn’t all gloom: the well established and now widespread kidney vetch is beginning to flower on Hither Field and here we saw 10 Small Blues, not forgetting a single SB on Great Parsons Field. 
This total of 11 SBs is our highest ever day’s count of these special little butterflies, a great reward for the work of the WoodChips in planting the kidney vetch to encourage them to take up residence on our site. 
Adding to the day's interest, we also recorded our first Large Skippers of the season, another sign that summer species are now beginning to emerge in earnest.

Count details:
​ 30 Common Blue
29 Small Heath
16 Large Skipper
11 Small Blue
7 Dingy Skipper
5 Meadow Brown
3 Holly Blue
2 Small Copper
2 Speckled Wood
1 Brimstone
1 Painted Lady
Count summary:
107 butterflies from 11 species.
If you would like to know more about any of the species mentioned, visit 
​butterfly-conservation.org

First of the year

Small Blue - Liz North

Small Blue (Cupido minimus) – Britain's smallest butterfly

• With a wingspan of just 16–27 mm, the Small Blue is the smallest butterfly in the UK, yet it can travel surprising distances between suitable habitats.
• Unlike most blue butterflies, the males and females look very similar, both being predominantly brown above with a delicate dusting of blue.
• Its caterpillars feed almost exclusively inside the flower heads of kidney vetch, making the butterfly highly dependent on this single plant for breeding.
• When to see them in the UK: Typically May–June, with a partial second brood in July–August in favourable years and locations.

Large Skipper (Ochlodes sylvanus) – pictured at top.

• Although called a butterfly, its chunky body, hooked antennae and rapid, darting flight give it a distinctly moth-like appearance.
• Males have a distinctive dark scent mark across their forewings, used to release pheromones and attract females.
• The caterpillars spend much of their lives hidden in rolled grass leaves, which they stitch together with silk to create a protective shelter.
• When to see them in the UK: Typically June–August, with adults most numerous during July in sunny grasslands, woodland rides and field margins.

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