The Wider Countryside Butterfly Survey (WCBS) goes ahead in 2009.
For more information see HERE...
Faulty Annual Report binding
It has come to our notice that a few
copies of the annual Report have faulty binding / lack of glue and
have fallen apart. If that has happened to you please accept our
apologies and let Tim Norriss know, with your name and postcode, so
that we can replace it as soon as we can. Tim's email is
timATkitsmail.com We hope this doesn't spoil your enjoyment of the
content of the Report.
Thursday 2nd July
As he will be away from home for some time Matthew
Oates very generously let me borrow his camera memory card (on pain
of death should it not be returned!!) so that I could bring you
pictures of the Purple Emperor aberration he saw on 28th June.
Pete Eeles reports "I managed to get to Pamber
Forest for just over an hour at lunchtime. I've been pretty jealous
with all of the aberrations being seen by everyone else when, blow
me down, a Silver-washed Fritillary, ab. confluens, flies
right by! This could well be the same individual seen by the warden,
Graham Dennis, as reported earlier in the week. Unfortunately, it
didn't settle for any length of time, and I only managed an
underside shot. And then something I've been waiting to see for many
years! A "Black Admiral" - a White Admiral ab. obliterae
(not nigrina, which is totally black) which was fooling
quite a few Ringlets that were chasing it - but she didn't fool me!
I managed to get quite a few cuts on the brambles trying to follow
her - but definitely worth it!"
 |
 |
 |
| White Admiral ab. obliterae |
White Admiral ab. obliterae |
Silver-washed Fritillary ab. confluens |
Lynn Fomison reports.. " Today I walked one of the
two grid squares I am surveying for the Wider Countryside Butterfly
Survey. It covered a reasonably rural area on the outskirts of Four
Marks and entailed walking two separate one kilometre lines. One was
all on country lanes the other was part lane, part nice meadow, part
arable field & part woodland. Weather conditions for
butterflies were ideal. But this is what I saw: Large White 8,
Small White 1, Comma 4, Meadow Brown 16, Ringlet 1. A bit
disappointing but maybe a reflection of how butterflies are doing in
the wider countryside. (Which is why this BC major survey is SO
IMPORTANT). It took me 20 minutes to walk each kilometre & so when I
got home I took just one 20 minute walk up my drive & around the
three fields. And this is what I saw: Meadow Brown 105,
Ringlet 119, Marbled White 23, Large Skipper 2, Small Skipper 1,
Large White 3. Quite a difference! I attribute my plentiful
butterflies at home to a chemical free approach, natural grassy &
flowery fields and no over grazing, with the main grazing being
during autumn & winter months. Anyway my walk though the grid
squares was memorable for two things - the wild raspberries I picked
and ate in the wood and the melting tar on the country lanes -
haven't seen that for a while!"
Wednesday 1st July
Andy Collins writes: "I thought it might be
worth recording that now is a good time to find larval webs of
Painted Lady on thistle. I have found them on most thistle patches
I’ve checked in the last week, including 12 webs at Westwood,
Southampton yesterday evening (see attached photo).
 |
| Painted Lady larva |
Graham dennis reports from Pamber Forest (SU 615609)
(41) 75 Silver-washed fritillary recorded on transect, one of which
was the abberant form confluens. The first time I have recorded this
form at this site. The individual was a male and it had the
characteristic merging of the black spots towards the outer edge of
the wing to form black bars."
Robert Bryant reports from Micheldever Wood Purple
Emperor(1) White Admiral(5) Silver washed Fritillary(12+) Ringlet
galore) "Lunchtime, very warm,31C. Purple Emperor lying on the
freshly resurfaced lane at the woodland edge. Presumably swatted by
a passing car as it sampled the chippings/bitmac surface dressing.
Main Avenue, loading bay, muddy puddle attracting b'flies. White
Admiral flew down and perched on the back of my right hand as if
trained. I could feel the tiny cold dabs of it's proboscis on my
perspiring skin."
Lynn Fomison reports that one of the Wednesday
Conservation Group volunteers at the Magdalen Hill down ragwort
pulling work party spotted our first
Chalkhill Blue of the year. Patrick Fleet was there
and verified the sighting. Coincidentally I saw the first last year
at a ragwort WP on 4th July but missed this one at the lower slopes
of the original reserve today as Jenny & I were with the regular MHD
walk. We did see loads of other butterflies -Marbled Whites, Meadow
Browns, Ringlets, Whites, Large & Small Skippers. It was a very good
day. No Painted Ladies were seen - we hope to start seeing the
progeny from the end of May influx early August. Our next walk is
5th August so that might be well timed for both PLs & Peacocks as
Patrick has found 15 different lots of caterpillars in recent weeks.
Incidentally Patrick saw a new Painted Lady on 24th June which had
bred from individuals seen at the reserve in April.
Steve Keen reports from Martin Down (34) Dark
Green Fritillary 157+ Marbled White 75+ Ringlet c70 Small Skipper
c40 Hummingbird Hawkmoth 1. " An incomplete count of the area
between the Blandford Road and Sillens Lane car parks. Given this
plus the fact that it wasn't the warmest part of the day and both of
us are rather short (!) so couldn't see that well into all the
Knapweed patches numbers of the first two species at least were
probably much higher. The DGFs were most conspicuous whilst
nectaring on Knapweed, but also often seen flying above the grass.
An awesome spectacle."
Anne McCue, Geoff Jones and David Tinling saw 6
White-letter Hairstreak at a third newly discovered colony at HMS
Sultan,inside Fort Rowner(SU593011),where they were able to obtain
very good close-range photographs from a viewpoint near the top of
the fort's walls and the tops of the elms.
 |
| White-letter Hairstreak |
David Tinling reports from Gosport Red
Admiral:1 in Carters Copse(SU585001);1 taking bramble nectar at
Gilkicker(south-west)(SZ603978);1 taking bramble nectar at Fort
Gilkicker(SZ607975).Small Tortoiseshell(fresh summer brood) taking
Bramble nectar at Carters Copse(SU585001).
Andrew Brookes saw his first Purple Emperor of the
year on the oak master trees at Huntbourn Wood today. He also heard
from Liz Goodyear (Herts. & Middx. Branch), who reported
White-letter Hairstreaks from 4 locations on the Isle of Wight,
including the Undercliff near St Lawrence, Sandown Caravan Park at Yaverland,
and Osborne House.
Tuesday 30th June
Andrew Brookes and Jenny Mallett visited the Sir
Harold Hillier Gardens at Ampfield today to search for White-letter
Hairstreaks among the exotic elms. They were rewarded with 6
sightings, one at eye level only inches away, on Japanese Elm,
Sapporo Autumn Gold, and another unidentified tree. Andrew made an
excursion to the Pigeonhouse Farm chalkpit on the north side of
Ports Down on Monday evening finding 3 WLH, two on Wych Elm, the
third on the Dodoens hybrid.
"Paul Brock reports good numbers of Silver-studded
Blues in the New Forest, 100 on a small part of Beaulieu Heath near
Hawkhill Inclosure in a 5 minute walk, they also hatch in small
numbers in the Inclosure itself, where two Dark Green Fritillaries
were the highlight, in poor light. Whilst photographing large
Ichneumon flies on logs at Ivy Wood, a fresh Purple Hairstreak paid
a visit near my feet, quite a few of these in various parts of the
New Forest now, also reasonable numbers of White Admirals and
Silver-Washed Fritillaries, frequent in the main Inclosures (such as
Brockishill, Busketts Lawn, Churchplace, Hawkhill, New Copse,
Parkhill, Pignal, Pondhead) and in several cases, plentiful in
lesser known reserves and on road verges. Fresh Commas and Red
Admirals usually seen on walks in the Inclosures, Peacocks likely in
numbers in July."
 |
 |
| Dark Green Fritillary |
Purple Hairstreak |
Alan Thornbury writes: My day started off well
enough with a male Purple Emperor down on the main track in Straits
Inclosure, Alice Holt and 3 more in flight. Several other Emperor
watchers were there including Matthew Oates and Lynn Fomison.
Concerning Emperor watching however, even better was to come around
lunchtime in Bentley Wood. An absolutely pristine male was down on
switchback (2 photos below). It came down initially to feed on a fox
scat, but then did several circuits low to the ground before
returning to the same area, taking minerals from the track and
walking around, occasionally flashing its purple sheen. I even
captured a short video clip. Other observers also reported Emperors
down on the ground, so despite largely cloudy skies and the odd
light shower, it seemed like a good Emperor watching day there, with
2 more seen in flight by me. My return was made via Martin Down,
arriving just as a lengthy rain shower began. Luckily many
butterflies initially seemed undeterred by the refreshing rain,
including Dark Green Fritillaries – 8 seen, including one female,
all in excellent condition. Photo of one of the males shown below.
 |
 |
 |
| Dark Green Fritillary |
Purple Emperor |
Purple Emperor |
Gary Palmer writes: "In the garden at shirley holms
on a humid cloudy morning found 6 marbled white, many meadow brown,
several small skipper, good numbers of large skipper, my first 2
gatekeeper and emerging six spotted burnets.
also seen 1 ear moth and 1 Riband wave."
 |
 |
| Six-spot Burnet |
Six-spot Burnet |
Ashley Whitlock has sent in two reports concerning
Purple Emperor sightings:
Straits Inclosure: Weather: Very warm sunny, high
cloud, nil wind Temperature: 75-80f Recorders: Ashley & Robert
Whitlock, Neil Hulme, Matthew Oates, and others My first outing
for the Purple Emperor after coming back off of Holiday from Borneo
and Singapore, and what a morning it turned out to be. Matthew on
the first day of the Emperor season had seen a ‘Semi Iole’ on the
first day in Straits Inclosure, on the ground and had photographed
it. And since then shock waves had gone through the Emperor Empire,
which must be something, as Neil Hulme had come down as well to try
and see it. My Father and I, well we were just happy to see anything
that flew, and the butterflies were everywhere. Good Silver-Washed
Fritillaries and the odd White Admiral were seen all along the main
ride. At 10:05 our first male Emperor was seen just past the
weather station area, patrolling along the Sallow line, crossing
over from one side to another. Twenty Five minutes later, he could
be seen again…the same one, more than likely, but patrolling the
other way, from West to East. At 10:37 I saw another male in the
same area, but I think this may well have been another on patrol.
We got to a large patch of Sallow at 10:45 and three males were
observed sallow searching, two on patrol and one had rested just
above our heads on a Sallow leaf and could be seen very easily
without binoculars. They were not coming down; even trying to waft
some sweat into their direction didn’t do the trick. This was just
past the ‘dead’ deer patch, and that didn’t bear any appetising bait
for the Emperor. Other Emperors seen at times were one at 11:00,
11:20 11:27 and 11:29. This was all activity all around the good
patches of Sallow just inside the first part of the Straits
Inclosure ride. In fact at 11:29 two Males were seen chasing each
other over the crowns of the oaks, in similar fashion to events
which should have taken place at Goose Green later in the day.
Goose Green Inclosure: Weather: Very sunny and warm
Temperature: 75-80f Time 12:05-13:15 Goose Green Inclosure I
probably wont get a better day for weather than this, high cloud no
wind and very sunny and warm. But I feel I may have got up to this
site too early in the day to be presented with anything like an
Emperor Arena, where they would do battle. We arrived at 12:05 and
nothing was seen until 12:25 a lone male seen over towards the
‘posh’ houses heading in a westerly direction, where he headed for
the small sweet chestnut tree, and promptly settled down into his
tree. The area was overcast at the time, but the weather was still
very warm. The one was seen moving away from the Beech tree,
whether this was the same one, or not I’m not sure at 12:40 he was
moving south. Maybe he was just ‘roving’ around his area, just
checking up on his territory to make sure he was ‘King’ of the
Castle, so to speak. At 12:45 one male was seen flying in over the
road area and back again, going west to east and then north towards
Bentley Station Meadow area. I looked in the Goose Green Car-Park
and there was on station there as well, he seemed determined to
chase off a Purple Hairstreak so there was at least two Emperor’s
here at 12:55. I had been here an hour and there had been chases at
all. It would seem to be that there would be no chases as I left
at 13:15 just only to see the Goose Green Car-Park attendant moving
around his ‘Vista’ and settle back down on his perch again. Quite
a disappointing afternoon for my start of the Emperor season…things
will only get better.
Monday 29th June
Jill Lincoln reports her sightings for the month of
June at Old Down, Basingstoke RG22 5UY (34,84) 2 Common Blue 9
Meadow Brown 3 Painted Lady 1 5 spot burnet moth
7 Marbled white 1 6 spot burnet moth 2
Small tortoiseshell 1 Cinnabar moth 1 Common
swift moth 1 Narrow bordered 5 spot burnet moth 1 Agnphila tristella
1 Comma
John Clark writes from Straits Inclosure: "An
excellent morning. Three male Purple Emperors repeatedly landing on
the track, allowing some good photographs, 40+ Silver-washed
Fritillaries including plenty of females and two pairs in cop in
flight, 12 White Admirals - rather fewer than I would have expected
-
including one worn nigrina, 3 Red Admirals, 3 Commas, 1 Marbled
White (only about my third in 40 years of visiting the site), 1
freshly emerged Purple Hairstreak low on a grass stem, plenty of
Ringlets and Meadow Browns, and a superb Hornet. No sign of
yesterday's iole. Also saw 5 Silver-washed and a Purple Hairstreak
at Holt Pound Inclosure."
Pauline Richards writes: "A trip to Pear Tree
Common today gave an opportunity for photos with 2 individuals which
appeared to be egg-laying climbing around the lower branches of
Elms."
 |
| White-letter Hairstreak |
Andy Barker writes: "When visiting Ampfield
Wood after work this evening, I was treated to excellent views of a
male Purple Emperor probing muddy gravel on one of the rides.
Initially seen at 5.37pm, I was able to watch and photograph for
several minutes, and contnued my observations as it patrolled the
ride and high in an oak tree. In total I watched it for around 20
minutes."
 |
 |
| Purple Emperor |
Purple Emperor |
Ian Pratt writes: "Walter's Copse Newtown was
buzzing this evening after work with 10 species: 1 red admiral, 10
white admirals, 2 silver-washed fritillaries, 1 comma, 1 large
white, 2 painted ladies, 2 small and 3 large skippers, 20 + marbled
white and 2 gatekeepers (first of the year). Also good broad-bodied
chaser which posed for photos.Returned home to find 1 small white
and 3 small tortoiseshells in fields near home at Branstone near
Sandown. Also, 10 + meadow browns and 3 painted ladies."
 |
 |
 |
| Gatekeeper |
Large Skipper |
Small Skipper |
Gary Palmer writes: "On a late morning walk in
the wooton coppice found 17 silver washed frit (1 female ), 1 dark
green, 1 small pearl, 5 white admiral, 4 comma, 1 painted lady, 3
speckled wood, 40+ringlet and the same for meadow brown, 19 marbled
white, many large skipper and small skipper. the best numbers
of ringlet and marbled white ive seen here! after a walk around
barton common ( sz 248 932 ) found 27 marbled white, many many
meadow brown, 2 comma, 13 small heath, 2 large white, 7 large
skipper and 4 small skipper, the skippers being poor here this year
so far."
 |
 |
 |
| Ringlet |
Silver-washed Fritillary |
Gatekeeper |
Mike Gibbons writes: "A trip to Bentley Wood
gave me my first sighting this year of Purple Emperor. It had been a
cloudy overcast morning and many people were searching the
woods, some waiting in the car park all day but to no avail. I
struck lucky at 14.00 when a break in the clouds made one stir and
glide high over the track circling a tall oak then vanishing as
mysteriously as it had appeared. Good numbers of Ringlets and
Silver-washed Fritillaries were on the wing. I saw my first 3 White
Admirals and 2 Essex Skippers. On the way home I saw 10+
White-letter Hairstreaks near Romsey and there was an increase
of Purple Hairstreaks in the oaks around my house at Christchurch
with 6+ seen in the early to mid-evening."
David Tinling reports from Gosport
Gatekeeper(male):2 at Alver Meadow(SZ586998) & 1 at Carters
Copse(SU585001).
Sunday 28th June
Rog Pendell writes: "A visit to Goose Green
Inclosure at Alice Holt this morning (28/6/09) brought me my first
sighting of purple emperor for this year and also the attached which
I understand is a White Admiral ab. nigrina. Before going on to
Goose Green, a visit to Straits Inclosure gave me my first purple
hairstreak of the year, so a very successful morning."
%20Alice%20Holt%20Jun%2009%20022.jpg)
|
| White Admiral ab. nigrina |
Matthew Oates writes: "Today, I spent 45 mins
with a pristine Purple Emperor male aberration Iole, down on the
main ride near the entrance to my beloved Straits Inclosure, in
Alice Holt. Photos to follow. This realises an ambition of 40+ years
standing. Iole has 2 tiny white spots, only. There are 3 specimens
in the national collections. It had not previously been
photographed. 'If a man could pass through paradise as if in a
dream, and be handed a flower as a pledge that he had truly been
there; and if on leaving he was to find that flower in his hand. Ay!
And what then?'. Coleridge (probably in an illegal state of
mind). PS - Some people may feel the Painted Lady has won Butterfly
of the Year. They're wrong....
Pete Eeles visited Pamber Forest for an hour this
morning and saw over 50 Silver-washed Fritillary (including a mating
pair, and 2 ovipositing females). He was surprised to find both
ovipositing females laying between 4 and 5 metres from the ground
which his extraordinarily high - but clearly visible through
binoculars - and with a Tawny Owl looking on! He also saw his first
Purple Hairstreak of the year, as well as 17 White Admiral, 3 Small
Skipper, 7 Comma (6 of the form hutchinsoni), 2 Marbled White, 1
very tatty female Brimstone and hundreds of Meadow Brown and
Ringlet.
 |
 |
 |
| White Admiral |
White Admiral |
Ringlet |
David Tinling reports from Gosport 5
Grayling at Browndown
South(west)(SZ575994).Later today on a more extended search Geoff
Jones saw 8.(See his photo.)
Geoff Jones writes: "As the weather brightened
this afternoon, I decided to take a stroll onto the South side of my
local patch hoping for an early Grayling. I wasn't disappointed as I
saw possibly 8. I'm hoping it will be a good year for the species
here. Other sightings included: Small Skipper - numerous; Marbled
White 3; Small Copper 2; Small Heath 2; Meadow Brown 12; Small White
2."
|
| Grayling |
Peter Vaughan writes: "Thirteen butterfly
species were seen during a Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust
butterfly walk at Bartley Heath, Hook on Sunday 28 June. Highlights
were 10+ White Admirals, 5+ Silver-washed Fritillaries and 30+
Marbled Whites. Also seen were 50+ Ringlets, 20+ Meadow Brown, 5+
Speckled Wood, 50+ Large Skipper, 10+ Small Skipper, 1 Painted Lady,
1 Red Admiral, 2 Commas, 1 female Brimstone and 2 Large Whites.
Moth species included a Buff-tip resting low
down on bramble. Dragonfly numbers had fallen greatly from the
hundreds present a few weeks ago (most of the ponds have dried-up in
the meantime) but we did see a female Black-tailed Skimmer, a female
Broad-bodied Chaser and a Golden-ringed Dragonfly."
Richard Symonds writes: "This morning I
arrived at Alice Holt Forest at Straits Inclosure (SU800402) at
09:45 (for two and half hours) with the aim of seeing a Purple
Emperor. I was not to be disappointed. The temperature was already
22°C and as I rounded a corner on the main path I saw the familiar
figure of Matthew Oates. Within a few seconds a Purple Emperor flew
past closely followed by Matthew. I noticed that this specimen
seemed darker than usual. After the chase Matthew explained that he
had been watching this Emperor on the path for around 40 minutes and
that it had been the rare aberration iole Schiff, this was confirmed
by his close up excellent photos! Following this excitement I saw
two further Emperors at 10:20 and 11:45. The last sighting was a
male which flew out of the woods across the path and landed on a
leaf on an overhanging branch on the path. With my camcorder I was
able to get some good view of the underside. While I observed it if
I walked past it I noticed that it would open its wings and flash
its brilliant purple at me as if to warn me not to get too close!
Other butterflies included many Meadow Browns, Ringlets and Silver
Washed Fritillary's with Red Admirals finding fox droppings to be
very tasteful. My full count: Brimstone (1F), Small White (1), Green
Veined White (5), Large White (2), Meadow Brown (83), Ringlet (85),
Speckled Wood (3), Silver Washed Fritillary (49), Comma (1), Red
Admiral (3), White Admiral (18), Purple Emperor (2 typical 1 ab.iole),
Large Skipper (8), Small/Essex Skipper (5). Also
Gold Ringed Dragonfly, Blue tailed damselflies and male and female
Banded Demoiselles. After lunch I spent 40 minutes at Goose
Green Inclosure (SU803415) and met with Matthew Oates once more. The
temperature was a humid 24°C. Here I saw Purple Emperors flying
between the sweet chestnut and surrounding oak trees at 13:45 (1),
13:51 (1), 13:53 (3 in a mid air tussle), 13:55 (1), 13:57 (1), and
14:14 (1). As before many browns were flying and some Marbled
Whites. My full count was: Large White (3), Small White (2), Ringlet
(15), Meadow Brown (25), Marbled White (8), Comma (1), Silver Washed
Fritillary (5), White Admiral (2), Purple Emperor (3) and Large
Skipper (3). At the end of this eventful day I finally called in
at Broxhead Common (SU802373) for a further half an hour where I saw
Silver Studded Blues (12F and 26M). I only walked a tiny fraction of
the total common so numbers here are very high.
At a pond several Broad-bodied Chaser dragonflies were active."
Ian Pratt reports from Walters Copse Newtown IOW
(41) 10 white admirals, 7 silver-washed fritillaries, 3 commas, 30 +
meadow browns, 3 large skippers. "Best day at Newtown this
year."
 |
 |
 |
| White Admiral |
Silver-washed Fritillary |
Silver-washed Fritillaries |
Richard Sergeant reports from Tices Meadow, Off
Lower Farnham Rd, Aldershot/Farnham Border (31, 84, 87) Common Blue
- 10 Marbled White - 1 Small Skipper - 5 Large Skipper - 1 Small
Torteshell - 1 Large White - 2 Comma - 3 Small Heath - 1
Also one Golden Ringed Dragonfly "This is
a under-rated area, which, I am sure, a professional enthusiast (I'm
a birder) would find very fruitful."
Saturday 27th June
Andy Barker writes: "This afternoon (27th
June), Linda and I went to see if we could find any White-letter
Hairstreaks at Peartree Green, Southampton. We had already seen a
few, including an egg-laying female low down, when we met up with
Bernie and Mark. Together we did a systematic survey of the elm
corridor and counted 41 WLH. We were particularly careful not to
double count, so although hard to believe, this total is probably an
under-estimate of the actual number of individuals present. Most
seen were males holding territory and engaged in battle. Photo
attached doesn't do this female WLH justice. When visiting Crab Wood
after work on Thursday (25th) I happened to notice a Comma
caterpillar on the point of pupation on the underside of a creeping
thistle leaf (see photo). An hour later it had pupated! Second photo
(the chrysalis) was taken the following day, when fully coloured
up."
 |
 |
 |
| White-letter Hairstreak |
Comma caterpillar |
Comma chrysalis |
David Tinling reports from Gosport Sitochroa
palealis(BF1370),a white pyralid moth that lays its eggs on wild
carrot,basking and flying in the evening sunshine at Browndown
South(west)(SZ575994),where a small colony has been established for
many years.Attracted to my kitchen window after dark at
Haslar(north-west)(SZ613986) were Alucita hexadactyla(BF1288),Udea
prunalis(BF1390),Synaphe punctalis(BF1414) 2 males & Riband
Wave(BF1713).Disturbed by day and flying in my garden after dark
were a Common Plume Moth & 2 White Plume Moths(SZ613986).
Chris Hall reports from North Eelmoor (SU 845538)
(31, 38, 41) Small Skipper (27), Large Skipper (5), no Essex seen,
Large White (1), Purple Hairstreak (2), Silver-studded Blue (6),
Comma (2), Painted Lady (2) Speckled Wood (1), Ringlet (6), Meadow
Brown (98), Small Heath (5); also 6-spot Burnet
(12), Clouded Buff (1) and numerous young Cinnabar larvae.
"Checked about ten 'small' skippers but no Essex found. Purple
Hairstreak at old Peatmoor Wood (842538) but took some patience to
find, so the season is only just beginning. The Commas were very
fresh with vivid colour in the bright sunshine. Good to confirm (on
the third attempt this month) that the small North Eelmoor colony of
silver-studded blue have survived the 2007 / 08 'summers'. And
also from Eelmoor West (SU 838536) (31, 38) Small Skipper (7), Large
Skipper (4), Large White (1), Common Blue (1 faded), Painted Lady
(1), Marbled White (1), Ringlet (1), Meadow Brown (12), Small Heath
(1). "Butterflies were surprisingly sparse for such a hot
south-facing slope with many grasses and flowers. This is the third
year a solitary Marbled White has turned up here. A large, very pale
butterfly was guiding around but always just too far away or beyond
the fence, but looking almost exotic. When it eventually came to
rest it was an extremely faded Painted Lady."
Friday 26th June
David Tinling reports from Gosport At Browndown
North(SZ583997) 3 male White Admirals & a female being chased by 2
of the males.At Carters Copse(SU583003) a female Essex Skipper
taking nectar from Creeping Thistle.
John Willis reports from Gosport: 2 Grayling
at Browndown South(west)(SZ579992). "This appears to be the EARLIEST
SIGHTING of GRAYLING in 2009."
Thursday 25th June
Andrew Brookes and Rohan Amick, IBM
ecologist-in-residence, toured the North Harbour,
Portsmouth, grounds on Wednesday, finding 12 White-letter
Hairstreaks on the 3 Sapporo Autumn Gold elm cultivars and Dutch Elm
scrub, much of the latter succumbing to DED. An afternoon excursion
to Boarhunt Woods, found only 2 White Admirals, but at least one
dozen male S-w Fritillaries.
Simon Mason reports from A335 southbound verge by
M27 J5 (SU442166) (90) 1 x White-letter Hairstreak "Found injured on
verge."
Trevor Carpenter writes: "Last Friday 19th, I
saw a Purple Hairstreak at the Henry Cort playing fields Fareham. I
discounted the sighting because, a) it was too early, b) the habitat
seemed unlikely c) I assumed I must have been mistaken. Today 25th
at the same site, about 50 yards from my previous sighting I saw
another one and this time had decent views so it seems fair to
assume that last weeks sighting was correct after all. In both
cases it flew from a small Oak.. There are a number of the
undeveloped oak trees here surrounded by long rough grass Also at
the same site My first Small Skippers of the year (about 10) and
(numbers approximate) 100 Meadow Browns, 20 Marbled White, 40 Large
Skippers, 1 almost colourless Painted Lady and lots of newly emerged
Six Spot Burnets."
Gary Palmer on an mid afternoon walk around wooton
coppice inclosure found1 dark green
fritillary, 9 silver washed fritillary, 4 small
pearl fritillary (2 females one of which busy egg laying), 2 fresh
comma,2 tatty painted lady, 3 white admiral, 13 speckled wood, 17
marbled white, 37 meadow brown, 45+ ringlet (they were everywere i
looked), 2 brimstone (one of each and worn), 2 male large white, 1
fresh female green veined white, 40+ large skipper and 12 small
skipper, 15 species in all plus an interesting red sword grass
caterpiller eating the flowers of a common rush.
 |
 |
 |
| Comma |
Silver-washed Fritillary |
Red Sword-grass larva |
Anne McCue and David Tinling report from Gosport:
The first ever sightings of 15 White-letter Hairstreaks at two newly
discovered colonies at HMS Sultan:6 just south-west of Fort Rowner
at SU591010 & 9 just west of Sultan House at SU588001.Excellent viws
were obtained using both binoculars and telescope as they rested
briefly on elm leaves between freqent short flights and chases
around the tops of young elms about 5-10 metres high in hot midday
sunshine sheltered from the breeze.Also at HMS
Sultan(north-west)(including Fort Rowner)(SU593012):Large
Skipper(male) 1,Large White(male) 6,Small White(male) 1,Purple
Hairstreak 11,Comma(hutchinsoni) 3,Speckled Wood 4, Meadow Brown
4.Also at HMS Sultan(south-west)(inluding Fort
Grange)(SU591003);Small Skipper(male) 2,Essex Skipper(female)
1,Large White(male) 2,Small White(male) 2,Red Admiral 1,Comma(hutchinsoni)
1,Marbled White(male) 3,Meadow Brown 19,Common
Plume Moth 1, Narrow-bordered Five-spot Burnet 5,Cinnabar Moth 1.
The Horse Chestnuts at HMS
Sultan(north-west)(SU593012) were extensively damaged by the
leaf-miner Cameraria ohridella(BF0366a).At Browndown
North(SZ583997) 3 male White Admirals were vigorously searching the
oaks for a female, while a very fresh female was consuming large
quantities of bramble nectar.At Carters Copse(SU583003) Anne McCue
saw 2 White-letter Hairstreaks.
Roy Ford reports from My back garden (SU714398) (85)
1 Humming-bird hawkmoth.
Wednesday 24th June
Matthew Oates reports the first
Purple Emperor
sighting: "We are once more in purpuratum. I struggled to see
a single male in Alice Holt this afternoon. After drawing blanks in
Straits and Goose Green (Bucks Horn Oak) I managed one pristine male
in Lodge Inclosure, up from BSM reserve - he may well have come from
there. This male was seen in the same place and on the same date as
the first of the immortal 1976 season. We live in hope... Males were
seen in Surrey and W Sussex yesterday."
Alan Thornbury reports from Alice Holt Forest: A
couple of hours spent along the main track in Straits Inclosure this
afternoon produced 16 White Admirals and more then 40 Silver-washed
Fritillaries, mostly in superb condition. The brambles around the
first observation tower proved a popular rendezvous for both species
seeking nectar – and provided some decent photo opportunities,
including an unusual one with 4 fritillaries in the same frame!
 |
 |
 |
| Silver-washed Fritillaries |
White Admiral |
White Admiral |
Bernard Dempsey reports from Peartree Common,
Woolston, Southampton. (85) 46 Whiteletter Hairstreak, 58, Meadow
Browns, 8 Small Skipper, 1 Small Tortoishell, 6 Commas, 44 Marbled
White, 1 Red Admiral, 1 Common Blue, 1 Painted Lady, 3 Large White,
2 Speckled Wood and 11 Six Spot Burnett.
"Bernard Dempsey and Mark Rowlands went to Peartree Common, Woolston,
Southampton on Wednesday 24th June 2009 and did a Butterfly count
from 10.15am to 12.30pm. Along the avenue of Elms we counted 46
Whiteletter Hairstreaks enjoying the sunshine, there was much
chasing and spiralling upwards amongst the tops of the trees. We
managed some photographs although none were nectaring.Also on
Peartree Common, see above list. On our circuit
we also saw 2 Golden Ringed Dragonflies (Cordulegaster Boltonii).
 |
 |
 |
| Marbled White |
Six-spot Burnet |
White-letter Hairstreak |
Dr David Tinling reports from Gosport Red Admiral at
Foster Road(SZ604995);Painted Lady 1 at the Old
Railwayline,Alverstoke(SZ606986),1 at Browndown
South(east)(SZ583992);Small Copper(2nd brood) & Yellow
Shell(BF1742) at the Sandhill(south-west)(SZ578997);Yellow
Shell at Browndown South(west)(SZ575994).
Paul Fomison reports seeing
three Scarlet Tiger moths & six Small Tortoiseshells on a
footpath at the side of the river just off Garnier Rd Winchester
(SU479 283)
Tuesday 23rd June
"Pete Eeles made a brief visit to Stockbridge Down
at 1030 and, in the space of 45 minutes, managed to get regular
sightings of White-letter Hairstreak from the main path that runs
along the edge of the down from the lower car park. He estimates he
saw 7 individuals in total - seeing 6 in flight at one point.
Unfortunately, only very poor photos were obtained since the
hairstreaks were as elusive as ever as they fed on the honeydew in
the highest branches of their favourite tree."
Gary Palmer writes from a garden in shirley holms (
sz 296 984 ) found 41 meadow brown, 4 marbled white, 2 speckled
wood, 6 small skipper, 2 large skipper, 1 comma and 1 large white.
Lyndon Hatfield reports from Meon valley railway
path: White Admiral 2 Painted Lady 3 Comma 2 Large Skipper 2
Meadow Brown 8 Speckled Wood 20+ Ringlet 3 "Walked from Upperford
Copse to White Admirals at SZ592138 Ringlets on blackberry bushes at
SZ607143."
Tony Baines writes: "Very surprised to see a
female Brimstone egg laying on Odiham Common today. She was picking
small buckthorn bushes sprouting under pylons in an area that had
been cut back over the winter. Some caterpillars of this species are
almost fully grown by now so this female must, presumably, have
emerged from hibernation very late. Also good sightings of male
White-letter Hairstreaks on and around the local elms. As elsewhere
Peacock caterpillars seem relatively numerous this year."
Dr David Tinling reports from Gosport: Purple
Hairstreaks chasing one another around the tops of the oaks in early
evening sunshine:9 at Browndown North(small oakwood)(SZ582999) & 10
at Carters Copse(SU585001).At Browndown North(SZ583997):Small
Copper(2nd brood) taking Bell Heather nectar;White Admiral
5(including 3 flying very closely together briefly in late afternoon
sunshine;Red Admiral 2 males engaging in aerial combat;Painted Lady
taking bramble nectar.Comma(hutchinsoni) in my garden at
Haslar(north-west)(SZ613986) taking nectar from Hebe
salicifolia,which flowers before Buddleia and again between Buddleia
and Ivy and is highly attractive to bees,hoverflies,butterflies and
moths,large and small.
Ian Pratt reports from Walters Copse Newtown IOW
3 White admirals,6 commas, 1 red admiral, 2 large skippers and 2
large whites. "First WAs of the year for me. "
 |
 |
| White Admiral |
White Admiral |
Monday 22nd June
Mark Swann reports from testwood lakes: small
skippers now on the wing 7 seen, found another 3 peacock larval webs
total 19 now, commas on the up with 9 seen today and a
fresh eyed hawkmoth on a bee orchid!
Matthew Oates writes: "No sign of the Monarch
of all the Butterflies in Alice today. SWF is coming out in
promising numbers there, tho WA was a little disappointing and
hasn't got going properly yet. I saw the first females of both
today. No PH. Interesting to see the last of the spring brood GVW
flying with the first of the summer brood! I haven't seen the broods
overlap before. Watch the Commas this summer - I saw a 2nd ab
suffusa yesterday, in Kew gardens."
Dr David Tinling reports from Gosport Essex
Skipper(female) at Browndown
North(south-west)(SZ579995).Gatekeeper(male) at
Gilkicker(south-east)(SZ608975).
Andrew Brookes reports: South East Area Group
excursion to the Wight on Monday proved disappointing. No
White-letter Hairstreaks seen in the national survey target area of
Roud, or elsewhere. Disappointment assuaged by the discovery of two
Small Tortoiseshell larval colonies, both first-instar, along the
Medina, 6 adults also seen; Peacock larvae abundant.
Mike Gwilliam writes: "During a visit by the
South East Area Group to the Isle of Wight, Mary Gwilliam reports
seeing an Orange Moth (male) in the late afternoon in Chillingwood
Copse which she managed to photograph."
|
| Orange Moth |
Sunday 21st June
Paul Brock reports 'At last, a Silver-Washed
Fritillary in the New Forest, this male from Hawkhill Inclosure. In
general, insect numbers building up in the forest Inclosures, saw 6
species of longhorn beetles in 20 minutes at one site, two
conveniently landed on me.'
|
| Silver-washed Fritillary |
Mike Gwilliam writes: "Saturday, 20th June
2009: Andrew Brookes visited Huntbourn Wood and recorded White
Admiral (2); Silver-washed Fritillary (1); and Ringlet (5).
Sunday, 21st June 2009: Mary Gwilliam, Andrew Brookes and Michael
Gwilliam visited Bedenham Grasslands and recorded a total of 8
butterfly species including Small Skipper (9); and White-letter
Hairstreak (12). A White Admiral was later observed in Elson Wood."
Gary Palmer writes: "back on barton common (
sz 248 932 ) found 64 meadow brown, 10 marbled white, 9 small heath,
2 painted lady and 1 large skipper. through into becton bunny ( sz
253 927 ) and found 1 small skipper, 3 meadow brown and
2 cinnabar moth."
 |
 |
 |
| Small Skipper |
Marbled White |
Marbled White |
Dr David Tinling reports from Gosport: Small
Skipper(male) 3,Essex Skipper(male) 1 taking Bramble nectar,Small
White 2 very fresh 2nd bood males taking sea radish nectar,Painted
Lady 1,Small Tortoiseshell(very fresh summer brood) 1, Small Heath
1,Cinnabar 3 & 25 larvae at Browndown
South(west)(SZ575994).
Geoff Jones writes: "White-letter Hairstreaks seen
yesterday p.m and again today at the Carters Copse car park off
Little Woodham Lane. I saw at least 4 - probably more. Too high in
the oak/elms for a photo. Purple Hairstreaks are out at the bottom
of my garden. I continue to see White Admirals within the MoD
Training area but only managed 3 in one area today - I guess all
males. Since Friday, I've also been seeing a few Small Skippers in
the 'meadow' there.
 |
 |
| White Admiral |
Small Skipper |
Anne McCue reports from Gosport White-letter
Hairstreak 5 at Carters Copse(SU583003);Large Skipper(male) in my
garden at Privett Place(SZ594999).
Saturday 20th June
Dr David Tinling reports "Painted Lady(very old) & Small Tortoiseshell(fresh summer brood) 2 basking and engaging in aerial combat at Fort Gilkicker(SZ607975)."
Anne McCue reports from Gosport: "Red Admiral in my garden at Privett Place(SZ594999)."
Matthew Oates reports "Things are stirring in Alice Holt Forest, with White Admiral and Silver-washed Fritillary males coming out: 4 and 7 respectively during 2 hrs in Straits Inclosure. No sign of His Imperial Majesty at Goose Green / Bucks Horn Oak. He may appear ca 25th-27th. No Purple Hairstreak either. Painted Lady males have invaded the male Emperor territories, which means Trouble, Big Trouble. Visited Broxhead Common LNR during a long dull spell. Silver-studded Blue well out there but not yet at peak season. More troublesome Painted Lady males, and a pristine Comma male ab suffusa - about 50% of uppersides in large black blotches. Unapproachable though, as he'd been badly wound up by Painted Lady males, so no photo. Nearly trod on a nice orange adder. The Nymphalids are taking over...."
Ian Pratt reports "Four small tortoiseshells seen at Branstone (SZ555836) today with 10 meadow browns, 4 large skippers and 2 old painted ladies.
Also, first marbled whites for me at Brading Down (SZ601867) plus two small heath."
|
|
|
| Marbled White |
Marbled White |
Small Tortoiseshell |
Gary Palmer reports from Wooton Coppice: "In the two main clearings and along the ride in what was fairly overcast conditions exept for brief sunny spells i found, 1 marbled white, 4 ringlet, 1 speckled wood, 12 meadow brown, 13 large skipper, 1 red admiral, 7 painted lady, 3 small pearl frits and 1 dark green frit my first this year. Also a large drinker moth caterpillar. Afterwards a short visit to shirley holms to see the silver studded found again numbers into the hundreds plus 1 meadow brown and a tiny fresh beautiful yellow underwing moth."
|
|
|
| Dark Green Fritillary |
Ringlet |
Silver-studded Blue (female) |
Colin Hennem asks "I wonder if anyone can help me identify a couple of moths I found this week in Basingstoke. The first was on my garden fence. I suspect it is a willow beauty, but the colouring seems a lot greyer than the picture in my field guide (I have not enhanced the photo in any way). The second, found on my bathroom window, I could find no match for in my field guide. Any ideas?" [Tim
Norris confirms that the first is a Willow Beauty and the second is a Small Magpie - webmaster]
|
|
| Willow Beauty? |
Small Magpie |
Lynn Fomison is passing on the report from Patrick Fleet that he has recently found 15 seperate batches of Peacock caterpillars at Magdalen Hill Down - the highest count from previous years was 7. So that is good news - the less good news is he has been seeing Sturmia Bella regularly too. Also at MHD there are massive numbers of cocoons of Six-spot Burnet moth, also caterpillars and adults to be seen."
Mark Swann reports from testwood lakes "a walk
round the main lake yielded another 7 peacock larval webs which
means there are at least 16 peacock larval webs present (north and
central ) have not managed the south part yet but that is normally
the most productive area for larval webs. a normal year would
produce between 3 - 7 webs. also seen 3 small tortoiseshell, 2 red
admiral, 3 commas, 2 marbled whites, 5 painted ladies .
moths seen 3 scarlet tiger moths, a bloodvein,
dingy shell , 15 narrow border 5 spot, 4 6 spot burnets with
possibly hundreds of cocoons of this species ready to emerge."
Friday 19th June
Gary Palmer reports from a garden at shirley holms (sz 296 984) finding 1 red admiral, 1 speckled wood, 3 large skipper, 1 small skipper, 3 painted lady, 19 meadow brown and 2 marbled white - his first in hants this year. "Also seen being mobbed by swallows, a hobby."
Chris Hall reports from Aldershot Common (SU 84 50) seeing Silver-studded Blue (161), Meadow Brown (2), Large Skipper (1), Small Heath (1), Painted Lady (2). "In brief periods of sunshine on an otherwise cloudy and breezy afternoon. Silver-studded Blue in detail: 75 counted on dry heath at Long Bottom including c.20% females, SU 842501; 23 on slope of Skirmishing Hill SU 844503; 54 on sheltered side of Cheese Hill SU 843507 including mating pair; one on isolated patch of heather at SU 844508; eight males on heathy slope by the Horse Pond, SU 841499. I did not visit other suitable heath to the west or north."
Mark Litjens reports "This morning I walked around Whiteley Pastures and saw the following: Speckled Wood - 12, Comma - 4, Marbled White - 1, Large Skipper -7, Painter Lady - 7 all very faded, Silver-washed Fritillary - 11, Red Admiral - 1, Meadow Brown - 10".
Anne McCue and Dr David Tinling reports from
Gosport: White Admiral(male) 5 & 150 Peacock larvae in 2 groups at
Browndown North(SZ583997).
John Clark reports from Hartley Wespall (SU699567)
(82) Small Tortoiseshell 1 Peacock - web of small larvae on nettles
"First ST I have seen for 3+ years"
Thursday 18th June
Anne McCue reports "White-letter Hairstreak:2 at Carters Copse(SU583003) & 2 at Military Road(SU596016).Small Skipper 2 males & 2 females,Large Skipper(male) 2,Common Blue(male) 3,White Admiral(male) 3 taking bramble nectar,Red Admiral 1,Painted Lady 2,Comma(fresh hutchinsoni) 3,Marbled White 21(including at least 2 females) at Browndown North(SZ583997)."
Dr David Tinling reports "Small Skipper(male)(taking Red Clover nectar),Small Tortoiseshell(fresh summer brood)(taking creeping thistle nectar) & Marbled White(male) at Gosport & Stokes Bay Golf Course(north-east)(SZ613981).Brown Argus & Marbled White(male) 2 at Fort Gilkicker(SZ607975).Small Skipper(male),Marbled White 2 & Meadow Brown 16(including a mating pair) at Gilkicker(south-east)(SZ608975).Small Tortoiseshell(fresh summer brood) at Gilkicker(north-west)(SZ602981).Narrow-bordered Five-spot Burnet 10(including 3 mating pairs) at Gilkicker(south-west)(SZ603978). Painted Lady 10 (5 taking bramble nectar & 1 taking mallow nectar),indicating a small recent immigration.Swallow-tailed Moth(BF1922) flying at dusk in my garden at Haslar(north-west(SZ613986)."
Mark Swann reports from Churchplace Inclosure seeing "4 white admirals on the wing a few painted ladies and speckled woods that was all really".
Wednesday 17th June
Dr David Tinling reports "Small Skipper(female) at Gilkicker(south-east)(SZ608975).Small Skipper(male) 2 & White Admiral(male) 3(taking Bramble nectar) at Browndown North(SZ583997)(also seen by Anne McCue)."
Pauline Richards reports "White Admiral and Silver Washed Fritillary out at Alice Holt this morning along with Large Skipper, Red Admiral, Small Tortoiseshell, Painted Lady, Meadow Brown, Speckled Wood, Large White but didnt see any Ringlets."
Tuesday 16th June
Dr David Tinling reports "White Admiral(male) at Browndown North(SZ583997).Small Skipper(male) taking creeping thistle nectar, Marbled White(male) & Narrow-bordered Five-spot Burnet 107(including 2 mating pairs & 79 taking creeping thistle nectar) at the Sandhill(south-west)(SZ578997).Six-spot Burnet: 1 at Browndown South(west)(SZ575994);1 at Browndown Field(SZ572995); 1 taking Bell Heather nectar at Browndown North(SZ583997)."
Lyndon Hatfield reports from Portsdown Hill (SU633067) seeing Large Skipper 5, Meadow brown 20+, Marbled White 10+, Comma 3, Painted Lady 2, Common Blue 1, 6 spot Burnet Moth 4. ""Marbled Whites were frequent in area below Fort Southwick, but there were very few butterflies on Portchester Common".
Mark Swann reports from Testwood Lakes: "First marbled white of the year today also now an impressive 9 peacock larval webs all at different stages. 15 large skippers which is one of my highest ever counts here. female red admiral egg laying and still at least 3 small tortoiseshell about ( emerged 3 june ).
Chris Hall reports from Eelmoor Marsh (SU 844535) seeing 5 Silver-studded Blue. "Five very fresh males on dry heath area that is managed for this species. First at Eelmoor for 2009."
Graham Birkett reports "I visited Martin Down on a mainly sunny day. My first visit was to Kitt's Grave where Large Skipper and Small Heath were the most common butterflies in the sunny open areas. Others were Meadow Brown (3), Grizzled Skipper (1), Common Blue (3), Brown Argus (1), Dingy Skipper (1), Peacock (1, very worn), Silver-washed Fritillary (1), and Brimstone (1). Plenty of Speckled Woods under the trees, and several late-instar larval Peacock colonies on 1 large Nettle patch. Moving to the Bockerley Dyke area, the numbers were Adonis Blue (4), Painted Lady (1), Small Heath (4), Small Blue (4), Brimstone (1), Large Skipper (2), Marbled White (1), Meadow Brown (2), Brown Argus (1), Common Blue (1), and
Dark Green Fritillary (1 very fresh specimen). Together with Cuckoo and Turtle Dove, a good day!
Lynn Fomison reports that she saw her first (in the UK) Hummingbird Hawkmoth in the garden. It was nectaring on valerian Centranthus rubra as were several Large Skippers and a tatty Painted Lady.
Gary Palmer reports from a garden in Shirley Holms (SZ296 984): "Found by mid morning 2 speckled wood, 13 meadow brown, 1 small tortoiseshell, 5 large skipper and 2 small skipper - my first this year. Out on the near heath (sz 296 986) after work found over a 100+ silver studded with several mating pairs."
|
|
|
| Silver-studded Blue (mating pair) |
Silver-studded Blues |
Small Skipper |
Andrew Bolton reports from Ashford Hill Woods & Meadows (SU 564616) seeing Large Skipper 2,Small White 1,White Admiral 1,Painted Lady 3,Speckled Wood 47,Marbled White 1,Meadow Brown 23,Chimney Sweeper 11. "The earliest ever White Admiral for me at this site, (one day sooner than 2007)was a lovely surprise. Close to a photo, but camera monopod snagged the brambles & sent the butterfly out of range!".
|
| Marbled White |
Mike Gibbons reports "I saw my first 2
Purple Hairstreaks early this evening wheeling around the top of the tall oak tree near my garden in Christchurch.
As it was a warm evening there were also some interesting dragons and damselfies around including Scarce Chaser, Broad-bodied Chaser, Banded Demoiselles, Large Red and Azure Damselflies. Yesterday a Red Admiral visited the garden briefly.
Our nest box has a Great Tit nesting in it which seems to be a rare second brood as the earlier Great Tit nest in the garden fledged successfully, the female appears to be incubating at present.
I have recently returned from butterfly watching in Greece and can confirm that the Painted Lady invasion is still continuing in force there with many streaming through north."
Trevor Carpenter reports "I had 6 Silver Washed Fritillaries in Whiteley Pastures/Botley Wood this afternoon, all in beautiful condition as would be expected."
|
| Silver-washed Fritillary |
Monday 15th June
Dr David Tinling reports from Gosport "Large Skipper(male) 2;Small White(male) 1;Green-veined White(very fresh male) & White Admiral(male) at Browndown North(small oakwood)(SZ583999);Holly Blue(old male) 2;Red Admiral 1;Small Tortoiseshell(fresh summer brood) 3;Peacock(old) 1;Comma(very fresh midsummer hutchinsoni) 7;Speckled Wood 6;Meadow Brown 1;Total 26;Silver Y Moth."
Mark swann reports from Botley Wood: "Male silver washed fritillary seen, 25+ large skippers, 3 common blue (2m 1f),50+ meadow browns. Large skippers appear to be doing very well this year."
Sunday 14th June
Anne McCue reports "Silver-washed Fritillary(male) 2 at Whiteley Pastures(SU545104);Marbled White(male) at Browndown North(SZ583997).
Barrie Roberts reports from East Wellow (SU3020) seeing Small Totoiseshell 10 (all fresh), small white 20+, large white 2, common blue 2, speckled wood 4, meadow brown 15, painted lady 1(very worn). "Seen on WCBS additional survey. More small tortoiseshells than I've seen in the last 5 years in Hants in 1 1Km square".
Tim Doran reports from Hamer Warren, Avon Valley (SU130106) seeing Marbled White (1), Comma (1), Small Tort (1), Meadow Brown (5). "First Marbled White of year for me. Good to be seeing a few more Small Torts this year compared to last."
Dr David Tinling reports "Narrow-bordered Five-spot Burnet(BF171) 118(including 4 mating pairs): including 21(4 taking nectar from Meadow Vetchling and 2 from creeping thistle) at Gilkicker(north-west)(SZ602981);6 at Gilkicker(south-west)(SZ603978);91(including 4 mating pairs,41 taking nectar from creeping thistle) and Cinnabar(BF2069) 1 at the Sandhill(south-west)(SZ578997).Mother Shipton 4.Male Stag Beetle again on my house wall.Small Skipper(male) taking nectar from Cat's-ear at Gilkicker(north-west)(SZ602981). Small Skipper(male) 1,Large Skipper(male) 10,Large White(male) 1,Small White(male) 3,Small Copper(very fresh 2nd brood) 1 at Gilkicker(south-east)(SZ608975),Common Blue 12 males & 2 females,Painted Lady 2,Small Tortoiseshell(fresh summer brood) 1 at Carters Copse(SU585001);Peacock(old) 4 & 45 larvae in 3 groups at Alver Meadow(SZ586998);Comma(very fresh midsummer hutchinsoni) 3;Speckled Wood 8;Meadow Brown 28;Total 76.
Mark Swann reports from Chilworth Woods seeing "5 fresh small toroiseshells including a mating pair, 30+ large skippers most still drying wings, 5 common blues (4m 1f) 2 fresh commas, red admiral, 4 painted ladies, 3 speckled woods, 20+ meadow browns , 2 brown china mark moths and 6 emperor dragonflys all seen on a very small private site."
Graham Birkett reports: "I visited Beaulieu Heath hoping to see Silver-studded Blues. Lots around with 25 in the first half hour on a warm sunny day. 2 pairs in cop. Others: 6xSmall Heath, 5xPainted Lady,1xGreen Hairstreak (v. worn), 2xBrimstone,1xCommon Blue and 3xBrown Argus."
Paul Beevers reports from Cliddesden (SU635494) seeing 1 Small Totoiseshell: "Seen on hedge on inside of a field with a crop of barley, possibly hawthorn, blackthorn or bramble".
Gary Palmer reports from Wooton Coppice this morning: "Found along the main ride and in the two main clearings, 14 small pearl frits ( a conservative figure ), 10 speckled wood ( all well down the ride past the clearings ), 12 painted lady (mostly over flying still), 11 large skipper, 1 red admiral, and my first fresh ringlet on the ride side. Later on barton common (sz 248 932 ) i found 26 meadow brown, 2 small heath, 3 painted lady, 1 speckled wood, 1 common blue male and 2 peacock."
|
|
|
| Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary |
Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary |
Ringlet |
Mike Mackrill reports from Compton Chine on cliff, Isle of Wight (SZ365 852) seeing a single Small Tortoiseshell.
Dave Ryves reports "2 Silver-washed Fritillaries at Whiteley Pastures this morning.
Saturday 13th June
Frank Henry reports from Parkstone Avenue, Southsea, Hants, seeing 1
White Admiral Butterfly. "Criss-crossed my garden, but didn't stop. First seen here in 19 years residence."
Dr David Tinling reports: "Large Skipper(male) 10,Large White(male) 1,Small White(male) 10,Small Copper(old) 1,Common Blue 3 males & 1 female,Holly Blue(male)(old) 1,Red Admiral at Alver Meadow(SZ586998),Painted Lady 2,Small Tortoiseshell(fresh summer brood) 1 at Carters Copse(SU585001) & 1 at Alver Meadow(SZ586998),Peacock(old) 2,Comma(very fresh midsummer hutchinsoni) 1 at Alver Meadow(SZ586998) & 1 at Browndown North(SZ583997),Speckled Wood 33,Meadow Brown(male) 13,Small Heath 2, Total 84. Narrow-bordered Five-spot Burnet(BF171) 93(including 3 mating pairs): including 7(5 taking nectar from Meadow Vetchling) at Ann's Hill Cemetery(east)(SU602001); 2 at Carters Copse(SU585001);84(including 3 mating pairs,37 taking nectar from creeping thistle & 6 from buttercup) at the Sandhill(south-west)(SZ578997).White Plume Moth(BF1513) flying after dark in my garden at Haslar(north-west)(SZ613986).Garden Carpet flying in daylight at Browndown North(SZ583997).Yellow Shell(BF1742) at the Sandhill(south-west)(SZ578997).Brown Silver-line (BF1902) 5 at Browndown North(south-west)(SZ579995)."
Friday 12th June
John Woodson reports from Winnall Moors: "During a guided tour of Winnall Moors (HWT reserve) in rather overcast conditions saw 2 each of Large Skipper, Small Tortoiseshell, and Scarlet Tiger."
Dr David Tinling reports from Gosport seeing Light Brown Apple Moth(male),Epiphyas postvittana(BF998), & Barred Yellow,Cidaria fulvata(BF1765) 2,disturbed by day in the Alverstoke Crescent Garden(SZ603984),where roses,the Barred Yellow's larval foodplant,and other plants and trees,are species and varieties that could have been there in 1850. A large male Stag Beetle climbed my house wall in the evening at Haslar(north-west)(SZ613986)to achieve height for a flight which I missed."
Thursday 11th June
Thelma Smalley reports from Magdalen Hill Down Extension (SU511 295) seeing Large white 1, Small white 1,Brown argus 1, Common blue 29, Painted lady 5, Meadow brown 16,
Ringlet 1. "Blustery conditions,orchids coming into flower, good to hear a yellow hammer."
Mike Wildish reports from Picket Twenty (SU 385 450) seeing Large skipper - 1, Speckled wood - 1, Painted lady - 5, Small Tortoiseshell - 1, Small white - 1, Large white - 2.
Wednesday 10th June
Dr David Tinling reports: "2 large Large White larvae(eating horse-radish leaves),Small White(male),Common Blue(male) & Yellow Shell(BF1742) at Haslar(north-west)(SZ613986);Common Blue(male) at Haslar(south-west)(SZ613981);Meadow Brown(male) 3 at Gilkicker(south-east) (SZ608975);30 Peacock larvae on a net on nettles,Large Skipper(male),Common Blue(male),Meadow Brown(male),Cinnabar(BF2069),Small Heath 2,at Gilkicker (south-west) (SZ603978);Common Blue(male),Meadow Brown(male) 2,Small Heath,Narrow-bordered Five-Spot Burnet(BF171) 9(including a mating pair),Cinnabar 2,Blackneck(BF2466),at Gilkicker(north-west) (SZ602981);Meadow Brown(male at Fort Gilkicker(SZ607975);Common Blue(male) & Speckled Wood 3 at Gosport and Stokes Bay Golf Course(north-east)(SZ612981)."
Jenny Mallett reports "Alison Harper, Juliet Bloss and I visited Hurst Castle today. The only butterflies seen were a few Small Heath, 1 Common Blue and 1 Painted Lady, but there were at least 9 Cream Spot Tiger moths in the long grass. Also Cinnabar, 6 Spot Burnet, Silver Y and a passing Peregrine."
Tuesday 9th June
Dr David Tinling reports from Gosport: "3 Narrow-bordered Five-Spot Burnets seen by Patrick Pattinson at Gilkicker(north-west)(SZ602981)."
Dan Hoare reports "A nice surprise today on my return home - my first Scarlet Tigers of the year, in a clinch on my front door in Winchester (they breed in the garden on Forget-me-not, although elsewhere in the valley they're on Comfrey and Nettle)."
|
| Scarlet Tiger Moth |
Monday 8th June
Andrew Bolton reports from grassland near Kingsclere seeing 41 Narrow-bordered Five Spot Burnet. "I was lucky enough to come across a large emergence of this moth, in the damp overcast late afternoon. Many just vacated cocoons could be seen on the tall stems of Cocksfoot, often 2 or 3 per stem, with the moths clinging on nearby."
Dr David Tinling reports from Gosport: "A very fresh summer brood Small Tortoiseshell basking in my garden at Haslar(north-west)(SZ613986)."
Chris Hall reports from Pyestock Hill (NE Hants), by Ively Road (SU 833538) seeing Common Blue (2), Large Skipper (1), Meadow Brown (1). "Seen during a (very) brief bright period. The large skipper and meadow brown were my first of 2009 for this area, showing there has been some action in the world of butterflies during this damp, cloudy, unseasonally chilly week.">
Sunday 7th June
Rachel Remnant reports from Highcliffe, Winchester (SO23 0PU), (SU488288) seeing 1 Scarlet Tiger Moth.
Dr David Tinling reports from Gosport: 50 Peacock larvae on a net on nettles at Alver Meadow(SZ586998);Large Skipper(male) 4,Large White(male) 1,Green-veined White(male) 1,Common Blue 9 males & 1 female,Holly Blue(male) 1,Painted Lady 6,Speckled Wood 11,Meadow Brown(male) 2,Small Heath 1,Total 37;Narrow-bordered Five-spot Burnet 7 & many pupae,Mother Shipton 2, Yellow Shell 1,Broad-bodied Chaser(male) 1;Bee Orchid 5.
Gary Palmer visited Shirley Holms mid morning (sz 296 986) and found 30 plus silver studded blue. Several of the males very worn and a couple of females present. Earlier he had visited wooton coppice inclosure, finding in the two main clearings on the north side of the ride 3 meadow brown, 2 common blue, 3 painted lady and 13 small pearl-bordered fritillary of which 3 were females together with some nice fresh males and all were spread quite evenly in the clearings nectaring on thistle mainly. Also seen was 1 clouded buff moth.
|
|
|
| Silver-studded Blue (male) |
Silver-studded Blue (male) |
Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary |
Tim Doran reports from the IBM Lake (SU649053) seeing 1
White-letter Hairstreak. "In tops of young elms (bins essential for good views) just west of the entrance roundabout at the IBM Site in Cosham. Good to see they survived the winter tree and scrub clearance in this area.
Saturday 6th June
Richard Seargent reports from his garden in Yetmister Road, Farnborough: "Unidentifed Clearwing (quick view only). Ideas of what this species could be would be gratefully received. Moving along rose, lavender and privet bushes."
Gary Palmer reports from Efford near Lymington: "Walking from keyhaven up Iley lane track to a meadow near efford tip (sz 931 307)in the late morning I found 13 common blue,6 speckled wood, 9 meadow brown, 7 large skipper, 1 red admiral, 3 painted lady, 3 cinnibar moth, 2 mother shipton and along the path on the swathes of nettles 2 large broods of peacock caterpillar".
|
|
|
| Cinnabar Moth |
Common Blue (female) |
Large Skipper |
Dr David Tinling reports "Lozotaenia forsterana(BF1002) in my garden at Haslar(north-west)(SZ613986),disturbed by daytime watering before overnight rain finally ended the very dry fortnight since the arrival of the Painted Ladies."
Friday 5th June
Alan Thornbury reports from Beaulieu Heath in the
New Forest: A total of 8 Silver-studded Blues (all males) seen at
separate locations on Beaulieu Heath this afternoon, typically 2-3
at each location.
 |
 |
| Silver-studded Blue |
Dr David Tinling reports from Gosport 25 Peacock
larvae on a net on nettles at Haslar(north-west)(SZ613986).As they
are in Haslar Field next to my garden,I hope to see the Peacock
butterflies on my Buddleias in July. On 28th May
a very fresh White Spot moth,Hadena albimacula(BF2172,RDB2) was
attracted to a mercury vapour lamp at Browndown
South(west)(SZ575994),where its larval foodplant,Nottingham
Catchfly,Silene nutans,is abundant,by Stewart Swift,John Phillips
and Pat Clipstone. On 22nd April an exceptionally early migrant
moth,The Delicate,Mythimna vitellina(BF2195), was recorded at an mv
lamp by Stewart Swift in his garden at Bay Road(SZ595992),Gosport.
Thursday 4th June
Paul Brock reports: Surprise find at Hurst Castle
today, a rather large male Small Blue (it's quite a distance from
the IOW!). Good to see many Cream-spot Tigers and 18 Dew Moths.
Philip Budd reports from Magdalen Hill Down Original
Reserve transect (34) Green Hairstreak 1 Brown Argus 7 Common Blue
14 Painted Lady 3 Marbled White
1 Meadow Brown 3 Also Yellow Shell Moth
"Not particularly impressive numbers although the Marbled White was
certain my earliest ever! It was seen at the eastern end of the
reserve."
Andrew Bolton reports from meadow at Axmansford (SU
566607) (38) Meadow Brown 3,Large Skipper 6. "Delighted to find this
many Large Skippers already in a small half acre patch - probably as
many as I saw during all of the 2008 season! Should bode well."
 |
 |
| Large Skipper |
Gary Palmer a quick look in becton bunny( sz
253 927) late afternoon before taking a dip in the sea, found 2
common blue, 2 small heath, 2 small copper, 1 green hairstreak and 1
painted lady.
 |
 |
 |
| Common Blue |
Green Hairstreak |
Small Copper |
Dr David Tinling reports from Gosport Large
Skipper(male) 3,Large White(male) 1,Small White(male) 1,Green-veined
White(male) 2,Common Blue(male) 19,Painted Lady 3,Speckled Wood
10,Meadow Brown 1,Small Heath 5,Total 45,including the
following:Large Skipper(male) 3,Common Blue(male) 5,Meadow
Brown(male) 1,Small Heath 3,Cinnabar
2,Narrow-bordered Five-spot Burnet 22(including 5 mating pairs & 2
taking creeping thistle nectar) at the Sandhill(south-west)(SZ578997).
Wednesday 3rd June
Thelma Smalley reports from Alresford (SO24 9HE)
(85) Hummingbird Hawkmoth 2. " A pair arrived in my
garden at 7pm to feed on the red valerian."
Lynn Fomison writes: "Almost 40 people
attended the public walk at Magdalen Hill Down on 3rd June. This
walk is the regular Wednesday Wander on the first Wednesday of the
month. There were four of us as leaders to ensure that visitors
enjoyed plants, butterflies and moths to the full. At least 14
species were seen including Meadow Brown, Large Skipper and Small
Tortoiseshell - all pretty recently emerged, Brown Argus and Green
Hairstreak. Common Blues in profusion! Probably less than 20 Painted
Ladies - not many given that so many were flying through on Bank
Holiday Monday Thelma Smalley felt it necessary to duck to avoid
being hit! Larva of Peacock and Orange Tip was found by Patrick
Fleet. Moths seen included Silver Y, Yellow
Shell"
Dr David Tinling reports from Gosport: "The
departure of the Painted Ladies and the arrival of the June gap
between spring and summer butterflies have reduced today's total at
Gilkicker,Alverstoke and Browndown to a mere 24:Large White(male)
1,Small White 4 males & 1 female,Green-veined White 1 female,Common
Blue(male) 4, Holly Blue(female) 1,Painted Lady 2(How the mighty
numbers have fallen!),Speckled Wood 9;also
Mother Shipton 1,Pyrausta aurata 2,Yellow Shell 1,Black-tailed
-Skimmer 4.On 25th May Mick Langridge took an early evening
walk from Browndown to Gilkicker and saw about 70 Painted
Ladies,about 50 of them at Stokes Bay(SZ595986).On 28th May Mike Perrin
saw about 100 Painted Ladies at Stokes Bay(SZ595986) at midday.
Tuesday 2nd June
Phil Kirk reports from Newtown Nature Reserve IOW (SZ418911): "A single Plain Tiger (Danaus chrysippus) landed near the salt pans briefly. I photographed it and sent the record to the reserve warden. I dare say it was a release or escape, but in this year of migrants, who knows?"
Mike Wildish reports from Bury Hill (SU 345 435)
(84) Speckled Wood - 14 Painted Lady - 3 Small Tort - 1
Green-veined White - 3 Large White - 1 "The ladies seem to have
stopped rushing through - those seen seem to be staying locally. The
small tort was very fresh - are we about to see a recovery?"
Gary Palmer in a garden in shirley holms new forest(sz
296 984) 2.6.09 during the coarse of the day found 1 peacock, 1 red
admiral, 1 fresh small tortoiseshell, still a regular passage of
painted lady during the day peaking mid afternoon,4 speckled wood,3
meadow brown( 1 female),1 small heath,2 common blue males, 1 holly
blue, 3 small white, 2 large white, 1 gv white,2 brimstone both male
and after work a short walk out onto the heath(sz 296 986) revealed
5 male silver studded blue,
my first of the year.
 |
 |
 |
| Meadow Brown |
Silver-studded Blue |
Small Tortoiseshell |
Andy Barker writes: "When visiting Holmsley
Passage (New Forest) this morning, as well as seeing an excellent
range of dragonflies and damselflies, myself and some students came
across an early instar Emperor Moth larva in the heather. This is
the first time I've come across the larva of this species, so I
thought others might be interested (photo attached - not my best,
but hopefully good enough to show the spectacular patterning of this
caterpillar).
 |
| Emperor Moth larva |
Ian Pratt reports from Ningwood Common: "Really
pleased with the work done at Ningwood Common Reserve on the Isle of
Wight by the Hants and IOW Wildlife Trust. A very large area of
scrub has been cleared and the small PBFs are now moving out on to
the newer parts which have grown over the past couple of years. I
saw 6 there this evening plus 3 grizzled skippers, 2 small heaths
and 3 emperor dragonflies."
Dr David Tinling reports from Gosport: Large
Skipper(male) 1,Large White(male) 6,Small White(male) 6,Green
Hairstreask 1 at Browndown North(SZ583997),Common Blue 41 males & 1
female,Painted Lady 21,Peacock 1,Speckled Wood 23,Meadow Brown(male)
1,Small Heath 10,Total 112,Narrow-bordered
Five-spot Burnet 3,Mother Shipton 12,Brown Silver-line
2,Black-tailed Skimmer 1,Broad-bodied Chaser 1,including the
following:Common Blue 26 males & 1 blue female,Painted Lady
13,Meadow Brown(male) 1 on the Plateau at the new Alver Valley West
Nature Reserve,formerly gravel pits(SU576004).
Andrew Bolton reports from Mill Green, Headley (SU
524637) (84,87) Peacock 3,Painted Lady 1,Common Blue
1,Green-veined White 3,Small White 2.
Steve Waite reports from Whitecliff Bay, nr.
Bembridge, Isle of Wight (SZ643864) (1) 10+ Glanville Fritillaries
on cliff at Whitecliff Bay Holiday park. Also Grizzled Skipper, Wall
plus the usuals. "I was planning to head down to Ventnor to see the
Frits, so was pleased when an afternoon wander around the camp site
proved enough!"
Monday 1st June
Andrew Bolton reports from meadow at Axmansford,
Tadley (SU 566607) (38) Small Copper 2 ,Common Blue 1.
Paul Brock reports: Found 7 Small Pearl-bordered at
Wootton Inclosure, and 5 fresher examples at Royden Woods, New
Forest, as usual tricky to photograph, with grass blades almost
always in the way!
 |
| Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary |
Alan Thornbury reports from Old Winchester Hill: A
single male Adonis Blue at the bottom of the car park slope. Also 3
(faded) Green Hairstreak among the scrub. It may be too early for
conclusions, but the Adonis seems to be having a very poor first
brood there, after two consecutive wet summers.
 |
 |
| Green Hairstreak |
Adonis Blue |
Dr David Tinling reports from Gosport Large
Skipper(male) 3,Clouded Yellow(female)1(also seen by Geoff Jones) at
Browndown South(west)(SZ575994),Large White 3 males & 3
females,Small White 21 males & 1 female,Small Copper 1,Brown
Argus(male) 1,Common Blue 19 males & 2 females,Holly Blue(male)
3,Painted Lady 29,Peacock 2,Small Heath 5,Speckled Wood 8,Total
102:also Narrow-bordered Five Spot Burnet
16(including a mating pair)(also seen and photographed by Geoff Jones) at the Sandhill(south-west)(SZ578997).Nearby in the Borough of Gosport,at
Lee-on the-Solent,the temperature reached 27.2C,the highest in the
UK and the hottest of the year.
 |
| Narrow-bordered Five-spot Burnet |
-2376.jpg)
-2392.jpg)
%20Alice%20Holt%20Jun%2009%20022.jpg)
