SIGHTINGS POLICY
Please note that it is branch policy to restrict
sightings of sensitive species, and sensitive sites, from this sightings
page. This includes sightings of Marsh Fritillary, Small Eggar and
Reddish Buff, and also sites that are on private land. However, the
branch still welcomes records of these species, and from these sites.
*Please ensure that you have permission of the landowner before visiting
any private site*.
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REPORT BUTTERFLY COLLECTORS
Following an incident last year where a Butterfly Collector was
seen 'at work' in the New Forest, collecting Pearl-bordered
Fritillaries, the Forestry Commission would be very grateful if
members could look out for any such activities while in the New
Forest this season and contact them on one of the following
telephone numbers: Jonathan Cook 07884 233739 Robert
Colin-Stokes 07747 757175
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NEW - Branch Member's Area
The Hampshire and Isle of Wight Branch website now has an
exclusive Member's Area. It currently has past newsletters
available for download. Butterfly & Moth Reports will be added
soon. To access this area you will need to register
HERE... Once registered you
can access the Members Area from the menu above.
If you have any suggestions for additional information that you
would like to see on this members only page please send them to
webmaster@hantsiow-butterflies.org.uk.
Mr Andrew Brookes has published an updated report on the
Disease-resistant Elm Trials - available
HERE...
Be part of the big butterfly count from the 24th July to the 1st
of August this year and help us gather information to save them. See
Home page for details.
Thursday 29th July
Robert Bryant reports from Abbotstone Down (SU
584361) where the following observations were made: Purple Emperor
(1 "female on ragwort "), Small Copper (6), Meadow Brown (5),
Gatekeeper (7), Silver-washed Fritillary (6), Ringlet (3),
Green-veined White (4), Common Blue (2), Brimstone (1), Marbled
White (1), Small Skipper (1).
Andrew Brookes reports: Mike and Mary Gwilliam
were permitted to survey the Defence Munitions complex at Gosport
today, finding a total of 282 butterflies comprising 15 species.
Bedenham area: Common Blue (78), Purple Hairstreak (6), Gatekeeper
(106), Meadow Browns (51), Small Heath (1), 'Little' Skippers (12)
and Small Copper (6). In the elm thicket, White-letter Hairstreaks
(2) were clearly nearing the end of their season, while at the
remote Elson Wood on the harbour shore, White Admirals (2) were
still on the wing, if appearing rather jaded.
Andrew Brookes visited the West Walk plantation at Hundred Acres,
near Wickham. The site is now being managed superbly by the Forestry
Commission; the open, sunlit rides lined with nectar sources such as
bramble, knapweed, hemp agrimony and fleabane succouring dozens of
S-w Fritillaries, and five White Admirals.
Ian Pratt reports from Bleak Down IOW (SZ511819)
where the following observations were made: Grayling (20 "Flying
freely in early evening"), Wall (1), Common Blue (2). "On 9 July
2010 Dave Dana saw 29 very fresh and active grayling on the site.".
mark swann reports from broughton down (SU291328)
where the following observations were made: Silver-spotted Skipper
(30), Dark Green Fritillary (1), Brown Argus (50), Chalkhill Blue
(10), Common Blue (50). "my first ever visit to this site in less
than ideal weather was rewarded with a minimum of 30 silver spotted
skippers. also hummingbird hawkmoth".
Wednesday 28th July
Richard Hallett reports from Creech Wood Denmead (SU
634114) where the following observations were made: Brimstone (6),
Gatekeeper (29), Comma (2), Common Blue (4), Large Skipper (1),
Small Skipper (1), Large White (2), Small White (5), Meadow Brown
(4), Peacock (3), Red Admiral (1), Silver-washed Fritillary (18),
Small Copper (1), Small Heath (2), Speckled Wood (3), Purple
Hairstreak (4), White Admiral (3).
Mike Wildish reports from South Tidworth (SU 238
475) where the following observations were made: Essex Skipper (1),
Brown Argus (1), Common Blue (8), Brimstone (2), Green-veined White
(1), Small White (4), Gatekeeper (16), Meadow Brown (18),
Silver-washed Fritillary (2), Peacock (3), Comma (3), Red Admiral
(1).
Mike Wildish reports from Furze Hill (SU 244 478)
where the following observations were made: Common Blue (3),
Brimstone (1), Large White (1), Small White (5), Gatekeeper (6),
Meadow Brown (13), Speckled Wood (1), Ringlet (1), Peacock (1).
Jill Lincoln reports from Old Down, Basingstoke
(SU597 488) where the following observations were made: Brimstone
(2), Comma (7), Common Blue (34), Gatekeeper (18), Green-veined
White (2), Holly Blue (1), Large Skipper (1), Large White (19),
Marbled White (39), Meadow Brown (23), Peacock (1), Ringlet (26),
Small Skipper (9), Small White (5), Speckled Wood (1).
Robert Guest reports from Yateley (SU821602) where
the following observations were made: Silver-washed Fritillary (1 "A
fairly fresh-looking male, on buddleia"), Red Admiral (2), Peacock
(2), Comma (2), Holly Blue (1), Speckled Wood (2), Gatekeeper (2),
Meadow Brown (1), Large White (1 "(probably several)"), Small White
(1 "(probably several)"). "Only my third definite sighting of a
Silver-washed Fritillary in my garden in 28 years.".
gary palmer reports from barton on sea (sz 244 933)
where the following observations were made: Silver-washed Fritillary
(1), Comma (2), Red Admiral (1), Holly Blue (1), Speckled Wood (3),
Gatekeeper (7), Meadow Brown (2), Large White (2), Small White (2),
Green-veined White (3 "all female and egg laying on watercress").
"made a brief mid day visit to a garden in barton and found the
above. of note was a silver washed, the fifth such that ive seen in
local urban gardens in the last 2 weeks".
Andrew Bolton reports from Ladle Hill, Old
Burghclere. (SU477569) where the following observations were made:
Brown Argus (14), Common Blue (35), Small Copper (10), Gatekeeper
(5), Comma (1), Small Tortoiseshell (1 "the most faded, ragged
example I've ever seen."), Ringlet (1), Small White (4), Large White
(3), Brimstone (2 "Him & her"), Marbled White (2), Small Skipper
(3), Essex Skipper (3), Peacock (1 "should have been more"),
Green-veined White (1), Meadow Brown (120). "visit curtailed as the
weather deteriorated, but it gives a flavour. No Chalkhill Blues to
be seen.".
Andrew Bolton reports from track to Ladle Hill, Old
Burghclere. (SU477576) where the following observations were made:
Holly Blue (1), Speckled Wood (1).
Andrew Bolton reports from track to Ladle Hill, Old
Burghclere. (SU477576) where the following observations were made:
Holly Blue (1), Speckled Wood (1).
Tuesday 27th July
Lynn Fomison writes: "Todays public walk to
Bentley Station Meadow to celebrate Save our Butterflies week was
highly successful with 19 species being seen in the reserve and
nearby forest tracks. At least 3 sightings of high Purple Emperors
(not far from Gravel hill car park) caused great excitement & the
many many Silver-washed fritillaries much wonderment. Summer flowers
in the meadow were possibly at their best - a lovely time to make a
visit."
A Hummingbird Hawk-moth seen again feeding at a
Buddleia bush today, 27th July, at Farley Mount. This was my third
separate sighting in seven days, on each occasion at exactly the
same bush - presumably the same individual?
Sunday 25th July
Richard Brett reports from Magdalen Hill (SU500292)
where the following observations were made: Chalkhill Blue (1000
"Multitudes, as every day at present"), Small Blue (1 "Surprising at
this time (?), but a fine male happily nectaring on trefoil"),
Gatekeeper (50 "huge numbers of these, too"), Brimstone (4), Brown
Argus (1). "Chalkhill mating pairs in flight in massive numbers.
Some females attracting several males at once and becoming very
harrassed and damaged. Groups of twelve or more males congregating
on one plant(is this called lecking?)on the bare ground, and
scattering suddenly and spectacularly at my approach. Amazing
sights! The steep slopes of the original reserve are just a moving
sea of Chalkhill blues and five-spot burnets.".
Richard Hallett reports from Creech Wood Denmead (SU
634114) where the following observations were made: Silver-washed
Fritillary (36), White Admiral (19), Red Admiral (2), Purple
Hairstreak (2), Comma (1), Common Blue (1), Gatekeeper (30), Meadow
Brown (15), Small Skipper (1), Speckled Wood (1), Brimstone (2),
Green-veined White (1), Small White (5), Large White (2).
Peter Hunt reports from Walters Copse,Isle of Wight (SZ4090) where the following observations were made: Brimstone (2 "One male,one female"), Comma (1), Gatekeeper (20), Large White (3), Marbled White (1), Meadow Brown (20), Silver-washed Fritillary (3), Speckled Wood (3), White Admiral (2),
Dragon fly (1).
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Brimstone | Brimstone |
Southern Hawker |
Mr Krystyan Greenland reports from Private address, Alton. Hampshire (SU714414) where the following observations were made: Large White (6), Brimstone (1), Gatekeeper (2), Holly Blue (1), Red Admiral (4), Peacock (8), Small Copper (1).
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Peacock | Holly Blue |
Small Copper |
Andrew Brookes saw a White Admiral gliding along the
beach fronting the Pylewell Park woodland between Sowley and
Lymington.
Rupert Broadway writes: "..... a good day for
butterflies in our Winchester garden. As well as the "staple fare"
of large, small & green veined white, brimstone, meadow brown,
gatekeeper, common & holly blue, a single brown argus turned up in
the afternoon - an infrequent but quite regular visitor at this time
of year in good summers. The star of the day was a tatty female
silver-washed fritillary, prospecting the ivy growing up a wooden
fence close to a patch of sweet violets, who made herself quite at
home for at least an hour, although I'm not sure whether any eggs
were actually laid. This isn't normal SWF territory, although we
have had a couple of very brief visits in the last 2 years."
Robert Guest reports from Yateley (SU821602) where
the following observations were made: Holly Blue (1), Essex Skipper
(1 "I think probably Essex, but could have been Small Skipper"),
Speckled Wood (2), Meadow Brown (2), Gatekeeper (3), Grayling (1),
Common Blue (1), Comma (1), Red Admiral (1), Peacock (1), Brimstone
(1), Large White (0), Small White (1). "Pleased to see 13 species in
my garden this afternoon(and the Red Arrows!)".
Saturday 24th July
Mike Wildish reports from Mark Lane (SU 335 465)
where the following observations were made: Common Blue (1), Holly
Blue (3), Peacock (4), Small Tortoiseshell (5), Comma (3), Speckled
Wood (1), Meadow Brown (5), Marbled White (1), Ringlet (4),
Gatekeeper (20), Small White (14), Large White (5), Green-veined
White (5), Brimstone (5).
Mike Duffy writes: "Among the butterflies seen this
morning at Stockbridge Down was my first
Silver Spotted Skipper for the year, also
seen a Humming bird Hawkmoth.
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Silver-spotted Skipper | Hummingbird Hawkmoth |
Paul Brock reports from Stockbridge Down (SU382348) where the following observations were made:
Silver-spotted Skipper (3).
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| Silver-spotted Skipper |
Ashley hitlock writes: "Visited Old Winchester
Hill today to see the Chalkhill Blue, and the specie was out in huge
numbers, the down was shimmering with them, especially around the
hill fort area facing south west. The numbers were impossible to
count, with several mating pairs thrown in. Other Blues seen were
the Common Blue and Brown Argus. The Dark Green Fritillary numbered
just one, which was a very poor showing. Several Silver-Washed
Friillaries were seen on the Down imbibing on many of the downland
flowers. Red Admirals were very common especially on the Bramble and
Peacocks and Commas were also seen, alas only one Small
Tortoiseshell. The Marbled White is now on the wane and the Ringlet
numbered just one. The Brimstone was seen in large numbers along
with the Large White and Small White, with good numbers of
Gatekeeper and Meadow Brown. The six-spotted
Burnet Moth was also common with several females being mated before
they had completly hatched out of their pupae casing! Silver-Y moths
were seen with one Hummingbird Hawk Moth.
Paul Ritchie reports from Longstock (SU367384) where the following observations were made: Hummingbird Hawk Moth (3), Red Admiral (12), Common Blue (4), Brimstone (18), Comma (7), Gatekeeper (4), Green-veined White (6), Meadow Brown (12), Peacock (12), Large White (7). "Delighted to see at least 3 Hummingbird Hawk Moths among the buddlejas which provided challenging
photo opportunities. Possibly more sighted, but they could have been repeats. They certainly provided major entertainment at the Buddlejas & Butterflies day at Longstock Park Nurseries. A wonderful day and well worth a visit.".
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Hummingbird Hawkmoth | Hummingbird
Hawkmoth | Hummingbird Hawkmoth |
Paul Ritchie reports from Peartree Common (SU439116)
where the following observations were made: . "I normally only
record sightings, but after a chat with representives at Longstock
today I was advised to mention my negative search for White-letter
Hairstreaks at Peartree Common over the past two weeks. I have
noticed sightings from the 26th June posted here and wondered if
anyone have had any positive sightings at Peartree recently? I'm
hoping I have just been unlucky, but having visited the site every
day over the past fortnight without a sighting I wonder about the
resident population which has been so reliable up to now.".
gary palmer reports from wootton coppice (sz 243 998) where the following observations were made: White Admiral (5), Red Admiral (4), Peacock (1), Comma (3), Silver-washed Fritillary (46 "1 valesina"), Dark Green Fritillary (2), Meadow Brown (49), Ringlet (9), Gatekeeper (53), Marbled White (10), Speckled Wood (11), Brimstone (9), Green-veined White (7), Large White (3), Small White (3), Small Copper (3), Common Blue (3), Holly Blue (1), Purple Hairstreak (1), Large Skipper (15 " and lastly small skipper 23"). "met up with the forest keeper maarten ledeboar to walk the transect, nice array of species around, 21 in all as above.
also seen some silver washed egg laying on tree trunks and an egg laying large skipper.".
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Holly Blue | Speckled Wood |
Large Skipper egg |
John Vetterlein reports from Southampton Old Cemetery (SU412136) where the following observations were made: Silver-washed Fritillary (1 "valezina"). "Seen on transect and egg-laying on thick ivy trunks. Hopefully they will not just be visitors next year.".
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Silver-washed Fritillary
f valezina |
Thelma Smalley reports from Bentley Station Meadow
(SU792432) where the following observations were made: Small Skipper
(11), Large White (3), Small White (7), Small Copper (3), Brown
Argus (2), Common Blue (9), White Admiral (1), Peacock (1), Comma
(1), Silver-washed Fritillary (27 "+6 off transect. Never seen so
many at BSM"), Speckled Wood (1), Marbled White (3), Gatekeeper
(25), Meadow Brown (26), Ringlet (20). "While walking the transect I
met a BC member from Wales who told me that fishing was his first
love. When diagnosed with a terminal illness he put down his rod and
picked up his camera to go butterflying. During his stay in
Hampshire he found BSM on the website and made his first visit last
week. He said when he entered the meadow he was bowled over by the
wonderful array of wild flowers with butterflies dancing everywhere.
He was particularly thrilled to see a White admiral and so many
Silver washed fritillaries. He would like to return next year - this
might not be possible, but the memory of Bentley Station Meadow in
July will stay.".
Ed Merritt reports from Itchen Valley Country Park
(SU45881586) where the following observations were made: Small
Copper (1).
mark swann reports from testwood lakes (SU344155)
where the following observations were made: Dark Green Fritillary
(1), Purple Hairstreak (12), Essex Skipper (3), Marbled White (2),
Small Copper (20), Common Blue (50), Brown Argus (1). "brown argus
has again turned up but the highlight was a dark green frit in the
meadows".
Friday 23rd July
Piers Vigus writes: "I saw a male Silver
Studded Blue on Pitt Down on the 13th July. The specimen was 'boxed'
to facilitate close examination and 100% certainty regarding the
identification and subsequently released. I am convinced that in
favourable years (in weather and size of emergence) this little
butterfly is far more mobile than many presume. These 'odd'
sightings in Hampshire are repeated in Wilts where a specimen was
identified in Grovely Wood, North East of Salisbury."
Tim Graham reports from Ampfield Woods (SU415242)
where the following observations were made: White Admiral (1 "On
forest track and on oak"), Silver-washed Fritillary (5 "3 male, 2
female. On thistle"), Gatekeeper (9 "Males and females"), Ringlet (9
"Males and females"), Large Skipper (2), Meadow Brown (1). "All seen
on 15 minute walk through the woods, along forest rides and
clearings.".
Richard Symonds reports from Chalton Down (SU736156) where the following observations were made: Brimstone (1 "Male"), Small White (4), Green-veined White (2), Large White (3), Chalkhill Blue (400 "including 10 females and a mating pair"), Holly Blue (1), Brown Argus (1), Gatekeeper (18), Meadow Brown (23), Ringlet (1), Speckled Wood (1), Comma (2), Dark Green Fritillary (1 "Female"), Silver-washed Fritillary (1 "Male"), Large Skipper (2),
Small Skipper (4), Six Spot Burnet (28 "including 4 mating pairs"), Cinnabar (5 Larva), Silver Y (1). "The temperature was 18°C with some cloud around. The Dark Green Fritillary put in a brief apperance today as well as a fresh looking male Silver Washed Fritillary which glided past me along a woody area of scrub.As usual Chalkhill Blues were everywhere, my estimate being around 400 based on counts this week. I photographed a female which had an elongated black spot on the underside of the forewing, resembling the more extreme aberrati!
ons found on this species.".
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Chalkhill Blue | Gatekeeper |
Chalkhill Blue |
gary palmer reports from shirley holms (sz 296 984) where the following observations were made: Large White (1), Small White (3), Brimstone (1 "male"), Large Skipper (1), Small Skipper (3), Comma (1), Red Admiral (1), Small Copper (5), Common Blue (6), Brown Argus (1), Speckled Wood (1), Gatekeeper (8), Meadow Brown (6), Marbled White (1), small red eyed damselfly (0). "by mid day in the garden at shirley holms i found the above, of note was a brown argus again for the third year running now, also of interest were several male small red eyed damsels on the wildlife ponds.".
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Small Copper | Brown Argus |
Small Red-eyed Damselfly |
Tim Hall reports from Bentley Woods (SU261292) where the following observations were made: White Admiral (2 "One coming to fruit on car roof in car park"), Comma (5 "Coming to fruit in car park"), Gatekeeper (10), Green-veined White (1 "In car park"), Large Skipper (2), Large White (0), Meadow Brown (0), Purple Emperor (2 "One on rotting fruit in car park"), Purple Hairstreak (0 "Aound car park, but very active"), Red Admiral (3 "In car park"), Ringlet (0), Silver-washed Fritillary (0 "inc one valezena"), Small Skipper (2), Speckled Wood (1). "1000- 1400. Cool and cloudy at first, warm and sunny later. Most activity after 1200. Male Purple Emperor on rotting fruit for about 15 mins, 1330ish. I have mediocre photos, a friend should have better ones.
Only visited meadow on right of entrance track (1000-1100), and car park area.".
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Purple Emperor | White Admiral |
Gatekeeper |
Tim Hall reports from Stockbridge Down (SU375348) where the following observations were made: Chalkhill Blue (0 "Including mating pair"), Brimstone (1 "male"), Small Copper (1), Small Heath (1), Small White (4), Meadow Brown (0), White-letter Hairstreak (0 "probable over elms through gate NE of reserve"). "1430-1515 at main site, clouding over.
1530-1600 from E car park, and through gate into lane heading N. Waited nears elms, where WLH colony believed to be, oneprobable seen in flight. Cooler and cloudy.".
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Chalkhill Blue |
Thursday 22nd July
Mark Tutton reports from Abbots Wood (SU813400) where the following observations were made: Purple Emperor (1 "very battered male probably my last of the season"), Silver-washed Fritillary (15), Holly Blue (2), White Admiral (7 "one appeared quite fresh"), Gatekeeper (22), Purple Hairstreak (4), Peacock (2), Red Admiral (3), Ringlet (17), Meadow Brown (35), Large White (4). "paid a final visit to Abbots Wood today in the vain hope of finding some last purple emporesses Walked right through the wood to the main car park and back and as I thought - saw nothing.
As a final gesture to the season i sat down in front of a large oak where i had seen pe's before to eat my sandwiches at about 2pm.
I glimpsed something flying in the gloom under the oak which looked like an obliteratae WA but lost track of it.
I then noticed it fluttering around a low broken limb of the oak and walked over to investigate a see if I could get a pic.
Imagime my surprise and delight when it turned out to be a PE. I assumed it was a female but she was well battered having lost a huge part of the left rear wing - the eye spots obviously saved her skin! It looked like she was feeding on a sap run from the oak and I clambered through the scrub to get closer - impaling myself on an ultra sharp blackthorn spike - but I held firm and got a few [poor!] snaps.
As I moved away 'she' flew off over the path slowly circling and as I moved onto the track she flew around me where I clearly saw the purple glint from the good wing that confirmed it was actually a male. To complete an very welcome sighting he then briefly perched on my shoulder before flying up to bask in the sallows.
He looked very weak - I would be surprised it it survived another 24hrs but a very welcome surprise.
Rubbish picture attached".
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Purple Emperor |
Ashley Whitlock writes from Creech Wood: "Decide
to visit my local wood today to see how the Emperor had fared
throughout the season, and after the high winds last week. Started
walking through the lush Sallow trees which border many of the small
rides, and as I got to the area of the Electricity pylons at 10:45 a
magnificiant male was seen quatering an Oak, he looked in pretty
good shape. The weather was very sunny and warm which aided flying ,
and again a male was seen close by at 11:00. As I went further into
the woods and then up a slope the sallow was getting very scarce at
this point. But as I walked down a large ride, a female Emperor just
flew out of nowhere and settled next to me in a Beech tree, about 6
feet off the ground and about 8 feet away. She was a magnificiant
speciman, and she started to wing wave, and was just looking at me.
A lovely bit of skirt, she stayed there wing waving for about 5
minutes, and then off she flew, I'm sure she had been egg laying and
needed a well earned rest! That was at 12:10 and then 30 minutes
later as I was nearing the enterance again of the wood I saw a
really beat up old male quartering a vista,he looked as he had been
in a shredder. I drove around through Denmead and parked at the
other enterance on the eastern side, as I opened the car-door, a
female Emperor flew off of a Sallow bush right by the main
road.(14:10) Other species seen were as follows:Marbled White (1)
Gatekeeper (35) Meadow Brown (10) Ringlet (5) Dark-Green Fritillary
(1) Silver-Washed Fritillary (55) White Admiral (15) Peacock (5)
Comma (2) Brimstone (2) Large White (4) Small White (15) Purple
Hairstreak (40) Common Blue (10) Holly Blue (1) Small Skipper (10)
Large Skipper (3)."
Ed Merritt reports from Dibden Bottom (SU396063)
where the following observations were made: Grayling (9).
Wednesday 21st July
Andrew Brookes writes: "''After the Lord
Mayor's Show'' perhaps, but a minor Holly Blue explosion witnessed
in Cosham, Portsmouth, with three seen sparring in one small back
garden."
David W Hunt reports from Garden (SU550033) where
the following observations were made: Large White (1), Small White
(1), Red Admiral (1), Small Tortoiseshell (1), Painted Lady (1),
Comma (2), Gatekeeper (2), Humming Bird Hawk Moth (1 "Feeding on
Buddleia").
Stuart Read reports from Knighton (SZ575867) where
the following observations were made: Large Tortoiseshell (0). "A
very fresh specimen sighted at 7.30 in the evening.".
Roger Pendell reports from Old Winchester Hill
(SU647210) where the following observations were made: Small White
(28), Red Admiral (4), Ringlet (7), Marbled White (20), Large White
(7), Gatekeeper (9), Meadow Brown (17), Common Blue (4), Small
Skipper (12), Peacock (2), Brimstone (6), Small Tortoiseshell (1),
Green-veined White (2), Chalkhill Blue (41), Small Heath (3), Small
Copper (1).
Charles Cuthbert saw a Hummingbird Hawk-moth feeding
on Buddleia at Farley Mount.
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Hummingbird Hawk-moth |
Ed Merritt reports from Foxhunting Inclosure
(SU38740483) where the following observations were made: Grayling
(1).
Tuesday 20th July
Terry Hotten writes: "This morning I paid a
visit to Castle Bottom NNR, Eversley where there were good numbers
of fresh Graylings and a few Gatekeepers. Most notable was a male
Purple Hairstreak on the ground walking over low-growing bracken.
Although I have seen this species imbibing from mud I don't recall
seeing any behaving as this one did. It did elicit the interest of a
foraging wood ant but the latter was probably in predatory mood and
the butterfly returned to a nearby oak. Also interesting is the
observation that Graylings respond to the pre-flash from my macro
flash unit. I think this is the only species that I have seen react
in this way."
David Lobb reports from Lordswood (SU35621836) where the following observations were made: Purple Hairstreak (2 "We have a large oak tree 20 feet from the garden and this is the second year I have noted the Purple Hairstreak. Photogrpahed early morning drinking the dew from both the grass and garden shrubs ").
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Purple Hairstreak |
Peter Gardener writes from Old Winchester Hill:
"great day but most of the butterflies hunting around for partners
to mate with so thy would not stay still for very long, but we did
our best chalkhjll 50plus / marbled white 20 / red admirals
19/ gatekeepers 13 / ringlets 6 / small heath 6 / small skip 12 /
brimstone 7 / small white 12 / meadowbrown 12 /large white 7/ comma
5 / common blue 11 /dark green 11 /sts 2 /peacock 5 / brownargus 4 /
small copper 2 /g v white 2/
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Red Admiral | Chalkhill Blue | Dark Green Fritillary |
Graham Dennis writes from Pamber Forest and
Silchester Common:
21st June first White Admiral seen
22nd June first Silver-washed fritillary seen, 74 Silver-studded
Blue on Silchester in timed count of 15 mins.
26th June timed count of Silver-studded blue on Silchester 110 (15
mins)
27th June Purple Emperor seen, the earliest I’ve ever seen in
Pamber.
3rd July counted 53 White Admirals on transect.
6th July A silver-washed fritillary ab. Ocellata.
9th July On transect counted 217 Silver-washed Fritillaries one of
which was a Valesina, 36 White Admirals and 1 Purple Emperor (one
other Purple Emperor seen off transect)
15th July Silver-washed fritillary ab. Ocellata
16th July another Purple emperor making this the best ever year here
for this species.
19th July On transect counted an incredible 273 Silver-washed
fritillaries 4 of which were ‘valesina’, surely they must have
peaked now! 41 White Admirals, and 19 Purple Hairstreaks all at
ground level.
It really is turning out to be an amazing year at Pamber Forest.
Richard Symonds reports from Chalton Down (SU736156) where the following observations were made: Green-veined White (1), Large White (9), Small White (1), Chalkhill Blue (470 "Including 8 females"), Common Blue (3 "2 Males and 1 female"), Holly Blue (1), Brown Argus (2), Comma (3), Peacock (1), Red Admiral (1), Gatekeeper (15), Marbled White (2), Meadow Brown (19), Ringlet (3), Essex Skipper (2), Large Skipper (4), Small Skipper (1),
Six Spot Burnet (64 "including 4 mating pairs"), Cinnabar (7 Larva "on ragwort"), Pyausta purpuralis (10). "Spent an hour and a half at this site this morning where the temperature reached 24°C. Chalkhill Blues were everywhere but were greatly attracted to the hemp agrimony blooms. I counted 11 together on fox dung and estimate that there were at least 10 Chalkhill Blues flying for every metre square. A good cross section among other species were present, but no sign of the Dark Green Fritillary I saw yesterday.".
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Brown Argus | Essex Skipper |
Clare Dell, Julian Stenning reports from Bramshill Plantation (SU47942981) where the following observations were made: Grayling (5), Holly Blue (2), Gatekeeper (20), Meadow Brown (15).
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Grayling |
gary palmer reports from shirley holms (sz 296 984)
where the following observations were made: Purple Hairstreak (2),
Holly Blue (1), Common Blue (1), Silver-washed Fritillary (1), Red
Admiral (1), Comma (2), Marbled White (3), Gatekeeper (8), Meadow
Brown (6), Speckled Wood (1), Large White (1), Small White (2),
Green-veined White (3), Essex Skipper (1), Small Skipper (2),
small red eyed damselfly (3). "in the garden at shirley holms,
didn't have time to count but the above were noted by myself during
the day, plus first time ive seen small red eyed damselfly on the
wildlife ponds.".
David W Hunt reports from Garden (SU550033) where
the following observations were made: Large White (1), Small White
(1), Common Blue (1 "Same place as last year - feeding on Clover"),
Holly Blue (1), Red Admiral (3), Small Tortoiseshell (1), Peacock
(1), Comma (2), Marbled White (1 "A first for us"), Meadow Brown
(1), Gatekeeper (1 "Femail - seen in same territory as last year -
nr Marjoram").
Andrew Bolton reports from Tidgrove Warren, Hannington
(SU527547) where the following observations were made: Marbled White (5),
Common Blue (1), Peacock (3), Brimstone (1).
Andrew Bolton reports from Tidgrove Warren, Hannington (SU518542) where the following observations were made: Small Tortoiseshell (1), Brown Argus (14 "freshly out and doing well; including a mating pair."), Brimstone (2), Meadow Brown (3), Ringlet (5), Gatekeeper (9), Red Admiral (1), Marbled White (1), Small White (3), Large White (1), Green-veined White (1), Small Skipper (2). "This is a private site visited with permission.".
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Brown Argus |
Monday 19th July
Mike Wildish reports from Bilgrove Copse (SU 363
487) where the following observations were made: Small White (7),
Comma (1), Ringlet (5), Silver-washed Fritillary (1), Speckled Wood
(1), Meadow Brown (5), Gatekeeper (1), Large White (1).
Stuart Read reports from Parkhurst Forest (SZ482908)
where the following observations were made: Brimstone (1), Brown
Argus (4), Comma (6), Common Blue (2), Gatekeeper (20), Holly Blue
(1), Large White (2), Meadow Brown (50), Peacock (1), Purple
Hairstreak (6), Red Admiral (1), Silver-washed Fritillary (1), Small
Copper (6), White Admiral (10). "A walk along the ride between Camp
Hill and the main car-park revealed a surprisingly number of
species!".
Roger Pendell reports from Alice Holt-Straits
Inclosure (SU806401) where the following observations were made:
Silver-washed Fritillary (35 "Included 3 mating pairs"), Small White
(9), Ringlet (32), White Admiral (14 "included one tatty
obliterae"), Meadow Brown (3), Gatekeeper (3), Small Skipper (1),
Red Admiral (2), Large White (1), Speckled Wood (1), Purple
Hairstreak (18). "I walked the main path between 10am and 11.30am.
All the hairstreaks were on the path. I thought they were supposed
to be in the oaks!".
Richard Symonds reports from Chalton Down (SU736156) where the following observations were made: Brimstone (1 "Female"), Large White (2), Small White (13), Chalkhill Blue (267 "Males with a few females"), Common Blue (8 "4 Males 4 Females"), Brown Argus (2), Comma (2), Dark Green Fritillary (1 "Female"), Red Admiral (1), Gatekeeper (17), Marbled White (6), Meadow Brown (36), Ringlet (10), Small Heath (2), Essex Skipper (1), Small Skipper (10),
Six Spot Burnet (44), Cinnabar (2 Larva), Pyrausta purpuralis (2). "Made my first butterfly trip in over a week following last week's poor weather. The temperature was a hot 23°C, but with a cool breeze which was strong at times. I made a quick survey of the site as my hour long visit did not do justice. A single female Dark Green Fritillary which was still in reasonable condition was found near the entrance feeding on hemp agrimony in between being chased off by male Chalkhill Blues. This was my first positive sighting of this species here. I had caught a glimpse of it on my last visit but could not identify if it was a Dark Green or Silver Washed. A few Marbled Whites were still flying, some with torn wings. Chalkhill Blues were found in groups of around half a dozen on various animal excrement on the slopes, feeding on the minerals.".
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Dark Green Fritillary | Chalkhill Blue | Marbled White |
mark swann reports from bentley wood (SU255290)
where the following observations were made: Purple Emperor (5 "inc a
female egg laying "), Purple Hairstreak (100). "thought yesterday
was good for grounded purple hairstreak s but today was superb
scores of them on the floor .".
Richard Hallett reports from Creech Wood Denmead (SU
634114) where the following observations were made: Purple Emperor
(1), Red Admiral (1), Silver-washed Fritillary (39 "Several in
courtship flight and mating"), White Admiral (11), Brimstone (3),
Peacock (4), Marbled White (3), Comma (2), Green-veined White (2),
Small White (4), Meadow Brown (40), Gatekeeper (40), Purple
Hairstreak (3), Ringlet (15), Common Blue (1), Small Skipper (4),
Large Skipper (5).
Andrew Brook writes: "Brown argus butterflies
are on the wing now in Hollybank Woods Emsworth. We are currently
finding them in the southern area of Hollybank Woods. As they
are not primarily a common woodland butterfly we are carrying out
surveys to find out if there are any food plant indicators such as
Dove's-foot Cranesbil or Common Stork's-bill in the area of these
sightings.
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Brown Argus |
gary palmer reports from barrs avenue, new milton
(SZ245956) where the following observations were made: Silver-washed
Fritillary (1 "female"), White Admiral (1), Red Admiral (3), Peacock
(1), Comma (3), Large White (1), Small White (2), Gatekeeper (3),
Speckled Wood (1), Purple Hairstreak (1). "a visit mid day to a
garden in newmilton found the above, of note was the presence of a
silverwashed female in the front garden whilst in the back around
the mature oaks i found a purple hairstreak and a white admiral, all
in an urban garden.".
Paul Ritchie reports from Alice Holt (SU802402) where the
following observations were made: Purple Hairstreak (12). "On arriving at
Straights Enclosure at 1.00pm I was amazed to observe at least a dozen Purple
Hairstreaks mineralising on the gravel path close to the entrance. I spent a
good hour attempting to get some photographs before continuing into the woods.
Further individuals were spotted among the foliage along the first right-hand
ride and when I did return to the entrance at around 3.00pm there were still a
few to be found down on the gravel. A spectacular sight.
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Purple Hairstreak |
chris piatkiewicz reports from st catherines hill
(SU480298) where the following observations were made: Small Blue (4
"mateing pair "), Dark Green Fritillary (2), Brown Argus (4), Common
Blue (2), Chalkhill Blue (40), Marbled White (5).
David W Hunt reports from Garden (SU550033) where
the following observations were made: Brimstone (1), Large White
(1), Small White (1), White-letter Hairstreak (1 "Faded individual -
feeding on Buddleia Davidii"), Small Copper (1 "Feeding on wild
flowers in lawn"), Holly Blue (1), Red Admiral (3), Gatekeeper (1).
Chris Hall reports from Marwell (SU 50 21) where the
following observations were made: Common Blue (77), Meadow Brown
(165), Ringlet (21), Speckled Wood (7), Small White (31), Large
White (5), Green-veined White (1), Red Admiral (5), Comma (7),
Peacock (4), Brimstone (3), Gatekeeper (68), Small Skipper (7
"unable to find any Essex this year"), Purple Hairstreak (8),
Marbled White (3), Silver-washed Fritillary (36). "The fritillaries
are centred on Horsham and Cowleaze Copses, extending into SU 5022.
Had hoped to find White Admiral, which has been reported in the
past, but the copses have not been managed for some time and the
rides are very shaded. However, I understand Marwell Wildlife has
plans to change that.".
Sunday 18th July
Sarah Bone reports from Sandy Point, Hayling Island
(SZ747986) where the following observations were made: Hummingbird
Hawkmoth (1 "On a buddlea"), Gatekeeper (1).
Mark Tutton reports from Whiteley Pastures, Whiteley
(SU532097) where the following observations were made: Common Blue
(1), Gatekeeper (6), Purple Emperor (1 "female on sallows under
power lines"), Purple Hairstreak (10), Silver-washed Fritillary (40
"1 male ab.Valezina"), White Admiral (15), Ringlet (100), Large
Skipper (20), Comma (1).
Simon Woolley reports from Winchester College
(SU479287) where the following observations were made: Purple
Emperor (1 "A fantastic surprise, and of course new for my home
patch. Spotted gliding high over Kingsgate Road, forcing an
emergency stop and a mild traffic jam while I confirmed what I
expected!").
John Hunt writes: "Bartley Heath very poor
earlier in the year. Now compares favourably with this time last
year with regard to weekly recordings. Good numbers of skippers
and this week 57 gatekeepers, none the week before. 5 silver wsshed
fritillaries, 4 purple hairstreaks and 12 marbled whites. Total
count 228. Also a nice comma, photo enclosed.
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Comma |
mark swann reports from testwood lakes (SU344155)
where the following observations were made: White-letter Hairstreak
(1), Purple Hairstreak (50), Comma (42), Common Blue (35), Small
Copper (15), Essex Skipper (3), Small Skipper (20), Gatekeeper (38),
Ringlet (2), Peacock (5), Holly Blue (7), Red Admiral (12), Marbled
White (8), Meadow Brown (100), Brimstone (2), Speckled Wood (4).
"most of the purple hairstreaks were on ash along with good numbers
on the ground whilst out found a mint condition white letter
hairstreak in a maple tree. common blue and small copper were
emerging strongly today.".
gary palmer reports from barton common (sz 284 932) where the following observations were made: Grayling (2), Gatekeeper (98), Meadow Brown (48), Speckled Wood (3), Small Heath (8), Marbled White (42), Red Admiral (5), Comma (2), Large White (3), Small White (3), Green-veined White (5), Common Blue (1 "female"), Small Copper (8), Purple Hairstreak (3), Large Skipper (1), Small Skipper (25), Essex Skipper (13). "a walk around barton common found the above, including 2 grayling still clinging on here.
after a short walk to a near garden found 1 holly blue,1 red admiral, 2 peacock, 3 gatekeeper, 1 speckled wood, 1 comma, 2 green veined white, plus a hummingbird hawk".
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Small Copper | Marbled White |
Speckled Wood |
David W Hunt reports from Garden (SU550033) where
the following observations were made: Large White (1), Red Admiral
(2), Small Tortoiseshell (1), Peacock (2), Gatekeeper (1), Meadow
Brown (1).
Ed Merritt reports from Gurnetfields Furzebrake (SU375048) where the following observations were made: Grayling (8).
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Grayling | Grayling |
Ed Merritt reports from North Gate (SU38460466) where the following observations were made: Silver-washed Fritillary (15 "All butterflies feeding from a large mass of bramble to the side of the footpath").
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Silver-washed Fritillary |
Saturday 17th July
gary palmer reports from wootton coppice (sz 243 998) where the following observations were made: Silver-washed Fritillary (35), Dark Green Fritillary (2), Red Admiral (1), Peacock (3), White Admiral (9), Ringlet (32), Meadow Brown (63), Marbled White (15), Speckled Wood (2), Gatekeeper (41), Brimstone (4), Large White (1), Green-veined White (3), Small White (2), Small Skipper (57), Large Skipper (22), Purple Hairstreak (6). "had a morning walk in the coppice and found the above, some of the species like silver washed and white admiral starting to look past their best, plus the marbled whites and ringlet are dropping off in number, but the purple hairstreak are starting to show well, with fresh broods of whites and peacocks now appearing.".
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Peacock | White Admiral |
Silver-washed Fritillary |
Ashley Whitlock reports from Alice Holt Forest.
Weather: Cloudy with strong winds, with bright intervals
Temperature: 65f
Goose Green Inclosure Arrived on site at 12:15, and immediately
two male Purple Emperors were seen in the car-park vista, both were
chasing over the top of the large Oak tree nearest to the roadway.
It really clouds over and the sun disappears, and nothing happens
for up to an hour. There has been no action at the summit trees. I
assume that the Emperors probably left the area here during the high
winds we had a few days ago, and have not been tempted back. Or the
males perished in the high winds which sometimes happen, being blown
off their perches. When the sun did shine again about an hour later,
a male was seen in the car-park vista, just patrolling around the
tall oaks, and then decided to chase off a Pigeon which was flying
over head. At 13:25 (2) males were spiralling upwards and then
chased off into the great grey yonder. It was quite windy at times,
which really put them off flying. Nick certainly survived the storms
a few days ago, as he has definitely changed his perch. He could be
seen when he returned back to his perch he was on a small Sweet
Chestnut tree, which was in the vista, and surrounded by taller
oaks, he was using this as a wind barrier. There was also a smarter
male in the vista as well, and also I believed a female. I was
proved right as at 13:30. Out of the sky came a male and a female in
a tumble down flight, right down the larger oaks into the car-park
vista. The female was not interested in the male, as she shot off
over to the edge of the ride, and tried to hide in some ferns. The
male was smarter than that, and followed her into the ferns as well.
This was only about chest height so it was good to observe them. I
think the male was holding the female down, trying to get her to
submit. Both had their wings closed showing their chocolate and
creamy colouration underneath, the female was in pristine condition,
but the male looked as it had been through the mill. They were in
this position for a few minutes, and the female broke free, but flew
only a few feet away, with the male in hot pursuit. He closed her
down again, but she was not submitting. He then let her go, and then
did a flight of the seven veils above her head to see if she was
impressed. She wasn’t and he flew off over the tallest Oak tree. The
female rested on top of the fern for a few minutes with her wings
wide open. She did look impressive, and I did detect a sort of
purple tinge on her right wing, but she was a girl alright, but she
wouldn’t let me get too close, she then descended into the heavens
never to be seen again. What a privilege to see this behaviour, it
doesn’t happen very often, but when it does, it seems to be slightly
different every time. At the summit there was one male who flew over
the road and perched in one of the Sweet Chestnut tree, but this was
the only action at the summit. I left at 14:10, having been on site
two hours, with nothing at the summit at all.
Buckshot Hole I arrived at the site a few minutes later, and I saw
(2) males clashing over the large Oak in the middle of the site, one
of them looked like Nick. I suppose it could have been, as flight
time for an Emperor to this site from Goose Green was probably less
than 60 seconds. They chased briefly, and then one landed on his
perched facing North-East, the other male if he was Nick just left
the scene. Maybe he’s doing the rounds looking for some action.
Willows Green Inclosure Too windy for this site I suspect, they
have difficultly landing on the Corsican Pine in good weather, so
with strong breezes they probably gave up on this site. One male was
briefly seen as I exited the site Oak edging, but he was not in
sight long at 14:35.
Batts Corner Nothing at this site despite there being (2) males
being here last week, again probably deserted for lower slopes to
get out of the strong winds.
Alice Holt Forest (1) Nothing seen again at this site, which is
very unusual, although it has to be said this site is probably one
of the highest points in the forest. On a day like today the site
just gets buffeted by the winds. I stayed for about 30 minutes, but
no action at all.
Robert Guest reports from Bagwell Lane, Winchfield
(SU764533) where the following observations were made: Silver-washed
Fritillary (2 "Around bramble by the roadside").
Mark Tutton reports from Abbotts Wood & Straits
Inclosure (SU805414) where the following observations were made:
Purple Emperor (5 "1 female on pines approx 70ft up in Abbotts Wood
car park"), Gatekeeper (10), Purple Hairstreak (25), Peacock (1),
Silver-washed Fritillary (75), White Admiral (25), Ringlet (100),
Large Skipper (10), Comma (2), Red Admiral (2), Meadow Brown (30).
"1 male purple emperor, the rest were egg-laying females in
sallows".
Chris Hall reports from Eversley Forest (SU 77 59)
where the following observations were made: Gatekeeper (31 "thinly
dispersed along rides"), Grayling (230 "frequent along heathy rides
and in some clearings"), Large Skipper (3), Meadow Brown (2),
Peacock (1), Silver-studded Blue (4 "three males, one female around
bell heather"), Small White (1), Silver Y (9).
"Eversley Forest is forestry plantations on former heathland. In
recent years the Forestry Commission have done good work widening
rides to allow linear corridors of dry heath to recolonise. These
are now well-colonised by Graylings, eg 116 counted along about 1km
of the track known as Sir Richards Ride. The total of 230 was of 190
in SU 7759, 23 in 7859 and 17 in 7760, but there are several other
rides I did not have time to walk. The silver-studded blue were on a
warm sheltered bank with abundant bell heather."
Andrew Brookes reports that Silver-washed
Fritillaries appear to have peaked at Boarhunt Woods, where 56 were
counted. White Admirals are on the wane, with just a dozen rather
tatty specimens seen, likewise Ringlets. Peacocks were seen for the
first time this summer, along with improving numbers of Red
Admirals.
Graham Birkett from E. Midlands BC writes: "I made a
second visit in a week to Bentley Wood on 17th July, it being
sheltered from the strong winds we had most of the week and such a
fantastic hot spot. The car park was overflowing onto the Switchback
with the Emperor's groupies setting up tripods and folding chairs. I
escaped into the Eastern Clearing where I saw three Dark Green
Fritillaries, one of which was tattered and a second in pristine
condition and absolutely beautiful."
Rachel Hardy reports from Abbey Gardens, Winchester
(SU48452927) where the following observations were made: Purple
Emperor (1 "Female adult, a bit raggedy round the edges"). "I was in
Abbey Gardens at 11am on saturday with my daughter (Charlotte, 9 and
a half months old) in her buggy. Before heading to the swings, we
paused by the flower beds to watch a few aeroplanes go over, apply
some factor 50+ suntan lotion, share a banana and change her nappy.
I don't know which one caused it to descend, but a female purple
emporer landed on the changing bag right next to me and tried to
nectar on the reflective strip on the pocket! It stayed there for
quite a while (I took 4 fuzzy photos on my mobile phone) before it
gave up a flew off. I couldn't beleive my luck! It beats the pants
off the watervole and slow-worm I'd seen earlier that morning. The
day before I had stopped dead in my tracks on College street
(SU48292900) as I glimpsed a huge butterfly flitting about in the
canopy above my head. The sunlight had caught its wings and it
looked like a piece of stained glass window. By the time I'd moved
the buggy safely off the road it had gone. I dismissed it. Now I'm
confident it was probably (the same?) purple emporer. Lesson learnt:
Young children can be excellent tools for attracting wildlife!".
Martin Hampton reports from Havant (SU720059) where
the following observations were made: Red Belted Clearwing (1).
"perhaps associated with mature apple trees in our and our
neighbour's gardens?".
Friday 16th July
Graham Birkett from E. Midlands BC writes: "I
visited Southampton Old Cemetery which is a haven for wildlife. It
was very windy, but with some sunny intervals. Gatekeeper, Marbled
White, Meadow Brown, Small Skipper, Ringlet, Small Copper, Holly
Blue, Comma and Red Admiral."
Andrew Bolton reports from Avondale Park, Colden
Common. (SU483219) where the following observations were made:
Purple Emperor (1). "Two in a week - I can't believe my luck. During
one of the few bright spells of the morning, this one flew across a
car park while seeing off a small bird, then returned to a perch in
an oak. There is a tall hedgerow with some oaks and sallows, however
it is a fairly suburban spot in the immediate area.".
Wednesday 14th July
Mark Hallett reports from Walters copse Isle of
Wight (SZ425908) where the following observations were made:
White-letter Hairstreak (3), Gatekeeper (20), Large Skipper (10),
Purple Hairstreak (5), White Admiral (40), Peacock (3),
Silver-washed Fritillary (25), Marbled White (10), Ringlet (10),
Meadow Brown (50).
Monday 12th July
Ben Sparks reports from Headlands Activity Centre (SU152064) where the following observations were made: Camberwell Beauty (1).
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Camberwell Beauty |
Mr Krystyan Greenland reports from Private address (SU714414) where the following observations were made: White Admiral (1), Silver-washed Fritillary (1).
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White Admiral | Silver-washed Fritillary |
Silver-washed Fritillary |
Ashley Whitlock writes: "Visited several sites in the Meon Valley on the 11
July at Old Winchester Hill, the following was observed Speckled
Wood (1) Marbled White literally thousands Gatekeeper (5) Meadow
Brown (100)+ Small Heath (35) Ringlet (50)+ Dark Green Fritillary
(8) not having a good time on the chalk this year, several Meon
Valley sites are all struggling. Silver-Washed Fritillary (1) White
Admiral (2) very strange to see this on chalk downland, but in the
middle of the site is a large Beech wood and just strolling through
it looking up through any gaps in the canopy, I saw these two White
Admirals, certainly a first for me over the last 25.Red Admiral (2)
Peacock (1) Brimstone (6) Small White (9) Common Blue (2) Chalkhill
Blue (3) Small Skipper (100)+ Large Skipper (11) Essex Skipper (12)
New Forest 12 July
Hawkshill Inclosure Marbled White, (15) Grayling (2) Gatekeeper
(30) Meadow Brown (50)+ Dark Green Fritillary (34) a bit more like
it with numbers. Several females seen egg-laying, actually laying on
the very tall grasses, I can only assume the Violets are very close
by. I actually went into another department of Hawkshill Inclosure
and it was very productive for this specie. Red Admiral (1) Small
White (2) Silver-Studded Blue (1) Grayling (2) Small Skipper (100)+
some of the best counts you are ever likely to get at this site with
all the grasses, they are everywhere, and so is the Large Skipper
with equal amounts of numbers. Essex Skipper (10)
Hatchet Moor Grayling (23) one of the best counts Ive had for
years, they seemed to be very common on the burnt area's and the
sandy patches Gatekeeper (2) Meadow Brown (10) Small Heath (20) Dark
Green Fritillary (3) Brimstone (2) Silver Studded Blue (100+) these
were not really obvious they were there most of the time, with such
a vast expanse of Heathland it was a struggle to find that
amount.Most were very tatty. Small Skipper (8) Large Skipper (10)."
Clive Wood reports from Dongas Reserve, Winchester
(SU491275) where the following observations were made: Marbled White
(20), Ringlet (18), Gatekeeper (3), Small Heath (10), Small White
(7), Meadow Brown (6), Small Skipper (6). "All seen in c40minutes on
a fresh, mild day (c68F) and before the recent rain.".
Clive Wood reports from St Catherines Hill,
Winchetser (SU483279) where the following observations were made:
Marbled White (8), Ringlet (5), Small White (3), Meadow Brown (10),
Red Admiral (1). "Seen in c20minutes on a fresh, mild (c68F) day.
Dry conditions, sheltered site.".
David W Hunt reports from Garden (SU550033) where
the following observations were made: Large White (1), Small
Tortoiseshell (1), Gatekeeper (1).
Sunday 11th July
Richard Hallett reports from Creech Wood Denmead
(634114) where the following observations were made: Purple Emperor
(1 "Seen through binoculars, basking at top of Oak above Sallow"),
White Admiral (11), Silver-washed Fritillary (8), Ringlet (25),
Meadow Brown (20), Gatekeeper (4), Small Copper (1), Small White
(1), Marbled White (1), Brimstone (1).
Peter Hunt reports from High Down,Isle of Wight
(SZ327859) where the following observations were made: Chalkhill
Blue (1), Comma (1), Dark Green Fritillary (6), Gatekeeper (2),
Grizzled Skipper (1), Marbled White (10), Meadow Brown (10), Red
Admiral (1), Ringlet (5), Small Heath (4).
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Chalkhill Blue | Chalkhill Blue |
Andrew Bolton reports from Axmansford, nr Tadley
(SU565607) where the following observations were made: Purple
Emperor (1). "Superb to see a male Purple Emperor in the garden this
afternoon, performing low passes and circling a couple of feet above
the lawn and patio. He then briefly perched on the bird-bath just
long enough to be admired, but not photographed, before gently
flitting off down the garden and out into the wider countryside.
This is our 3rd Emperor garden visit in the past four seasons; I'm
reaching the conclusion with this elusive species that time is
better spent letting them come to us!".
On Sunday 11th July Lynn Fomison reports
finding a White Admiral sitting on a tomato plant in her polytunnel.
Lynn adds " My garden is about a mile from woodland at Monk Wood &
also Bramdean Common & I have seen WA at both those locations. It is
a butterfly that is only seen in the garden very very infrequently.
"
Geoff Farwell reports from Hampage Wood, nr Avington
(SU 538298) where the following observations were made:
Silver-washed Fritillary (5 "in semi-open, ash-dominated area with
dense shrub layer of bramble and sparse bracken just west of
footpath bisecting wood.").
Mark Hallett reports from Mottistone Down (SZ411848)
where the following observations were made: Essex Skipper (1),
Common Blue (2), Chalkhill Blue (2), Dark Green Fritillary (8),
Marbled White (350), Gatekeeper (10), Meadow Brown (100), Small
Heath (1), Grayling (70 "in two large chalk pits").
Mark Hallett reports from Westover Down Foset Isle
of Wight (SZ411851) where the following observations were made:
Small Skipper (25), Small Copper (3), Brown Argus (1), Common Blue
(5), White Admiral (30), Red Admiral (5), Peacock (4), Comma (5),
Dark Green Fritillary (7 "along woodland paths"), Silver-washed
Fritillary (8), Marbled White (50), Gatekeeper (15), Meadow Brown
(50), Ringlet (300).
David Lobb reports from Lordswood Off Sandpiper Road (SU35621836) where the following observations were made: Large Skipper (1 "Seen on several days but not settling for long"), Comma (1 "Flittering around but then flying off, seen regularly throughout the day"), Silver Y Moth (1 "Came to outside light"), Unidentified Moth (1 "Large very agressive moth, came to bathroom light - any ideas?"). "I would like to know the name of the large dark moth, very agressive in flight".
(The moth is a Dark Arches - Webmaster)
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Large Skipper | Dark Arches |
Lucy Gale reports from back garden East Wellow (su
306 188): White admiral x1 "I have regular sightings of this species
here at this time of year but only singles."
Andrew Bolton reports from edge of Hart's Copse,
Wolverton Townsend (SU 561584) where the following observations were
made: Silver-washed Fritillary (14), White Admiral (1), Marbled
White (12), Large Skipper (5), Comma (2), Ringlet (60), Meadow Brown
(35), Large White (1).
David W Hunt reports from Garden (SU550033) where
the following observations were made: Small Tortoiseshell (2), Red
Admiral (1), Small White (1), Large White (1).
Saturday 10th July
Roger Pendell reports from Noar Hill (SU737321)
where the following observations were made: Meadow Brown (44), Small
Tortoiseshell (1), Comma (3), Ringlet (10), Marbled White (57),
Large Skipper (4), Small Skipper (8), Common Blue (4), Small Heath
(15), Small White (2), Silver-washed Fritillary (2), Brimstone (1),
Large White (1).
Barrie Roberts reports from Hinton Ampner National
Trust (SU597275) where the following observations were made:
Hummingbird HAwk Moth (1 "Nectaring at Red Valerian").
gary palmer reports from wootton coppice (sz 243 998) where the following observations were made: White Admiral (6), Red Admiral (1), Silver-washed Fritillary (27), Dark Green Fritillary (5), Meadow Brown (46), Ringlet (53), Marbled White (33), Gatekeeper (11), Comma (2), Brimstone (7 "3 male"), Green-veined White (1), Small White (2), Common Blue (1), Purple Hairstreak (1), Small Skipper (28), Large Skipper (15). "a good walk down the main ride in the early afternoon found the above".
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Small White | Silver-washed Fritillary |
Dark Green Fritillary |
Stuart Read reports from Parkhurst Forest (SZ478908)
where the following observations were made: Comma (17), Gatekeeper
(12), Large Skipper (26), Large White (2), Marbled White (9),
Peacock (7), Red Admiral (1), Ringlet (50), Small Copper (2), Small
White (5), Speckled Wood (1), Silver-washed Fritillary (8), White
Admiral (44), Small Heath (1), Meadow Brown (100), Small Skipper
(2). "The white admiral is enjoying an amazingly good season. I've
never seen so many in Parkhurst Forest; the butterfly is ubiquitous
and I'm seeing groups of three or four together.".
Stuart Read reports from Carisbrooke Castle
(SZ485879) where the following observations were made: Marbled White
(200), Chalkhill Blue (4), Comma (1), Common Blue (4), Gatekeeper
(25), Meadow Brown (100), Ringlet (50), Small Skipper (2). "The
moats support a very strong colony of marbled whites! In addition to
the butterflies listed, I also made a possible sighting of small
blue. Has this species been recorded at Carisbrooke Castle?".
While exercising the Westie in the cool of evening,
Andrew Brookes was surprised to see a pristine male Purple Emperor
on a track at the FC's West Walk plantation near Wickham. It was 7
pm, and the track already in heavy shade. The only other butterfly
seen was a White Admiral.
Chris Hall reports from Hazeley Heath (SU 75 57)
where the following observations were made: Silver-washed Fritillary
(12 "in glades in the mainly wooded central part of the common."),
Silver-studded Blue (3 "two males and a female"), Peacock (1 "My
first of the new generation."), Comma (2), Marbled White (2). "The
silver-washed fritillaries were a surprise as I had not heard of
them at this site. They are using grassy herb-rich glades in an area
of secondary woodland on former heathland, SU 755582 / 758578.
Violets are plentiful. I had gone to check on the silver-studded
blue on the northern heath. The serious heathfire of last Tuesday
was stopped within the area occupied, so it was good to see three
flying on heather adjacent to the burned area (SU 751583), though
some eggs were undoubtedly destroyed.".
Mark Hallett reports from Freshwater Bay Isle Of
Wight (SZ349856) where the following observations were made: Dark
Green Fritillary (6), Marbled White (75), Small Skipper (50), Essex
Skipper (2).
Friday 9th July
Steve Jobling reports from Bentley Station Meadow
(SU792432) where the following observations were made: Glanville
Fritillary (1). "I think this is a Glanville Fritillary".
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Glanville Fritillary | Glanville
Fritillary |
Glanville Fritillary |
Andrew Brookes writes: "Prompted by the
reported sighting of a Glanville Fritillary at Bentley S M, I can
add that a similar sighting was made on Ports Down by Chris Cobb
near Fort Nelson earlier this week. Mike Gwilliam reported a
confirmed sighting of a Silver-studded Blue on Ports Down last
Tuesday (6 July)."
Trevor Carpenter writes: "2 Purple Emperors at
Whitely Pastures today included one very obliging specimen."
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Purple Emperor | Purple Emperor |
Purple Emperor |
Ashley Whitlock writes from West Wood, Weather: Very
warm very little cloud or breeze Temperature: 80f. "I
visited this site in 2009, thinking it was a good site then with an
Assembly point at the top of the ride, little did I know what was in
store for me today. I had just been over to Pitt Down looking for
the Dark-Green Fritillary, but because of the weather in the early
part of the morning, very cool and misty, with very little sunshine.
The Dark-Green Fritillary was very hard to find. I left that site
about 11:00, having seen about (8) in total, with many Marbled
Whites and Ringlets, with Meadow Brown and a few Gatekeepers and
Skippers thrown in for good measure. West Wood is on the chalk, so
it is very dry, and having parked up and got my gear together, I
walked up the main ride, via the small meadow on the right by the
car-parking space. There were several Dark-Green Fritillaries to be
seen there, and lots of Silver-Washed Fritillaries, and the usual
meadow butterflies in good numbers. I walked right up to the large
Oak at the top of the ride, having seen a Valezina Silver-Washed
Fritillary, my first for many seasons. There was not much of
interest at the Assembly point, so I decided to go down one of the
side rides, and chance my luck. I got half way down a ride I could
see before it bent round a corner, a Purple Emperor was heading up
the other way heading straight towards me like a guided missile. He
was swaying to the right and then to the left, and when he got to me
he slammed the anchors on, and alighted on the floor. He started
wing-waving, giving me tantalizing views of his Purple sheen on his
upper wings; he started quickly walking over the ground with his
lovely yellow proboscis probing into the dry stony gravel. He must
have smelt the foxes dropping close by as he hopped on to this and
his feasting started. This was at 11:15, and it was very warm by
this time, he seemed rather contented, and I just lay down beside
him and just watched, he did not bat an eye-lid, (that’s if they had
any!) He did fly off a few feet away, but never did he go too far,
and when I wandered off in the opposite direction, to see where he
went, he came after me, and did a quick zip of a figure of ‘8’. He
alighted again and sucked up more minerals on the ground, and
quickly went off again, and perched on a leaf on the side of the
ride, and then came back down in front of me. By this time I’d
espied another down on the ride about 20 yards away, and the Emperor
headed towards that one, and flew right over the top of him, not
even bothered about him. I saw that this male had alighted on a
large dollop of doggy doo’s, and he had at his feasting table (4)
Comma’s which didn’t seem to mind, feeding with such a noble
butterfly. The Emperor on the dog muck stayed there contented for up
to three-quarter of and hour. The other was still about up the other
end of the ride, but because of the heat, he did seem to just imbibe
in the shadier spots. The male on the dog muck finally left his post
at about 12:00 and this male seemed even friendlier, as I had left
my camera-bag and jacket further up the ride, and he headed straight
for this and alighted on my corduroy jacket. He started imbibing on
this, and then hopped onto my camera bag, and seemed to find all
sorts of goodies on the handle, and around the straps. He left, came
back, left, came back up to a dozen times all in all. Once they had
left and gone into the tree tops, it was about 13:00. About
three-quarters of an hour later I saw two Emperors chasing just as I
was coming onto the main ride, at about 13:50 one was a lot larger
than the other, so I assumed it was a female being chased by a male.
They headed over a Hazel thicket, but I never saw where they went.
At 13:55 I saw a male searching the Oaks and flying over the ride
paths into the many Ash trees. I had been looking at the Assembly
point tree, and decided they were late, and I think the heat of the
day may well have some part too play in their jolly japes in the
tree tops It was getting on in the afternoon, and I decided to walk
into Crab Wood, and I was just walking down a very narrow
insignificant ride, hardly any room for manoeuvre as the Hazel was
out of control. When a male Emperor alighted again in front of me,
this was at 14:00, he started imbibing on dust particles, and then
on to the Hazel, which probably had sap on the tops of the leaf. But
my impression was, it was too hot, and they seemed to be taking
shelter in the ride-side Hazel trees. He sat on this Hazel bush for
about ten-minutes, and flew off over the Ash trees. All in all I
must have seen up to (8) Purple Emperors today. Ive been out and
about in Hampshire a lot this week especially in Emperor woods, and
have seen a marked in crease in several woods which normally have
very few sightings. This may go to prove that the Purple Emperor is
also having a good year also. Let’s hope so."
Richard Symonds reports from Straits Inclosure, Alice Holt Forest (SU801400) where the following observations were made: Large White (3), Small White (3), Brimstone (4 "all females"), Ringlet (204 "including a mating pair"), Meadow Brown (54), Marbled White (8), Silver-washed Fritillary (83), White Admiral (25), Purple Emperor (2), Comma (1), Small Tortoiseshell (1 "very worn"), Purple Hairstreak (4), Large Skipper (17), Small Skipper (6). "Observations were made over a two and a half hour period with temperatures increasing after initial cloud cover to 26°C once the sun burnt through.
I saw my first Purple Emperor at 10:55 which landed on a sawn tree stump just past the clearing halfway down the main track before the Forestry Commission cabin. It remained for a short period with wings open long enough for my photo! This was followed by sightings at five minute intervals until 11:15 when a male landed on some shrimp currey that a fellow enthusiast baited after I told him where this male had been flying. Further down the track another male was flying at 11:30 and 11:35. A walk back towards the bait saw two further sightings at 12:05, 12:15 and at 12:25 a male landed once more on the paste, but quickly flew to a nearby Oak. It remained on a branch around six feet off the ground for around 15 minutes, with a group of us admiring it. Elsewhere many Ringlets and Silver Washed Fritillaries were flying.".
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Purple Emperor | Purple Emperor |
Richard Symonds reports from Goose Green Inclosure, Alice Holt Forest (SU806415) where the following observations were made: Large White (2), Small White (3), Ringlet (21), Meadow Brown (15), Marbled White (4), Silver-washed Fritillary (20), White Admiral (4), Comma (1), Purple Emperor (4), Large Skipper (3), Small Skipper (1). "Observations were made between 1pm and 2pm with the temperature reaching a scorching 28.5°C! Around half the log stacks have now been removed exposing an area of bramble blossom, which was being used mostly by Silver Washed Fritillaries, Ringlets and Meadow Browns. Purple Emperors were very active in the heat with single sightings at 13:05, 13:10, 13:20, 13:30, 13:39, 13:44, 13:45, 13:46, 13:50 and 13:56. Two males were engaged in aerial combat at 13:00, 13:09, 13:13,13:35, 13:40 and 13:53. Even more spectacular was seeing three males together at 13:36. Many flew over the telephone wires and across the road before returning to the Sweet Chestnut !
tree.".
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| Purple Emperor | Purple Emperor |
Peter Eeles reports from Pamber Forest (SU614601) where the following observations were made: White Admiral (12 "1 black Admiral, 1 ab. semi-obliterae (see photo)"), Silver-washed Fritillary (40 "1 f. valesina"), Meadow Brown (50), Ringlet (50), Large Skipper (30), Purple Hairstreak (12 "Mostly flying around the tree tops"). "The briefest of visits to Pamber Forest this morning to walk the dogs. Despite the brevity - some interesting sightings! First off, a Purple Hairstreak literally fell out of a tree to the scrub near my feet - I managed to get a single photo before he flew off. Weird! I then saw a "black admiral" that evaded me, before I then caught up with an ab.
semi-obliterae, although very very worn! And then I found a f. valesina Silver-washed Fritillary, possibly one I saw earlier in the week. As ever, lots of White Admirals and Silver-washed Fritillary to keep me company, along with good numbers of Ringlet and Meadow Brown.".
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Purple Hairstreak | Silver-washed
Fritillary
f valesina | White Admiral
ab. semi-obliterae |
Paul Crook reports from Goose Green Enclosure, Alice Holt (SU806416) where the following observations were made: Large Skipper (2), Marbled White (1), Purple Emperor (5), Purple Hairstreak (2), Green-veined White (1), Silver-washed Fritillary (3), Brimstone (1), Speckled Wood (1).
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Purple Emperor | Silver-washed
Fritillary |
Thelma Smalley reports from Magdalene Hill Down
Extension (SU511295) where the following observations were made:
Small Skipper (45), Large Skipper (1), Clouded Yellow (2 "+1 off
transect"), Large White (9), Small White (7), Common Blue (3),
Chalkhill Blue (1), Silver-washed Fritillary (1 "seen in flight -
may have been a Dark green fritillary"), Marbled White (122),
Gatekeeper (3), Meadow Brown (144), Ringlet (49). "Had been asked in
advance to look out for the 'big frit', was really suprised to see
on transect.".
On Friday 9th July Lynn Fomison had a Humming-bird
Hawkmoth nectaring on valerian - same plant that the Silver-washed
Fritillary had been on the previous day.
Owen Leyshon reports from West High Down, IOW (SZ
312851) where the following observations were made: Silver-studded
Blue (1 "Male fluttering around on the top/crest of West High Down
(above Alum Bay Car Park). Went for a short climb and left camera in
car. More suitable habitat for (SSB) opposite from what I can see.
Can't find any IOW records for SSB, hence the sighting."). "Please
feel free to contact me if you require any more information.
Andrew Bolton reports from roadside oaks at
Axmansford. (SU 567609) where the following observations were made:
Purple Hairstreak (21 "Seen on a series of hedgerow oaks at around
8pm after a hot day.").
David W Hunt reports from Garden (SU550033) where
the following observations were made: Small Tortoiseshell (2).
Thursday 8th July
Lynn Fomison was thrilled to see a male
Silver-washed Fritillary nectaring in red valerian in her garden
today. She adds it is about the 5th sighting in the garden in 25
years. Most of the previous sightings were often worn individuals at
the end of the season so this is quite unusual, but nonetheless
welcome.
Richard Hallett reports from Creech Wood Denmead (SU
634114) where the following observations were made: Silver-washed
Fritillary (12), White Admiral (8), Small Skipper (4), Comma (2),
Speckled Wood (4), Marbled White (6), Ringlet (5), Small White (1),
Small Copper (1), Meadow Brown (5), Small Heath (1), Large Skipper
(1). "Short walk along woodland ride at Western end of Creech Wood".
Tony Baines writes: "Rather surprised to come
across a very fresh female Brimstone on Odiham Common today. I'm not
sure whether it's ever been recorded as double brooded but with the
weather we're currently experiencing it seems a bit early to be
thinking about hibernation. Commas are also doing very well on the
Common with a good first brood in evidence although sadly, for yet
another year, Small Tortoiseshells are noticable for their absence
at the moment."
Peter Eeles reports from Stockbridge Down (SU379346) where the following observations were made: Marbled White (150 "On every purple flowerhead!"), Gatekeeper (2), Small Skipper (8), Dark Green Fritillary (5), Brown Argus (1), Small Copper (4), Forester moth (30), Chalkhill Blue (2 "Both male - must just be emerging at this site").
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Marbled White | Brown Argus |
Small Copper |
Peter Hunt reports from Parhurst Forest,Isle of
WIght (SZ472897) where the following observations were made: Comma
(4), Common Blue (1), Gatekeeper (4), Large Skipper (2), Marbled
White (6), Red Admiral (1), Ringlet (50 "+"), Speckled Wood (2),
White Admiral (6), Silver-washed Fritillary (5). "Three commas at
the edges of a ever receeding forest pond".
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Comma | White Admiral |
gary palmer reports from barton common (sz 248 932) where the following observations were made: Meadow Brown (38), Marbled White (48), Small Heath (16), Gatekeeper (2), Small Skipper (20), Holly Blue (1), Large Skipper (10), Small Tortoiseshell (2), Small Copper (3), Red Admiral (2), Brimstone (1 Larva),
silver y (4), grass emerald (1), water shrew (1). "a walk around barton common and out along some of the cliff top towards hordle cliff found the above.".
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Marbled White | Small Copper |
Andrew Brookes visited a private woodland near
Soberton and saw his first Purple Emperor of the season, atop the
usual 'master' oak. Also noted was the abundance of White Admirals
(21), and S-w Fritillaries (25), and two new, pristine Brimstones.
Browns and skippers all but uncountable, and numerous Purple
Hairstreaks.
Mark Hallett reports from Newtown Isle of Wight
(SZ420909) where the following observations were made: White-letter
Hairstreak (2), Purple Hairstreak (1), Brown Argus (1), Common Blue
(1), Essex Skipper (25), Small Skipper (15), Marbled White (200),
Meadow Brown (250), Small Copper (5).
David W Hunt reports from Garden (SU550033) where
the following observations were made: Small Tortoiseshell (1).
Wednesday 7th July
Tim Graham reports from Ampfield Woods (SU415242)
where the following observations were made: Silver-washed Fritillary
(1), Ringlet (35), Red Admiral (1), Marbled White (1), Meadow Brown
(4).
Peter Hunt reports from Walters Copse and
Newtown,Isle of Wight (SZ4191) where the following observations were
made: Comma (2), Gatekeeper (2), Marbled White (10), Meadow Brown
(10), Painted Lady (1), Peacock (4), Red Admiral (1), Ringlet (2),
Silver-washed Fritillary (4), White Admiral (4). "A very cloudy day
with little or no sun".
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Silver-washed Fritillary | Gatekeeper |
Peacocks |
Mark Roberts reports from Botley woods (SU530109)
where the following observations were made: Purple Emperor (1).
"male".
Tuesday 6th July
Mark Hallett reports from Woodhouse Forset Isle of
Wight (SZ527928) where the following observations were made: White
Admiral (9), Silver-washed Fritillary (4), Comma (3), Large White
(3), Meadow Brown (250), Small White (4), Speckled Wood (10), Large
Skipper (4).
Peter Hunt reports from High Down,Isle of Wight
(SZ315855) where the following observations were made: Comma (2),
Dark Green Fritillary (8), Marbled White (6), Meadow Brown (10), Red
Admiral (1), Small Copper (1), Hummingbird
Hawkmoth (1). "While watching the Dark Green Fritillaries
feeding on giant thistles this HB hawkmoth was quickly snapped doing
the same.".
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Dark Green Fritillary | Dark Green
Fritillary | Hummingbird Hawkmoth |
Chris Barter reports from Straits Enclosure Alice
holt (su8040) where the following observations were made: Purple
Emperor (1 "high up in oak"), Silver-washed Fritillary (50 "saw an
aberrant form which i will try to download pictures"), White Admiral
(50 "i have never seen so many,also saw an obitarae ,unable to get
photo of this one"), Small Tortoiseshell (1), Marbled White (3),
Comma (5), Red Admiral (1), Large White (2), Small Skipper (20),
Large Skipper (30), Ringlet (36), Meadow Brown (7), Speckled Wood
(6), humming bird hawk moth (1 "feeding on the bramble flowers").
"unfortunately the silver washed aberrant form was chased off by
others! never to return to the area of bramble that had a phenominal
amount of butterfly activity .Also saw what looked like a hornet
catch and devour a White Admiral".
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Silver-washed Fritillary |
Paul Crook reports from Goose Green Enclosure, Alice
Holt (SU805415) where the following observations were made: Marbled
White (1), Meadow Brown (1), Purple Emperor (3), Ringlet (1), Purple
Hairstreak (10), Silver-washed Fritillary (1), Large Skipper (2),
White Admiral (2). "Although a pretty cloudy afternoon, late
afternoon sun seemed to bring the butterflies out as all these were
seen in a 25 minute spell between 6.10 and 6.35pm. Purple
Hairstreaks very active and there could well have been more than the
10 mentioned above.".
Michael and Mary Gwilliam – While walking the Ports
Down transect today we saw a blue butterfly flying near to the
ground and assumed it to be a Common Blue. However, as it appeared
to be slightly darker than a male we decided to net it to see if it
was an extreme ‘blue form’ female, having found splendid examples in
previous years. In the net the underside did not seem to be that of
a Common Blue so transferred the butterfly to a pot. Close
inspection revealed we had caught a Silver-studded Blue, a species
last recorded on the Hill in 1963 by George Else, while prior to
1890 it was considered to be common. The closest site is probably
the Beaulieu area of the New Forest where it may have originated
from.
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Silver-studded Blue | Silver-studded
Blue |
gary palmer reports from bentley wood (SU258291) where the following observations were made: Purple Emperor (5), Silver-washed Fritillary (50), White Admiral (25), Comma (9), Red Admiral (6), Speckled Wood (5), Meadow Brown (40), Ringlet (80), Gatekeeper (2), Marbled White (6), Green-veined White (2), Small White (5), Brimstone (1), White-letter Hairstreak (4), Purple Hairstreak (3), Holly Blue (1), Large Skipper (50), Small Skipper (20). "arrived at 8.45 in the car park and immediatly found a sitting emperor on the ground.
after 2 slow long walks around the rides i found the above.
having several close veiws of emperors but non would land and settle for more than a few seconds.".
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Purple Emperor |
Ashley Whitlock reports from Straits Inclosure:
Weather: Sunny very warm until mid-day cloudy with sunny spells
Temperature: 75f I arrived at Straits Inclosure at 08:45 and
immediately the butterflies were out in force, with many Ringlets
and Meadow Browns on the sides of the rides. But the interest really
turned to the main gravel track, which seemed to have a White
Admiral imbibing on the ground at every half a dozen paces. It was a
wonderful sight to see, with so many White Admirals present, they
have really done well this year. We may have lost a lot of the
Sallows, but somewhere in the depths of the woodland lies great
swathes of Honeysuckle. I counted up to 70 in total which is the
highest total Ive had for decades, not since the nadir years in
Pamber Forest in the 1980’s have not counted so many. The proof of
the pudding is the fact I counted up to (5) variations these being,
(2) male ab nigrina and (3) ab obliterae, one was not camera shy,
and all were in splendid condition. Also in the ride, up by the
first deer look out tower, was (7) male Silver-Washed Fritillaries
all imbibing on the ground in a very small area, Ive never seen such
behaviour. Probably due to the fact the lack of rain has left much
of the forest very dry especially in the canopy.These were also
counted in excellent numbers, with (80), or so being noted, with
several mating pairs thrown in as well. The only disappointment
was the amount of Purple Emperors on offer. They were not flying Oak
edging or what’s left of the Sallows, Sallow searching. I did
however have one imbibing on the ground for 10 minutes at 09:45 he
unfortunately never opened his wings for me, but a splendid sight
never the less. I saw (2) males having fisty cuffs over my head on
the way out of the woodland, at 10:15 but they just took off over
the canopy never to be seen again. The Purple Hairstreak was at long
last making an impression on their numbers, as I managed to count a
total of (22) Overall a good days recording in this still splendid
wood.
Ashley Whitlock reports from Abbotts Wood Inclosure:
Weather: Clear skies in the morning very warm cloudy by mid-day
Temperature: 75f Arrived from the Straits Inclosure at
about 11:00 a 5 minute drive away, and walked along the main ride,
and just beside some old log piles, on the grassy verge was a male
Purple Emperor down imbibing on, what I’m not sure. Unfortunately he
did not stay long, because I a problem with a Horse Fly, and to get
rid of it from biting me, I had do some anxious arm waving and thus
his majesty flew away. Anyway I did see (5) other males all in the
main ride, all were Oak edging , and at one time two passed each
other very close, but did not take any notice of each other. The
other males being seen at 11:07, 11:33, 11:35, and the (2) males
together at 11:45. As I left the weather was very overcast, with
small intervals of sunshine.
Alice Holt Forest (1) As I arrived at 12:05 to look up and see one
male on territory, flying around the Beech tree. 12:10 lots of cover
now with very breezy conditions, with small amounts of sunshine, the
sun finally came out at 12:20 and then a male was seen doing quick
patrol flights. (2) Males were finally seen at 12:23, one male just
doing typical ‘s’ shaped formation flying in the vista. There was no
hint of any chasing at this point. They may well be doing away from
the tree to the south and out of my view. 12:36 there was a clash of
two males and they did a quick figure of ‘8’ around each other, but
again no chase why? They then settled down on their respective
perches again. One male at this time seem to be active doing his ‘s’
flights and then he would settle down facing north. At 12:40 at last
a chase was on, maybe they were just sizing each other up? They flew
off at great speed spiralling ever upwards, and then back down one
on an Oak on the left and one on the Beech on the right as you look
up into the vista. It was then that I saw (3) males as two took off
to have a chase, one just flew about oak Edging seemingly just
letting the other two get on with it. The two chasing
seemed to be going right over the tops of the trees and away to the
south well out of my vision. The other one left was very active
flying up and down the vista. Then one of the males came back there
was another chase on, and one male led the chase, and they seemed to
swop over, now I really don’t know why they do this! At 12:38 it was
very cloudy now and I could see all three males together now, and at
12:45 another chase was on, but one of them just hung around the
vista…maybe they take it in turns? Good Action!
Buckshot hole Turned up at this site, but there was no real
evidence of a male being here…there was but he was on the Corsican
Pine trees behind the two big oaks as you enter the site. He was
there for one reason I think, he didn’t want any hassle from the
amazing amount of Great Tit's that seemed to be in the tree. I saw
him at 13:00, and he flew out a few times in and around his patch,
chased a Purple Hairstreak across the vista, but not a lot else.
Goose Green Inclosure As I arrived at 13:07 one male was seen
flying around the car-park vista, patrolling the oak edge, and in
the main arena, one male was seen chasing a Purple Hairstreak, at
13:10 The site was very breezy now, with mainly overcast conditions.
One male was on the Sweet Chestnut Tree was out and back to his
perch again several times he kept doing this. He seemed to have a
piece of his wing missing, so Ive nicked named him ‘Nick’. At 13:17
the sun shone again and it was very warm, two males were seen just
randomly patrolling not very interested in each other. I noted this
behaviour in 2009, as I hadn’t really noted it before. No chasing as
yet, one male settled down on top of the tall oak near the Cherry
tree, and the other on the Sweet Chestnut tree. No action in the
car-park vista at 13:23 after a short visit. One male in the main
arena was out on a random patrol, out over the Sweet Chestnut tree,
and went out over the back heading south out of my view. He came
back again, and seemed to be bored and fed up. But at 13:37 there
was a chase on one male chasing a male much larger than himself.
(Was this a female?) They disappeared into the cloudy skies due
south. I decided to look at the wayleaves area further down the
slope, but I found no evidence of any Emperors today, despite there
being (2) males there a few days ago. The car-=park vista was very
empty, only one male seen right over the far side of a large oak
near to the road where he settled down on his perch at 13:50. At
13:55 one Emperor was flying very low, past my viewing area. Was
this a female trying to get away from the attentions of the males?
Still chasing going on from the Sweet Chestnut Tree, but I had
decided to leave now at 14:00 leaving one male flying around the oak
edge near to the car-park vista.
Mervyn Grist reports from Linkenholt valley
(SU360589) where the following observations were made: Small Skipper
(3 "positive ID"), Large Skipper (3 "elderly"), Red Admiral (1),
Small Tortoiseshell (2), Comma (3), Dark Green Fritillary (1
"underside spots confirmed species"), Silver-washed Fritillary (1),
Marbled White (4), Meadow Brown (9), Ringlet (15). "Visited this
northern area with Mike Wildish en route along the Test Way to Combe
Wood".
Mervyn Grist reports from Combe Wood (SU355592)
where the following observations were made: Small Skipper (2), Large
Skipper (3), Large White (1), Small White (1), Small Tortoiseshell
(8), Comma (4), Silver-washed Fritillary (2), Meadow Brown (5),
Ringlet (9). "Walked through the southern part of this wood with
Mike Wildish hoping for a Purple Emperor but none showed.".
Mervyn Grist reports from Combe Wood main clearing
(SU354595) where the following observations were made: Small Skipper
(3), Large Skipper (7), Small White (1), Small Copper (3), Small
Tortoiseshell (0), Comma (6), Silver-washed Fritillary (5), Marbled
White (13), Meadow Brown (8), Small Heath (4), Ringlet (36). "With
Mike Wildish. This big clearing has an attractive wood edge with
some broad leaved willows however no Purple Emperor showed up here
this day. We did find two further west in Wiltshire however. There
is a nice chalk grassland slope within the clearing that was enjoyed
by the Marbled Whites amid some 300 Pyramidal orchids.
Anyone tempted to visit should beware of the
vicious Clegs (Horseflies).".
Jim Douglas reports from Stockbridge Down (SU375346)
where the following observations were made: Purple Emperor (1 "seen
around 10.30am on left hand track after going through gate from car
park on left hand side heading for Winchester from Stockbridge at
the wooded area. on holiday from Glasgow area so can't be more
specific."). "I met someone at the site who asked me to send in the
record of the Purple Emperor as he thought you would be interested
to have it. I also have a couple of photographs that i can send to
you if you wish. I also had a brief sighting of a Camberwell Beauty
at Martin Down on the following day. Unfortunately it was sitting on
the footpath and I didn't see it until I was almost on top of it. It
flew along the path and then between some bushes where I lost sight
of it. Unfortunately I did not manage to get a photograph of it,for
which I am still kicking myself.".
David W Hunt reports from Garden (SU550033) where
the following observations were made: Small Tortoiseshell (1).
Monday 5th July
Mike Wildish reports from Anton Lakes West (SU 335
465) where the following observations were made: Essex Skipper (1),
Large Skipper (1), Red Admiral (1), Speckled Wood (2), Meadow Brown
(8), Marbled White (4), Small Tortoiseshell (6), Ringlet (20), Comma
(3), Small White (2).
Peter Eeles reports from Pamber Forest (SU614601) where the following observations were made: Silver-washed Fritillary (50 "Including 2 f.
valesina"), White Admiral (20), Brimstone (1 "A single male"), Ringlet (40), Meadow Brown (20), Large Skipper (9). "I'm determined not to let the summer pass me by, taking every opportunity to get out! I visited Pamber Forest again this lunchtime in order to find some obliterae White Admiral aberrations that I'd seen in flight on Saturday, knowing that this species is more-easily found nectaring in the middle of the day and afternoon than in the morning. Although I failed in this mission, I did see not one, but two,
valesina Silver-washed Fritillaries a form that Ive never seen in the forest before! This more than made up for the lack of obliterae! Watching this form in flight is quite lovely since it behaves in a slightly-different manner to the normal form, preferring more shady places when flying and nectaring! The first !
female I saw was nectaring and, before I could get a decent shot, flew up into the air to be immediately courted by a male, subsequently landing high in a bush before mating, where I let them be! Fortunately, I found another nectaring not too far away and managed to get the shots I was after! Silver-washed Fritillaries are everywhere in the forest at the moment, but there is a definite
"hot spot" where I saw 8 mating pairs in total and the characteristic courtship flight continuously on display - where the female flies in a straight line and the male repeats a cycle of flying under, in front of, and over the top of the female while showering her in pheremones from the androconial scales in his sex brands (the dark bands on the forewing of the male). Ive yet to see any ovipositing females theyre clearly saving that spectacle for my next trip!".
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Silver-washed Fritillary
f valezina | Silver-washed Fritillary
f valezina | Silver-washed Fritillary |
Richard Symonds reports from Chalton Down (SU736156) where the following observations were made: Large White (4), Brimstone (1 "Female"), Marbled White (99), Meadow Brown (110), Ringlet (30 "including a mating pair"), Speckled Wood (1), Small Heath (5), Chalkhill Blue (1), Large Skipper (12), Small Skipper (11),
Six Spot Burnet (21), Six Spot Burnet (3 Pupa). "A wonderful hour and a half spent at Chalton Down this morning seeing many Marbled Whites. Today was the most I have seen at this site for over a decade, numbers reaching those I remember back in the hot summer of 1995, when I first started watching butterflies. Several were stopping to take nectar from thistles that are growing near the entrance. Saw my first Chalkhill Blue (earlist date I have seen) this year, which was chased off from sight by a male Large White.".
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|
Marbled White | Meadow Brown |
Large Skipper |
Ashley Whitlock writes from Creech Wood: "Decided
to visit my local woods a few miles from Portsmouth, and here are
the results, White Admiral (25) this specie is doing very well this
year, Purple Hairstreak (2) having a lot of difficulty finding this
specie despite looking up into the heavens for most of the day,
Meadow Brown (100+) Small White (3) Marbled White (37) very common
in the wayleaves area. Ringlet (100+) Large Skipper (20) Small
Skipper ((30) Essex Skipper (5) Silver-Washed Fritillary (17) this
specie wasn't as plentiful as I thought it would be. Small Copper
(1) Comma (8) Speckled Wood (5) Purple Emperor (5) well a possible
5, it was either one flying round and round getting very dizzy or
it was a good number out in this wood at long last, as the Sallow is
going mad in places, and the Foresty Commission has left much of it
where they have thinning a lot of the wood. In one place where I saw
the Emperors, they have cut some down where the wayleaves are, and
now I can get back into the meadow and observe the high oaks and the
other Sallow areas, perfect viewing , and its here I saw the Males
Oak edging and Sallow searching.Males were seen at 10:30, 10:40
11:10, 11:17. and 11:30 reads like a train timetable.
Silford Copse A small wooded area under the giant power cables,
with plenty of Sallow about, species seen, Silver=Washed Fritillary
(25) White Admiral (2) Meadow Brown PLENTIFUL Small White ((3)
Marbled White (50+) Ringlet Plentiful Small Skipper (5) Large
Skipper (5) Small Tortoiseshell (1)
Another wood I visited was private, but one Emperor was seen about
12:55 over some high oaks where the highest part of the wood is ,
and other species seen were Silver-Washed Fritillary ((18) White
Admiral (12) Purple Hairstreak (2) Small White (3) Small Skipper (8)
Marbled White (25+) Small Tortoiseshell (1) Large White (1) Comma
(1) Meadow Brown plentiful, along with Ringlet Large Skipper 95)
Essex Skipper (2)"
Mr D W Hunt (BC Member 123210) reports from Our
Garden in Stubbington (SU550033) where the following observations
were made: Large White (1 "Feeding on Wallflowers"), Small White (1
"Feeding on Wallflowers"), Speckled Wood (1 "Tatty individual
feeding on Privet flowers").
Graham Vick reports from Little London, near Pamber
Forest, SU622594: Hummingbird hawkmoth feeding on garden flowers in
sunshine. First seen this year.
Chris Hall reports from Eelmoor Marsh (SU 84 53)
where the following observations were made: Large Skipper (51 "The
best site count since regular monitoring began in 1998"), Small
Skipper (81 "Probably includes some Essex, but none confirmed"),
Brimstone (1 "pristine butterfly, colour vivid"), Small White (3),
Purple Hairstreak (5), Common Blue (4), Silver-studded Blue (7),
Comma (3), Red Admiral (1), Small Tortoiseshell (1), Speckled Wood
(1), Grayling (2 "The first of the summer here."), Gatekeeper (1
"The first of the summer here."), Meadow Brown (415), Ringlet (32
"The best Eelmoor count for eight years."),
Six-spot Burnet (33), Brown Hawker (1).
Clive Wood reports from Dongas Reserve (St
Catherines Hill) (SU491275) where the following observations were
made: Ringlet (9), Marbled White (16), Small Tortoiseshell (3),
Meadow Brown (3). "A warm, fresh day with a moderate breeze. The
Dongas are part of the St Catherines Hill nature reserve managed by
the Hampshire and IoW Wildlife Trust albeit separated from St
Catherines Hill itself by the M3 Twyford cutting!".
Clive Wood reports from St Catherines Hill (behind
Garnier Rd carpark) (SU483279) where the following observations were
made: Ringlet (6), Marbled White (7), Small Tortoiseshell (2),
Meadow Brown (2). "This is part of the reclaimed A33 at the foot of
St Catherines Hill, Winchester."
Stephen Jones reports from Holmsley Inclosure
(SU479298) where the following observations were made: White Admiral
(3), Comma (2), Ringlet (3), Silver-washed Fritillary (1).
Martin Hampton reports from Petersfield Heath
(SU756230) where the following observations were made: Large Skipper
(3), Marbled White (7), Meadow Brown (8), Ringlet (4).
Andrew Bolton reports from Browninghill Copse,
Baughurst. (SU 592596) where the following observations were made:
White Admiral (5 "Astonishing considering there is only about 1Ha.
of suitable habitat! Shows how well the species is doing this
year."), Silver-washed Fritillary (3).
Sunday 4th July
Paul Beevers reports from Cliddesden, RG25 2JQ
(SU4729) where the following observations were made: Small
Tortoiseshell (5 "RG25 2JQ feeding mostly on Lavender"), Meadow
Brown (2).
Steve Keen reports from Five Thorns Hill (SU2701)
where the following observations were made: Silver-studded Blue
(600), Meadow Brown (2), Common Heath (2). "Without doubt the blues
were grossly underestimated; only only able to count those in flight
or within about 3 metres of paths, in a stiffening breeze, and not
unreasonable to assume at least three times as many were present. At
least 450 were along a 100 metre stretch of path at about
SU272017.".
Steve Keen reports from Hincheslea Moor (SU2601)
where the following observations were made: Silver-studded Blue
(75), Small Skipper (4), Small Heath (6), .
Peter Gardener reports from Whitely Enclosure:
"AM with a lot people joging/ dog walking/ cycleing /ashly[camera.]
silver washed/white admiralslringlets/meadow browns/smalland
large/ all in very good numbers ,we tried to count them but had to
give up due to size of paper comma 2 redadmiral 1"
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|
Green-veined White | Silver-washed
Fritillary | Small Skipper |
Trevor Carpenter writes: "Spent some time in
Whiteley Pastures in the middle of the day where butterfly numbers
were very good with Silver Washed and White Admiral being very
abundant. I was lucky enough to get some nice shots of a very
beautiful valezina, a rare sighting for me. Many of the SWs had
only one thing on their mind with a lot of copulation going on much
in mid air. One pair I photographed form different angles show an
interesting variation on the colour of the wings as the light caught
it at a slightly different angle."
 |
 |
 |
Silver-washed Fritillary
f valezina | Silver-washed
Fritillary |
Silver-washed Fritillary |
Mark Hallett reports from Walters copse Isle of
Wight (SZ432905) where the following observations were made: White
Admiral (65 "a great year several groups of upto 10 feeding on
bramble."), Silver-washed Fritillary (17 "inc 1 valezina"),
Large Skipper (4), Large White (1), Marbled White (5), Meadow Brown
(50), Peacock (2), Red Admiral (3), Ringlet (10), Speckled Wood
(25).
Tim Graham reports from Alresford (SU584316) where
the following observations were made: Hummingbird hawkmoth (1).
Paul Crook reports from Ludshott Common (SU849358)
where the following observations were made: Silver-studded Blue (1
"Hard to find them here in 2009/10 but one very won specimen"). "No
other butterflies flying but Wood Larks in evidence nesting on the
ground (anyone going there please take care as there are several
species likely to be nesting there)".
Martin Hampton reports from east Petersfield
(SU762232) where the following observations were made: Small
Tortoiseshell (1 "feeding on Lavendar in my mum's garden").
Philip Osso reports from Straits Enclosure, Alice
Holt Forest (SU47942981) where the following observations were made:
Long-tailed Blue (1 "feeding on bramble 6 " off ground. 150 - 200
yards in"). "Habitat:- woodland ride. The butterfly was on the east
side around 150 - 200 yards in from the Straits Enclosure carpark /
forestry commision's entrance. Ther were lots of vetch plants as
well as bramble on which the butterfly was feeding. The previous
week (27th june I had seen common blue there and it was through
looking for them that I saw the long-tailed Blue".
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Long-tailed Blue | Long-tailed Blue |
Andrew Bolton reports from Ewhurst Park, Ramsdell
(SU 581574) where the following observations were made: White
Admiral (4), Silver-washed Fritillary (5), Comma (1), Small
Tortoiseshell (1), Marbled White (4), Large Skipper (7), Small
Skipper (5), Ringlet (54), Large White (8), Small White (1).
Saturday 3rd July
Paul Beevers reports from Cliddesden (SU479298)
where the following observations were made: Small Tortoiseshell (1
"Garden of RG25 2JQ 09:45").
Roger Pendell reports from Petersfield Heath
(SU755229) where the following observations were made: Small Skipper
(7), Essex Skipper (3), Marbled White (20), Brimstone (1), Meadow
Brown (18), Small Tortoiseshell (2), Green-veined White (2), Large
White (1), Large Skipper (4), Ringlet (4), Speckled Wood (2).
Barry Collins writes: "Another cycle ride
around the tracks this morning and stopping at various locations in
Havant Thicket (SU710110).Produced the following butterflies 9 White
Admiral,14 Silver-washed Fritillary,1 Red Admiral,1 Large White,2
Common Blue,2 Comma,92 Marbled White,58 Ringlet,several Large
Skippers,8 Small Skippers and numerous Meadow Browns.
Also 7 Broad-bodied Chasers,2 Emperors,4 Large
Red and numerous Azure Damselfly."
David Nordell reports from Rew Down (SZ537775) where
the following observations were made: Marbled White (40), Meadow
Brown (20), Large Skipper (8), Small Heath (10), Large White (2),
Comma (1), Peacock (1), Common Blue (4). "Marbled White numbers
looking very good 40+ in quite a small area, still awaiting first
Chalkhill Blue."
Stuart Read reports from Parkhurst Forest (SZ477913)
where the following observations were made: Comma (7),
Gatekeeper (2 "first
of the summer"), Large Skipper (27), Large White (3), Marbled White
(8), Meadow Brown (100), Silver-washed Fritillary (7), Peacock (1),
Red Admiral (2), Small Tortoiseshell (3), Small White (2), Speckled
Wood (4), White Admiral (43 "a record count!"), Ringlet (50
"estimate").
Graham Vick reports from Pamber Forest (SU6161)
where the following observations were made: Purple Emperor (1 "Male-
flying low above main ride (south of Silchester Brook)"),
Silver-washed Fritillary (0 "Large numbers - all fresh"), White
Admiral (0 "Large numbers - all fresh"), Ringlet (0), Meadow Brown
(0), Speckled Wood (0). "Very good showing also
of Cordulegaster, both Calopteryx species (virgo on brook, splendens
on east side of forest), Cordulia aenea, Libellula depressa, Aeshna
grandis."
Mark Pike writes: "Rather than just put down
the numbers I thought I would email you to report the incredible
sight of at least 500-600 (probably more) Silver Studded Blues in
and around the Beaulieu Road Railway Station area. Both sides of the
railway, at Black Down (GR SU34893007177) and even more at SU
3457307077 & SU3461306761. There were literally clouds of them in
places. I have personally never seen so many, lots of very fresh
ones and a few worn specimens. Also many (30-40) Large Skippers and
also around 20-25 Small Heaths."
Richard & Julia Coomber reports from Straits Inclosure, Alice Holt (SU8040) where the following observations were made: Purple Emperor (3), Purple Hairstreak (4), White Admiral (15).
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Purple Emperor |
Alan Thornbury reports: A walk in East Gosport this
afternoon produced the fleeting decent on to bramble of a
White-letter Hairstreak from nearby Elms. Earlier in the week I had
confirmed the presence of White-letters in the Monks Walk area, when
3-4 were observed flying around the tops of Elms. It was my first
reasonable photo opportunity in 6 years for this camera shy species!
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White-letter Hairstreak |
Jonathan Mercer reports: "50+ Silver-studded
Blues nr Shatterford car park today, also an Essex Skipper. At
Slufter's Pond - a Grayling.
At Crockford Bridge - 10+ Silver-studded Blues and a
Dark Green Fritillary."
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Silver-studded Blue | Silver-studded
Blue | Grayling |
gary palmer reports from wootton coppice (sz 243 998) where the following observations were made: Silver-washed Fritillary (15 "3 female"), Dark Green Fritillary (3 "2 female"), Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary (1 "male"), White Admiral (8), Red Admiral (1), Speckled Wood (2), Ringlet (46), Meadow Brown (33), Marbled White (28), Gatekeeper (2), Small White (2), Large Skipper (31), Small Skipper (48). "mid day in wootton coppice and things were buzzing, although the species count is still low, the numbers in the species present are rising nicely.
dark green frit females particularly darkly marked uppersides but as they kept well hidden for most of the time in the shade of the bracken and bramble i couldn't get a good shot.".
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Dark Green Fritillary | Gatekeeper |
Silver-washed Fritillary |
Peter Hunt reports from Firestone Copse,Isle of Wight (SZ546924) where the following observations were made: Comma (4), Marbled White (1), Meadow Brown (20), Peacock (1), Small Tortoiseshell (1), Large Skipper (4), White Admiral (10), Silver-washed Fritillary (4), Large White (1).
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Comma | Peacock |
White Admiral |
On 3 July, Andrew Brookes led a butterfly walk
through a private woodland near Wootton, IOW, on behalf of owners
the People's Trust for Endangered Species. Newly created coupes in
the high oak forest contained almost as many White Admirals as
Meadow Browns. Tally: Large Skipper (2), Large White (2), White
Admiral (38), Red Admiral (1), S-w Fritillary (15), Speckled Wood
(5), Marbled White (2), Meadow Brown (40), Ringlet (20).
Andrew continued south to America Wood after lunch, but found the
site overrun with head high bracken, and only a Red Admiral and
Large White were seen. Stopping briefly at Combley Great Wood on the
return to Fishbourne, he found White Admiral (5, inc. one nectaring
on hogweed), and S-w Fritillary (5), Comma (2), Red Admiral (1), and
Meadow Brown (12).
Natalie Rogers reports from Ambleside, Botley,
Hampshire (SU499122) where the following observations were made:
White Admiral (1 "Came into conservatory to rest for 1 minute then
flew off again").
Mr D W Hunt (BC123210) reports from Our Garden in
Stubbington (SU550033) where the following observations were made:
Red Admiral (1), Comma (1). "A very slow start to this season for
Butterflies in the garden. Other species have
done well - e.g. Grasshoppers, Ladybirds, Crickets etc. Was
hoping that this would improve when the Buddleias flowered, but the
Davidi's are now in flower and still very few sightings. Also, some
butterflies which seemed to be resident last year have been seen
only once e.g.- Meadow Brown and Common Blue.".
Ashley Whitlock reports from Abbotts Wood Inclosure:
Weather: Very warm with good spells of sunshine Temperature: 75f
Now the Straits Inclosure is now not as good as it has been with
many of the ride side Sallows being felled during the winter of
2009, I’m now going to this site Abbotts Wood Inclosure which is
just over the road. Although this isn’t an Assembly point, it’s
probably the last stop before the Emperors disappear up to the Alice
Forest (1) area. There is a lot of Sallow in this wood, and there
have been good reports of Emperors in this part of the wood. I
visited this wood the day before 2 July and saw (2) in a ride flying
around a large prominent Oak, where I saw one last year in 2009.
However today being better weather there wasn’t any …how typical is
that? I did see one in the main ride which flew right past me at
11:15,and began to fly round the edge of the Oak and then a bit
further up I saw one Sallow searching at 11:50, in a an area which
is has been clear felled on one side. So to see (4) in two days
isn’t bad, but I suspect I haven’t found the best part of this wood
yet. It lies on a cross path between Straits Inclosure and Alice
Holt Forest (1).
Alice Holt Forest (1) Arrived at ALHF (1) at 12:15 the weather was
warm and sunny, and almost immediately there was a male on station,
doing the usual ‘s’ shaped pattern flight over the top of the oak. I
saw him perch on a sprig of the Oak and I looked at him through my
binoculars, he was sitting wings folded, looking north. He flew off
again for a short patrol at 12:18, but despite the weather, there
wasn’t a lot of action. Then at 12:27 there was (2) males chasing
round and round, but they soon returned back to their respective
perches, although I only saw one return. This male did little random
patrols, but there were never two together. At 12:37
there was again (2) males chasing, but I never saw where the other
one was coming from, then I saw another as these two were getting
engaged, so there was (3) males, at this high point. Two minutes
later there was still two males chasing, so this chase was quite
long, compared with some Ive seen over the few years. One of the
males seemed to be disappearing over the back of one of the high
oaks. I left the site at 12:45
Buckshot Hole Nothing seen at this site despite one being seen on
the previous day.
Goose Green Inclosure As I arrived I saw a male very low down
flying in and around the wood piles…was this the same male I had
seen the previous day? He never hung around though, which makes me
think he probably was… not that Whitlock geezer again. One male was
seen patrolling over the road and back. The site has a very distinct
woody smell about it now. One male was seen settling on the small
Beech tree, and one on the large Oak tree. At 13:30 they both left
their respective perches at the same time, and both flew aimlessly
around both flew quite close to each other, but they didn’t seem
interested in a chase. I then wandered down to the car-park vista
and was pleasantly surprised to find one in the actual vista, and
one oak edging around the larger oak tree at 13:35. I looked up at
the Wayleaves area and there were (2) males chasing, so there was at
least (4) males on site now. They both split, one utilising the
Sweet chestnut tree, and the other using the small Beech tree. At
13:45 the two in the car-park vista gave chase, straight over the
road, over the posh houses, and back again, following the oak line
of the biggest tree in the vista…some chase. They split up one
settled on the oak in the vista facing east and the other facing
north on the more predominant tree. At 13:50 one of the males in the
vista keeps coming out and looking for the other male for a chase…
At 13:55 I decided to walk further down the wayleaves area, and to
my surprise I saw a male flying around a predominant oak tree which
is just to the west of the main arena. I looked at him and when he
settled down on his perch he faced west with his wings closed. I
noticed when the sun went in briefly he unfolded his wings, in the
typical pose on the edge of an Oak leaf. I started to leave the
area, and then I noticed there were two down at this point, so there
could well be (6) on station. One male was seen settle over the
road on a small Sweet Chestnut Tree, while the other settled down on
his oak sprig. I left then at 14:05
Ed Merritt reports from Testwood Lakes (SU34511553) where the following observations were made: Purple Hairstreak (1 "Found at the edge of the gravel track, at ground level, near Testwood Lakes education centre").
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Purple Hairstreak | Purple Hairstreak |
Andrew Bolton reports from Nine Acres Copse, Little
Ham Farm, Axmansford. (SU 572608) where the following observations
were made: White Admiral (2), Silver-washed Fritillary (9), Comma
(2), Large Skipper (1), Marbled White (1), Meadow Brown (3), Ringlet
(7). "Thinning & ride widening work has really increased the
butterfly numbers in this copse, which previously held little except
Speckled Woods.".
Friday 2nd July
Peter Gardner reports: 1st alice holt 3 purple
emperors flying high thanks mathew onto straits enclosure
[great] silver washed 39 white admiiral 20 comma 4 ringlet
25 large skip 21 meadow brown 21 speck wood 10 small skip 1 red
admiral 1
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White Admiral | Silver-washed
Fritillary | Silver-washed Fritillary |
Robert Callf reports from: Osborne House, White
Admiral "One seen in flight and settled near the Swiss Cottage at
14:30 BST."
Robert Bryant reports from Micheldever Wood (SU
529363) where the following observations were made: Purple Emperor
(1 "Male basking on path - my first sighting of the season."), White
Admiral (1), Silver-washed Fritillary (7), Comma (1), Ringlet (30),
Speckled Wood (7), Small Skipper (7), Marbled White (7 "along the
broad, grassy coronation ride."), Meadow Brown (1),
Burnet moth (5), Large Emerald (0).
Ashley Whitlock writes: "Today was one of
those days you dont get very often, as today I visited the Alice
Holt Complex, even with the dull and overcast conditions there was a
lot of activity about. There was a lot of White Admirals flying
about, especially towards the west of Straits Inclosure. Here in
this part of the wood there is still reasonable stands of Sallow,
and its here I saw my first Purple Emperor at 0845, when the sun
briefly came out, a bit like the Emperor really, just a brief
glimpse.Other species seen were good numbers of Silver-Washed
Fritillaries (47) and the White Admiral ((60) and one of these was a
Black Admiral. Other species of note were Large Skipper (6) Ringlet
100+ and the Meadow Brown 100+ Red Admiral (3) Purple Hairstreak (6)
Green-Veined White (1) Speckled Wood (2) Marbled White (20) Small
Skipper (3). I then went onto Abbotts Wood Inclosure over the road
from the Straits. Here in a glade where there is a large Oak and
smaller stands of Oak trees I saw (2) Emperors cavorting around the
top of the crown of the Oak, and then they zoomed in and out and
just above my head they sped away, I dont know where they were going
could have been to ALHF(1 ) as it was 11:55. At 12:15 I arrived at
Alice Holt Forest (1), and it took a little while to see my first
Emperor on station, but they were here nether the less, I saw them
chasing each other, and they were not bothered about the coller
breezy conditions. I saw (2) in the three quarter of an hour II was
there. I also saw one on station at Buckshot Hole he wasnt very
active, probably because he was on his own, and only had the odd
passing pigeon to bother. At Goose Green at 13:17 there were two
males seen on station, one on the Sweet Chestnut Tree, and one on
the large Oak. There was also a male imbibing on the ground, it must
have bee attracted to the many bits of timber scattered across the
ground, as the pungent small of wood sap is very distinct. He stayed
on the ground a good 20 minutes. He wasnt bothered by an audience,
and certainly not me and my camera. I even picked him up but he
did'nt like that, and just flew away, he did circle a few times and
threatned to land again, but he went up into the Cherry tree nearby.
There was (3) males on station by this time, as they were all
chasing each other down the wayleaves at about 14:00. At no time did
I see any in the car-park vista. I stayed uintil 14:45 and left as
the sun disappeared again."
gary palmer reports from shirley holms heath (sz 296
986) where the following observations were made: Silver-studded Blue
(200), Large Skipper (6), Small Heath (8), Meadow Brown (9),
purple-bordered gold moth (1 "nationally scarce
b"). "an hour spent on the heath found numbers of silver
studded into the hundreds, with about a quarter being female, but
only a couple of mating pairs found.".
 |
 |
|
Purple-bordered Gold | Silver-studded
Blue |
David Walton reports from Crookham Village
(SU794525) where the following observations were made: Small
Tortoiseshell (7 "Within 50m distance"). "Had noticed the odd small
tortoiseshell in my garden, first for several years. Located this
concentration about 100m away".
Ashley Whitlock reports from Alice Holt
Forest (1): Weather: Overcast & Muggy few bright spells, Windy at
times Temperature: 70f The second visit at this site in a week,
and arrived at 12:30 and a male was seen at the beginning of the
visit, on patrol but wasn’t in view very long. Not much activity due
to the weather conditions At 12:40 there was a brief spell of
sunshine, and a male was off his perch doing the typical ‘s’ shaped
formation flying. At 12:42 there were (2) males seen, both joined in
battle, spinning round and round and then a straight chase up over
the crowns of the tallest oak. One was then seen patrolling the
tallest Oak stands, then the sun went in and that was that! The wind
was getting quite strong, and a brief interlude with a male doing
quick random patrols. I never found out where the other male was on
station... The wind was blowing from the southerly direction, and at
least it was warm. This site is now becoming very closed in with
many of the Oak stands now spoiling the view, it must have a small
trim in and around the area to keep the vista open for good viewing.
Must bring in some loppers and an Exstention ladder…..
Buckshot Hole One male seen on territory at 13:15, not patrolling,
just in and out of the tall oak briefly.
Thursday 1st July
Peter Eeles reports from Pamber Forest (SU615601) where the following observations were made: White Admiral (25), Silver-washed Fritillary (40), Green-veined White (4), Large Skipper (10), Small Skipper (4), Brimstone (1 "Male"), Comma (4), Speckled Wood (3), Marbled White (2), Meadow Brown (20), Ringlet (30), Large White (1 "Male"), Purple Hairstreak (1 "A deformed female!").
 |  |  |
|
Silver-washed Fritillary | Silver-washed
Fritillary | White Admiral |
Lynn Fomison reports that at Magdalen Hill Down
Original Patrick Fleet saw a
Chalkhill Blue whilst working & at Yew Hill Brian
Fletcher saw one on transect.
Richard Hallett reports from Beacon Hill Nature reserve (SU602224) where the following observations were made: Marbled White (44 "Many more in flight"), Ringlet (23), Meadow Brown (17), Small Skipper (6), Large Skipper (5), Small Heath (5), Red Admiral (2), Small Tortoiseshell (1). "Dry but windy conditions not good for small species. I counted along the path only on the outward walk. Many more of the larger species were in flight.".
 |
 |
|
Ringlet | Large Skipper |
Roger Pendell reports from Crockford (New Forest)
(SZ350989) where the following observations were made:
Silver-studded Blue (48), Large Skipper (3), Meadow Brown (7), Dark
Green Fritillary (7), White Admiral (1), Small Heath (6).
Richard Symonds reports from Straits Inclosure, Alice Holt Forest (SU801400) where the following observations were made: Green-veined White (1), Meadow Brown (84), Ringlet (139), White Admiral (53), Silver-washed Fritillary (110 "Two mating pairs"), Purple Emperor (1), Comma (2), Large Skipper (29), Small Skipper (9), Essex Skipper (3). "I spent just over two and a half hours walking around the main tracks where the temperature reached 24°C. A fellow lepidopterist commented that he had seen a single Purple Emperor near to where the track descends to the Forestry Commision generator cabin. We reached the spot and after a few minutes a single male flew down from the trees. It circled us, just a foot away from us a few times before returning to its lofty heights. A pity it did not settle! Another significant sighting was of a male Silver Washed Fritillary where on each wing there was a small patch of white colouration on the ground colour. I met Matthew Oates who mentioned !
that it was a pathological condition which is infrequently encountered.".
 |  |  |
|
Silver-washed Fritillary | Silver-washed
Fritillary | White Admiral |
Richard Symonds reports from Goose Green Inclosure, Alice Holt Forest (SU806415) where the following observations were made: Purple Emperor (3). "I spent around half an hour, watching up to three Purple Emperors flying and chasing each other around the large and small Sweet Chestnut trees. One did fly within a few feet of the ground before returning to the trees. It may have been attracted by the smell of sap from the log stacks. I managed some distant photos where wing patterns can be recognised.
Flying and landing on the log stacks was the impressive large ichneumon fly Rhyssa persuasoria, which is a parasite of the Giant Wood Wasp.".
 |  |  |
|
Purple Emperor | Purple Emperor |
Purple Emperor |
gary palmer reports from becton bunny (sz 253 927) where the
following observations were made: Speckled Wood (1), Small Skipper (2), Meadow
Brown (2). "a short walk into becton bunny found the above".
gary palmer reports from barton common (sz 248 932) where the following observations were made: Small Heath (39), Meadow Brown (36), Marbled White (57), Small Skipper (28), Large Skipper (5), Speckled Wood (2), Common Blue (1), Red Admiral (1), Brimstone (1 Larva),
brown silverline (1), hummingbird hawkmoth (1), silver 'y' moth (5). "a good long walk around the common found my best count of marbled white which seemed everywere, but for the second year running a crash in the large skipper numbers.".
 |
 |
 |
|
Brimstone larva | Marbled White |
Small Skipper |
Matthew Oates writes: "Visited Straits
Inclosure and Goose Green Incl, Alice Holt, on Thurs 1st. In 3 hours
I managed only 3 PE in Straits, which is less than I'd expected -
even though the main breeding ground had been ripped out in Feb.
Numbers were quite impressive at Goose Green Old Car Park, where I
saw 5 males in a vista - which is good for this early in the season.
Back in the Straits, I saw 4 'black admirals', including one which
was probably a full nigrina. This is the highest number of WA abs
seen on a single day in Straits in 36 year's recording. WA numbers
were terrific, probably the best show there since 1977. Fantastic!
This looks like a Great WA year. SWF was also impressive, but all
were type specimens. A lot of females, and 11 mating pairs."
Anne McCue reports from Browndown North (SZ582997)
where the following observations were made:
Grayling (1). "Spotted during a late
afternoon walk in a gully on their usual heath area that suffered a
fire late in 2009".
Wednesday 30th June
Richard Symonds reports from Portsdown Hill (East) (SU657063) where the following observations were made: Large White (2), Marbled White (27), Meadow Brown (23), Ringlet (3), Large Skipper (1), Essex Skipper (1),
Six Spot Burnet (1), Six Spot Burnet (1 Larva). "An hour long walk along the paths below Fort Widley. The temperature was 21°C. My first sightings this year of Marbled Whites and a single Essex Skipper.".
 |
 |
 |
|
Essex Skipper | Marbled White |
Ringlet |
Robert Bryant reports from Micheldever Wood (SU
529363) where the following observations were made: White Admiral
(1), Silver-washed Fritillary (5), Ringlet (4), Small Skipper (2),
Speckled Wood (1).
Richard Hallett reports from Creech Wood (SU 636114)
where the following observations were made: Red Admiral (2),
Silver-washed Fritillary (7), White Admiral (8), Common Blue (1),
Meadow Brown (30), Marbled White (22), Large Skipper (1), Small
Skipper (1). "White Admirals and Silver Washed Fritillaries
nectaring on bramble and flying in rides".
gary palmer reports from wootton coppice (sz 243 998) where the following observations were made: Ringlet (27), Meadow Brown (29), Marbled White (1), Speckled Wood (1), Large Skipper (34), Small Skipper (6), White Admiral (3), Small Tortoiseshell (1), Silver-washed Fritillary (4 "male"), Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary (1 "male"). "all found allong the main ride side as i didn't get into any clearings".
 |  |  |
|
Small Tortoiseshell | Small Skipper |
Ringlet |
Tim Graham reports from Lanes/Tracks between
Alresford and Warnford (SU605293) where the following observations
were made: Meadow Brown (25), Small Tortoiseshell (15), Speckled
Wood (4), Ringlet (6).
Tim Graham reports from Old Winchester Hill
(SU644205) where the following observations were made: Marbled White
(20), Meadow Brown (26), Ringlet (16), Small Heath (6), Small
Skipper (8), Large Skipper (4), Essex Skipper (2),
Cinnabar moth (1), 5 spot burnet (4), 6 spot
burnet (10), Small Tortoiseshell (10).
Tim Graham reports from Edge of Beacon Hill
(SU599226) where the following observations were made: Marbled White
(10), Small Skipper (8), Small Tortoiseshell (6),
5 Spot Burnet (4).
Tony Baines writes; "Still no sign of any
Purple Emperors in my local patch at Odiham but was surprised to
come across four fresh male White Admirals on the Basingstoke Canal
towpath. They do frequent the woods near here but I have never seen
them previously flying low down beside the canal in the numbers that
they were today. Also sighted were a couple of Silver-washed
Fritillaries, a good sprinkling of Speckled Woods, a couple of
Commas and a Red Admiral. Haven't seen a summer brood Small
Tortoiseshell yet which is a great shame."
Peter Gardner reports from Pit Down: "amazed
by the numbers of butterflies ,esc the marbled whites way to many to
count. sts 5 dark green 4 brimstone 2 small skipper 4
large skipper 9 gv white 1 red admiral 1 both ringlets and
meadow browns too tomany to count thy were every were".
 |
 |
 |
|
Comma | Dark Green Fritillary |
Small Tortoiseshell |
Peter Gardner reports from Crab Wood:
"continuing a great day west of winchester [ just down the road
from pit down] there wasent any white admirals but 10 silver
washed 25 plus ringlets 4 large skips 4 speckwoods 10 meadow
browns."
 |
 |
 |
|
Meadow Brown | Silver-washed
Fritillary | Silver-washed Fritillary |
Jill Lincoln reports from Old Down, Basingstoke
(SU597 488) where the following observations were made: Common Blue
(60), Large White (6), Small Blue (1 "First sighting at this site"),
Holly Blue (2 "First sighting at this site"), Painted Lady (1),
Green-veined White (1), Small White (1), Large Skipper (1 "First
sighting at this site"), Meadow Brown (54), Marbled White (59),
Purple Emperor (1 "First sighting at this site"), Purple Emperor (1
Larva "Discovered by moth enthusiast Tony Dobson"), Comma (1),
Ringlet (8), Small Tortoiseshell (1), Small Skipper (1).
Andrew Bolton reports from Sandford Woods, nr.
Kingsclere (SU 548592) where the following observations were made:
White Admiral (5 "numbers well down on recent years due to major
forestry work, including extensive clear-felling of some conifer
blocks."), Silver-washed Fritillary (1 "yet to get going"), Comma
(1), Large Skipper (2), Speckled Wood (7), Ringlet (4), Large White
(1), Green-veined White (1), Small Tortoiseshell (2).
Peter Hunt reports from Firestone Copse,Isle of Wight (SZ544895) where the following observations were made: Comma (2), Red Admiral (1), Large Skipper (3), Ringlet (3), Silver-washed Fritillary (3), White Admiral (9).
 |
 |
 |
|
White Admiral | White Admiral |
Silver-washed Fritillary |
Tuesday 29th June
Peter Hunt reports from Parkhurst Forest,Isle of Wight (SZ475896) where the following observations were made: Large Skipper (10), Marbled White (2), Meadow Brown (20), Red Admiral (1), Ringlet (10), Silver-washed Fritillary (1), Small Skipper (4), Small White (1), Speckled Wood (3), White Admiral (7).
 |
 |
 |
|
Red Admiral | Small Skipper |
Silver-washed Fritillary |
ron bryan reports from Cams Hall Access Path,Fareham
(SU582055) where the following observations were made: Marbled White
(6 "flying in low scrub at edge of golf course and creek"),
Gatekeeper (2 "as above"). "My wife and I have never seen marbled
whites, before,then get six at one go!".
Mr D W Hunt (BC123210) reports from Our Garden in Stubbington (SU550033) where the following observations were made: Privet Hawkmoth (1 "Resting on fence.").
 |
|
Privet Hawkmoth |
Monday 28th June
Mark Hallett reports from Osborne Isle of Wight
(SZ517948) where the following observations were made: Small White
(1), Large White (3), Common Blue (2), Large Skipper (1), Dingy
Skipper (1 "fresh"), Small Heath (20), Meadow Brown (300), Marbled
White (85), Speckled Wood (15).
Richard Symonds reports from Straits Inclosure, Alice Holt
Forest (SU806401) where the following observations were made: Purple Hairstreak
(1), Silver-washed Fritillary (130), White Admiral (60 "Including
ab.obliterae"), Red Admiral (4), Comma (1), Meadow Brown (84), Ringlet (70),
Speckled Wood (2), Large Skipper (23), Small Skipper (6). "On my first visit to
Straits Inclosure at Alice Holt Forest this year, the temperature was a balmy
25.5°C. Within minutes of arriving just before 10am I saw a single Purple
Hairstreak at rest on bramble. Walking down the main track most of the sallows
have been removed, however Silver Washed Fritillary's and White Admirals were
flying in good numbers with Ringets and Meadow Browns in the grassy areas. Alas
no Purple Emperors, but two Silver Washed Fritillary's, a Comma and a White
Admiral were imbibing moisure from a small ditch halfway along the track. Having
walked to the end of the main track, on the return past the first observation!
tower I was surprised by the apperance of an aberration of the White Admiral.
This specimen had only a trace of white "smudging" on the wings. I managed to
get several photos, including underside views. This I have identified as
ab.obliterae (Robson & Gardner) not the usual "Black Admiral" (ab.nigrina).
 |
 |
|
Purple Hairstreak | White Admiral ab
obliterae |
Richard Symonds reports from Goose Green Inclosure,
Alice Holt Forest (SU806415) where the following observations were
made: Silver-washed Fritillary (6), Red Admiral (1), Ringlet (1),
Speckled Wood (2), Large Skipper (2). "A brief trip to Goose Green
to see if any Purple Emeperors were flying. No signs of them. Some
tree felling has taken place with log stacks now occuping an area
where there was a lot of bramble, which also gave a good vantage
point to watch the Purple Emperors near the "master tree". Most of
the long grassy areas have now also been lost to log stacks.".
Richard Symonds reports from Broxhead Common (SU803325) where the following observations were made: Silver-studded Blue (19 "16 Males 3 Females"). "A quick walk around Broxhead Common on the way home from Alice Holt Forest. I only covered a short distance, but Silver Studded Blues were scattered widley with no single place where you would see more than two or three.
Near a pond many dagonflies and damselflies were very active. I counted four male Broad Bodied Chasers with a single female, a female Golden Ringed Dragonfly and many Common Blue Damselflies including a mating pair.".
 |
|
Silver-studded Blue |
Andrew Bolton reports from Plant centre, Wolverton
Common (SU554588) where the following observations were made: Small
Tortoiseshell (1).
Neil Ludford reports from Portsdown Hill (SU662063)
where the following observations were made: Marbled White (7 "1
mating pair observed"), Small Skipper (1).
Tony Baines writes: "Visited the main assembly
area at Goose Green Old Car Park this afternoon and was lucky enough
to see three male Purple Emperors
flying in and around the chestnut trees. Hopefully they will be the
first of many across the county this summer."
Sunday 27th June
Stuart Read reports from Parkhurst Forest (SZ478911)
where the following observations were made: Comma (2), Large Skipper
(21), Large White (3), Meadow Brown (100), Red Admiral (2), Small
Heath (2), Speckled Wood (4), Silver-washed Fritillary (6), White
Admiral (9). "quite patchy; there are some very good spots in the
forest, but some rides are completely devoid of butterflies.".
Stuart Read reports from albany prison (SZ482900)
where the following observations were made: Small Tortoiseshell (4),
Meadow Brown (25). "the small tortoiseshells aere feeding on
thistles and brambles on waste ground adjacent to the prison.".
Ashley Whitlock writes from: "Portsdown Hill
Transect 26 June 2010 Walked around the transect route for an hour
in the very early morning bfore it got too hot and the following
butterflies were observed: Meadow Brown (14) Comma (1) Large Skipper
(14) Marbled White (105) very common over most of the Down, Common
Blue (2) Orange Tip (1) Speckled Wood (6) Ringlet (1) Small Blue (1)
Small Tortoseshell (1) Small White (1).
Meon Valley 27 June 2010 Comma (1) Small White (4) Small
Tortoiseshell (4) Meadow Brown ((40) Common Blue (10) Small Heath
(50+) Marbled White (40) Small Blue (27) Ringlet (18) Large Skipper
(12) Small Skipper (1)
Alice Holt Forest 27 June Silver-Washed Fritillary (6) White
Admiral (1) Purple Hairstreak (2) Meadow Brown (50+) Ringlet (3)
Common Blue (2) Large Skipper (6) Small Skipper (3) Small White (1)
No Purple Emperor on the wing yet...although they should be!
Broxhead Common I counted over (50) Silver-Studded Blues in about
5 minutes near the cricket pitch , with not alot else on the wing.
Too hot.
Peter Hunt reports from High Down,isle of Wight
(SZ311861) where the following observations were made: Dark Green
Fritillary (3 "Three together 'duelling' at times"), Large Skipper
(10), Painted Lady (1), Small Heath (0).
 |
 |
|
Dark Green Fritillary | Dark Green Fritillary |
Stuart Read reports from Carisbrooke Castle
(SZ486878) where the following observations were made: Marbled White
(28), Large Skipper (2), Common Blue (6), Meadow Brown (100
"literally hundreds!"). "This is a prime butterfly habitat. The
moats are full of majoram, knapweed, trefoil and vetch. Super site
throughout the butterfly season!".
Stuart Read reports from st george's down (SZ505880)
where the following observations were made: Large Skipper (10),
Marbled White (9), Meadow Brown (100 "lots!"), Small Tortoiseshell
(5), Red Admiral (2), Small Heath (8). "My survey was conducted in
the field above the old quarry. Gravel is sill extracted from the
hillside and the site bears the scars of its industrial past. But
nature has adapted to the changes that have taken place and this is
another great place for butterflies. The disused quarry supports a
large colony of chalkhill blues and the buddleia bushes on the top
of the hill attract large numbers of red admirals, peacocks and
painted ladies when hey are in bloom.".
Dave Miller reports from Alice Holt (Willow's Green) (SU817417) where the following observations were made: Silver-washed Fritillary (5 "including mating pair"), Meadow Brown (5), Large Skipper (15 "perhaps more"), Speckled Wood (10). "No White Admirals or Ringlets seen, unlike the same day last year. The amorous SWF were watched from first encounter to settling in a sallow about 15 feet up. This took all of two minutes, via an amazing high speed spiralling flight in and out of the trees.".
 |
|
Silver-washed Fritillary |
Mark Hallett reports from Walters copse Isle of
Wight (SZ431905) where the following observations were made: White
Admiral (20), Silver-washed Fritillary (4), Purple Hairstreak (5),
Large Skipper (3), Speckled Wood (50), Marbled White (1), Meadow
Brown (50).
Mark Hallett reports from Newtown Isle of Wight
(SZ420906) where the following observations were made: Large
Tortoiseshell (1 "same area as one seen March 2009").
Mr D W Hunt (BC123210) reports from Our Garden in
Stubbington (SU550033) where the following observations were made:
Meadow Brown (1).
Saturday 26th June
Geoff Jones writes from North Browndown / Alver
Valley: "Numerous Small and Large Skippers; Meadow Brown 5;
Common Blue 2; Small Heath 4; and last and by no means least, a
pristine White Admiral 1 - my first for this area this year."
Karen White reports from Church Place Inclosure (SU337095) where the following observations were made: White Admiral (1 "I spotted this one first flying high in the canopy and was delighted when after a few minutes watching it landed near enough for a photo.").
 |
|
White Admiral |
John Vetterlein reports from Peartree Common
(SU440119) where the following observations were made: White-letter
Hairstreak (4 "possibly more, but definitely 4 in flight at same
time."), Marbled White (9).
Peter Gardner writes from West Wood: "we were
wilting even the docks were wilting nice to be in the woods
silverwashed m 5 ringlets 8 speck wood 6 meadow browns 15
large skippers 9"
 |
 |
 |
|
Silver-washed Fritillary | Silver-washed Fritillary |
Ringlet |
Paul Crook reports from Straits Enclosure (SU804400 (approx)) where the following observations were made: Silver-washed Fritillary (20), White Admiral (12), Speckled Wood (4), Large Skipper (5), Small White (1).
 |
|
White Admiral |
Chris Hall reports from Eelmoor (SU 84 53) where the
following observations were made: Large Skipper (9), Small Skipper
(11 "emerged this week"), Green Hairstreak (1 "a late date for this
site"), Common Blue (4 "all but disappeared during the last ten
days"), Silver-studded Blue (16), Speckled Wood (7), Meadow Brown
(70), Small Heath (45 "now recovering after the two awful summers of
2007/08"), Ringlet (1), Cinnabar (2), Six-spot
Burnet (21).
Andrew Bolton reports from Set aside field, Pudding
Hill, Baughurst. (SU 572604) where the following observations were
made: Large Skipper (28 "The most I've seen for a few years."),
Small Skipper (14), Marbled White (16 "very good for a few acres of
rough set aside."), Ringlet (18), Meadow Brown (21), Comma (2),
Silver-washed Fritillary (1), White Admiral (1 "not surprising as
site is surrounded by small copses."), Speckled Wood (7),
Green-veined White (1).
Friday 25th June
Alan Thornbury reports from Alice Holt Forest: The
week of fine weather is encouraging a rapid emergence of both
Silver-washed Fritillaries and White Admirals in the Straits
Inclosure. This afternoon I saw 12 White Admirals and around 40
Silver-washed Fritillaries along the main track, with the hotspot
being the bramble flowers close to the first observation tower.
 |
 |
 |
|
Silver-washed Fritillary | Silver-washed Fritillary |
White Admiral |
Peter Hunt reports from Parkhurst Forest,Isle of Wight (SZ475896) where the following observations were made: Common Blue (1), Green Hairstreak (1), Large Skipper (15), Large White (1), Marbled White (2), Meadow Brown (20), Red Admiral (1), Ringlet (1), Silver-washed Fritillary (1), Speckled Wood (3), White Admiral (2 "fleeting").
 |
 |
 |
|
Marbled White | Ringlet |
Silver-washed Fritillary |
Paul Crook reports from Land next to Tesco's car
park, Aldershot (SU857508) where the following observations were
made: Common Blue (2), Large Skipper (5), Meadow Brown (2), Small
Skipper (2), Burnet Companion (1), Six-spot
Burnet (1), Speckled Wood (1). "These sightings were made on
land on which planning permission has been sought to build a new
shopping centre (the Westgate Centre) in Aldershot. Whilst the
regeneration of Aldershot is important it would seem a shame to lose
this (albeit overgrown) site to yet more shops etc.".
Mark Hallett reports from Compton Chine (SZ366851)
where the following observations were made: Dark Green Fritillary
(1), Glanville Fritillary (1), Common Blue (50), Small Blue (1),
Small Copper (4), Meadow Brown (50), Small Heath (5), Small
Tortoiseshell (1).
gary palmer reports from becton bunny (sz 253 927)
where the following observations were made: Small Tortoiseshell (1),
Small Skipper (1), Wall (1). "found wall inside the bunny for the
second year running.".
Dr David Tinling & Mick Langridge report from Sandhill,Browndown North (SZ578996) where the following observations were made: Essex Skipper (3 "Photographed by Mick"). "These were basking in the early evening sun along with 25+ Small Skippers and 10 or so Marbled Whites.".
 |  |
| No description | No description |
Thursday 24th June
Mark Hallett reports from Osborne Isle of Wight
(SZ518949) where the following observations were made: Marbled White
(1 "first of the year"), Small Heath (30), Meadow Brown (100),
Common Blue (20), Large White (1).
Geoff Jones writes from Titchfield Haven:
"Seen this afternoon by Richard Tratt (Butterfly Artist) and his
wife - Purple Hairstreak 2 which could well be the first for our
area."
Chris Hall reports from Aldershot Common (SU 83 50) where the
following observations were made: Large Skipper (5), Small Heath (2),
Silver-studded Blue (112), Clouded Buff (3).
"Following a heavy session of desk work my reward was to visit Aldershot Common
for the silver-studded blues. Unfortunately by 2.30 it had clouded over so they
were not very active. However, with perseverance I counted 112 on the heath
between Caesar's Camp and Bourley Road (SU 83 50),including seven females and a
mating pair. Continuing across the heath east of Caesar's Camp I added another
58 in SU 8450, 20 in SU 8449 and 44 in SU 8349. Total 234. As only 10% were
females, the butterflies were mostly inactive and this was not a systematic
search of all suitable habitat, the true population must be well up in the
hundreds.".
Peter Hunt reports from Five Barrows,Brook,Isle of Wight (SZ412852) where the following observations were made: Dingy Skipper (5), Common Blue (5), Glanville Fritillary (10), Green Hairstreak (1), Large Skipper (6), Meadow Brown (20), Painted Lady (1), Red Admiral (1), Small Heath (10), Small Tortoiseshell (1).
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 |
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Small Tortoiseshell | Glanville
Fritillary |
Andrew Bolton reports from Silchester Common (SU
618623) where the following observations were made: Silver-studded
Blue (27 "seen in 15 minutes, around two thirds male, one third
female."), Small Heath (3), Peacock (1). "a brief lunchtime visit.".
Sue Thomas reports from 5 Compton Cottages, SO20 6QP
(SU361297) where the following observations were made: Purple
Emperor (1).
Wednesday 23rd June
Roger Pendell reports from Magdalen Hill Down (SU505292) where the following observations were made: Marbled White (66), Common Blue (80), Meadow Brown (71), Small Tortoiseshell (2), Small White (1), Ringlet (6), Large Skipper (4), Small Heath (7).
Stuart Read reports from Parkhurst Forest (SZ473914) where the following observations were made: Common Blue (1), Large Skipper (22), Large White (2), Marbled White (1), Meadow Brown (100 "too many to count!"), Red Admiral (1), Small Heath (1), Speckled Wood (3), White Admiral (3), Silver-washed Fritillary (2).
Andrew Brookes found more than 20 White-letter
Hairstreaks during a lunchtime visit to the grounds of 1000
Lakeside, IBM's HQ in Portsmouth, where the colony survives on
clumps of suckering Dutch Elm, and a specimen of the American hybrid
cultivar 'Regal', previously misidentified as 'Sapporo Autumn Gold'.
Andrew Brookes reports: An evening perambulation at
Boarhunt woods near Wickham found my first White Admiral and S-w
Fritillary of the year. Kay Boyes reports 'numerous' Small
Tortoiseshells on 'Bowles Mauve' wallflowers in her Fareham garden.
Martin Hampton reports from Petersfield Heath
(SU755228) where the following observations were made: Large Skipper
(4).
Tuesday 22nd June
gary palmer reports from shirley holms (sz 296 984) where the following observations were made: Small Tortoiseshell (1), Small White (1 "female"), Speckled Wood (1), Common Blue (2 "male"), Meadow Brown (7), Silver-studded Blue (1 "(male, first ive ever seen within the garden) "). "all above found in the garden at shirley holms.".
mark swann reports from testwood lakes (SU346153) where the following observations were made: Marbled White (3 "first seen on 20 june"), Large Skipper (20), Small Tortoiseshell (25), Painted Lady (3 "one egg laying"), Meadow Brown (50), Common Blue (3), Comma (5). "testwood lake meadows are heaving scores of meadow browns and small tortoiseshells everywhere. large skippers are doing well this year also
scarlet tigers ( came out friday)5 and 6 spot burnets and straw dot moths not to mention all the odonata on the wing".
Mark Pike reports from Martin Down (wooded area opposite side of car-park) (SU032204 (approx)) where the following observations were made: Brimstone (4), Brown Argus (1), Common Blue (10), Dark Green Fritillary (5), Green Hairstreak (1), Green-veined White (1), Grizzled Skipper (1), Large Skipper (30), Marbled White (1), Meadow Brown (10), Red Admiral (1), Ringlet (1), Silver-washed Fritillary (4), Small Blue (1), Small Heath (40), Small Tortoiseshell (3), Speckled Wood (7), White Admiral (1). "Visited between 09.00am and 12.15pm.".
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Dark Green Fritillary | Ringlet |
Silver-washed Fritillary |
Terry Hotten writes: "I made an early visit to
Strait's Enclosure this morning to see how the changes had affected
the coming Purple Emperor season. The main ride is now more open and
sunny and was appreciated by the dozen or so Silver-washed
Fritillaries who were belting up and down. I can understand Matthew
Oates' comments about the probable numbers of Purple Emperors this
year and I would expect White admiral numbers to be down as well,
but judging from the SWFs I would expect butterflies to fly in from
the surrounding woodland. Apart from the SWFs I also saw a couple of
worn Red Admirals as well as Meadow Browns and Speckled Woods in low
numbers. However it seemed to be hatching day
for hundreds of probably Green Oak Tortrix Moths that I was unable
to get an image of for identification and an thus open to correction
as this seems rather late for the species. Yesterday I was
able to find about 10 Silver-studded Blues at Hazeley Heath."
Barry Collins writes: "A late afternoon cycle
ride around the tracks in Havant Thicket (SU710110).Produced 52
Large Skipper,35 Meadow Brown,5 Common Blue,4 Specked Wood and 2
male Brimstone."
Chris Hall reports from Marwell (SU 50 21) where the
following observations were made: Meadow Brown (102), Large Skipper
(21), Small Skipper (1 "Field by Horsham Copse, the first I have
seen this summer."), Speckled Wood (12), Marbled White (8), Common
Blue (3), Ringlet (2 "margins of Horsham Copse"), Small White (3),
Red Admiral (1), Silver-washed Fritillary (1 "Along west margin of
Horsham Copse, SU 501221"), Small Tortoiseshell (8 "On thistle and
blackberry flowers. The eight seen today is more than double the
total I have seen near home in NE Hampshire all year."),
Silver Y (1), Six-spot Burnet (9), Hornet (1).
"The above recorded during a walk through woodland, wood margins and
a large field just west of Marwell.".
Monday 21st June
gary palmer reports from wootton coppice (sz 243 998) where the following observations were made: Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary (3 "1 female 2 male"), Red Admiral (3), Small Tortoiseshell (1), Large Skipper (1). "took a late evening walk in the coppice from 6.15 pm for an hour and found the above.".
Mick Langridge reports from North Browndown (SZ578996) where the following observations were made: Marbled White (1), Large Skipper (1), Small Heath (2), Small Skipper (2), Meadow Brown (3), Speckled Wood (3), Common Blue (2). "This Marbled White swooped over the hedgerow without stopping. The Large Skipper was a little scruffy and although not my sharpest photo,check out the proboscis. Lucky photo or good technique?".
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Marbled White | Large Skipper |
Mick Langridge reports from Gilkicker (SZ607975) where the following observations were made: Marbled White (1 "Three grabbed photos and it was gone"), Meadow Brown (2), Common Blue (3), Holly Blue (1), Small Heath (2), Speckled Wood (1). "This was sighted where I regularly saw Marbled White's last year.".
Roger Pendell reports from Alice Holt Straits Inclosure (SU806401) where the following observations were made: Large Skipper (4), Meadow Brown (2),
White Admiral (1), Ringlet (1), Silver-washed Fritillary (3).
Richard Symonds reports from Chalton Down (SU736156) where the following observations were made: Small White (2), Speckled Wood (2), Meadow Brown (3), Small Heath (6), Common Blue (10 "9 Male 1 Female"), Holly Blue (1 "A female dead in a spider web"), Large Skipper (2), Dingy Skipper (1),
Common Carpet (2), Six Spot Burnet (1), Six Spot Burnet (4 Larva),
Narrow-bordered Five Spot Burnet (1), Pyrausta aurata (3). "Weather was hot and humid with the temperature of 20°C. Due to the humidity it did not seem to be so hot, which may account for why there seemed to be little flying compared to other days. A surprise was photographing what I thought was a Six Spot Burnet moth only to get home and count the spots. I have not recorded a Five Spot Burnet before at this site. Six Spot larva were evident and appeared to be finding suitable sites for pupation.".
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 |
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Large Skipper |
Narrow-bordered Five Spot Burnet |
GBE reports from back garden (SU80335524) where the following observations were made: Small Tortoiseshell (1).
Mike Wildish reports from Anton Lakes North (SU 362 475) where the following observations were made: Marbled White (2), Small Tortoiseshell (6).
Tim Doran reports from IBM Lake (SU649053) where the following observations were made:
White-letter Hairstreak (4 "in usual elms along northern perimeter (near entrance roundabout) of IBM site in Cosham this morning"). "Two Marbled Whites nearby were first at this site this year".
John Vetterlein reports from Beauliel Heath
(SU004355) where the following observations were made:
Silver-studded Blue (90), Small Heath (15). "There were at least 90
S-s Blues, gave up counting there were so many. Did do a short sex
survey in one small area, result M = 27, F = 3".
Sunday 20th June
Lyndon Hatfield reports from Footpath between Upham and Street End (SU545204) where the following observations were made: Marbled White (1), Common Blue (5), Meadow Brown (12), Small Tortoiseshell (5), Large White (3). "Records were from grassland south-east of Big Path farm.".
Robin Harley reports from Friar's Cliff, Christchurch (VC11) (SZ1992) where the following observations were made: Small Skipper (1).
gary palmer reports from barton common (sz 248 932) where the following observations were made: Small Heath (36), Meadow Brown (18 "1 female"), Common Blue (6 "1 female"), Small Tortoiseshell (5), Large Skipper (4), cinnabar moth (1), yellow shell (3). "had a mid morning walk around barton common and down into becton bunny i found the above.
good to see 5 small tortoiseshell, one of which was an abberation.".
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Small Tortoiseshell |
Stuart Read reports from St Helens Green (SZ628890) where the following observations were made: Small Tortoiseshell (1 "seen while playing cricket!").
Andrew Brookes found Small Tortoiseshells the
commonest butterflies on the wing, four nectaring on a Buddleja
globosa at Longstock Garden Nursery, another 4 along a nettle-strewn
ditch at Boarhunt, and one basking on the west wall of Winchester
Cathedral.
Paul Beevers reports from Cliddesden (SU636495): 3
Small Tortoiseshells "2 of them were together and the third about 30
yards further on. They were on or hugging the tall hedge line along
the old railway."
Saturday 19th June
Geoff Dawson reports from Martin Down (SU036199) where the following observations were made:
Dark Green Fritillary (1). "On our way home from a successful trip to Collard Hill, my daughter Amethyst and I had a quick look in at Martin Down.Within a few yards of the main A354 carpark we came across a very fresh Dark Green fritillary.".
Stuart Read reports from arreton down (SZ535870) where the following observations were made: Common Blue (5), Large Skipper (1), Marbled White (2), Meadow Brown (20), Red Admiral (1), Small Heath (7). "It was a breezy day and most butterflies were found on the lower, sheltered slopes of the Down.".
Stuart Read reports from St George's Down (SZ508873) where the following observations were made: Small Tortoiseshell (9), Large Skipper (3), Meadow Brown (10), Painted Lady (3), Red Admiral (3), Speckled Wood (2). "Are we witnessing the renaissance of the small tortoiseshell? It has once again seemed like a common butterfly this past week.".
gary palmer reports from wootton coppice (sz 243 998) where the following observations were made:
Dark Green Fritillary (1 "male"), Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary (4 "male"), Common Blue (1 "male"), Large Skipper (3). "had another brisk walk along the main ride asnd in too the clearings again this time early this morning and was rewarded with my first dark green frit of the year.".
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Dark Green Fritillary | Small
Pearl-bordered Fritillary |
gary palmer reports from shirley holms (sz 296 986) where the following observations were made: Small Heath (1), Silver-studded Blue (54 "only 2 female, all looked fresh"). "after walking around wootton coppice this morning i made a visit to the heath at shirley holms and found a good number of fresh silver studded blue, the hatch being somewhat later than the last few seasons.".
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Silver-studded Blue | Silver-studded Blue |
Silver-studded Blue |
Mr David W Hunt (BC123210) reports from Our garden
in Stubbington (SU550033) where the following observations were
made: Large White (1), Peacock (1).
Friday 18th June
Lyndon Hatfield reports from Brownwich Cliffs (SU523029) where the following observations were made: Common Blue (2), Small Tortoiseshell (3), Small White (2), Speckled Wood (3),
6-spot Burnet (100 "Every open knapweed flower had 2 or more moths. Pupal cases with discared lavrval mouthparts very
common, as well as some unhatched cases."). "I am seeing Small Tortoiseshells on almost every walk!".
Tim Doran reports from Portsdown Hill (SU645065) where the following observations were made:
Marbled White (1 "My first of year").
gary palmer reports from wootton coppice (sz 243 998) where the following observations were made: Meadow Brown (3 "male"), Common Blue (2 "male"), Large Skipper (6), Brimstone (4 "male"), Red Admiral (1), Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary (3 "male"). "had a walk through the main ride and clearings in the inclosure at mid day. not anywhere as prolific as this time last year, but found the above".
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Brimstone | Brimstone larva |
Large Skipper |
Dave Pearson reports from Chineham Business Park
(SU650550) where the following observations were made:
Purple Hairstreak (1
"Top of small Oak tree outside my office window!").
Andrew Bolton reports from Whitchurch allotments (SU
459486) where the following observations were made: Common Blue (8),
Large Skipper (8), Meadow Brown (5), Green-veined White (3), Small
White (1), Speckled Wood (1).
Thursday 17th June
Robin Harley reports from New Milton Garden (SZ239946) where the following observations were made: Brimstone Moth (2 "came to light"), Buff Ermine (1 "came to light"), Common Marbled Carpet (1 "came to light"), Dark Arches (1 "came to light"), Dark Dagger (1 "came to light"), Double-striped Pug (1 "came to light"), Elephant Hawk-moth (1 "came to light"), Eyed Hawk-moth (1 "came to light"), Flame Shoulder (2 "came to light"), Green Pug (1 "came to light"), Large Yellow-underwing (2 "came to light"), Middle-barred Minor (2 "came to light"), Riband Wave (1 "came to light"), Silver-y (2 "came to light"), Small Emerald (1 "came to light"), Small Magpie (1 "came to light"), The Flame (1 "came to light"), The Snout (1 "came to light"), The Spectacle (1 "came to light"), Treble Brown Spot (1 "came to light"). "Also Willow Beauty (3)".
Anne McCue reports from Browndown North (SU577009) where the following observations were made: Small Skipper (1 "Male,seen in Orchid Meadow").
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Small Skipper | Small Skipper |
Tim Graham reports from Hursley (SU419245) where the
following observations were made: Meadow Brown (7), Speckled Wood
(2), Broad-bodied Chaser Dragonfly (1 "Female"),
Hornet (1).
Peter Eeles reports from Silchester Common (SU620623) where the following observations were made: Silver-studded Blue (40), Small Heath (12). "I decided to pay a visit to Silchester Common this morning, on the lookout for Silver-studded Blue. Once I'd found the right spot, they were everywhere, an estimated 40 in total, with several mating pairs, as well as several adults drying their wings, having just emerged. I didn't see that many black ants, although would loved to have seen some in attendance! I also bumped into Graham Dennis, warden of Silchester Common and Pamber Forest, and had a good natter about the season. Great company!".
stuart read reports from newport-sandown cycleway
(SZ517846) where the following observations were made: Small
Tortoiseshell (7), Speckled Wood (7), Small White (1). "The small
tortoiseshells were on the section of the cycleway between
Blackwater and Merstone Station. I hear that there have been good
numbers recorded elsewhere on the Island - good news for this
beautiful butterfly after a number of poor seasons."
Richard Symonds reports from Chalton Down (SU736156) where the following observations were made: Brimstone (2 "1 Male 1 Female"), Small Tortoiseshell (2), Small Heath (11), Speckled Wood (2), Common Blue (29 "25 Male 4 Female"), Holly Blue (1), Large Skipper (6), Dingy Skipper (2), Burnet Companion (1). "Sightings were made over a period of an hour with the temperature reaching 21°C. The pair of Small Tortoiseshell's were fresh.".
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Large Skipper | Meadow Brown |
Small Tortoiseshell |
Martin Hampton reports from Hayling Billy Track,
Havant (SU720063) where the following observations were made:
Speckled Wood (6); and from River Rother east Petersfield (SU772232)
where the following observations were made: Small Tortoiseshell (2).
Alan Jafkins writes: "I would like to report
a tatty Buttoned Snout Hypena rostralis to my garden MV
trap at Lovedean, a first site record.
Tim Graham reports from (SU509323) where the
following observations were made: Orange-tip (4
"18:00. 2 pairs"), Stag Beetle (1 " 19:00. Male: fully grown
(Lucanus cervus)"), Banded Demoiselle (8), Somatochlora metallica -
Brillia (2 "Feeding on mayflies").
Wednesday 16th June
GBE reports from Caesars Camp (SU840505) where the following observations were made: Green Hairstreak (1), Common Blue (2), Red Admiral (1),
Cinnabar moth (1).
Andrew Bolton reports from Ashford Hill Meadows NNR
(SU562621) where the following observations were made: Large Skipper
(3), Common Blue (2 "one male, one female."), Meadow Brown (2),
Small Tortoiseshell (1), Chimney Sweeper (7).
"During an early evening visit I found the meadows looking their
stunning best in the summer sun. A lovely mix of Orchids, Dyer's
Greenweed, Marsh Thistles, Bedstraw, Bird's-foot Trefoil and many
more.".
Andrew Bolton reports from Roundwood Estate,
Micheldever Station. (SU 509441) where the following observations
were made: Brimstone (2 "a mating pair"), Common Blue (3), Small
Heath (1 "an interesting find - appears to be the first record from
this 10k square for at least a decade."), Large White (1), Small
White (1), Large Skipper (2).
Tuesday 15th June
Andrew Brookes and Mike Gwilliam were given a
police-escorted tour of the Bedenham Grasslands at Defence Munitions
Gosport today, but found butterflies few and far between. Highlights
were Grizzled Skippers (2), Small Heath (2), Small Copper (1).
Common Blues and Speckled Woods more plentiful, but the only
harbingers of summer were a dozen Meadow Browns. The site is a most
atypical Grizzled Skipper habitat, low lying grassland on clay, but
carpeted in places by Cinquefoil. Small Heath numbers remain very
low, and the insect is now a cause for concern.
Richard Symonds reports from Chalton Down (SU736156) where the following observations were made: Small White (2), Small Heath (2), Meadow Brown (2), Speckled Wood (1), Holly Blue (1), Common Blue (7 "2 Females 5 Males"), Green Hairstreak (2), Dingy Skipper (1 "Very worn and torn wings"), Large Skipper (2), Yellow Shell (1), Galium Carpet (1), Nemophora degeerella (4). "45 minutes were spent, but with a lot of cloud about numbers were low. Sightings of the Meadow Brown and Large Skipper were my firsts for the year. Also saw the colourful hover fly Volucella bombylans var.plumata which is a mimic of the Buff Tailed Bumble Bee (Bombus terrestris.".
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Green Hairstreak | Holly Blue |
Colin Baker reports from Straits Inclosure (SU 802401) where the following observations were made: Large Skipper (8), Red Admiral (1), Speckled Wood (3),
Silver-washed Fritillary (1), Meadow Brown (2). "A short trip from the entrance to "Camilla Corner" at Straits Inclosure today included my first Silver-washed Fritillary of the year busily imbibing on Bramble blossom.
Specled Woods and a single Red Admiral were basking in the dappled sunshine along this interesting walk.
Male and female Beutiful Demoiselles were to be seen in good numbers adding to the pleasure that is the "Straits".
Only 1 moth seen which was a Wood Carpet.".
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Silver-washed Fritillary | Speckled Wood |
Large Skipper |
Peter Hunt reports from Whippingham,Isle of Wight
(SZ5193) where the following observations were made: Large Skipper
(4), Meadow Brown (10), Small White (1), Speckled Wood (6), Small
Tortoiseshell (1).
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Large Skipper | Small Tortoiseshell |
Peter Gardner reports from Broxhead Common:
"dispite gusty wind we saw the following sts 2 silver studed blue
8 large skipper 3 small copper 1"
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Silver-studded Blue | Small Copper |
Mick Langridge reports from Carter's Copse (SU584000) where the following observations were made: Small Tortoiseshell (12 "Newly emerged"). "Following on from my posted photo on 25th April of mating Small Tortoiseshells and then the resultant caterpillers in my posted photo of 17th May (complete with lurking Sturmia Bella fly), I was very pleased to see the fruits of their labours at exactly the same spot today. A coupling-pair were photographed starting the whole cycle again. Although it was a warm day the sun had been hidden for a couple of hours and these twelve were the only butterflies to be seen in the area. In a nearby meadow I saw 30+ Six-spot Burnet moths clustering on a variety of flowers. I had also seen many hundreds of Narrow-bordered Five-spot Burnets a few days earlier on the large open Sandhill area which were clustering on every type of flower and grass in the area.".
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Six-spot Burnet |
Monday 14th June
Mark Hallett reports from Osborne Isle of Wight
(SZ518951) where the following observations were made: Glanville
Fritillary (1), Meadow Brown (75), Small Heath (15), Common Blue
(25).
mark swann reports from the New Forest where the
following observations were made: Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary
(12 "well spread out througth the inclosure").
Sunday 13th June
Stuart Read reports from Parkhurst Forest (SZ471912)
where the following observations were made: Brimstone (1), Holly
Blue (1), Meadow Brown (1), Peacock (1), Red Admiral (2), Small
White (1), Large White (2), Speckled Wood (3).
Peter Hunt reports from Walters Copse,Newtown,Isle
of Wight (SZ420914) where the following observations were made:
Comma (1), Holly Blue (1), Meadow Brown (3), Red Admiral (1),
Speckled Wood (3).
Paul Crook reports from Bentley Station Meadow
(SU793430) where the following observations were made: Small Copper
(2), Green-veined White (1), Common Blue (15), Speckled Wood (2),
Large Skipper (10).
Peter Gardner reports from Abbotstone Down:
"another beautiful day dispite forcast brimstone 7 sts 1 red ad 1
brown argus 25 green hs 4 spec wood 5 -Ringlet
1 com blue 4.*
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| Green Hairstreak |
Large Skipper |
Ringlet |
Mark hallett reports from Arrenton Down Isle of
Wight (SZ536870) where the following observations were made: Adonis
Blue (10), Common Blue (75), Dingy Skipper (5), Painted Lady (1),
Small Tortoiseshell (8), Meadow Brown (10), Small Heath (15).
Richard Carpenter and Heather Anthony reports from
Botley Wood (SU5409) where the following observations were made:
Grizzled Skipper (2), Dingy Skipper (1), Meadow Brown (2), Large
Skipper (10).
Saturday 12th June
Anne McCue reports from Browndown North (SZ582999) where the following observations were made:
Purple Hairstreak (2 "Spotted in Oak Copse").
Mike Wildish reports from Prospect Farm (SU 305 410)
where the following observations were made: Small Tortoiseshell (3),
Large White (2), Green-veined White (3), Small White (1).
Mrs J. Kettle reports from Cheriton (SU582299) where
the following observations were made: Painted Lady (1 "First
sighting this year").
Alan Thornbury reports from the New Forest: A total
of 11 Small Pearl-bordered Fritillaries were seen this afternoon
in a New Forest inclosure. They were feeding on thistles and ragged
robin in two damp clearings, resting on foliage or grass stems
during cloudy spells.
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Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary |
Geoff Jones writes: "Sightings at North
Browndown and the Alver Valley, Gosport - Large Skipper 4; Peacock
worn 1; Speckled Wood 5; Common Blue male 18; Large White 2; Small
Heath 5; Small White 2; Brown Argus (in the Coastal Area) plus the
usual Silver Y and Cinnabar Moths A large number of recently
emerged 5 spot Burnet Moths near Cherque Way."
Peter Hunt reports from Headon Warren,Isle of WIght (SZ305855) where the following observations were made: Painted Lady (1), Red Admiral (1), Wall (2).
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Painted Lady |
Peter Gardner reports from Bentley Wood: "very
good day lots of sun and butterflies small pearls 18 pearls 1 large
skippers 3 brimstones 2 speckled wood 20 dingy skip1"
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Small Pearl-bordered
Fritillary |
Speckled Wood |
Yellow Shell |
Mark Hallett reports from Carrisbrooke castle Isle
of Wight (SZ485876) where the following observations were made:
Small Blue (2), Common Blue (30), Glanville Fritillary (30), Meadow
Brown (5), Wall (6), Small Tortoiseshell (2), Painted Lady (1), Red
Admiral (2), Large Skipper (15); and from Ningwood Isle of Wight
(SZ392902) where the following observations were made: Small
Pearl-bordered Fritillary (8), Meadow Brown (1), Common Blue (50),
Brimstone (1), Grizzled Skipper (6), Dingy Skipper (1), Large
Skipper (3).
Friday 11th June
Andrew Bolton reports from Brook Chine, IOW (SZ
385835) where the following observations were made: Cream-spot Tiger
(1), Six-spot Burnet (2).
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Cream-spot Tiger |
Six-spot Burnet |
Thursday 10th June
Mr D W Hunt (BC123210) reports from Our Garden in
Stubbington (SU550033) where the following observations were made:
Small White (1), Speckled Wood (1).
Wednesday 9th June
Geoff Jones reports from South Browndown where he
saw Small White 3; Green Hairstreak 1; Painted Lady 1; prob Comma 1;
Peacock 1; Holly Blue 1; Common Blue 7 (Coastal Area).
Mother Shipton and Cinnabar Moth 3 Also
a Painted Lady in pristine condition in his garden a.m.
Mark Swann reports from bentley wood east
clearing where he saw broad bordered bee moth, argent and sable
moth, drab looper moth.
Peter Hunt reports from Ningwood Common,isle of Wight (SZ394900) where the following observations were made: Brimstone (2), Common Blue (5), Grizzled Skipper (2), Small Heath (8), Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary (3), Speckled Wood (2). "The weather was much improved today at this sight and the small pearl-bordered fritillaries were very active.
A nightingale was very vocal".
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| Small Pearl-bordered
Fritillary | Grizzled Skipper |
Andrew Bolton reports from Brook Chine, IOW (SZ
385835) where the following observations were made: Glanville
Fritillary (8), Common Blue (12), Dingy Skipper (5), Large Skipper
(1), Brown Argus (2), Small White (1); and from Shippards Chine, IOW
(SZ 375844) where the following observations were made: Small Blue
(2), Small Heath (2), Glanville Fritillary (1), Common Blue (8).
"Plenty of Kidney Vetch colonising the landslip."; and finally from
Freshwater Bay Cliffs, IOW. (SZ 351856) where the following
observations were made: Small Blue (4), Glanville Fritillary (3).
"The remains of a Cream Spot Tiger also seen."
Tuesday 8th June
Peter Hunt reports from Ningwood Common,Isle of Wight (SZ394900) where the following observations were made: Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary (1), Common Blue (2), Grizzled Skipper (1). "On a wet rainy day sightings were few at this excellent sight".
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Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary |
mark swann reports from testwood lakes (SU343156)
where the following observations were made: Dingy Skipper (1 "first
for the site"), Green Hairstreak (1 "female egg laying"), Meadow
Brown (2), Painted Lady (1), Common Blue (15), Green-veined White
(5). "very pleasing to see dingy skipper turn up lots of suitable
habitat for them. a very worn individual would be interesting to
know where it had come from ?".
Lynn Fomison reports seeing a Painted Lady at
Magdalen Hill North at 7pm. Earlier in the day Patrick Fleet had
seen 5. He had also seen about 10 Large Skippers, 8 Small Blues and
2 Grass Rivulets.
David Tinling reports from
Gilkicker(north-west),Gosport (SZ602981) where the following
observations were made: Painted Lady (1)Yellow Shell Moth(BF1742) (1
"disturbed by day") and also from Ann's Hill Cemetery(east),Gosport
(SU602001) where the following observations were made: Large Skipper
(1 "male"), Large White (3 "males"), Small White (3 "males"), Common
Blue (7 ",males"), Holly Blue (6 "males"), Speckled Wood (17),
Zygaena lonicerae(BF171) (6 "Narrow-bordered
Five-spot Burnet taking nectar from meadow vetchling,purple vetch &
cat's-ear"), Mother Shipton Moth (2), Silver Y Moth (1 "flying by
day").
Mr D W Hunt (BC123210) reports from Our Garden in
Stubbington (SU550033) where the following observations were made:
Cinnabar Moth (1 "Resting on Ladys Bedstraw. Last year had lots of
Larva.").
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Cinnabar |
Mr D W Hunt (BC123210) reports from Our Garden in
Stubbington (SU550033) where the following observations were made:
Large White (1).
Monday 7th June
Andrew Brookes reports: Several Small Blues seen on
Kidney Vetch at Castle Shore Park, near Portchester Castle, and one
mile south of Ports Down. 10 Common Blues also seen.
Geoff Jones reports from North Browndown/Alver
Valley, Gosport where he saw Common Blue 20+; Holly Blue 1; Speckled
Wood 2; Small White 4; Large Skipper1 (his first for the year).
David Tinling reports from
Haslar(north-west),Gosport (SZ613986) where the following
observations were made: Cacoecimorpha pronubana(BF985) (2 "Carnation
Tortrix flying in morning sunshine in my garden flashing its orange
underwings"), Lozotaenia forsterana(BF1002) (1 "disturbed by day in
my garden"), Pyrausta aurata(BF1361) (1 "flying in morning sunshine
in my garden").
Andrew Bolton reports from Bonchurch Down, IOW (SZ
574785) where the following observations were made: Adonis Blue (12
"5 of these were female"), Small Heath (3), Dingy Skipper (1),
Painted Lady (1). "A brief morning visit before the weather closed
in.".
Clive Wood reports from St Catherines Hill
(SU483279) where the following observations were made: Small Blue
(25). "(This is simply to record a noteworthy sighting c1month
ago)".
Sunday 6th June
richard brett reports from fields south of Avington
(SU523304) where the following observations were made: Orange-tip
(17), Red Admiral (1), Peacock (2), Painted Lady (1).
Ashley Whitlock writes: Visited today several
meadows one in the New Forest, and one nearer home at Whiteley the
following were observed in the New Forest: Common Blue (11) Small
Pearl-Bordered Fritillary (10) Small Heath (2) Speckled Wood (1)
Small Copper (1) Painted Lady (1) there were
lots of Speckled Yellows and Common Carpets and most of all Lattice
Heath many males and females flying all over the meadow. The
Small-Pearl Bordered is only just emerging, all males seen, as it
was a struggle to count the ten observed. I then went to Whiteley
Pastures an area known as Lee Ground Coppice, here the following
were seen: Large Skipper (1) Brimstone (14) Common Blue (17) Large
White (1) Small Copper (1) Grizzled Skipper (1) Speckled Wood (3)
Painted Lady (1) several areas for assembly points for the Purple
Emperor, were Identified, so I shall be looking at these in the
weeks to come. If other species are to go by hopefully the Purple
Emperor should have a good year as well!....watch this space!
Ian Pratt reports from Ningwood Common (SZ394900)
where the following observations were made: Small Heath (2), Small
Pearl-bordered Fritillary (3).
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Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary |
Tim Graham reports from Alresford (SU584316) where
the following observations were made: Common Blue (2 "Females"). "2
females in suburban garden. At least one was egg laying on birdsfoot
trefoil in the lawn."
kevin rylands reports from Afton Down (SZ367854)
where the following observations were made: Adonis Blue (1), Brown
Argus (1), Common Blue (10), Dingy Skipper (3), Glanville Fritillary
(10), Green Hairstreak (3), Large Skipper (1), Large White (2),
Small Heath (6). "despite the windy conditions".
Richard Carpenter and Heather Anthony reports from
Lower Test Marshes (SU360144) where the following observations were
made: Large Skipper (1 "Our first this year").
Andrew Bolton reports from footpath nr. Rookley,
I.O.W. (SZ 503840) where the following observations were made: Red
Admiral (3), Small Tortoiseshell (1); and from St. Catherines Point,
IOW (SZ 496756) where the following observations were made: Common
Blue (9), Large Skipper (2), Wall (1), Small Copper (2), Dingy
Skipper (5), Red Admiral (1). "A pleasure to see my first Wall Brown
in England for at least 5 years.".
Mr D W Hunt (BC123210) reports from Our Garden in
Stubbington (SU550033) where the following observations were made:
Silver Y Moth (1 "Seen regularly until July 1st"), Yellow Shell Moth
(0 "Seen regularly on Tree Heather to 24 June").
Saturday 5th June
Chris Hall reports from Ively Meadow, Farnborough
(SU 850545) where the following observations were made: Brown Argus
(4 "at SU 8499 5441 and 8503 5448 (GPS)"), Common Blue (26), Green
Hairstreak (1), Painted Lady (1 "My first of 2010; also seen on
Spiraea flowers in Cody Technology Park SU 845539."),
Burnet Companion (16), Silver Y (1).
Jill Lincoln reports from Old Down, Basingstoke
(SU597 488) where the following observations were made: Green-veined
White (1), Orange-tip (6), Peacock (1), Common Blue (6), Speckled
Wood (1), Meadow Brown (2).
Ashley Whitlock writes: "Visited several sites
in the Meon Valley today to see how the Duke of Burgundy was coping
into the first week of June. And on the whole it seems to be doing
rather well. I actually saw it at Old Winchester Hill as well today
in a sparse scrubby area, but it was so nice to see it at a new
site, Ive been looking for it at this site now for many seasons with
out success. Which really goes to prove that persistance does pay
off, and it does look as if there may well be a colony here all but
in very low density, as it was reported here in 2009, and several
sighting's again earlier on in the 2010 season. The full listings
for butterflies seen today are as follows: Small Heath (45) Painted
Lady (1) Duke of Burgundy (19) Brimstone (16) Large White (1) Small
White (11) Green-Veined White (3) Orange Tip (2) Green Hairstreak
(5) Small Copper (1) Small Blue (100+) Common Blue (115) Brown Argus
(2) Dingy Skipper (8) Grizzled Skipper (2)
Burnet Companion (5) Treble Bar, Cinnabar Moths, Silver Y, Common
Carpet's "
Peter Hunt reports from Five Barrows,Brook Down (SZ412852) where the following observations were made: Common Blue (60), Adonis Blue (30), Brown Argus (2), Dingy Skipper (5), Glanville Fritillary (6), Green Hairstreak (1), Grizzled Skipper (2), Orange-tip (1), Small Blue (10), Small Heath (8), Wall (3).
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Glanville Fritillary | Adonis Blue |
Bob Whitmarsh saw a Meadow Brown on the North part
of MHD along with 4 Small Blues - a really nice sighting as Bob had
not seen Small Blue at MHD before. The species has thrived since the
development of MHD North as there is a lot of kidney vetch.
Trevor Carpenter reports that
the time in getting to Hurst Castle wasn't wasted with some great
photo opportunities with the Cream-spotted Tigers including the
attached shot of one depositing eggs and also a Dew Moth.
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Cream-spotted Tiger |
Dew Moth |
Sue Clark writes: "Wandering round our Froyle
garden on Saturday evening after a scorching hot day we counted 18
Silver Y moths nectaring on Red Campion, Sweet Rocket, Aquilegia and
Catmint - a mini invasion! Later on by torchlight we found a mating
pair of Common Swift in our small "wild" front garden.
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Common Swift |
Mark Hallett reports from Newtown Isle of Wight
(SZ420909) where the following observations were made: Glanville
Fritillary (1), Common Blue (150), Dingy Skipper (1), Small Heath
(17), Meadow Brown (1).
Andrew Merrick saw two
Silver-studded Blues on Silchester Common
SU6162, also several White-barred Clearwing.
Marina Christopher reports from Phoenix Perennial
Plants, Medstead (SU47942981) where the following observations were
made: Painted Lady (1 "Flying on nursery"), Common Blue (5), Large
White (1), Small White (1), Peacock (3), Orange-tip (4). "Painted
Lady appeared on 5th June. Also seen on 6th & 7th June".
Kevin Rylands reports from Ventnor (SZ556771) where
the following observations were made: Glanville Fritillary (15),
Common Blue (80), Large White (2).
Mr D W Hunt (BC123210) reports from Our Garden in
Stubbington (SU550033) where the following observations were made:
Common Blue (1 "Feeding on Buttercup").
Friday 4th June
Ian Pratt reports from Brading Down (SZ600867) where
the following observations were made: Dingy Skipper (1), Small Heath
(3), Speckled Wood (2); and from Branstone (SZ556834) where the
following observations were made: Painted Lady (2), Large White (1),
Large Skipper (1). "First Painted Ladies for me this year."/p>
richard brett reports from MHD (SU512292) where the
following observations were made: Green Hairstreak (2 "These two
down at the foot of the down, foraging along the newly cut path.
None that I saw up at the top where a few days ago there were so
many."), Common Blue (50 "Too many to count"), Small Heath (8 "Down
at the west end of the original reserve at the botoom, and some up
on the north down near rhe big chalk scrape"), Large White (12 "or
could have been small whites or female green-veined"), Orange-tip
(8), Brown Argus (9 "all at the eastern end of the original reserve
in the usual colony").
gary palmer reports from shirley holms (sz 296 984)
where the following observations were made: Holly Blue (2), Common
Blue (2), Small Copper (1), Large White (3), Small White (2),
Brimstone (2 "female"). "all found in the garden at shirley holms".
Lynn Fomison reports seeing a Large Skipper in her
Ropley garden
Dave Miller reports from Martin Down (SU040195)
where the following observations were made: Grizzled Skipper (3),
Dingy Skipper (6), Adonis Blue (25 "estimate"), Common Blue (15
"estimate"), Brown Argus (10 "estimate"), Small Blue (15
"estimate"), Small Heath (15 "estimate"), Brimstone (6 "1m, 5f").
"Very warm (26 degrees) and sunny, stiff breeze. Very difficult to
count the numbers of the small species, hence estimates above for
many. Mating pair of Small Heath noted, and female Adonis Blue
crawling through the grass rather than taking to the air.".
Andrew Bolton reports from Paddock at Axmansford (SU
566607) where the following observations were made: Small Copper
(1), Common Blue (2).
Thursday 3rd June
Peter Hunt reports from Parkhurst Forest (SZ475896) where the following observations were made: Wall (1), Pearl-bordered Fritillary (1), Glanville Fritillary (1), Brimstone (5), Small Heath (2).
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Glanville Fritillary |
mark swann reports from portsdown hill (SU618071)
where the following observations were made: Painted Lady (2 "20:00
last night"), Common Blue (20); and from Martin Down where he saw a
Meadow Brown.
richard brett reports from MHD (SU512291) where the
following observations were made: Green Hairstreak (4), Brown Argus
(2), Common Blue (50 "too many to count. Females very shy"),
Orange-tip (2), Small Heath (3). "Another reaaly hot day, but breezy
up on the hill".
gary palmer reports from barton common (sz 248 932) where the following observations were made: Common Blue (8 "all male"), Small Heath (34), Holly Blue (3), Green Hairstreak (6), Small White (2), Large White (1),
cinnabar moth (1), common swift (1), brown silverline (3), mother shipton (1). "all found on a mid afternoon walk around the common".
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Small Heath | Green Hairstreak |
Common Swift |
Jill Lincoln reports from Old Down, Basingstoke (SU597 488) where
the following observations were made: Purple Emperor (1 Larva "Found
by Moth experts").
Mark Hallett reports from Whale Chine Isle of Wight
(SZ469780) where the following observations were made: Glanville
Fritillary (20), Common Blue (50).
Mr D W Hunt (BC123210) reports from Our Garden in
Stubbington (SU550033) where the following observations were made:
Large White (1).
John Vetterlein reports from Keyhaven - seawall (SU316915) where the following observations were made: Wall (9), Common Blue (8), Green Hairstreak (1). "Also, 4 x unidentified moth (will submit photo) all feeding on Birdsfoot Trefoil at 4pm".
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Unknown moth |
Wednesday 2nd June
Mark Hallett reports from Osborne Isle of Wight
(SZ518948) where the following observations were made: Common Blue
(160 "my best count in the hay meadows"), Small Heath (1),
Orange-tip (1), Large White (2), Small White (4); and from
Porchfield Isle of wight (SZ447912) where the following observations
were made: Purple Hairstreak (1 "first of the year"); and finally
Needles headland Isle of Wight (SZ303850) where the following
observations were made: Common Blue (200 "several large groups going
to roost along cliff edge"), Dingy Skipper (65 "best count by far
for this site"), Glanville Fritillary (6), Small Heath (4).
Mike Wildish reports from Tracks N of Charlton (SU
352 482) where the following observations were made: Orange-tip (2),
Speckled Wood (1), Green-veined White (3), Small White (1). /p>
Geoff Jones took a morning walk around South
Browndown /Coastal Area, Lee on the Solent and saw the following:
Green Hairstreak 2; Small White 8; Large White 4; Holly Blue 1;
Common Blue 10+.
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Common Blue |
Common Blue |
Richard Symonds reports from Chalton Down (SU736156) where the following observations were made: Brimstone (8 "5 Females 3 Males"), Orange-tip (2 "Males"), Small White (1), Small Heath (6), Red Admiral (1), Common Blue (46 "43 Males 3 Females"), Green Hairstreak (3), Brown Argus (4), Dingy Skipper (10), Grizzled Skipper (4),
Burnet Companion (3), Pyrausta aurata (9). "I spent an hour at Chalton Down with cloudless sky with bright sunshine. The temperature was 20°C when I left at midday. Common Blues were everywhere, with some Dingy and Grizzled Skippers still flying. Over the past week I have noticed the drop in numbers of Orange Tips so was pleased to see a pair of males today. I always hope to see a Green Hairstreak at this site each year so was more than happy to see three individuals.".
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Brown Argus | Green Hairstreak |
Grizzled Skipper |
Richard Brett reports from magdalen hill down
(SU512291) where the following observations were made: Green
Hairstreak (2 "didn't look very hard"), Brown Argus (2), Common Blue
(35), Orange-tip (6). "Hot weather, but breezy. Green Hairstreaks
appear to be on the wane up at the top of the east down".
Andrew Bolton reports from A339 roadside nr. Pitt
Hall Farm (SU 558573) where the following observations were made:
Common Blue (3), Brimstone (2), Orange-tip (1), Green-veined White
(1), Small White (1), Peacock (1), Small Tortoiseshell (1).
"Pleasant findings near a roadside layby.".
Mr D W Hunt (BC123210) reports from Our Garden in
Stubbington (SU550033) where the following observations were made:
Large White (1).
Tuesday 1st June
gary plamer reports from wootton coppice (sz 243 998) where the following observations were made: Speckled Wood (1), Brimstone (1 "2 female 1 male"), Holly Blue (1 "male"), Common Blue (1 "female"),
gold swift (1 "male"). "i had a walk mid morning along the main ride, part cloud part sun but still pretty cool butterflys seem well down in the coppice so far this season.".
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Common Blue | Gold Swift |
Peter Gardner writes: "a wind down after a
week on the island' checked on ladysmock patch (698 260) a nice
surprise orange tip pill"
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Orange-tip |
