Followers

Friday 26 June 2020

Marbleous Morning.

Each Summer I really look forward to seeing the lovely Marbled White butterflies flying again as it really is a true sign of long Summer days.

Last year I couldn't find the time to take advantage of my local colonies so I was determined to see them very early in their flight season this year.

I saw my first Marbled Whites this year at the very early date of 4th June when I saw a male and female flying in dull conditions. Despite it being dull though they were very hard to approach as is often the case with this species.

Five days later I was up on the Downs very early to see them waking up. At this point the numbers were still very low, but I really wanted to get some photos of them before they picked up too much wear and tear.

For once the wind was very light which was what I needed for a session such as this as the Marbled White often roosts very high up on the grasses so with any little breeze they are blown about making it very difficult to get pin sharp results especially as the light is still poor at this time.

Although the resulting photographs were not as good as I managed a few years ago I was still really pleased to get some results, especially after missing out last year. I was also able to see the Fox cubs for a final time before they disperse and then back home before 8am for breakfast.













Into the light.



Male Marbled White.

Sunday 21 June 2020

Clearly Clearwings.

Following my first ever UK sightings last year of Clearwing moths I have had several trips out to try and see more species.

With a little help from some friends I  have managed 2 new species so far this year as well as seeing an old favourite from last year.

My first new target was the White-barred Clearwing and with one failed attempt with Nigel I had more detailed instructions from Derek and this put me in a more favourable location and just a few minutes after putting the pheromone out a couple of these little gems were seen. 





White-barred Clearwing.


I then attempted to find the Sallow Clearwing, but was possibly too early in the season for this one, however, whilst I was trying Derek turned up out of the blue and said he was trying for both the Sallow and also the Red-tipped at a site a little further along the footpath. As I didn't have the Red-tipped pheromone I joined him, and although we still failed with the Sallow we were lucky enough to get the Red-tipped Clearwing. Certainly the best looking Clearwing I've seen so far.






Red-tipped Clearwing.


The other Clearwing I've seen this year is the Yellow-legged Clearwing. This species I did see several times last year and is certainly the one that I've seen most of. Yesterday I went to a private woodland and as soon as the pheromone was placed a very fresh individual flew in. It was by far the best individual I've seen of this species and the yellow legs really stood out. Several more were also seen yesterday and several more photographs were taken.



Yellow-legged Clearwing.



A less colourful Yellow-legged Clearwing.




Wednesday 17 June 2020

Another Large Tortoiseshell!!

Back in April during the strict lockdown I found a Large Tortoiseshell just around the corner from my house, and at the time it seemed that it was a once in a lifetime event.

On Sunday, still having to stay pretty close to home, I managed to get out for what was meant to be a quick walk on the patch, which included an attempt at finding a Six-belted Clearwing using a pheromone lure. This was actually unsuccessful, but as I packed the lure away a Scarce Forester flew up. This is the first Forester I've ever seen along the valley as far as I can remember, and certainly the first Scarce. Whether it was attracted in by the pheromone it is difficult to say. However, it was a lovely moth and a great addition to the patch.





Scarce Forester.

It was at this point that I nearly turned around and headed home, but for some reason I went a bit further along the valley, possibly thinking I might see a few Small Blue. (A very good decision)!!

I then did spot a reasonably fresh Small Blue and was about to attempt a photo when a large orange butterfly caught my eye. My immediate thought was a Dark Green Fritillary, but the flight seemed wrong. It then landed on the Bramble and it was clear and obvious that this was a stunning Large Tortoiseshell. For the next couple of hours it continued to perform well, mainly nectaring on the Bramble flowers or resting in a Hawthorn bush. As it was so hot it didn't give many opportunities for an open wing shot, but a few grab shots were taken showing the beautiful top wings. One wing was damaged along the edge, but the colours were very good and a massive improvement on the tired looking specimen from April. With breeding of this very rare butterfly now confirmed in Dorset the chances of running into one has increased enormously.

Finding one of these very rare butterflies is a special event, but to find 2 in a matter of a few weeks is just unbelievable. If it wasn't for having to stay close to home and not being able to travel long distances for other species I doubt I would have seen either of them. Staying local really can pay off.
















Large Tortoiseshell on Bramble.




Wednesday 10 June 2020

Moth Highlights Pt 2

Some more of my catches in the moth trap, but first is one of my favourite micro moths that is quite scarce. The Olethreutes arcuella is found in a few ancient woodlands where the larvae feed on decaying leaf litter. The private wood where I survey is a very good site for this really tiny moth. It is easily over-looked as it is so small and it is only when examined closely that the true beauty of the moth is revealed.



Olethreutes arcuella.

Back to the garden moth trap and the following have appeared over the past few weeks on the odd occasions that I have put the trap out.



Treble Brown Spot.






Poplar Kitten. (my first Kitten of any kind).



Eyed Hawk-moth.






Elephant Hawk-moth.



Clouded Silver.



Brussel's Lace.



Privet Hawk-moth.



Friday 5 June 2020

Moth Highlights So Far. Pt 1.

During the general lock-down along with many others I would guess, the moth trap got a little more use than usual.

I certainly don't trap as much as I really should, but on those occasions there are often new moths that I haven't caught before or something worth photographing.

Here is a small selection of some of the more spectacular moths.



Waved Umber 8/5/2020



Common Swift 8/5/2020



Shuttle-shaped Dart 8/5/2020




Lime Hawk-moth 21/5/2020






Cream-spot Tiger 21/5/2020






Small Elephant Hawk-moth 21/5/2020



Blair's Mocha 21/5/2020



Pebble Prominent 21/5/2020