Ashdown Again

 

I had just over an hour to burn yesterday lunchtime in the Crowborough area so I decided to return to Old Lodge  to see if I could find the Black Darter again.

 

At the car park there was a large area of fleabane that the butterflies were enjoying including a couple of Silver Washed Fritillaries, Peacock, many Gatekeepers and this very bright Painted Lady.

 

 

 

It was then on to the small acid ponds where a tiny male Black Darter was flying around the water. It generally perched well out of reach, but once, it perched on a reed stem nearby. This male was now displaying its full adult colours.

 



 

 

Once again Small Red Damselflies were around the pond with several mating pairs.

 

Old Blue Eyes

 

Yesterday I went looking for the Common Emerald Damselfly in the ditches near the River Cuckmere. I was lucky to find both a male and female. The male really has striking blue eyes!!

 

 

 

Meanwhile the female has sort of greyish eyes.

 

In the moth trap this morning it was a case of which moth is the most bizarre looking.

 

The Pale Prominent.

 



Or the Pebble Hook-tip?

 

 



Tigers in the garden

 

In the moth trap this morning was my first Garden Tiger along with a couple of Ruby Tiger.

Although the Garden Tiger was slightly worn it was still a lovely moth.

 

 

 

 

Also in the trap was a Scalloped Oak. Far from rare but still a handsome moth.

 

 

Of the 3 evenings the moth trap has been out this month this was the quietest night. There was still getting on for 100 moths but all the others were regulars accept for 2 that escaped before I could do a proper id on them. The biggest moth was a Privet Hawk that has been a regular in the trap this summer.

Hairstreaks and Skippers

 

I called up to Friston Forest and Lullington Heath to do my 'Wider Countryside Butterfly Survey' today and there were butterflies everywhere.

 

On the way up the path I diverted a short distance to check out some brambles near some elms where a couple of years ago I found a late tatty White Letter Hairstreak. I was amazed to find 3 female Hairstreaks nectaring with one of them in very good condition considering how late it is in their flight season. What a bonus!!

 

 



It was then into Friston to do the survey, after which I spent a bit of time looking for some more Silver Spotted Skippers. One of which settled on this knapweed and allowed several pictures from both into the sun and away from it bringing out the different colours and textures. Another bonus!!

 

 

 

Grayling

 

A visit to Windover Hill to see how the local Grayling colony was doing proved successful with plenty seen, including 2 away from the main area. As ever it was a challenge to get a picture with the forewing showing.

 

 

 

A pair of Grayling were seen in their courtship.



 

 

And another pair were seen mating.

 

Great Moth Trap

 

A great moth trap today with the rare migrant Jersey Tiger putting in an appearance.

 

 

 

 

Also a very smart Oak Eggar. Normally only seen travelling at speed.

 

 

 

And a Marbled Green. Fantastic colours and pattern on this small moth.

I've got The Blues!!

 

Over The South Downs there are lots of Blue Butterflies flying at the present. Mostly Chalkhill but also some very smart Common Blue.

 

I do find that the females of both these species are really attractive, particularly on the underwing.

 

 

This is the Chalkhill Blue female.

 

 

 

Common Blue female.



 

 

The other downland blue flying at the moment is the Small Blue and very soon the Adonis Blue will have their 2nd brood.

 

There were a few migrants flying today with a Hummingbird Hawk in the garden and a perfect condition Painted Lady on the Downs along with lots of Silver Y.

 

The 2nd brood Wall Brown have also at last started to appear.