White Admiral

The White Admiral - a lovely species that frequents sunlit glades in woodland at this time.

A graceful flyer occasionally gliding, but usually quite fast and difficult to keep up with. It spends a lot of time flying around the same area landing mostly on the leaves of lower branches and occasionally on bramble flowers.

Once you know for a territory, its best to visit the same area each year as you are most likely to find it again. Only flying from late June to the end of August you have to be specific with that period to find it. Also it will soon deteriorate in appearance, looking quite drab with damaged wings.

More Dragons

More Dragonflies and Damselflies (and Dog Roses)

Female Scarce Chaser

Not seen a male this year yet.

Male Emperor Dragonfly

Could only get these two shots as it was in a difficult position.

Male Migrant Hawker Dragonfly

Female Banded Demoiselle 

Male Banded Demoiselle

Now for my "Piece de Resistance".

I have been waiting to get a shot of the male with its wings deployed. Perhaps a better shot would have been at a 45 degree angle.

Just for good measure, two more male Broad-bodied Chaser shots.

Small is Beautiful

Two small butterflies that are now on the wing. The Small Heath and the Brown Argus. 

Close examination reveals that there is considerable detailed markings on both species.

The Small Heath has an average wingspan of 36mm and the Brown Argus 29mm.

The Small Heath is the easier one to see and follow and will pitch for a while.

The Brown Argus is not see easy, either to see or follow, especially earlier in its season.

The Small Heath

The Brown Argus

Male and Female