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Friday, 26 July 2013

Chalkhill Blue Butterfly

The Chalkhill Blue is I think, one of the most striking in colour and pattern of the small Blues. 
Its main population is restricted to Southern England, it can only be found in one or two places higher up the country. Fortunately one of those places is quite close to my location in the Northern part of East Anglia and its one of my 'Target' images each year. I am pleased to report that when I shot these images, I observed a considerable number of Chalkhills at that location.

Although both relatively small as butterflies go, the males are larger than the females with a wingspan of 38mm. They can be found on the wing between mid July to mid September.

Male







The female Chalkhill Blue as shown below can at times be confused with the female Adonis Blue and close comparison is necessary.

Female

Female





Male

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27 comments:

  1. Bas.26 July 2013 at 09:19

    O wat een heerlijke vlinderserie laat je hier zien ,dit is puur genieten.

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    Replies
    1. Roy Norris26 July 2013 at 20:59

      Thanks nic. Een van mijn doelsoorten per jaar.

      Delete
  2. The Herald26 July 2013 at 09:34

    You've captured some excellent images of this beautiful little butterfly Roy, I'm glad they're doing well in your area. I did manage to see some when I was out a few days ago but they were very busy defending their patch against allcommers so were not pitching for very long and never really with their wings fully open. I managed a few shots but nothing as good as these! I'll have to go back for another go!...[;o)

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  3. Margaret Birding For Pleasure26 July 2013 at 11:38

    Hi Roy These are amazing shots. Thoss butterflies are soooooooooo beautiful. Margaret

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    Replies
    1. Roy Norris27 July 2013 at 13:12

      Thanks Margaret. I rescued you from the spam filter again.???

      Delete
  4. Marianne De Vogelkijker26 July 2013 at 11:55

    Wonderful again Roy, lovely blue butterflies but indeed, hard to identify.

    Kind regards and have a nice weekend,
    Marianne

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  5. Amanda Peters26 July 2013 at 13:55

    Amazing photos,such a beautiful Butterfly.Out on a walk this morning there was so many Butterflies.. never seen as many,sadly no Blue ones.

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    Replies
    1. Roy Norris26 July 2013 at 20:56

      Thanks Amanda. This weather is certainly helping many of the species to recover.

      Delete
  6. grammie g26 July 2013 at 15:25

    Hey Roy...I think we need to start calling your the "Butterfly Whisperer" you sure have a way with finding them!!
    I wish we had a blue butterfly where I am, well we do, but it is only the size of my little finger nail, and always on the move!!
    Sure like the second, and the last one!
    Lovely purple flower to add to the photo's,and flowers add to the romance in the air!! ; )
    Grace

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    Replies
    1. Roy Norris26 July 2013 at 20:55

      Thanks GG, this species is quite small, but it shows up pretty well in the sun with the colouring.

      Delete
  7. Bhushavali26 July 2013 at 17:35

    Love the icy blue color. So pretty!!! :)
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    FASHION PANACHE BLOG

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  8. Midmarsh John27 July 2013 at 08:19

    The second photo is a real cracker Roy.

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    Replies
    1. Roy Norris27 July 2013 at 10:51

      Thanks John, yes the sun was off of that one which helped bring out the detail better.

      Delete
  9. Noushka27 July 2013 at 08:23

    I agree, this silvery-blue is exquisite!
    Beautiful photos, Roy!
    I haven't see this species yet this season...
    Enjoy your WE!

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    Replies
    1. Roy Norris27 July 2013 at 10:52

      Thanks Noushka.
      I'm fortunate to live not far from a rare patch where they can be found.

      Delete
  10. Linda Yarrow27 July 2013 at 17:06

    Lovely images Roy. I am hoping to find this butterfly also, either at Martin Down or Badbury Rings.

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    Replies
    1. Roy Norris28 July 2013 at 00:10

      Thanks Lyn, you should be OK for those sites.

      Delete
  11. Helma27 July 2013 at 17:55

    Wonderful array of blues Roy, I only know that blue butterfly in your first picture at all. The Icarusblauwtje I do not know. Well but some

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  12. Mary28 July 2013 at 02:03

    The minute I saw the baby geese in the header I smiled, and the butterflies just made my smile bigger :-) a great bunch of butterfly shots!

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  13. Helma2 August 2013 at 15:35

    Beautiful photo series of this beautiful and comminuted swift blue vlindertejs Roy. Magze I also love to see :-) Really beautifully captured.

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  14. Monika + Bente2 August 2013 at 17:01

    This is a beautiful series!

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