Silver-washed Fritillary (Argynnis paphia)
Observed today.
This has to be the earliest in the year that I have found Silver-washed Fritillary butterflies.
What a great surprise to see this orange monster flying about the Woodland Nature Reserve that I walk regularly.
When you see this species for the first time in the year it always seems so big. (72mm male, 76mm female)
I was disappointed with the first few sightings as there were two males and they were both flying fast and never pitching anywhere. I continued to search the known spots that I had seen them in previous years and found more accommodating ones that pitched quite regularly feeding on bramble flowers. Unfortunately I didn't find any females to shoot.
Although any distribution map you read on the net or in books reveals that this species is not listed as frequenting this part of Northern East Anglia, I certainly find them at this location in recent years and a number of other local woodland areas.
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| Sony Alpha 6000. 55-210mm lens. 210mm. 1/400 at f6.3. ISO160 |
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| Sony Alpha 6000. 55-210mm lens. 210mm. 1/400 at f8. ISO100 |
What a beauty... never seen one of these... and great pics too, Roy ;)
ReplyDeleteThanks Tricia.
DeleteSome cracking images here Roy. Beautiful butterflies, and good to know that you've got a couple of thriving colonies locally...[;o)
ReplyDeleteThanks Trevor.
DeleteSuper views Roy of my favourite summer Fritillary.
ReplyDeleteMy first sighting in Surrey was a single male on 13th June and since then the numbers have been increasing. I'm reasonably certain the males emerge first and set up their territories.
Definitely worth reporting your sightings to your local branch of Butterfly Conservation.
Thanks Frank. I think your right about the males emerging first.
DeleteLovely to see, the Silver-washed Fritillarys, lovely captures Roy. Apparently a lot of the butterflies are early this year, in fact, things are moving so fast this spring and summer there are already signs of autumn :-\
ReplyDeleteThanks Lyn, yes I have noticed a lot of butterfly activity, although not seen many Common Blue this year.
DeleteNice bug!
ReplyDeleteThanks Steve.
DeleteWonderful photos of these pretty butterflies.
ReplyDeleteHow lovely! I only discovered them myself last year and saw quite a lot of them in my garden later in the summer (can't remember exact dates). I keep seeing you commenting on the Quiet Walker's blog so I thought I would come and visit! :-)
ReplyDeleteThanks for visiting and commenting Mandy.
DeleteThey fly here until about mid September.
Lovely butterflies. I was enchanted by them three yaers ago in the New Forest.
ReplyDeleteThanks Alison.
DeleteThat is a stunning butterfly. Roy. I have never seen one in real life.
ReplyDeleteThanks Margaret.
DeleteLooking at the distribution map they are known to exist throughout N.Ireland and the Republic.
Lovely shots of a brilliant flutter Roy. I think many distribution maps need updating as several species seem to be spreading further North as average temperatures rise.
ReplyDeleteHey Roy... Great shot's of Silver Washed they are real beauties!!
DeleteI have been trying to get a shot of a Fritillary here,but the bugger just won't stay still!!
Grace
Thanks GG, yes the first ones I observed just wouldn't pitch anywhere.
DeleteMarvelous photos of what you did find Roy. These silver washed fritillaries are beautiful
ReplyDeleteThanks Denise.
DeleteLovely pix Roy. Never seen a Fritillary as we are too high and too far north.
ReplyDeleteThanks Sweff. Yes we are lucky to get them here really.
DeleteThis beautiful fritillary.
ReplyDeleteI also always looking for but I can not find him difficult.
Beautifully photographed and I also read that you photographed with a Sony degree. Do you like this new camera?
Thanks Helma, yes its superb for the things I photograph.
DeleteBeautiful photos!
ReplyDeleteVery beautiful!
ReplyDeleteThanks Mary.
Delete