The Chalkhill Returns

The Chalkhill Blue Butterfly (Polyommatus cordon)

The prettiest (I think) of the Blue species in UK which can only be found in somewhat limited, but well established locations mostly in Southern England. One brood only occurs between July and September. The species is limited in habitat due to its preference for warm chalk or limestone hillsides. Knapweed and Field Scabious are its favourite flowers and the first place to look to find it.

Male

The female rarely perches with its wings open so I was fortunate to obtain these images.

Female

Tuscan Butterflies

Farfalle della Toscana

On a recent trip to Tuscany I was able to photograph a number of butterflies.

Some I know and have shot before, others I am either not sure of, but have taken a stab at the name. 

Scarce Swallowtail 

Large White

Bath White

Clouded Yellow

Dingy Skipper

Spotted Fritillary

I think this below is the Woodland Grayling. It was flying around trees and landing on the trunks mostly which obviously was excellent camouflage.

Large Wall Brown

I think this is the Alpine Heath below.

Common Blue

Long-tailed Blue.

Brown Argus

Grizzled Skipper

Meadow Brown

Small Heath

Holly Blue

NB: There are lots of scene images I took which are posted on my Flickr Site and my Phone Shoot site.