Peacock Butterfly

One of our resident species and surely one of the most beautiful that can be observe in the UK.

August is the month that the most numbers can be found on the wing. They do hibernate for the winter, but I have observed one in late December previously.

Two Blues

The Common Blue Butterfly

After a couple of poor years with reduced numbers, there are plenty around this year.

I was so busy concentrating on getting a shot of the butterfly, that I didn't notice the Sheildbug below on the flower head.

The Holly Blue.

As with other species I have seen more of these this year.

Brown Argus Butterfly

As with many species the year, due to the prevailing good weather the Brown Argus exists in good numbers. 

A nice species to shoot because of the rich colours and distinct markings.

These are second brood Brown Argus.

This rather amorous male was getting just a little too excited approaching (mistakenly) what turned out to be a Chalk Hill Blue.

Single Image Post

My current single image post is a shot of a Speckled Wood Butterfly taken from below as it rests in the sun on a Hazel bush leaf.

More Black and White

I made a second visit the other day to search out Marbled White butterflies at the same location as the previous post on this subject. 

On the first occasion they had only just emerged and it was mainly males that I found.  Now there are plenty of females on the wing.

Chalk Hill Blue

Always lovely to find the Chalk Hill Blue each year.

Such brilliant colours and markings.

The location I normally find this species has produced a good number this year. 

Certainly better than last years numbers and my initial sightings are earlier as well. 

You can find this species on chalk and limestone hillsides and they are quite approachable with caution.