Black and White

The Marbled White Butterfly

I found a few of these on the 15th of June at the usual location, which is about the same time as last year for this area.

The Emperor has Surfaced

The Emperor Dragonfly. 

This is the largest species in UK. Length 64-84mm and wingspan ranging from 45-51mm.

I found two specimens along the river walk in the Parkland where I visit.

I believe these to be both females, but I have a problem sorting immature females with immature males as they are similar.

Black Hairstreak Revisited

As promised in my post of the 13th June I returned to search for the Black Hairstreak.

There appears from accounts of several Nature Observers that I have spoken with, that there is an abundance of Black Hairstreak this year. Quite unprecedented as far as I am concerned.  I have only found one of this species in all of the previous years I have visited my Woodland Walk.

Recently Emerged Butterflies

On my Woodland Walk I found two recently emerged species.

The first one I quite expected to find without a problem which was the Meadow Brown.

A common species that can be found just about anywhere.

The second one I did not expect to find quite so easily as they are usually very active high up in tall bush or trees. It was the Black Hairstreak. They are not on the wing for more than a month (mid June to mid July) so you have to be fortunate and they are also restricted to the South and East Midlands.

I was only able to get a poor few shots before it flew so I shall have to search again.

NB: For local colleagues the location was the north eastern edge of the heath at CH.

A Scarce Dragon

Scarce Chaser Dragonfly

Scarce by name and scarce in existence in UK being restricted to only six areas.

(Female)

A recently emerged immature male. (I think)

Male

(Thanks for the correction Mike)

Black-tailed Skimmer Dragonfly

(Male and female)

Down in the Trench

OK whats occurring?

Its me, I'm a House Martin and I am collecting mud for making the nest.

Come on!! I haven't got all day.

Apologies, the photos are rubbish, I couldn't get very close even with a 600mm lens, but I thought you would like to see them anyway.

More Chasers and Damsels

Broad-bodied Chaser (Male)

Broad-bodied Chaser (Female)

Ovipositing

300mm.  1/3200 at f4. ISO800

Large Red Damselfly (Pair)

Four-spotted Chaser (Male)