For illustrated talks on natural history and history see www.peterlovetttalks.co.uk

For illustrated talks on natural history and history click here for www.peterlovetttalks.co.uk

Thursday 2 August 2012

More Chalkhill blue butterflies in the wind and rain yesterday

With a strong wind and rain on Wolstonbury hill yesterday, it was difficult for butterflies to sunbathe.
The Chalkhill blue, Lysandra coridon seemed to be getting a meal from the "Pride of Sussex" flower above.  Note its long flexible proboscis for sucking up nectar. They were plentiful and getting blown around in the strong winds.

Above is a female Chalkhill blue.
Despite the weather, a battered Silver-washed fritillary(?),  was seen, below.

This Marbled white, Melanargia galanthea is carrying a prominent red parasitic mite.

This Chalkhill Blue butterfly also has a mite, which are picked up from the flowers on which they feed.
This was a good day, with the hill to myself due to the very uncomfortable weather.

No comments:

Blog Archive