The traditional visit, to a superb Chalkland Hillside reserve, brings the butterfly year to a close.
Aston Rowant is simply superb, despite the M40! We had good numbers of Silver-spotted Skipper, these little jewels were darting about everywhere even though the weather was not perfect. Also good numbers of Chalkhill Blue and surprise of the morning, a perfect male Adonis Blue. The first time I’ve seen one here. Still a few Small Skipper & Brown Argus on the wing. The Chiltern Gentian was just coming into flower and also numerous Nodding Thistle and Carmine Thistle. The day flying micro moth Pyrausta despicata was very numerous.
Venturing on to another good butterfly reserve, Whitecross Green Wood, we eventually had several Brown Hairstreak including one open winged individual albeit very briefly. Four butterfly year ticks and so my year list looks like finishing on 42 species. Well done to Barrie, Anita & Elliott Staley for breaking the 50 species barrier for the year. A tremendous effort.
IMAGES – 1st – female Silver-spotted Skipper; 2nd & 3rd – Silver-spotted Skipper; 4th – male Chalkhill Blue; 5th – male Adonis Blue; 6th – Nodding Thistle; 7th Chiltern Gentian; 8th Pyrausta despicata; last 2 Brown Hairstreak.
