Butterflies Galore!

Saturday, July 7th 2018

Over winter those of us who like our bugs complain about the cold and the fact that there are very few multi-legged creatures moving around. As it warms up so the bugs begin to appear. Most of the insects appreciate the warm weather and the sunshine. Those of us who like bugs complain that it is too hot and the said bugs and insects never sit still, but with a little patience, a quick click and the insect is captured on camera.

I have seen the Common Blue butterfly flit away into the distance but I spotted one and followed it in the hopes that it would land and so it did.

Common Blue butterfly

Not only was I able to take it with its wings open, which is unusual I also managed to get its wings almost closed and it showing off a rather furry abdomen.

Common Blue Butterfly with furry abdomen

Ringlet butterflies are everywhere on the reserve. Some have been very dark and we assume that these are freshly hatched ones. Blackberries often get called a variety of names by the volounteers during the winter as they are tripped up and scratched by them. During the summer they seem to grow across the paths as you look at them! But they are full of flowers at the minute and are covered in bees, hoverflies and butterflies. This Ringlet sat perfectly still.

Ringlet Butterfly

Comma butterflies were seen last year but I was not lucky enough to catch one, but this year several have been seen already.

Comma butterfly

Dark Green Fritillaries were rare sightings several year ago, now they are more frequently seen. Unfortunately that pesky vegetation was in the way again!

Dark Green Fritillary

Talking of vegetation, Common Spotted Orchids are appearing in many new places yet again this year. Many thanks to the volunteers who are strimming around the orchids!

Common Spotted Orchid

(0) Comments:

There are no comments for this blog post yet. Why not start the discussion? - use the form below:

Back to Top

Help Support Foxglove

Friends of Foxglove

The Friends of Foxglove Covert is for those individuals, families and organisations who would like to support the reserve through an annual membership subscription. Friends receive a regular newsletter and invitations to attend our various activities and social events.

More Details

Upcoming Events

Moth Identification Morning

Saturday 8th June 2019 | 08.00

Join Charlie Fletcher (County Recorder for moths) as he identifies hundreds of moths that have been caught in the overnight traps across this site. As the traps are emptied Charlie will be telling us all about these beautiful creatures, while giving us helpful identification tips.

A minimum donation of £5 per person in advance to guarantee a place. Card payments can be taken by phone.

Pond Dipping for Adults

Wednesday 19th June 2019 | 10.00-12.00

Ever wondered what the children are looking at in the sinks on the pond-dipping platforms? Do you work with children or want to know more so that you teach your own children about freshwater habitats and wildlife? Maybe you are just interested and would like to have a go! This is a chance to study some of the fauna that lurk in the depths of the Foxglove ponds. Booking essential as places are limited. A minimum donation of £5 per person in advance to guarantee a place. Card payments can be taken by phone.

VIEW ALL EVENTS