Butterfly Roundup

Friday, July 14th 2023

At this time of year species recorders and visitors enjoy the views of butterflies flitting around the reserve.  It is thanks to Foxglove's staff and volunteers who carry out not only habitat work but also tasks to maintain the manmade structures, like paths and steps across the reserve, that this spectacle of flitting butterflies can be appreciated.

Jules and Nicola were hard at work, with a power tool! repairing the pond dipping platform.  All work is much appreciated and valued - thank you.

Jenny was out recording the butterflies along a set transect.  She recorded 110 butterflies of 12 species including Large and Small Skippers, Large and Small Whites, Common Blue, Small Heath and the Dark Green Fritillary which was being harassed by a Meadow Brown near Spigot Mere.  These records are sent to Butterfly Conservation.  Thanks Jenny.  (There will be another blog about the moth recorders tomorrow.)

Jenny spotted a Dark Green Fritillary on her transect, whilst I had hunted for one all day!  I had just about given up when one flew over my head in the Scrapes and of course disappeared, only seconds later to land on the boardwalk in front of me.  Camera to the ready and I was pleased with the photo that I took, although as usual vegetation and background leave a lot to be desired.

Small Tortoiseshell populations fluctuate yearly at Foxglove.  Not many have been recorded so far this year, but I did manage to photograph one on a very windswept moor.

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