2017 Big Butterfly Count

On Saturday July 15th, 9 of us (and one dog) embarked upon this year's Butterfly Count at Cromwell Bottom. The weather was a little unpromising but nevertheless our totals were not far below those of 2016. We also used the opportunity to look at some of the flora of the area - sadly the Grass Vetchling (Lathyrus nissolia) has now gone over and so we couldn't witness this beautiful, delicate flower, but the Yellow Birdsnest (Hypopitys monotropa) was seen to be emerging which was some consolation!

There were a lot of day-flying moths which Charlie (Streets) helped us to identify; notable were the large number of Shaded Broad-bars, one Clouded Border, and one Five-spot Burnet.

As for the butterfly count, the following totals were recorded; figures in brackets refer to those taken last year:

Meadow Brown 5 (9)

Gatekeeper 8 (14)

Small Skipper 3 (0)

Large Skipper 1 (4)

Ringlet 14 (9)

Large White 5 (2)

Peacock 0 (1)

Speckled Wood 0 (2)

Green-veined White 0 (2)

Gatekeeper (Pyronia tithonus)

Not a butterfly, but often included in butterfly counts - the Five-spot Burnet (Zygaena trifolii), resting on Knapweed

Another rather beautiful moth, the Shaded Broad-bar (Scotopteryx chenopodiata)

And yet another moth - the Clouded Border moth (Lomaspilis marginata)

Fun with the butterfly net! (Some interesting bird poo was on this rock, chock-full of worms, which is why I decided to take a photo rather than sit in the vacant space!)