Park Corner Heath, East Sussex 17th May

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Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary was the target today, a new butterfly for me. Areas in this reserve have been managed specifically with this butterfly in mind and the efforts are proving successful.

The morning was generally cloudy though with sunny intervals. Up to ten Small Pearl were seen, mostly fresh in appearance. The underwing of the butterfly is particularly attractive, looking like a stained glass window.

One-two more worn individuals were thought at the time to be the closely related Pearl-bordered Fritillary. Subsequently I had doubts about this identification as the underwing did not look quite right for that species, so they were also Small Pearl.

Other butterflies included two Brimstone, several Small Heath and a Wall, the last two species in nearby Rowland Wood. 

An attractive White-legged Damselfly (female) was also found.

Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary

Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary

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Small Heath

White-legged Damselfly




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