Strawberry Banks 9th June

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I walked down the banks keeping my eyes open for butterflies.  A single Marbled White and two Small Skippers were the first of the year for each species.  Although not taken using the macro lens one image I obtained showed the diagnostic antennal pattern whereby the underside of the tips is not black as in the case of Essex Skipper.


What I thought was a Brown Argus showed more blue colouration on the wings when I examined a photo taken, making me wonder if this was a female Common Blue. But checking up later confirmed this is a Brown Argus, which can sometimes show a blue sheen on the wing, as seen here.


Moving on to the valley a male adder was seen briefly, having seen me first and so disappeared into the undergrowth.  Two beautiful female slow-worms were under the refugium. 

Further on in EF one male adder was seen well, which however moved away after a short while.

 


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