Kingsdown 20th August

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A day of blue butterflies although as it turned out the main quarry wasn't found (if indeed any were present). Kingsdown is a promising area for the vagrant Long-tailed Blue, mainly due to the proximity to France but also because the host plant of everlasting pea is well represented along the cliff tops. There had been a report of this butterfly at Kingsdown earlier in the month, two being found on 8th August. As it was a sunny day I therefore decided to have a pay a visit there, though despite searching numerous clumps of everlasting pea I couldn't find any Long-tailed Blue.

However, other butterflies did not disappoint, especially Adonis Blue, with a few to be found on the undercliff though many more on the Leas. Most individuals were in good condition, though the same could not be said of Chalkhill Blue and Common Blue, with specimens looking rather worn in many cases.

A single Small Copper was seen, also one Red Admiral.

Kingsdown Leas

Everlasting Pea

Adonis Blue on the undercliff

Adonis Blue on the Leas

Mating pair of Adonis Blue

Chalkhill Blue

Chalkhill Blue

Male Common Blue

Common Blue



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