22/07/22

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Chalkhill Blue were fairly numerous at the far side of SB.  However, the ground is exceptionally dry, so limiting growth of the foodplant Horseshoe Vetch. This may have serious implications for survival of larvae, and hence the appearance of adults next year. 

A fresh Small Copper was found on SB.

Gatekeeper were very numerous in PV, and probably the most abundant butterfly wherever I have been this month. However, many are starting to look a little worn. 

At the far end of PV, near the gate, I was very surprised to find a Purple Emperor probing on a low Burdock. It was a female and so had no purple sheen, nonetheless was my first sighting of the species in these woods. Typically the Purple Emperor was very confiding, and I watched it for about 20 minutes. At one point it even landed on my shoulder.

After that TF was a bit of an anticlimax, with the odd Common Blue, a Marbled White, a Peacock and plenty more Gatekeepers.

There were four Slow-worms in TF.

Chalkhill Blue

Small Copper

Female Chalkhill Blue

Six-spot Burnet

Gatekeeper

Small Heath

Purple Emperor 











Male and female Slow-worm






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