We are very fortunate in that our Allotments are situated in a countryside environment. We are surrounded by National trust fields and woods. In the light of the fact that the big butterfly count is underway until 11th August, I decided to do our own list, and record Butterfly varieties seen within the allotment boundaries.
Heres my list so far for this year;
Small Tortoiseshell,
Red Admiral,
Peacock,
Comma,
Meadow brown,
Ringlet,
Large skipper,
Small skipper,
Small copper,
Speckled wood,
Brimstone,
Large white......... we are plagued with these at the moment, egg/caterpillar watch is on full alert !
Small white,
Orange tip,
Holly blue,
Gatekeeper.
Anyone else doing something similar ?
Thought I'd a post a picture or two , this shot is of a male Gatekeeper on a Bramble leaf, have seen quite few of these on the plots this last week.
(http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5143/5774897287_6a351db17b_b.jpg)
And a female.
(http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3286/5775156193_1de67457f9_b.jpg)
So beautiful, what a pleasure (http://www.freesmileys.org/smileys/smiley-basic/smile.gif) (http://www.freesmileys.org/smileys.php)
Saw a Gatekeeper on my plot last week. We don't have quite so many, but for central Birmingham we don't do badly!
The warm weather has boosted Butterfly numbers in our area. I've seen many more Red Admirals, Tortoiseshells and Peacocks in particular.
Heres a Peacock feeding on Hemp Agrimony
(http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5453/9421730310_44972022d6_b.jpg)
My rat-tailed radishes have been covered in cabbage whites.
Quote from: Robert_Brenchley on August 02, 2013, 22:19:36
My rat-tailed radishes have been covered in cabbage whites.
Yes, I'm not surprised , they are really benefitting from this warm weather, we have dozens on our plots.
Quote from: Mikeakabigman on August 02, 2013, 09:06:31
The warm weather has boosted Butterfly numbers in our area. I've seen many more Red Admirals, Tortoiseshells and Peacocks in particular.
Heres a Peacock feeding on Hemp Agrimony
(http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5453/9421730310_44972022d6_b.jpg)
Gorgeous.
How do I attatch a photo on here
(http://i1332.photobucket.com/albums/w610/spudski993/jonesysiphone967_zps17b8d2f0.jpg)
This photo of a Peacock butterfly on a buddlea was taken a few days ago using my iphone4 it is entered in the photo competition opening soon,if you like it please vote for it,many thanks.
This is another variety that I have seen many more of this year.
(http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5185/5776586326_72db8007c7_b.jpg)
And I've lost count of the number of Red Admirals that have been seen on the plots this year.
(http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5068/5775713412_31deae14bd_b.jpg)
Well done, Daveylamp, superb photo, glad you have got it sussed! Very satisfying. suggest you write down what you did on a piece of paper. If you are like me, in a month's time you'll want to do it again, and won't for the life of you be able to remember how to do it!
I know they are the bane of our lives in the allotment and gardens, but these insects are still very attractive to look at.
The Large white
(http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2847/9469990861_6939a41f84_b.jpg)
We saw this one when we were out yesterday. Looked it up, a painted lady apparently. There were also about 20 peacocks with it on the Buddleia.
(http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y257/jesssands1/butterflyMedium_zps5df1b84d.jpg) (http://s7.photobucket.com/user/jesssands1/media/butterflyMedium_zps5df1b84d.jpg.html)
Quote from: jesssands on August 11, 2013, 20:53:29
We saw this one when we were out yesterday. Looked it up, a painted lady apparently. There were also about 20 peacocks with it on the Buddleia.
(http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y257/jesssands1/butterflyMedium_zps5df1b84d.jpg) (http://s7.photobucket.com/user/jesssands1/media/butterflyMedium_zps5df1b84d.jpg.html)
Yes...a lovely painted lady, haven't seen one yet this year. Theres still time though :sunny:
Heres a closer shot.
(http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2366/5774897877_fc33145d5f_b.jpg)