Small Pearls of Priddy

Priddy Mineries – Mendip Hills, Somerset, UK. ID IMG_8001

Following your feet along this path on the Mendip Hills takes you to a magical spot for watching butterflies.

Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary (Boloria selene) – Priddy Mineries, Mendip Hills, Somerset, UK. ID JB_6489

I’m not quite sure why, but it has been years since I spent time photographing the small pearl-bordered fritillary butterflies at Priddy Mineries.

Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary (Boloria selene) – Priddy Mineries, Mendip Hills, Somerset, UK. ID JB_6663

Getting there early in the morning and the pearls along the edges of their wings is matched by the pearly dew drops covering the grass.

Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary (Boloria selene) – Ubley Warren, Mendip Hills, Somerset, UK. ID JB_9772

They really are a very pretty little butterfly.

Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary (Boloria selene) – Priddy Mineries, Mendip Hills, Somerset, UK. ID JB_6680

It was the underwing that I really wanted to capture.  I had to wait until evening before one closed it wings.  It was sitting on a long wobbly plantain stem.  In the breeze I needed many attempts to get one picture in focus.

Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary (Boloria selene) – Priddy Mineries, Mendip Hills, Somerset, UK. ID JB_8389

Lying down to photograph them on the ground proved to be the best approach.  Just be careful of all those ticks!

Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary (Boloria selene) – Priddy Mineries, Mendip Hills, Somerset, UK. ID JB_6631

And finally…

A nearby finger post looked good in the early summer light.

Priddy 1 1/2 – Hunters Inn, Mendip Hills, Somerset, UK. ID JB_5804