Large Blue

by Jeff Bevan · Published 9th June 2017 · Updated 10th June 2017

Having heard on twitter that the large blue butterfly season was underway early this year I headed out to Green Down in the heart of Somerset.

Large Blue (Maculinea arion) – Green Down, Somerset, UK. ID 822_4409

Large Blue

Green Down is a Somerset Wildlife Trust reserve that until recently was closed to protect the precious population of large blue butterflies (Maculinea arion). I did not realise that it was now open and after abandoning my visit to Collard Hill a couple of days ago there was only one place to go today.

I had never been to Green Down before and it took me a while to find it. There was no rush as the weather was poor but improving and this delay was for the best. The reserve was full of students from Manchester on a biology field trip. It took me back to my days on similar trips with Exeter University a few decades ago.

It did not take long to see a large blue. In the wind they were quickly flying down the length of the steep bank. Eventually, one settled.

Large Blue (Maculinea arion) – Green Down, Somerset, UK. ID 822_4395

Large Blue (Maculinea arion) – Green Down, Somerset, UK. ID 822_4414

These butterflies looked pretty fresh especially as the weather for the last few days was poor – rain and wind must have taken its toll on the butterflies. But I did not expect to find one looking as bad the next one.