Large Blues IV
Today I returned to Green Down for my forth visit.
Green Down – Somerset, UK. ID 822_5570
The views from Green Down are beautiful, but today was not about the views instead it was my last chance to get the pictures of the large blues that I have been hoping for. So far things had not gone to plan.
Large Blue Butterflies
The large blues continued to enjoy the wild thyme.
Large Blue (Maculinea arion) – Green Down, Somerset, UK. ID 822_5062
This was the one and only view of open wings today.
Large Blue (Maculinea arion) – Green Down, Somerset, UK. ID 822_5413
After this visit I am calling it a day for the large blues until next season. It has been the hottest June on record – over 30 degrees all week. I think going to the reserve after work was the wrong plan. I should have gone early in the morning. It was too hot for me and the butterflies.
Marbled Whites
Today was noteworthy as it was the day when marbled whites started to emerge in large number.
Marbled White (Melanargia calathea) – Green Down, Somerset, UK. ID 822_5356
For this recently emerged youngster the shade of a leaf was a relief from the hot sun.
Bumble Bees
I know virtually nothing about bees, what I do know is large blues do not get the wild thyme all to themselves.
Bumble Bee on Wild Thyme – Green Down, Somerset, UK. ID 822_5394
Bumble Bee on Wild Thyme – Green Down, Somerset, UK. ID 822_5182
Swollen-thighed Beetles
My favourites beetles were hard to find today. This as a complete change to the start of the week when they were everywhere. This pair mating on a plantain was a great surprise – the male is on top.
Swollen-thighed beetle (Oedemera nobilis) – Green Down, Somerset, UK. ID 822_5550
Moths
I think this is the caterpillar of the small eggar moth.
Small Eggar (Eriogaster lanestris) Final Instar – Green Down, Somerset, UK. ID 822_5497
They are a speciality of Somerset and Dorset. The caterpillars grow-up over winter in a cocoon on blackthorn or hawthorn.
Small Eggar (Eriogaster lanestris) – Green Down, Somerset, UK.
Then in the heat of the summer the final instars leave their communal home and go walk-about.
And Finally…
I do love a daisy.
Oxeye Daisies and Rock Roses – Green Down, Somerset, UK. ID 822_5389
