South Hill – Pyramid Stage
I had been told by the South Hill warden that the nature reserve was covered in Pyramidal Orchids. So this was a must visit to the tiny Somerset Wildlife Trust reserve.
I did not expect them to be providing a pyramid stage for so many marbled white butterflies.
Pyramid Orchids
When the pyramid orchid starts to bloom its flower has a pyramid cone like shape. As more buds open it gets more round or cylindrical. Its pollinated by butterflies using its petals to guide the proboscis deep into the flower.
Marbled Whites
There were plenty of marbled white butterflies happy to pollinate those orchids. They were everywhere, flying up all around my feet.
Pyramid Stage
Just down the road Glastonbury Festival was in full swing. These orchids provided the perfect pyramid stage for the butterflies.
Shame about the broken wing – I think it does give the butterfly some character as life is always hard.
And Finally…
I did not know butterflies could blink. Everyone says they cannot as they lack eyelids. This marble white would disagree.
Perhaps it winking at me?