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.

Pyramidal orchid (Anacamptis pyramidalis) and Agrimony (Agrimonia) – South Hill, Somerset, UK. ID 822_7007

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.

Pyramidal orchid (Anacamptis pyramidalis) – South Hill, Somerset, UK. ID 822_6923

Marbled Whites

There were plenty of marbled white butterflies happy to pollinate those orchids.  They were everywhere, flying up all around my feet.

Marbled White (Melanargia calathea) – South Hill, Somerset, UK. ID 822_7077

Pyramid Stage

Just down the road Glastonbury Festival was in full swing.  These orchids provided the perfect pyramid stage for the butterflies.

Marbled White (Melanargia calathea) Pyramidal orchid (Anacamptis pyramidalis) – South Hill, Somerset, UK. ID 822_6975

Shame about the broken wing – I think it does give the butterfly some character as life is always hard.

Marbled White (Melanargia calathea) on Pyramidal orchid (Anacamptis pyramidalis) – South Hill, Somerset, UK. ID 822_6949

And Finally…

I did not know butterflies could blink.  Everyone says they cannot as they lack eyelids.  This marble white would disagree.

Marbled White (Melanargia calathea) on Pyramidal orchid (Anacamptis pyramidalis) – South Hill, Somerset, UK. ID 822_6948

Perhaps it winking at me?