Lynchcombe Steps

Back up to the Somerset Wildlife Trust reserve of Lynchcombe to check on things and count the butterflies.

Lynchcombe - Somerset, UK. ID 822_6898

Lynchcombe – Somerset, UK. ID 822_6898

Small Skippers

This week the thistles arrived and with them the small skippers (Thymelicus sylvestnis).  They have aways liked the taste of thistle nectar on Lynchcombe.

Small Skipper (Thymelicus sylvestris) - Lynchcombe, Somerset, UK. ID 822_7722

Small Skipper (Thymelicus sylvestris) – Lynchcombe, Somerset, UK. ID 822_7722

Small Skipper (Thymelicus sylvestris) - Lynchcombe, Somerset, UK. ID 822_7738

Small Skipper (Thymelicus sylvestris) – Lynchcombe, Somerset, UK. ID 822_7738

Ringlets

Often overlooked and often confused with meadow browns.  Unlike the meadow browns their hindwings are uniform brown apart from the rings.  This is a beautiful butterfly with its dark velvet wings edged in white.

They day that dark butterflies warm up quicker on overcast days.  This group had clearly warmed up and very keen.

Ringlet (Aphantopus hyperantus) - Lynchcombe, Somerset, UK. ID 822_7759

Ringlet (Aphantopus hyperantus) – Lynchcombe, Somerset, UK. ID 822_7759

A pair broke off for some privacy.  No chance.

Ringlet (Aphantopus hyperantus) - Lynchcombe, Somerset, UK. ID 822_7795

Ringlet (Aphantopus hyperantus) – Lynchcombe, Somerset, UK. ID 822_7795

Ringlet (Aphantopus hyperantus) - Lynchcombe, Somerset, UK. ID 822_7786

Ringlet (Aphantopus hyperantus) – Lynchcombe, Somerset, UK. ID 822_7786

And Finally…

There were more than skippers and ringlets today.  I recored 130 meadow browns and 23 marbled whites.  In the windy weather they had concentrated in the lower parts of the reserve.  Still no sign of the elusive silver-wash fritillaries.  Several red admirals, like this one, enjoyed the sun.

Red Admiral (Vanessa atalanta) - Lynchcombe, Somerset, UK. ID 822_7810

Red Admiral (Vanessa atalanta) – Lynchcombe, Somerset, UK. ID 822_7810

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