Lynchcombe Steps
Another butterfly transect on Lynchcombe and it feels like the beginning of the end of the season
Sheep – Lynchcombe, Somerset, UK. ID 823_0815
Lynchcombe does not do end of season butterflies and they were all looking a bit worn out. That is apart from a fresh batch of small coppers and some very energetic young speckled woods.
Speckled Wood
A large group of speckled wood butterflies were in the bottom east corner of Lynchcombe. Spiralling around and around each other in the sky they were a great sight to see – but impossible to photograph.
Small Copper
The second batch of small coppers were out. Glowing in their orange and black colours.
Small Copper (Lycaeena phlaeas) – Lynchcombe, Somerset, UK. 823_1466
They enjoyed being near the ground amongst the last years dead bracken.
Small Copper (Lycaeena phlaeas) – Lynchcombe, Somerset, UK. 823_1405
Occasionally flying into the widespread bracken of the reserve.
Small Copper (Lycaeena phlaeas) – Lynchcombe, Somerset, UK. 823_1576
Before returning to ground level in the open as soon as the sun came out.
Small Copper (Lycaeena phlaeas) – Lynchcombe, Somerset, UK. 823_1436
Common Blue
The second batch is out and in bigger numbers to the spring batch. However, numbers of these butterflies seems to be dropping over the years.
Common Blue (Polyommatus icarus) – Lynchcombe, Somerset, UK. ID 823_1348
Gatekeeper
The gatekeepers were looking very sad but they liked the brambles.
Gatekeeper (Pyronia tithonus) – Lynchcombe, Somerset, UK. ID 823_1226
Only a few weeks ago they were young and beautiful.
Gatekeeper (Pyronia tithonus) – Lynchcombe, Somerset, UK. ID 823_0386
Silver-washed Fritillary
This has been the best year for silver-washed fritillaries on Lynchcombe. They are looking very worn.
Silver-washed Fritillary (Argynnis paphia) – Lynchcombe, Somerset, UK. ID 823_0972
Perhaps this is the last fritillary flying away at the end of the season.
Silver-washed Fritillary (Argynnis paphia) – Lynchcombe, Somerset, UK. ID 823_0972
And Finally…
Sheep are still grazing across the reserve.
Sheep at the top of Lynchcombe – Somerset, UK. ID 823_1606
