Butterflies Galore!

Over winter those of us who like our bugs complain about the cold and the fact that there are very few multi-legged creatures moving around.  As it warms up so the bugs begin to appear.  Most of the insects appreciate the warm weather and the sunshine.  Those of us who like bugs complain that it is too hot and the said bugs and insects never sit still, but with a little patience, a quick click and the insect is captured on camera.

I have seen the Common Blue butterfly flit away into the distance but I spotted one and followed it in the hopes that it would land and so it did.

Not only was I able to take it with its wings open, which is unusual I also managed to get its wings almost closed and it showing off a rather furry abdomen.

Ringlet butterflies are everywhere on the reserve.  Some have been very dark and we assume that these are freshly hatched ones.  Blackberries often get called a variety of names by the volounteers during the winter as they are tripped up and scratched by them.  During the summer they seem to grow across the paths as you look at them!  But they are full of flowers at the minute and are covered in bees, hoverflies and butterflies.  This Ringlet sat perfectly still.

Comma butterflies were seen last year but I was not lucky enough to catch one, but this year several have been seen already.

Dark Green Fritillaries were rare sightings several year ago, now they are more frequently seen.  Unfortunately that pesky vegetation was in the way again!

Talking of vegetation, Common Spotted Orchids are appearing in many new places yet again this year.  Many thanks to the volunteers who are strimming around the orchids!