Butterfly and Moth Society
Covering Hampshire, the Isle of Wight and Surrounding Areas
Butterfly and Moth Society
Covering Hampshire, the Isle of Wight and Surrounding Areas
Bloxworth Snout. Found this little beauty flying around indoors yesterday evening - Bloxworth Snout (Hyena obsitalis) quite a rarity by all accounts. [Posted by Mark Tutton]
Holly Blue on Bursledon Road, Southampton. A cold but sunny morning in Southampton. It was nice to spot a Red Admiral in a sheltered area along the Shoreburs Greenway. It was a big surprise was seeing a Holly Blue on Bursledon Road - that beats my latest recorded HB by 6 days (c 2023). [Posted by Nic Burns]
Brown Hairstreak ova on Portsdown. As in other parts of the country Brown Hairstreak is spreading far and wide in Hampshire. Until a few years ago the nearest to me was twenty miles away. A cursory check of a few blackthorn suckers on this mornings dog walk quickly turned up a couple of eggs in another new area near Fort Purbrook [Posted by Mark Tutton]
New generation migrants at Itchen Abbas. A walk around our local farm field this morning and as the sun came out two or three fresh Clouded Yellows appeared, followed by an equally fresh Painted Lady. [Posted by Rupert Broadway]
Wall on Portsdown. A walk along Portsdown Hill to check some areas for Long-tailed Blue turned up a pleasing twelve late season species but none of my target. However I did find a very fresh Wall (third brood?) which is arguably rarer than a Long-tailed Blue in this neck of the woods! A couple of Brown Hairstreak eggs, way away from where I have seen any before would seem to indicate that this once rare Hants butterfly is now fairly widespread in the area. [Posted by Mark Tutton]
Autumn butterflies in Home Wood. On a recent wander into Home Wood on my local patch, I came across four comma on one bramble bush, all within one metre of each other; but they had contrived to position themselves in such a way as to make it impossible to see them all in one photograph, which was a pity. Four speckled wood also seen in the same area. [Posted by Kevin Freeborn]
Farmland at Itchen Abbas. Our neighbouring farm field has been sown with a leguminous mix, including clover and birds-foot trefoil under an agri-environmental scheme, to the benefit of butterflies and other wildlife, such as the Clouded Yellow which I've seen there a number of times over the past month or so. I took a wander round this morning trying to relocate a Whinchat I photographed earlier in the week - no luck with that or with the Clouded Yellow, but I did come across an extraordinarily beautifully coloured female Common Blue. The only other species on the wing were Large, Small and Green-veined White - summer is receding rapidly! [Posted by Rupert Broadway]
Possible Southern Small White ova. Following the discovery of Southern Small White laying eggs in Sussex I thought I would check the perennial Candytuft growing in my garden. I planted this a couple of years ago in anticipation of this butterfly arriving in the UK as it has been spreading rapidly across Europe. Sure enough I found a couple of creamy white bottle shaped eggs. Small White has been known to lay on this plant, and although the eggs are similar the caterpillars of the two species are a bit more distinctive - time will tell. [Posted by Mark Tutton]
Old Winchester Hill. With thick cloud cover for most of the day, it probably wasn't the best day butterfly-wise for a walk from Exton to Old Winchester Hill and back but in the brief sunny interludes the flower covered grassland came alive, with Adonis Blue particularly prominent. Other species included Small White, Small Copper, Chalk Hill Blue, Common Blue, Gatekeeper, Meadow Brown, Speckled Wood and Small Heath. No Silver-spotted Skipper, Wall or Clouded Yellow on this occasion. A handsome Wheatear on a juniper bush on the slope beneath the hill fort demonstrated that autumn bird migration is under way. [Posted by Rupert & Sharron Broadway]
Blues and Yellows at Broughton Down. I was hoping to see Silver-spotted Skipper at Broughton Down yesterday, but it was not to be. It was my first visit in eight years and the covering of dogwood and hawthorn scrub was more widespread than I remember, particularly on the eastern half of the reserve. Common Blue was doing very well, genuinely living up to its name. I didn’t see a Chalk Hill Blue until the tumuli near the western end of the site and, beyond that, there was a lovely chalk grassland meadow and earthwork ditches with many more Chalk Hills, a few Adonis Blue and Brown Argus, and plenty more Common Blue. A strong Brimstone emergence was underway and a couple of Clouded Yellows added to the colourful spectacle. Thirteen species counted in total. [Posted by Kevin Freeborn]
Adonis Blue, trees of green, in our Clouded Yellow submarine. Or, Clouded Yellow summer scene would be apt! At MHD this morning, walking along the sheep trod from end to end along the bottom of the down, I counted eight Clouded Yellows. The couple I saw early on were happy to pause, nectar and allow a photo, while later in the morning they were flighty and fast with it. There were really impressive numbers of Adonis and Chalk Hill blues, with both species considerably outnumbering Common Blue and Brown Argus. I saw two mating Adonis pairs and one egg-laying female, although I couldn’t then find the egg(s). Thirteen butterfly species at MHD this morning. [Posted by Kevin Freeborn]
Purple Butterflies at West Wood. A trip to West Wood to check on the Purple Emperor caterpillars turned up a very late Purple Hairstreak. One caterpillar was missing in action but a new one was found on a leaf with absolutely no feeding damage. The others exhibited classic feeding patterns. [Posted by Mark Tutton]
New Forest. A circular walk from High Corner around Ogden's Purlieu and Linwood today demonstrated that the butterfly season in the forest is well and truly past its peak, with the only sightings a few Small White, two or three Gatekeeper, a single Painted Lady and a few Grayling, the latter demonstrating their masterful camouflage skills. [Posted by Rupert & Sharron Broadway]
Toadflax Brocade. This species continues to thrive in my garden in VC12 on cultivated forms of Linaria pupurea (var 'Canon Went' and 'Springside White') as well as being seen on Linaria vulgaris today. Exceptionally this year I've had larvae evident at the same time as adult - a moth on the move. [Posted by Chris Piper]
Jersey Tiger Moths. Bedhampton Over the last few days, we have had single Jersey Tiger Moths in the garden. Today, I managed to record one on our patio door. Hope this information is of some use! Ray [Posted by Ray Chiverton]
Magdalen Hill Down. Our normal trips to Magdalen Hill Down are characterised by back-breaking struggles up steep slopes pushing wheelbarrows full of heavy tools, so it's a real pleasure to make the occasional visit during peak season. Wonderful to see so many Adonis Blue on the slopes and between one and three Clouded Yellow (difficult to tell, given their mobility) amongst the clouds of Chalk Hill Blue, Common Blue, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Small Heath, Large White and Small White. Other species noted were Green-veined White, Holly Blue, Red Admiral, Painted Lady and Peacock. We're looking forward to the restart of the autumn working parties now ! [Posted by Rupert & Sharron Broadway]
Chalk Hill Blues at Old Winchester Hill. It was a warm, overcast morning on Old Winchester Hill, with the sky seemingly on the verge of getting brighter at any moment but without the sun actually breaking through. There were several bleached Dark Green Fritillary, pale shadows of their peak-condition selves; a fresh Marbled White, which was a surprise as I thought the heat waves earlier in the month had done for them; and, best of all, a Wall, which was the first I’ve seen at OWH this century. Fifteen species were seen in total, with the morning belonging to the Chalk Hill Blue, seen in very good numbers around the reserve. [Posted by Kevin Freeborn]
Itchen Abbas farmland. Farmers often get a bad press, but most of our local farms do what they can to encourage biodiversity, particularly by leaving wide margins with plenty of wildflowers. The butterflies have really benefited this year with many of the common grassland and hedgerow species plus the odd gem, such as this Clouded Yellow which I've seen in pretty much the same spot over the last two days. [Posted by Rupert Broadway]
Duke of Burgundy. It sure is a crazy year for butterflies - looking for Brown Hairstreaks with my flutterby friends today and found instead a lovely fresh second brood Duke of Burgundy. [Posted by Sheila Anne Williams]
Clouded Yellow - Danebury Hill Fort. Delighted to find my UK Butterfly #50 for 2025 today at Danebury Hill Fort - a lovely male Clouded Yellow. It has been through the wars a bit but still lovely to watch and photograph. [Posted by Sheila Anne Williams]
Clouded Yellow at Itchen Abbas. We were treated to a high speed flypast by a Clouded Yellow in our Itchen Abbas garden this afternoon: the 23rd species recorded this year and the 27th in the two years we have been living here, far exceeding our expectations. [Posted by Rupert Broadway]
A lovely 'Blue Day' - Magdalen Hill Down Nature Reserve. Made an early start to Magdalen Hill and the weather turned out a lot better than forecast. Lots of blues around including; Common Blue, Adonis Blue, Chalk Hill Blue and Small Blue. Also saw Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Small Heath, Large White, Small White, Green-veined White, Peacock, Red Admiral, Small Tortoiseshell, Painted Lady, Dingy Skipper, Small Skipper, Brimstone, Brown Argus and a surprise Dark Green Fritillary - 19 species in total. Had a lovely peaceful day and even came home with a large pot of blackberries. [Posted by Sheila Anne Williams]
Silver-spotted Skippers. A frenzy of activity on Perham Down with 50 plus Silver-spotted Skippers. We saw several mating pairs and many males fighting for females. I have never seen so many at Perham - they were even spread into areas where I had not seen them before, fabulous to see. [Posted by Sheila Anne Williams]
Brown Hairstreak (m) - Shipton Bellinger. Lots of Brown Hairstreak (m) battling each other high up in several Ash trees throughout the area. Sadly none came down for any good photo opportunities but it was great to watch them and try and get a few images. [Posted by Sheila Anne Williams]
Yew Hill reserve walk. Good turnout at the Yew Hill BC reserve walk this morning, both in terms of participants and butterflies. Gatekeeper were present in uncountable numbers, covering every patch of marjoram. There were many Chalk Hill Blue, Common Blue, Meadow Brown, Small Heath, Small White, Large White and Green-veined White; along with several Brimstone, Brown Argus, Speckled Wood and Comma, a couple of Small Skipper and a very fresh Painted Lady. Conspicuous by their absence were some of the early summer species such as White-letter Hairstreak, Marbled White, Ringlet and Peacock, which had clearly completed the relevant stages of their life cycles early due to the hot sunny conditions.. Compensation came in the form of single Dark Green Fritillary and Small Copper - both generally difficult species to find at this site. Finally, a single Red Admiral flew by as the group was dispersing making 17 species recorded in total. [Posted by Rupert Broadway]
Purple Emperor Early stages. After spending many fruitless hours in Alice Holt forest looking for Purple Emperor eggs I decided to give West Wood a look - and I am glad I did. Shortly after exiting the car I came across a very surprising butterfly - a Wall. No photo unfortunately but I had a good clear view and apparently a very unusual occurrence for this site. They do have a habit of popping up in strange locations. However after the initial excitement I started the laborious task of examining likely sallows for the 1mm diameter egg. After two hours of eye boggling examination I checked a nice broad leaved sallow in semi shade and came across what I thought was an egg. However whilst trying to locate my hand lens I lost it! In the process of trying to relocate it I found a L1 larva and then relocated the egg! After all that effort - like buses two came along at once. Shortly after I found another larva so all in all a very successful day. [Posted by Mark Tutton]
Small Tortoiseshell bonanza. Having not seen a single Small Tortoiseshell in my walks around Hampshire this year, I was really pleasantly surprised to count 30+ on a two-mile section of the Limestone Way from Monyash towards Lathkill Dale in the Peak District on Saturday. In fact, there was a profusion of butterflies along the old drove road, with the small torts feasting on the wayside thistles and scabious in company with: small skipper, large skipper, large white, small white, green-veined white, speckled wood, small heath, ringlet, meadow brown, gatekeeper, dark green fritillary, red admiral, peacock, small copper and common blue. [Posted by Kevin Freeborn]
Stockbridge Down. Highlight of a very hot walk at a baked Stockbridge Down this morning was a few Dark Green Fritillary, all looking well past their best. Other species recorded in varying numbers were Brimstone, Green-veined White, Large White, Small White, Brown Argus, Chalk Hill Blue, Common Blue, Comma, Peacock, Red Admiral, Gatekeeper, Marbled White, Meadow Brown, Small Heath and Speckled Wood. [Posted by Rupert & Sharron Broadway]
Micheldever Wood. We made the short trip to Micheldever Wood today in the hope of catching the last days of the Emperor. Results were inconclusive as we witnessed three treetop flyovers but were unable to convince ourselves that they might not be high-flying White Admirals. More experienced Emperor observers would have nailed it one way or the other! That apart, butterflies there were in profusion, including Large Skipper, Small Skipper, Large White, Green-veined White, Brimstone, Purple Hairstreak, Holly Blue, Brown Argus, Comma, Peacock, Red Admiral, White Admiral (two only), Silver-washed Fritillary (including a single Valezina), Marbled White, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Ringlet and Speckled Wood. [Posted by Rupert & Sharron Broadway]
Hawkhill Inclosure & Magdalen Hill Down. A morning at Hawkhill Inclosure looking for Grayling and the afternoon at Magdalen Hill Down looking for Chalk Hill Blue. Huge success at both sites, we saw Grayling within minutes of arriving on the heathland and Chalk Hill Blue within minutes of arriving on the hillside at Magdalen. We usually have to search for the early Grayling but the heathland was full of them and we lost count after 20 plus. We also saw Large White, Small White, Gatekeeper, Small Heath, Meadow Brown, Large Skipper, Silver-studded Blue and a Fritillary but it was going so fast we could not ID it. At MHD we saw 15+ super fresh Chalk Hill Blue - had forgotten how lovely they are when they have newly emerged. There were also Large White, Small Skipper, Brown Argus, Common Blue, Gatekeeper, Meadow Brown and Brimstone. [Posted by Sheila Anne Williams]
Good day for garden butterflies. Good day for garden butterflies in Itchen Abbas today with 12 species recorded, including our first Large Skipper competing for basking space in the evening sunlight with two Comma and a Red Admiral. Other species recorded during the afternoon were Small Skipper, Large White, Small White, Common Blue, Peacock, Marbled White, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper and Ringlet. [Posted by Rupert & Sharron Broadway]
Alice’s Emperors. Over the past week I have made several visits to Alice Holt forest to observe Purple Emperors. It seems they are having a very good season with numerous encounters and nice low down views of males taking ‘salts’ and more dubious substances! One count of twenty three males and a single female in Straits Inclosure is my best count for over ten years, and Ashley and I watched almost continuous activity at Abbots Wood for a period of thirty minutes, including four in a vista and a ‘follow me’ chase of a female leading a male off to make more Emperors. Sadly I lost ‘Flossie the Emperor dog’ back in March but have acquired a new pup ‘Beau’ who is in training and he encountered a nice male on his very first excursion into the woods. I have also noted two Valezina form of the Silver-washed Fritillary which have proved difficult to photograph, but I did manage a snap of one low down in vegetation before she disappeared back into the shadows. It would seem the ‘butterfly emergency’ does not apply to all species? [Posted by Mark Tutton]
Micheldever Wood. A massive 18 species seen; Brimstone, Comma, Green-veined White, Holly Blue, Large Skipper, Large White, Small Skipper, Marbled White, Meadow Brown, Painted Lady, Peacock, Red Admiral, Ringlet, Silver-washed Fritillary, Small White, Speckled Wood, White Admiral and at last a Purple Emperor. I have seen a good number of PE in every wood I have visited this month including: Abbots Wood, West Wood, Whiteley Walk and Bentley Wood but they were all flying high so was pleased this one came down to the ground. Also seen at MW lots of Peacock caterpillars munching away in a little clearing, thank you to Nic Burns for pointing them out. [Posted by Sheila Anne Williams]
The arrival of Nemophora metallica in my Alton garden. Each year just when the Field Scabious has begun flowering I look for the arrival of the Nemophora metallica. It has been present in my garden since I planted and spread Field Scabious - seemingly contrary to some field guides. Great fun to watch when the numbers build. [Posted by Chris Piper]
Marble Whites - Bentley Wood. Went looking for woodland butterflies but saw plenty of meadow ones too ..... [Posted by Sheila Anne Williams]
Me and HIM in West Wood. I was royally treated in ‘Ashley’s Ride’ this morning. There were no dog walkers, no joggers and no cyclists. It was a peaceful but sizzling solstice morning. From 10.15 to 10.35am, two, possibly three, male purple emperors were gliding up and down the ride at between waist and knee high, dropping to the track frequently and for extended periods to imbibe minerals. It was clearly a morning for doing just that – perhaps the higher temperatures made it necessary – as there were eight commas and two red admirals exhibiting this behaviour too. [Posted by Kevin Freeborn]
Silver-studded Blue Fiesta at Hatchet Pond. Wonderful numbers of Silver-studded Blue at Hatchet Pond near Beaulieu. I counted more than 200 of them on iRecord. Mainly males but also a good number of females; mating and egg-laying both witnessed [Posted by Neil Goodall]
Marbled Mania. Wildflowers and the Marbled White put on a stunning display at MHD today. It was a real treat to walk across the down with Marbled White and Meadow Brown rising with every footstep. There must have been multiple hundreds of both species, and hats off to anyone with the patience to count them all or an abacus big enough to do so. There were beautifully fresh ringlets, too – such a gorgeous velvety dark chocolate with caramel ‘ringlets’. [Posted by Kevin Freeborn]
Kintbury site. At the Kintbury site, previously arable farmland has been converted to wildflower meadows, which attracts a plethora of species. It was pleasing to find quite a few Peacock larval webs on the Stinging Nettle that is allowed to grow around the chalk pits that have been created, that were colonised by Small Blue several years ago (using the Kidney Vetch) and which, for the first time this year, also gave us sightings of Adonis Blue (that has presumably used the Horseshoe Vetch). [Posted by Pete Eeles]
Thatcham sightings. With the news that approval has been given to build 2,500 houses on the so-called green belt near to where I live, I decided to pay the area a visit before it's concreted over. What a disaster for wildlife. The meadow nearest my home on the east side of Thatcham is choc-a-bloc full of interesting flora, and butterflies. Finding a mating pair of Marbled White was exhilarating and depressing in equal measure, as it felt like I was saying 'goodbye'. On the walk home, I found several Large White larvae feeding on Garlic Mustard, which is documented, but rather unusual! I also went to grab some photos of two Orange-tip larvae feeding on Honesty seed pods in my garden but I was distracted for 10 minutes and, during that time, a wasp had visited the plant and taken both larvae - that's nature, I suppose! [Posted by Pete Eeles]
Hummingbird Hawk-moth. At 75 and living in the heart of the countryside all my life I thought I had seen all there was to see. Wrong. I had the pleasure of watching my first hummingbird hawk-moth. I had never seen one before and spent a few hours to find out what it was. I live just over the border from Hampshire in West Lavington in Wilts. [Posted by Norman Merritt]
A Trio of Skippers at Whiteley Pastures. Large, Small and Essex Skippers were all enjoying the bramble flowers along the main rides at Whiteley Pastures today. It is lovely to be reminded how beautiful the colouring of the Large Skipper can be. [Posted by Kevin Freeborn]
Admirable Admirals at Whiteley Pastures. I saw twelve butterfly species this morning at Whiteley Pastures, including my first Clouded Yellow of the season and my first White Admirals and Silver-washed Fritillaries. Specimens of both the latter species were all rather flighty and not very obliging in sitting for a photo. All the admirals were very interested in the sallow – sallow searching you could say – and the one pictured was photographed 4 metres or so up in the canopy. [Posted by Kevin Freeborn]
Kintbury Woodland. I spend a lot of time at a 400-acre site in Kintbury that will become home to Kintbury Eco Centre in the next year or so. It's being managed for biodiversity, and butterflies in particular. With both chalk grassland and deciduous woodland, there is a lot to see! Recent finds in the woodland include Silver-washed Fritillary (including a female), a few White-letter Hairstreak and a Grass Snake that decided to sit completely still on one of the paths near the ponds! [Posted by Pete Eeles]
Chalk grassland species. I spent today undertaking surveys of a patch of chalk grassland in Kintbury. There is so much going on, that it's difficult to know what to mention, but Large Skippers seems to be doing really well, and I followed a female Cinnabar moth that was examining various Ragwort plants and clearly had the intention of laying - something I've not really followed through on before! So it was a delight to see the start of this species' journey. Marbled White are just starting to emerge here and Small Blues were busy ovipositing on the abundant Kidney Vetch in the chalk scrapes. [Posted by Pete Eeles]
White Admirals in good numbers at Whiteley Pastures. I saw at least 15 White Admirals in Whiteley Pastures today. Hopefully Purple Emperors will emerge soon. Also a fresh Painted Lady as well as several other species. [Posted by Claire Hartt-Palmer]
More night manoeuvres at Alice Holt. A second successful night time trip to Alice holt turned up six new Purple Emporer pupa and a pre-pupation L5 caterpillar - my first. The fifth instar caterpillar is the only instar that glows in UV, albeit fairly faintly, and was a first for me so very pleasing indeed. A return was made in daylight and we managed to relocate the caterpillar as well as three of the pupa. The camouflage is extreme indeed and on two occasions the subjects were only six inches or so from my face yet I couldn’t, for the life of me see them! A real test for patience. Some photos showing the cryptic arts - and a more obvious one. [Posted by Mark Tutton]
Night searches at Alice Holt. As is my want at this time of the year myself and my friend Dan spent the witching hours deep in Alice Holt forest looking for Purple Emperor pupae with UV torches - very successful it was too. We located at least seven, most of which were very high in mature sallows and I will return to see if I can find them in daylight. Very surprisingly we also found four Brown Hairstreak larvae which I have never seen in Alice Holt forest - possibly a new site for this one uncommon Hampshire butterfly? A couple of the images show the pupa shining brightly when illuminated with a UV torch. [Posted by Mark Tutton]
Black Hairstreak. A fabulous day at Epsom Common to find this stunning Black Hairstreak. A 'lifer' for me taking my total of UK species to 52 - so only seven to find now! Denise and I spent several hours and were amazed to spot 20 plus with a couple of females egg laying. Also seen; Painted Lady, Speckled Wood, Red Admiral, Comma, Small Heath, Common Blue, Brimstone, Meadow Brown and Large Skipper. [Posted by Sheila Anne Williams]
Small Blue at The Dongas. After a total absence from the transect figures in 2024, I'm pleased to say the Small Blue has made a re-appearance at The Dongas, albeit with only two recorded on transect up to now. [Posted by Rupert Broadway]
Yew Hill and its wonderful wildflowers. The wildflowers were an absolute treat this morning on Yew Hill, a profusion of colour, scent and buzzing insects. I’d estimate a 150-strong flock of starlings added to the scene. While the butterfly species count was low, those that were present were seen in reasonably good numbers. In my 90-minute visit, I encountered Brimstone (12+ individuals, four males and lots of females), Small Heath (12+), Meadow Brown (12+), Common Blue (12+, with three females), Speckled Wood (3), Painted Lady (3), Large Skipper (1). [Posted by Kevin Freeborn]
Fifteen species of butterflies at Magdalen Hill Down LNR. A fabulous but windy day walking the slopes of this delightful reserve that always gives. Today I spotted 15 species of butterfly with a massive 17 male Large Skippers, plus two females just on the permissive path at the bottom of the extension field. I also spotted, Speckled Wood, Brimstone, Brown Argus, Common Blue, Adonis Blue, Small Blue, Small Heath, Peacock, Red Admiral, Dingy Skipper, Painted Lady, Meadow Brown and was delighted to also see a Small Tortoiseshell and a Marbled White (My #31 for 2025). There were so many Small Blues that I lost count many freshly emerged. [Posted by Sheila Anne Williams]
Newly emerged DGF. Very early DGF freshly emerged and still drying wings out on Stockbridge Down today. Not had one in May before. And right next to it - a very pink meadow grasshopper, a rare mutation of the usual green/brown form. [Posted by Catherine Hadler]
Large Skipper (female). Magdalen Hill Down LNR has quite a few Large Skipper (males) emerging at the moment so it was good to spot this female who was much easier to photograph than the males ... ... [Posted by Sheila Anne Williams]
Balmer Lawn. To statisticians, a nil-result or low count is just as important as a bumper one; to an amateur Lepidopterist, a nil-result or low count can only bring disappointment. This morning (sunny intervals and 16C), I parked up near Balmer Lawn and spent three hours walking 5.7 miles around Pignal and Ramnor Inclosures and saw just one Pearl-bordered, one Common Blue and five Speckled Wood. [Posted by Kevin Freeborn]
Small Tortoiseshell. After 21 months and 26 days, the first Small Tortoiseshell to be recorded in our Itchen Abbas garden finally arrived today. In the meantime we've welcomed, among others, White Admiral, Small Blue, Green Hairstreak ....... but this formerly common species has eluded us. That brings the garden total to 24 - a decent count in less than 2 years [Posted by Rupert & Sharron Broadway]
Silver-studded Blues. Pleased to spot these freshly emerged Silver-studded Blues today with Claire. We saw four near Ipley Inclosure, New Forest. The main path through the Inclosure was closed which was just as well as we found these as we skirted around area. [Posted by Sheila Anne Williams]
Two rarely visited Duke sites. Paid a visit to two rarely visited Duke of Burgundy colonies today, Harting Down just over the border in West Sussex and Stephen’s Castle Down in Hants before the weather breaks. Harting is probably at peak with only one or two looking fresh with most several days old. A very good total for this site with 39 seen - my highest I think. Even on such a large site the butterfly has a restricted range and most were in the usual places but pleasingly I found three away from the usual areas one female a bit to the west and a male and female over a couple of hundred meters away in an area with lots of Cowslips. Stephen’s Castle Down was disappointing as I could only locate one male who was quite elderly - it maybe that this site is early and I missed the boat - let’s hope so. Nice to know they are holding on though. There may have been two others but there were lots of Mother Shipton doing a good impersonation. [Posted by Mark Tutton]
Meadow Brown - Magdalen Hill Down NR. My #29 for 2025 - A freshly emerged Meadow Brown who would not come out for a photograph stayed in partial shade. In a week's time we will all be saying ‘oh no not another Meadow Brown’ but it was lovely to see my first of the year. Still lots of Common Blue, Small Blue, Adonis Blue and Brown Argus around, a few tatty Marsh Fritillary, Brimstone, Large White, Grizzled Skipper, Green-veined White, Green Hairstreak, Speckled Wood and today spotted six Large Skipper on the lower slopes. There was also a few moths including; Burnet Companion, Cinnabar and Mother Shipton. [Posted by Sheila Anne Williams]
West Down Nature Reserve. A pleasant afternoon wandering around West Down and lots of butterflies were out when the sun broke through the cloud. I spotted 12 species; Common Blue, Grizzled Skipper, Small Heath, Green Hairstreak, Speckled Wood, Green-veined White, Large White, Brimstone, Red Admiral, Brown Argus and a really fresh Small Tortoiseshell resting on the track so vibrant I also saw a couple of faded Pearl-bordered Fritillary have not seen these at this site before. [Posted by Sheila Anne Williams]
Jim Baldwin. We were saddened to learn of the passing of Jim Baldwin, County Moth Recorder for the Isle of Wight. Jim was a lovely man whose passion for wildlife was shared far and wide. Our thoughts are with Jim's family and friends at this difficult time. [Posted by Pete Eeles]
Martin Down Field Trip. A glorious morning and early afternoon on Martin Down, with very good butterflying (18 species), mothing and birding. On the skipper front, there seemed to be a high proportion of fresh Grizzled Skippers, including two mating pairs, and lots of blues, with Holly, Small, Common, Brown Argus and very fresh Adonis Blues, also including two mating pairs. While there were healthy numbers of Marsh Fritillary, most were on the tatty side. The Forester moth was easily seen along Bokerley Ditch and I almost had (…the one that got away!) a photo of The Forester and a Green Hairstreak in the same shot. Across the road on the opposite side of the car park, I added Speckled Wood and Comma to the list, there were more Marsh Frits and Adonis Blues and, around the pond, Emperor, Broad-bodied Chaser and Four-spotted Chaser dragonflies. [Posted by Kevin Freeborn]
Large Skipper. Have been looking for a Large Skipper for a couple of days and thank you Rupert for the location of the one you spotted on Twyford Down. Sadly I had no luck there yesterday although it was rather grey and chilly. Today on Magdalen Hill Down NR whilst photographing Small Blues out popped a stunning fresh one and happily stayed for a couple of photos before disappearing over the fence. My #28 for 2025 - 22 of which I have seen at Magdalen Hill. [Posted by Sheila Anne Williams]
Strange behaviour at The Dongas. While walking The Dongas transect (Twyford Down) this afternoon, I observed a male Large Skipper making what appeared to be serious overtures to a moth of similar size and colouration - possibly a Burnet Companion, but I couldn't been sure. After a few minutes, the latter flew off and the former posed for a picture or two. Other species noted on transect were single Small Blue (absent in 2024), Grizzled Skipper, Peacock, Painted Lady and Brown Argus: and various numbers of Red Admiral, Small White, Large White, Brimstone, Small Heath and Common Blue, the last mentioned seems to be having a particularly good spring. [Posted by Rupert Broadway]
Tugley Wood and Oaken Wood, Surrey. We visited on 16 May last year and only saw a handful of Wood Whites. All change for 2025 as Claire and I spotted at least 50 floating softly through the dappled woodland. The butterflies were mainly nectarine on Bugle and Herb Robert and there was a considerable amount of flowers in full bloom. We were serenaded by several Nightingales as the butterflies performed their delightful courtship display. We also saw a dozen Brimstone mainly females egg-laying, 1 Green-veined White, 2 Speckled Wood lots of Speckled Yellow and possibly a Pale Tussock Moth. We saw four pairs of Wood White performing their display in full sunshine before the heavens opened with thunder, lightning and hailstones quickly darkening the skies. The clever butterflies flew off to shelter but we did get rather wet walking back to our car through the fresh scented wood.… … … [Posted by Sheila Anne Williams]
West Wood, Winchester. Three or four Duke of Burgundy found at West Wood this morning although, as noted by others, their favoured location is becoming increasingly overgrown and shaded. Other species recorded included Brimstone, Green-veined White, Large White, Peacock, Cinnabar Moth and Silver Y. [Posted by Rupert & Sharron Broadway]
West Wood and Pitt Down. A warm and sunny morning and early afternoon in West Wood and on Pitt Down yielded a species count of 15, but with only brimstone and small heath attaining counts into double digits. Brimstone were profuse, all over the down. On Pitt Down, the hawthorn blossom was gorgeous and plentiful although other flowering plants seemed in short supply. Such generally low numbers of butterflies, with just singletons of common blue and orange-tip, only serve to indicate how much of an ‘island’ places like Magdalen Hill Down are. I saw six woodland Dukes and there was still some primrose in flower. The saplings in the clearing in West Wood are beginning to crowd out everything else. [Posted by Kevin Freeborn]
Yew Hill walk added for 18th July. Please note that Rupert Broadway will be leading a walk at Yew Hill on 18th July, as shown on our Field Trips page. [Posted by Pete Eeles]
Deacon Hill & Twyford Down. A cold and cloudy start and Deacon Hill was very quiet apart from about six Red Admirals which was good to see. On Twyford Down when the sun came out Claire and I saw a few species of butterfly including; Grizzled Skipper, Green Hairstreak, Small Heath, Small White, Red Admiral, Peacock, Brimstone and a freshly emerged Common Blue as well as our first Painted Lady of the Year. This was My UK #26 for 2025, the same period last year and I had only seen 15! Sadly we did not get a photo of the PL as it quickly swooped over our heads and disappeared into one of the deep ancient ‘dongas’ trackways. We also saw several Mint Moths, a Burnet Companion and a cluster of caterpillars which my App said were Spindle Ermine. [Posted by Sheila Anne Williams]
Butterflying to the soundtrack of Turtle Doves. First of all, Ashley, we hope you are feeling better soon. There were half a dozen people who hadn’t seen your fieldtrip cancellation post. Generally, for most of the time I was there, for the butterflies that were out it was a wings-folded, clinging-on sort of day. There was a distinctly chilly breeze, gusty at times, but in the combe bottom the temperature did reach 13C. Small Heath was being blown around in very good numbers – easily the most numerous butterfly of the morning. I stop counting individuals beyond 12 sightings, and so I had Common Blue 12+, Dingy Skipper 12+, Grizzled Skipper 8, Duke of Burgundy 6, Green Hairstreak 4 – including two duelling around what regular Butser field trippers will know as the Green Hairstreak Hawthorn – Brown Argus 2, Orange-tip 1, Burnet Companion 2, and what I think were Speckled Yellow, 3. All the while in the combe bottom, a Turtle Dove was calling, which was lovely to hear and a great butterflying soundtrack. [Posted by Kevin Freeborn]
Duke of Burgundy. Spotted about six Duke of Burgundy at Stockbridge Down [Posted by Sheila Anne Williams]
Small Blue. Spotted a few groups of Small Blue at Magdalen Hill Down NR on the lower slopes. The very warm sunshine brought out lots of butterflies including, Adonis Blue, Common Blue, Brown Argus, Marsh Fritillary, Small Heath, Green Hairstreak, Large White and Brimstone. Also seen Burnet Companion, Mint Moth, Mother Shipton, Common Carpet and Cinnabar. [Posted by Sheila Anne Williams]
Adonis Blue. It was amazing to see so many mating Adonis Blues at Magdalen Hill Down NR - I must have seen around six mating pairs and as many males still searching for females. [Posted by Sheila Anne Williams]
Glanville Fritillary - Compton Down, Dorset. You won’t get much fresher than this - Nic, Claire and I watched this stunning Glanville Fritillary for ages slowly drying its wings in the warm sunshine. It was constantly curling and uncurling its proboscis tasting the air ..… We never did see it take off but it sure was a beautiful moment. [Posted by Sheila Anne Williams]
Wall Brown seen at Portsdown Hill. The field trip to Portsdown Hill today found the site with many fresh butterflies flying, and most notably, a Wall Brown which has been very rare at the site if not missing over past years. A real treat. [Posted by Claire Hartt-Palmer]
Portsdown Hill & Magdalen Hill Down NR. Delighted to see three new species for 2025 today - a Wall at Portsdown Hill on Ashley's field trip and a super fresh Adonis Blue and Small Blue at Magdalen Hill Down on my home patch. [Posted by Sheila Anne Williams]
Small Blue out at Magdalen Hill Down. Three or four Small Blue seen at Magdalen Hill Down (extension) this afternoon along with numerous Common Blue and varying numbers of Grizzled Skipper, Dingy Skipper, Brimstone, Green Hairstreak, Brown Argus, Peacock and Small Heath. [Posted by Rupert & Sharron Broadway]
Pearl-Bordered Fritillaries - Standing Hat - New Forest. We spotted about 16 PBF today racing up and down the rides in really hot sunshine . There were very few flowers for them to nectar on with some flowers trying their best to emerge through the dead bracken. Most of the butterflies we spotted were stopping to nectar on the bright yellow dandelion flowers before racing off again ... ... ... [Posted by Sheila Anne Williams]
First Duke out at Stockbridge. Saw first Duke of B at Stockbridge Down today - and possibly a second. Quite early for this site as we are usually a couple of weeks behind Noar Hill and others. Decent weather has brought them out! [Posted by Catherine Hadler]
Butser in the sun. I took the opportunity of a girls shopping day, and glorious sunshine, to revisit Butser today. Very good numbers of Grizzled Skipper, Small Heath and especially Dingy Skipper made their presence known along with the ever present Orange-tips and the odd Peacock. Duke of Burgundy are building nicely with at least half a dozen fresh males seen. New for year were Green Hairstreak, Common Blue and some delightfully fresh Brown Argus. It was also nice to catch up with a few like minded acquaintances who were on a similar mission. [Posted by Mark Tutton]
Broxhead Common field trip. Good to be out in the spring sunshine this morning and enjoying the first field trip of the new season. [Posted by Kevin Freeborn]
Brockenhurst Inclosures. With all the early emergences this spring, I thought I would chance my arm and see if I could see a Pearl-bordered Fritillary in the New Forest. It was mostly cloudy during the morning with a chilly breeze and I only saw a few Speckled Woods. However, the cloud cover broke up around midday and the afternoon was more productive with regular sightings of male Brimstones and a smattering of Green-veined, Large and Small Whites. Finally, around 3.30pm in the New Copse Inclosure, I saw a flash of orange and had a brief glimpse of a Pearl-bordered Fritillary. A little later, nearer Perrywood Ivy Inclosure, a saw another and was able to watch it for some time and obtain a record shot. [Posted by Ian Watts]
Magdalen Hill Down NR. The first Common Blue female seen at the bottom of the hillside being chased around by a few Brown Argus [Posted by Sheila Anne Williams]
Magdalen Hill Down NR. We also saw quite a few Marsh Fritillaries today as well as 15 Small Heath - one of which had a dark black line under its spot. [Posted by Sheila Anne Williams]
Magdalen Hill Down NR. A cloudy start to the day and a few butterflies were roosting but when the sun came out it was a good day on the hillside. We spotted 12 species including; Brimstone, Brown Argus, Common Blue, Green Hairstreak, Green-veined White, Grizzled Skipper, Orange-tip, Peacock, Small Copper, Small Heath, Speckled Wood and Dingy Skipper. As well as several moths including; Common Carpet, Mint Moth, Green Carpet and Mother Shipton. The highlight of the day was a mating pair of Dingy Skippers - they were also the most numerous butterfly of the day too - we spotted at least 21. [Posted by Sheila Anne Williams]
Large Blue appeal. The Royal Entomological Society has a fundraiser for the Large Blue running over the next week - do help if you can. [Posted by Pete Eeles]
Magdalen Hill Down NR with Claire. We spotted 15 species of butterflies including; Small Copper (My #19 for 2025), Marsh Fritillary (My #20 for 2025). We also saw, Common Blue, Holly Blue, Brown Argos, Dingy Skipper, Grizzled Skipper, Small White, Green-veined White, Peacock, Red Admiral, Orange-tip, Green Hairstreak, Small Heath and Speckled Wood. [Posted by Sheila Anne Williams]
Marsh Fritillary now flying. A few hours at Magdalen Hill Down this afternoon yielded 10 species with two firsts for the year.
Five male Marsh Fritillary were seen, with at least one having only just emerged. When digging down to see if I could find its pupal case, I came across another first - the only Marbled White caterpillar I've ever found!
Thankfully, it seems that I won't be waiting until September to see a Small Copper this year.
Grizzled Skipper, Dingy Skipper, Orange-tip, Brimstone, Small Heath, Peacock and Brown Argus also seen. [Posted by Lee Hurrell]
Common Blue. My first Common Blue of the year spotted late afternoon on the bottom slope at Magdalen Hill Down NR. [Posted by Sheila Anne Williams]
Ultraviolet-induced Fluorescence. The immature stages of many Lepidoptera are known to fluoresce when showered with UV radiation. This thought-provoking article by Ben Greenaway provides a theory as to why the immature stages of many Lepidoptera are known to fluoresce and the evolutionary advantage of doing so. [Posted by Pete Eeles]
MHD lease renewed. In case you missed it, a new 10-year lease for Magdalen Hill Down has been agreed between The Church Commissioners for England and Butterfly Conservation at Magdalen Hill Down. I'm sure this will come as a relief to those that volunteer and visit MHD, given the current financial pressures that BC is facing. It is, however, unfortunate that the BBC decided to use an image of a Mazarine Blue in their article, as hopeful as we are that this species might return! [Posted by Pete Eeles]
Pebble Prominent. When one of only three moths in the home trap is as beautiful as this Pebble Prominent, I don't mind. [Posted by Lee Hurrell]
Brown Argus out at Magdalen. Four Brown Argus and two Small Heath were early firsts for the year at Magdalen Hill Down. Both were the earliest I've seen either species. Also seen were Green Hairstreak, Holly Blue, Grizzled Skipper, Dingy Skipper, Large White, Small White, Green-veined White, Orange-tip, Brimstone, Red Admiral, Comma, and Peacock. [Posted by Lee Hurrell]
Dukes showing well at Noar Hill. Saw Noar Hill in wonderful form today - in the sun with the Cowslips out, with at least 12 Dukes both male and female all around the pits. Many other butterflies were also flying including my first Green hairstreak, Dingy Skipper and Small Heath of the season. [Posted by Claire Hartt-Palmer]
Orange tips are showing well at Farlington Marshes. I returned to Farlington Portsmouth after a week away, to discover the Orange tips have emerged behind the motorway with plenty of their larval food plant Cuckoo-flower blossoming for them. [Posted by Claire Hartt-Palmer]
HOS Presentations. For those that are interested, the presentations from the Hampshire Ornithological Society members' day were recorded and can be found here. [Posted by Pete Eeles]
Early emergences at Butser Hill. I ventured to Butser Hill more in hope than anticipation in weak sunshine and an annoyingly cool easterly breeze. I took my usual route from the car park along the western hedge line and after twenty minutes I was photographing my first Duke of Burgundy of the year. What made this more pleasing is that they have been very scarce in this area for a couple of years following some fencing replacement. A few Grizzled and Dingy Skippers made use of some warmer sunshine and most surprising of all was an exceedingly early Small Heath - my earliest ever by more than two weeks! [Posted by Mark Tutton]
Morn Hill Moths. The milder night forecast for 12th April led to the moth traps being put at Morn Hill, which were checked on the 13th. A splendid 76 moths of 22 species were recorded, including the stunning Chinese Character, Lunar Marbled Brown, and Iron Prominent pictured. [Posted by Lee Hurrell]
Magdalen Hill Down. No Mazarine Blues to report, sadly, but a lovely morning nonetheless among the cowslips at MHD. Butterflies seen: Brimstone 12+, Peacock 12+, Grizzled Skipper 12+, Dingy Skipper 3, Green Hairstreak 1, Green-veined White 2, and all under the watchful eyes of the resident kestrel pair. [Posted by Kevin Freeborn]
Basing Wood Speckled Woods and Commas. A delightful couple of hours exploring Basing Wood this afternoon. Speckled Wood is emerging nicely, with six seen. Six seemed to be the magic number, as six of each of Comma, Peacock, and Green-veined White also seen. Otherwise, male Orange-tip, male Holly Blue, male Large White, male Brimstone, and both male and female Small White also seen. [Posted by Lee Hurrell]
Dingy Skipper out at Magdalen. Three hours at Magdalen on the afternoon of the 9th in once again perfect conditions. 2 Dingy Skipper, 9 Grizzled Skipper, 2 Holly Blue, 2 Green Hairstreak, 1 male Orange-tip, 1 male and 1 female Brimstone, 1 Small White, 2 Small White, 11 Peacock, and pleasingly, 1 Small Tortoiseshell. Holly Blue and Dingy Skipper were firsts for the year. [Posted by Lee Hurrell]
Green Hairstreak, Grizzled Skipper & Dingy reported. Three hours at Magdalen this afternoon gave an incredible five firsts for the year. 5 Grizzled Skipper, 2 Green Hairstreak, 2 male Orange-tip, 5 Small White, 1 Large White - all firsts for the year. Also 18 Peacock, 18 male Brimstone, 6 female, 1 Comma 1 Green-veined White. Bumped into two colleagues who later messaged to say they'd seen a Dingy Skipper! [Posted by Lee Hurrell]
Hampage Wood & Itchen Abbas. A walk to Hampage Wood and back this morning, primarily to track down a singing Woodlark, yielded Peacock, Small Tortoiseshell, Orange-tip and Speckled Wood. (Woodlark still singing, but remained elusive). An afternoon in the garden was enlivened by visits from Brimstone, Green-veined White, Large White, Orange-tip, Holly Blue, Peacock and, most bizarrely, a mint-fresh Green Hairstreak, which perched briefly on a window pane before shooting off as I went for the camera. [Posted by Rupert & Sharron Broadway]
Portsdown Hill. 6th April 2025 Portsdown Hill The warm weather continues, and the butterfly numbers are getting better as the days go by. I decided to conduct a walk around my old transect route which I haven’t conducted now for several years, and I surprised how it still looks how I remember it, all be it a few more Gorse bushes which seem to be spreading. The slopes were covered with Brimstones of both sexes, along with excellent counts of Speckled Wood, and the Orange Tip has certainly responded to the warm weather. I didn’t manage the Green Hairstreak, and I was surprised that the Holly Blue didn’t appear either, with no Small Tortoiseshell either, with just a splattering of Peacocks. Cowslips here look in better condition than at Noar Hill now. The birds of prey were also absent, but I suspect most of them are concentrating on nest building and looking after young. [Posted by Ashley Whitlock]
Small tortoiseshells in decent numbers at St Clair’s Meadow Soberton. I walked the transect at St Clair’s Meadow Soberton this morning for Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust. It was sunny but quite windy, and the wind had a chill to it. I saw 6 Small Tortoiseshells and 5 Peacocks. They were all appearing out of the grass and undergrowth as it warmed up. There were a few distant whites across the other side of the river, but no Orange tips were seen. The cuckoo flower is out so hopefully they will be around shortly. It is still quite wet and muddy in places- wellies are still a good idea! [Posted by Claire Hartt-Palmer]
First home moth trap of the year. First home trap of the year, in Weeke, Winchester. 3 Common Quaker, 1 Nut-tree Tussock, 1 very smart Hebrew Character and a Double-striped Pug. [Posted by Lee Hurrell]
Green-veined White - my first emerged butterfly of 2025. A seven mile walk around the village of Mapledurwell yielded 5 Green-veined White, 4 Small Tortoiseshell, 10 Peacock, 4 Comma and 3 Brimstone. [Posted by Lee Hurrell]
Visit to Noar Hill. I visited Noar Hill today from around 11.30 to 14.30. Although it was pleasantly warm in the chalk pits, which were sheltered from the breeze, it was half an hour before I saw my first butterfly - a female Brimstone. There is a good spread of violets and the cowslips are coming into flower. During my visit I saw: Brimstone: 12+ Peacock: 6+ Comma: 1 Holly Blue: 1 Orange-tip: 1 Speckled Wood: 1 And half-a-dozen whites (unidentified) [Posted by Kevin Freeborn]
First Small Tortoiseshell. Given the scarcity of Small Tortoiseshells in 2024 I was both relieved and pleased to see my first of 2025 on a footpath through farmland at Itchen Down this morning - hopefully they will enjoy a better year. On returning home, my first Holly Blue of the year turned up in the garden, in addition to Brimstone, Peacock and Green-veined White. [Posted by Rupert Broadway]
Small Tortoiseshell out of hibernation. The hibernating Small Tortoiseshell in my garage (present on Tuesday, 1st April), has by this evening, (Friday, 4th April), left its overwintering site and flown. Fitting on the warmest couple of days so far this year. [Posted by Lee Hurrell]
Hillier Gardens, Braishfield. Plenty of butterflies enjoying the sunshine and plentiful nectar sources at the Hillier Gardens, Braishfield today including Brimstone, Large White, Small White, Orange-tip, Comma, Peacock and Speckled Wood. Sadly, no Small Tortoiseshell and curiously no Holly Blue in what would appear to be ideal habitat [Posted by Rupert Broadway]
HOS Presentation. I was delighted to be asked to present at the Annual Meeting of the Hampshire Ornithological Society, where I spoke on 'The Hidden World of Hampshire's Butterflies'. With approximately 430 attendees, it was one of the more significant events I've had the pleasure to support. [Posted by Peter Eeles]
