NORTH DOWNS & BEYOND

  A brief visit to Denbies Hillside this morning, just as the air was starting to warm up. At least 200+ Chalkhill Blues (top) were already dancing above the downland sward, but butterfly (and other) invertebrate numbers were generally low. Both Silver-washed and Dark Green Fritillary was recorded. Also pictured above are Comma (middle) and Ringlet (bottom). Maybe the sudden shock of hot weather over the weekend will get more invert action, but you do wonder how our butterfly and moths have fared with this wet and cool summer.

The start of July sees a lull in the number of species of butterfly on the wing, with more than a few of them being between broods. I spent the morning/early afternoon at Park Downs, Banstead Woods and Chipstead Bottom in glorious weather, and, regardless of the 'butterfly trough', still recorded a fair few species (and in good numbers), including two White-letter Hairstreak, 2 Dark Green Fritillary and 15+ Silver-washed Fritillary. Brimstone - second brood starting to emerge Silver-washed Fritillary Ringlet - up to 100 present Dark Green Fritillary