Butterflies on Mottistone Down

During a lunchtime walk along the slopes of Mottistone Down the most numerous butterfly was the Glanville Fritillary and a close second, the Common Blue. However the latter was the only 'Blue' to be seen today. Other butterfly species encountered were Wall Brown,Dingy Skipper,Small Heath,and Orange Tip. 

Another Visit to the Landslip.

A sunny day was a change from yesterday's overcast conditions and a walk along the clifftop and the Landslip was  very pleasant. Parking at Whiteway's NT,a quick look at the habitat at the back of the carpark discovered a pristine male Common Blue and two Wall Brown. The  Common Blue is a first of the year record. In addition the Brown Argus was still prominent, competing with the other resident species.

Descending the many wooden steps to the Landslip fewer species were seen than yesterday.Another male Common Blue was recorded along with a Wall Brown,Small Copper,Green Hairstreak,and Dingy Skipper.

 

First Summer Butterfly on the Wing.

In Bouldnor Forest today two first of the season butterflies were recorded. I enjoyed a brief glimpse of a White Admiral as it rested on the upper branches of a small tree before disappearing into the woodland. This was followed by sight of a Gatekeeper. Other species included a courting pair of Common Blue and  mating Meadow Brown butterflies. The latter species is now building in numbers since my first sighting on the 12th June.

  

More New Spring Sightings

The month of  April was very dry with cold winds from the north and east and temperatures well below average for the time of year. However things are due to change as May begins with  rain and wind in the forecast  after the weekend. Hopefully warmer weather will soon be on the way. Today continued the April theme and when the sun shone it was very pleasant as I returned to the landslip. Descending the steps onto the landslip I at once saw a male Wall Brown on the cliff slope and that was quickly followed by two more. Unfortunately the sun then disappeared behind shower clouds and the only other species seen were a Dingy Skipper, Small Copper, and a Peacock.

Returning to the foot of Afton Down, it was pleasing to record the first Small Blue of the year with four individuals. Green Hairstreak were again present along with a very pristine male Common Blue.

 

Back on the Landslip & Back to Nature.

The month of May is of course the time for the Glanville Fritillary here on the Isle of Wight.Now that restrictions have been relaxed, a short car ride to  Afton Down Chalkpit and a walk down to the National Trust clifftop at Compton Chine provided access to the landslip.Descending the  impressive wooden steps onto the landslip I was treated to a view along the coast towards Compton Bay.

Today the Glanville Fritillary was in evidence on the clifftop and below, although due to the brisk onshore wind they were very active and jittery.Nevertheless,find a sheltered spot  and many butterflies could be approached as they rested in the sunshine or nectared on the flowering thrift. Among the other species on show were Common Blue,Dingy Skipper,Small Heath,Small Blue and Brown Argus.

October on Meganisi.

An opportunity to visit the Greek Island of Meganisi again this year could not be resisted, so last week I was able to stroll around the lanes close to the village of Spartochori in search of any late summer butterflies.Of course most species have finished their season but a few were to be found.Apart from the late summer regulars of Painted Lady,Clouded Yellow,Red Admiral,and Meadow Brown,the large flowering rosemary plants in the garden of our holiday villa were attracting Lang's Short-tailed Blue and Common Blue. Perhaps the highlight was the sight of several Sage Skipper's nectaring on the many flowering wild thyme dotted along the roadside.

Viewpoint Blues.

Parking my car at the National Trust viewpoint car park at the foot of Afton Down a couple of days ago, I was pleased to see that a selection of butterflies are still on show at this small,sheltered,southerly facing site. Three of our summer 'blues' were present,most strikingly a splendid male Adonis, together with several Chalk-hill Blues and a Common Blue.All three species regularly rose to spar with each other as they encroached on another's patch. 

On Mottistone Down.

Today's visit to Mottistone Down in search of downland butterflies was somewhat marred by a very brisk wind.Still,the sun was shining and at this time of the year temperatures are pleasant.Luckily there are sunny sheltered spots where butterflies seem to congregate and a good number of Chalk-hill Blue,Common Blue,Brown Argus,Gatekeeper,Meadow Brown,and Wall Brown were seen.Inevitably several Painted Lady were also in evidence. However, in order to see one particular butterfly species I had to search the part of the Down known as the Common. This is the exposed open area of the Down consisiting of bracken and heather.Here the Grayling prefers to stay and is normally found on any bare patches of ground of chalk or old heather. 

Mottistone Down looks out over the Isle of Wights' south-west coast.The Down is a Site of Scientific Interest covering 78 acres and most of the area is owned by the National Trust.It is biologically important due to its chalk and neutral grasslands.

Friends Together.

Most 'blue' butterflies have an association with ants when in their caterpillar stage.The Common Blue is no exception although other blue's may have a much closer arrangement with certain types of ants.The larvae of  P. icarus are attended by the ants and sometimes taken into the anthill where they emit honeydew.This behaviour is called mutualistic as both species benefit from these actions.

Butterflies Back on the Landslip.

Despite the cool wind that has blown for a few days now the butterflies on our landslip have found those sheltered places where they can enjoy the sun and nectar on the abundance of spring flowers.Today the list of sightings at Compton Chine included at least ten Glanville Fritillaries with a mating pair,three male Common Blue, four Green Hairstreaks,a Dingy Skipper, a Small Copper,and two Small Heath.

Back at Afton Down Chalk pit which overlooks the chine there were several Small Blue.