Honey Bee

There were a few bees around the Hazel today - just in time to try out the new macro lens - a Tamron 180mm. Roll-on warmer weather !

Afternoon Walk

Migrant Hawker

Quite a few Migrant Hawker were enjoying another warm day at Dunstable Stw this afternoon. This one was resting on Spindle.

Clouded Yellow

There were four Clouded Yellow at Ledburn Road Sandpit this afternoon. A few of these migrant insects are seen in most years.

Wall Brown

Still hanging on in the brick pits. A second brood male Wall Brown nectaring on Knapweed.

King's Wood, Heath & Reach: 18/07/2009

As the weather for the next day looked foul, another visit to King's wood was in order. The highlights were three Purple Emperor, but fewer Silver-washed Fritillary. Purple Hairstreak numbers had increased, as did Painted Lady - most of the latter were fresh individuals. A single, fresh Brown Argus was my first for a while. A Southern Hawker stopped by to nibble on its prey.

Houghton Regis chalk pit - 12/07/09

There were at least thirty-eight Chalkhill Blue seen on a three hour amble around the pit.





Just a few Marbled White were on the wing.



A buddleia had a fair selection of lepidoptera including a Painted Lady and this Hummingbird Hawkmoth - a record shot only, unfortunately.



Surveying butterflies in an area that has no records since 1996 (SP9322) produced twelve species. There were plenty of whites including this Small White.