PhD 馃 South West Landscape Officer for Butterfly Conservation.
Devon, United Kingdom
Joined August 2009
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Brimstone pupae can be difficult to find, as the larvae often wander for some distance to find a suitable spot to pupate. The UV torch makes this job easier - what a stunning chrysalis! @BCDevon @savebutterflies
They鈥檝e been declining in lots of places in the SW recently. Certainly a combination of factors including reduced habitat area, suitability and connectivity. Climatic factors will also be playing a role, but there are mixed effects. Complex solutions needed for complex issues
They all look like Peacocks to me. I think when the larvae moult into their next instar, they emerge with lighter coloured spines, which turn black over time.
Today I've been studying Small Pearl-bordered Frits in East Devon. Had 16 adults, including a mating pair. Highlight was seeing a female laying eggs somewhat haphazardly amongst the flora between sheltered scrubby patches. What a joy! @savebutterflies @BCDevon
Silver-studded Blues only really getting started here in East Devon, with a few fresh adults starting to appear. Nice to see this male make their very first flight after just emerging @savebutterflies @BCDevon @ClintonDevon
Had a great day yesterday leading a guided walk at Langford Farm on Dartmoor for some of the fantastic volunteers at Yarner Wood. Marsh Fritillaries were a personal highlight, with 3 of the life stages seen! @savebutterflies
Thanks Andrew! I'm using a regular 365nm UV torch and my mirrorless APSC with a macro lens. Awkward to hold all in place, and requires a lot of practice with such low light.
Last night I spent a few hours doing some UV surveys for Brown Hairstreak caterpillars at various sites across Exeter. Great fun! @BCDevon @savebutterflies
Spent the morning surveying Horseshoe Vetch with a stunning view at our Westbury Beacon reserve on @MendipHillsNL. Pleased to see that it has spread into new areas, providing more foodplant for Chalkhill Blues. @BCSomerset @savebutterflies
Silver-studded Blues starting to pupate here in East Devon. Won't be long until they're out on the wing! @BCDevon @savebutterflies
A whole bunch of Green Hairstreak caterpillars fluorescing under UV! I'm already looking forward to seeing them for myself in the UK this summer..
Max Anderson retweeted
Insect migration is truly one of the world's wonders!
Here's a blizzard of small cabbage white & clouded yellow butterflies migrating through a narrow Pyrenean pass.
All are using the sun as a compass as they migrate south for the winter!
@savebutterflies @MigrantMothUK
Max Anderson retweeted
Mystery lights in the Haven?
UFO?
New, techno club night?
Nope.
Night time quest by John, Tony and Gary for Brown Hairstreaks -success! Thanks @ButterflyDan for remote ID assistance and to @maxando for the idea.
BrHstk- check you live in their known range. On underside of Blackthorn leaves. Easier to spot at later instars. Can be found wandering along stems.
PuHstk- underside of Oak leaves, usually terminal leaves. Sunny, sheltered, mature Oaks best. Need 365nm torch. Many pupated now
Max Anderson retweeted
I succeeded in tracking down this Purple Hairstreak caterpillar during my lunch break at Penryn Campus today. This individual was originally found as an egg back in March; it's not far off pupating now.
Spent the day surveying Agonopterix atomella, Mirificarma lentiginosella and Grapholita lathyrana on Dyers Greenweed at RNAS Merryfield, Somerset. Such an important plant for some incredibly scarce moths. @JennyPlackett @gmtord @DrBulman @savebutterflies
Not only did I find 7 White-letter Hairstreak pupae on my local Elm this afternoon, but I also found some ants investigating one for a while. The larvae are known myrmecophiles, and I suspect the pupae still have a trick or two up their sleeves! @savebutterflies