Butterflies & Moths

Probably tired out from its exertions the other day, this Tortoiseshell was enjoying a bit of sun bathing, in a more accessible spot today.

One of the first pair seen this year. They are only seen together on the wing - in my garden at least! Obligingly posed on one of two holly trees - the prickly berryless one. The other has berries, but no prickles.

England

There were scores of these on a piece of uncultivated land between the town and the fields on the South Downs. A few Small Skippers, some Meadow Browns and the odd Small Heath made up the rest of the cast!

If a butterfly wanders into the house, it must expect to have its photo taken!

We don't have square clouds here - the white shape to the left of the photo is the window frame of our blue-painted summer house - all nicely out of focus.

....or should this be Bramble Blue, given its current perch.

There seem to be very few butterflies around this year. I don't think that I have seen more than a couple of any species. We have a Holly Blue in our garden fairly frequently and an odd Small White. I think I have seen a Comma, a Peacock, a Painted Lady and a handful of Tortoiseshells. There are a couple of Speckled Woods in their usual corner of our churchyard. Bee and Hoverfly numbers are also down significantly. I haven't been out specifically looking for insects, but usually they have just been there when I have been walking & snapping.

Would this butterfly get into a better position? No!

I think that the 'halo' must be a flower petal, but it defines the head nicely.