Monday 10th September 2018

Butterfly Species: Comma (1) Green Veined White (2) Small Copper (1) Small White (2) Speckled Wood (6)


The butterflies are disappearing fast. A total of just twelve were spotted on today's trip with the perennial Speckled Wood coming out on top. Six were seen fluttering in sunny sheltered spots along the path. Their condition was variable. Some were worn and faded (such as the one above), others were relatively fresh as if defying the coming Autumn.

I had reached the Pub at Midford before seeing a single butterfly. There I found the first of two Green-veined Whites of the trip. Further along the path my brain was triggered by the characteristic shape of a Comma butterfly sitting on a hazel leave, wings closed mimicking a ragged Autumn leaf. It was its shape and contrasting dark grey colour that drew my attention. This butterfly will soon hide itself away for the coming winter when its camouflage will hopefully be more effective!

Small Copper - Wellow 10-09-2018

Nearing the end of my walk I see only the second Small Copper Butterfly of the season, This is a butterfly I would expect to see more of along an abandoned railway path. However I suspect the shading and long, unkempt grassy embankments make life more difficult for this pretty little butterfly.

On my cycle back, as I neared the Midford Viaduct I came across a sad sight. An unfortunate Slow Worm had met its end in the middle of the cycle-path. Clearly deceased as it head had been crushed by what looked like a bike tyre. 




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