Friday 14th May 2021

 
Butterfly Species: Dingy Skipper, Brimstone, Grizzled Skipper

Brimstone - Tucking Mill 14-05-2021

My afternoon trip on the 14th May was later in the day than I would normally set out. The weather, although sunny was still cool for the time of year at 14c. The average for a sunny May day for this part of the UK is around 17c. 

Still, a number of butterflies were active and which made the trip worthwhile.

Not far along the path from Tucking Mill I spotted a Brimstone nectaring on a Dandelion flower. These remarkable butterflies are the longest lived, in the adult state, of any UK butterfly. This individual most likely emerged during the preceding summer in July or August, and having survived the winter was still going strong five months into the new year.

Brimstone eggs - Midford 14-05-2021

The larval foodplant of the Brimstone is Buckthorn and Alder Buckthorn. This is an uncommon shrub along this stretch of railway path. I know of a couple of straggly specimens near the Midford stretch which I monitor for the early stages of this species.   




I manged to find several eggs laid on both the upper surface and underside of the youngest leaves at the tip of the branches. The tiny skittle shaped eggs are easy to find with a little patience and, once found, it is worth revisiting the plant in the weeks ahead to see the young caterpillars develop. The video above was shot at the same location in June 2019.

Green Carpet moth - Tucking Mill 14-05-2021

Occasionally I come across moths during my trips. Today I disturbed a fresh, beautifully marked Green Carpet moth. This is a common species throughout the UK, but great to see nonetheless.

Grizzled Skipper - Tucking Mill 14-05-2021

On my way back towards Bath, I stopped off at the field where I last saw Grizzled Skippers. I managed to find just one during my short search.

And so, off home to what was to become a lengthy period without my regular cycling trips. A dog walk on  a wet May day was to leave me with a broken ankle and it was well into July before I was able to return.


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