Sunday 26th September 2021

 Species: Meadow Brown (1) Small White (1) Speckled Wood (2)

Common Darter Dragonfly - Tucking Mill 26-09-21

My last trip along the path this year was on the 26th September. Just three species of butterfly, and four individuals counted. 

The weather was fine with broken cloud and a temperature of around 19c when I arrived by bike. It wasn't a butterfly that greeted me though, but a late dragonfly. A Common Darter perched on a fence post to bask in the sunshine.

Meadow Brown - Tucking Mill 26-09-21

Away from the path itself, a faded female Meadow Brown was seen, wings wide open in a grassy area near the footpath.

Devil's-bit scabious - Tucking Mill 26-09-21

As I headed back home it was interesting to see many Devil's Bit Scabious flowers still in Bloom. It tends to grow in the shadier parts of the landscape here but is quite plentiful in places.

This is the main foodplant of the rare Marsh Fritillary butterfly which I have previously seen close to the cycle path. It's been two years since I have seen them, which is disappointing. This butterfly  is quite enigmatic, forming meta-populations that vary greatly in number from one year to the next. Hopefully... one day?


 

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