Monday 23 May 2011

Small Blues at Kithurst Hill

After lunch yesterday we took Bea to Kithurst Hill near Storrington. On the path to the meadow I found a Green-veined White which was nectaring on wild rose flowers. When I looked at the photo I noticed that a green beetle had nudged its way into the picture. Bea noticed the Small Blues first, then suddenly there were dozens of them in the bowl before the gate to the meadow. These were the most I have ever seen, and most were in excellent condition. These tiny butterflies are exquisite, very delicate and sit obligingly on the plants while you photograph them. They were most numerous at the top of the meadow. A few Common Blues appeared as well.
Green-veined White and green beetle on Rubus flower

Small Blues

Common Blues 

Common Orchid 

 Grasshopper
Small Blue 

Yellow Rattle Rhinanthus minor
Small Blues 
Bird’s-foot trefoil Lotus corniculatus
Small Blue 
a sawfly, Eurogaster mesomelas
Thanks to the Ispot service for the indentification of this sawfly
unidentified fly or wasp 
fly on Common Dogwood Cornus sanguinea
Rosa flower
moth 
Rubus flower
Soft Cranesbill Geranium molle
the butterfly meadow 
wheat rippling in the wind

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