Hertfordshire & Middlesex Branch
Saving butterflies, moths and our environment
Purple Emperor. In Highgate [Posted by J Radcliffe]
Heartwood Forest Purple Emperor update. The weather was fine on arrival at the NE edge of Pudler's Wood ( TL161116 ) at around 9.30, with a light breeze, no clouds, and a pleasant temperature of around 25 centigrade (it rose to at least 33 degrees after lunch!). There I bumped into a fellow purple emperor enthusiast named Les, who I'd last seen while emperoring at Theberton Woods in Suffolk(!) 3 years earlier, and together we spent an enjoyable 1.5 hours pottering around all my favourite Heartwood haunts in search of Purple Emperor. However, with absolutely nothing to show for our efforts, and the heat building rapidly, when we got back to our starting point at 11.10 we called it a day, and Les headed off home to Harpenden. I lingered for a few minutes, and barely a couple of minutes after Les had left I was astonished to have a male Purple Emperor land almost at my feet. I'm so sorry, Les!! This male was skittish and impatient, probing ground for a few seconds then flying quickly up and down the ride, and swinging back and around in wide loops, touching down unpredictably. I didn't get great shots, but it was exciting to see. I did however get sufficient detail to compare when I got home with photos of my previous males. This was my 6th confirmed male of the season. Adding to this my 2 female sightings, and a further sighting of a 7th male by Peter Ewer, this is proving to be a very good year for Emperors at Heartwood. (Peter's emperor grounded about 50 metres from the dog pond at Well Wood on 24th June - he kindly sent photos to me for review and comparison). [Posted by Andrew Neild]
Rosy Tabby at Southgate. 1 Rosy Tabby at Dalrymple Close, N14 this evening - my first of the year [FOY]. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
Plashes Wood. TL3820, Hot... 2 Male Purple Emperors chasing, somewhat lethargically at the lower territory, the main high point territory here has lost so many trees it may not be possible to view from the footpath anymore. [Posted by Laurence Drummond]
Sightings at Southgate. 1 Green-veined White at Southgate Chase Allotments. At ASDA Southgate - 1 Box-tree Moth, 1 Least Carpet & 1 Grey/Dark Dagger [remaining]. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
Woodland butterflies at Bricket Wood Common. Silver-washed Fritillary was the star species - I saw 41 in total, my highest ever daily tally from a single site in Herts. This included four mating pairs. I saw 4 White Admiral, indicating this species is having an average year. In Mutchetts Wood canopy gap, Purple Emperor was more active than usual. For a majority of the 50 mins I was there, a dominant male spent much of the time flying in circles, around the master tree and canopy gap. It perched briefly in the oak and adjoining conifer. It spent much time chasing, first of all a bird, five times a rival male PE, a large dragonfly and a Purple Hairstreak! Chris. Reman and I are leading a walk round this site on Saturday 12th July. Details on the events page if you’d like to join us [Posted by Malcolm Hull]
Hertford Heath / Haileybury (TL354 107). I went the oak grove outside of Haileybury at 9am to look for Purple Hairstreaks before the heat got up. I checked the oaks one by one and I eventually found a colony of between 20-30, around the centre of the grove. Unfortunately this tree doesn't have any low branches so I didn't attempt any pictures. Also seen in the oaks at eye level was a Purple Emperor but half a good look was all I was allowed as it disappeared. Some bramble blossom in sunny areas is starting to go over, so at this time in the morning the creeping thistle in front of the woods is the latest hotspot for many different butterflies. Highlight was this very fresh Painted Lady which I saw taking salts next the road, pleased to find one so vivid and stationary! You can clearly see the iridescent luster (better before uploading) at the base of the wings and hopefully can imagine the shimmering effect seen in person. [Posted by Nathan Ellis]
sighting wareside. Hi Some sightings from Wareside TL396156 Lunch on the patio had an unexpected visitor on the buddleia Large Tortoiseshell (see picture, sorry best I could get with the phone). This is still present Monday. Others visiting were : Comma - 3 Red Admiral - 4 Peacock - 5 Large White - 2 Small White - 6 Ringlet - passing through 3 Meadow Brown - 2 Marbled white - 1 Brimstone - 1 Hummingbird Hawkmoth - 2 (although are seen regularly. In the evening we see 6 Purple Hairstreak, regularly moving from the Oak tree to the nearby Apples, to roost. More to follow Best regards Phil MacMurdie [Posted by Philip MacMurdie]
Mother of Pearl at Boxer's Lake, Enfield. 1 Mother of Pearl at Boxer's Lake, Enfield [TQ304961] this evening. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
Whippendell Woods Butterfly Walk 29th June 2025. Due to the heat many dropped out for this afternoons butterfly walk. The start wasn't easy due to roadworks and a lack of parking space. I had to drop Rick off to make it for 2pm I eventually arrived 10mins late! It was just as well as there were a few late arrivals that did make the walk. We eventually set off with 6 attendees around 2.30 . Although the heat was a bit intense in places the shadier spots in Whippendell Woods kept us going. We started our journey along the Lime Avenue where we saw 2 Purple Emperor high in the Lime Trees, also a few passing Purple Hairstreaks and some of the other butterflies included in the walk list. At the end of the Lime Avenue we turned left along the path to connect with the path Rick named the the Fritillary Free-way. After a relatively couple of poor years for Silver-Washed Fritillary along this ride it is once again a great path to see them. Another mating pair seen today along this stretch and overall we must of seen 15+ Silver-Washed Fritillary. The first White Admiral was spotted further along the ride by one of the attendees which did perform some of their characteristic flight pattens. I just about got away with going as far as “Camilla Oak” today with the heat but it was worthwhile as we saw a second White Admiral at this location which also performed the gliding flight. It was the first we had seen this year at this location. It was great to be able to see these 3 species again on our summer walk as well as a few Purple Hairstreaks. On our list of butterflies sighted today other than the above during the walk were. Red Admiral, many whites a mixture of Large,Small and Green-Veined, Comma and Peacock were out in good numbers, Meadow Brown and Ringlets were numerous along with Gatekeeper just picking up. A Speckled Wood was also seen, 3+ Brimstone, Large Skipper 5+ Park butterflies seen As I was forced to park at some length from the meeting point 1 Marbled White was spotted on my hast to start the walk. After the walk I did get to see and confirm my first Essex Skipper of the year and getting back to Ricks got to see a fresh Comma egg laid on hops! Although we didn't get to see any Purple Emperor close up this weekend it has been an enjoyable one. Happy Butterflying all! [Posted by Peter Fewell]
TL4314. Along the south side of Maplecroft and Battles woods, Hunsdon, 17 Peacock, 4 Comma, 3 Marbled White , plenty of Meadow Browns and a handful of Ringlet, 8 Small Skipper and my first Gatekeeper of the year, inexplicably a 30 min watch in seemingly perfect conditions failed to turn up any Purple Emperors at the Queens wood territory. [Posted by Laurence Drummond]
Batford. 1 Purple Emperor in elm at North Western corner of weedy/scrubby field by the B653 and KW school from 14.00 onward. Stuck around for an hour and 15 mins. Took some video footage. [Posted by Darin Stanley]
Sightings at Oakwood Park & Southgate Chase Allotments. At Oakwood Park [0920 to 1000 BST] - 3 male Gatekeeper [2 W of 10 km line & 1 E of 10 km line], 1 Large White W of 10 km line, male Small Copper E of 10 km line. At Southgate Chase Allotments - 1 Comma & 1 Peacock nectaring on buddleia. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
New hope for Berrygrove Woods. This afternoon I visited this woodland complex near Aldenham. Like many Herts woods it has become quite dark and overgrown. Volunteers care for a few small clearings along the ride, where Silver-washed Fritillary has a toehold (4 seen today)and I also recorded Small and Large Skippers. White Admiral disappeared around 20 years ago and Purple Emperor has yet to be detected (this was my second attempt). But all this is set to change as Herts CC are proposing a major woodland regeneration scheme. There plans are currently out for consultation and I will be responding on behalf of the Branch to ask for the interests of butterflies and moths to be taken into account Two interesting observations - Purple Hairstreaks, a Comma and a Peacock were all on the mud by the pond taking moisture/salts. This behaviour isn’t unusual in hot weather, but I have personally never seen such behaviour from any of the se three species in the UK. Secondly the wood was full of Green-veined Whites - far more than usual. There have been reports of a large migration of this species arriving on the east coast this week, which may be boosting our local populations [Posted by Malcolm Hull]
Finchley Pollinators N3, N12. Long Lane Pasture, Finchley - led a walk for the Finchley Pollinators group around this former field, now a wildlife haven. 13 species in total with Purple Hairstreak perched at eye level being the highlight. Donald Evelyn, who has tended the site for many years advised it was the first record from this site. A good range of grassland species with Small Skipper being the most common. Several early gatekeepers and the first of the summer Peacocks. Also a good array of dragonflies around the pond. You wouldn’t know the North Circular is just a few yards away! [Posted by Malcolm Hull]
Purple Emperor. Flying at top of master tree Totteridge Green at 14.03 [Posted by Tony Clancy]
Northaw and GNorthaw Woods. Purple Emperor again along the path out from the visitor area, male coming to the ground but too briefly to photo and again bombing up and down the path. Lots of people so not settling for long. Other than that just hundreds of ringlet and then the odd comma, not so many Meadow Browns but still plenty. Garden at home in the village has plenty of marbled whites, a couple of WL Hairstreak in the clover on the lawn and then a couple of SW Fritillary. Plus lots of the usual suspects. Most butterflies I have ever seen about home and the village. [Posted by Sam Fuller]
Purple Emperor Feast Lime Avenue and Whippendell Woods. Rick and myself arrived to set up the table for the Emperor feast about 10am in very light drizzle which soon cleared. Although warm it remained stubbornly cloudy for the first couple of hours and a bit breezy throughout. The Emperors were a bit stubborn too with brief glimpses, blink and you would miss it. The sun started to break through but also became a bit more breezy with it the Emperors were not in a rush to be seen. We did see 3 in total along the Lime Avenue, but unfortunately we didn't tempt a Purple Emperor to the table. We did however get a visit from a Red Admiral to the table feeding on moisture and fox poo! Other species seen along the Lime Avenue. S. Wood, L. White , Green-Veined and Small, Comma, M Brown, 1 Silver-Washed Fritillary, Purple Hairstreak and 2 Holly Blue. Thanks to all that joined us for your patience for the event. As all had left us by 2.30pm we decided to pack down and go into Whippendell Woods. As we were doing so we met Nick Furtec who joined us for for the rest of the afternoon. Butterflies seen White Admiral 3 maybe 4 with Ricks sighting I missed . 2 were seen after we departed from Nick 6.30pm- 6.48pm on the way back. Silver-Washed Fritillary sightings have gone from a relatively poor year last year to a bumper year this season. Both Nick and ourselves had seen 30+ I saw 2 mating pairs the second pair got away before I could get a photo, but Nick also witnessed the pair in the photo posted. Other butterflies seen Whites in good numbers Large,Small Green-Veined, 3 Brimstone, a new emergence of Peacock 10+,Good numbers of comma, Gatekeeper several seen and first of season,Purple Hairstreak, S. Wood, M Brown and Ringlets, Large and Small Skipper. [Posted by Peter Fewell]
Marbled whites. A very windy day at Therfield Heath today. Despite there not being much sun. Lots of marbled whites even caught a pair mating and there was one dark green fritillary and I saw my first chalk hill blue . [Posted by James Somerville]
Grey/Dark Dagger at Southgate. 1 Grey or Dark Dagger at ASDA Southgate this afternoon - my first of the year [FOY]. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
Hummingbird Hawk-moth & Cinnabar larvae Stevenage. My first Hummingbird Hawk-moth of the year in the garden attracted to the red valerian flowers. Also in the garden Cinnabar larvae on ragwort - did not see any last year [Posted by Peter Clarke]
Batford. 1 Purple Emperor flying south along hedgerow, seen in North West corner on the weedy/scrubby field by KW school by the B653. Seen briefly flying south!! 1 White-letter Hairstreak seen further on the footpath at 13.45 [Posted by Darin Stanley]
Heartwood Forest Purple Emperor update. After yesterday's dreary morning I determined to reach Heartwood today in good time, arriving on station at the previously reported crossroads on the NE edge of Pudler's Wood ( TL161116 ) at around 9.30. Over the course of the next couple of hours a lovely group of excited aficionados formed in this area, around 10 of us or so. Despite great weather there was only a fleeting glimpse of a single Purple Emperor at height, and butterfly numbers were inexplicably much lower than on recent visits. Commas in particular, which had been so prominent in this area a couple of days ago, were seen infrequently and as singletons. I determined to try my luck in The Magical Wood (unsuccessfully), where there are numerous sallows, and then around the crossroads at the northern apex of Langley Wood ( TL161110 ), given that the Pudler's wood area and ride west to the dog pond at Well Wood were being effectively screened by so many others. Upon arrival at Langley Wood I decided to try my luck down the path (SE) to the main car park, and within 50 yards a magnificent male descended almost at my feet, and began eagerly probing the earth and ground-level leaves and grass. Initially skittish, this male became progressively more relaxed in my presence and despite flying onwards down the path various times, allowed me to get closer and closer, providing several opportunities for some of my best shots ever in Heartwood (including a rather intimate "trousering"!). Upon later reviewing my photos I realised that its forewings were slightly malformed, the veins in particular rather irregularly wavy, perhaps the result of some problem during emergence? Nonetheless it flew fine, and did not seem to suffer any ill effects. After this wonderful encounter I headed back to the crossroads at the north tip of Langley Wood and eventually met up with several of the butterfly group members, and offered to show them the nearby empty (hatched) Purple Emperor pupae I had found and reported here previously. This was fun, but then we were treated to a spectacular visit by another male, who swooped down and then circled and approached several of us for about a minute or so, almost landing on us, but unfortunately (fortunately?) none of us were smelly enough for his taste(!), and he flew off into The Magical Wood. Once again Heartwood has delivered entertainment and excitement. Bring it on! [Posted by Andrew Neild]
White clouds at Heartwood. A morning visit to Heartwood was most productive with mostly Green-veined and fewer numbers of Small White in clouds of 20-30+ puddling around the Dog Pond and on various clumps of horse droppings. Additional species seen across the forest were Peacock, Red Admiral, Comma, Meadow Brown, Marbled White, Ringlet, Small Skipper, Large Skipper, Large White and Gatekeeper. Unfortunately, the target of the visit, the Purple Emperor, was not recorded. [Posted by David Hunt]
Sightings at Trent Park & Enfield. At Trent Park - 3 Comma [2 near Church Wd & 1 edge of Moat Wd], 2 Purple Hairstreak at Sect. 5 'New Fields', 3 male Gatekeeper - my first of the year [FOY], female Green-veined White near Rangers' Office, 3 Large White, including a pair mating at North Lawn. At private sites near Trent Park - 3 male Gatekeeper, 2 Peacock, 1 Painted Lady, 1 Small Copper & 1 Comma. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
Middlesex White Admiral. Exciting news, met LWT volunteers during a walk in Gutteridge Wood, Hillingdon and White Admiral confirmed last week after a lack of sightings for a number of years. Even better another sighting at Charville Lane near Ten Acre Wood, a new location [Posted by Paul Busby]
Batford. 1 Scarlet Tiger moth seen by the bridge early afternoon at Batford Springs NR. [Posted by Darin Stanley]
Sightings at Broomfield Park, Palmers Green, N13 & Southgate. At Broomfield Park, Palmers Green, N13 this afternoon [1500 to 1715 BST] - 1 Comma, 1 Holly Blue, male Large Skipper, 1 Marbled White & 1 Red Admiral. At Dalrymple Close, N14 - 1 Small Blood-vein. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
Sherrardspark Wood. A Silver Washed Fritillary and Purple Hairstreak were in the glade just down from the main car park. Earlier a fast moving Purple Emperor was seen at Heartwood Forest. [Posted by John Yates]
(Off the beaten) Tracks around Danemead HMWT. In July last year I reported here that I found a beautiful Silver-washed Fritillary f.valezina. As it's right on my doorstep I was able to find that female everyday for a week just after dinnertime as she never strayed too far. I watched her lay many eggs on the trees so this year I have been keenly checking the area in search for a daughter as I believe the form is largely hereditary. Today was the day I got lucky with this box fresh oil slick stunner, amazingly the very first SWF I have photographed this season. I was able to get a few quick photos after watching her bramble necturing route, hopefully I can find her again in softer lighting for the undersides. Makes all the thorn scratches and horsefly bites worth it. [Posted by Nathan Ellis]
First Marbled Whites at Cranford Country park since 2003. Pleased to see three Marbled Whites at Cranford Country Park, which look being the first recorded since 2003 on the transect. Large number of Small Skippers, over 75 seen on grassland areas. [Posted by Paul Busby]
Sightings at Trent Park & Enfield. 5 Comma [4 at Trent Park - 1 near Triangular Wd, 1 by lower lake & 2 together, edge of Moat Wd & 1 at a private site near Trent Park], male Small Copper at Sect. 6 'New Fields' Trent Park, 1 Large White at Trent Park, 1 Peacock at a private site near Trent Park. 1 Least Carpet at ASDA Southgate - my first of the year [FOY]. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
Heartwood Forest Purple Emperor update. An excellent morning, humid and with plenty of sunny spells and Purple Emperor sightings, all centred around the crossroads at the NE corner of Pudler's Wood ( TL161116 ) from 09.30 until 13.00. Within ten minutes of arriving I had my first grounding, a restless male, which stayed only a couple of minutes, after fruitlessly probing the grass and vegetation. At 10.15 another appeared fleetingly around a low oak but - disappointingly - disappeared within a couple of seconds. At 10.30 I was speaking to a curious passer-by who was asking me what a Purple Emperor looks like, when down swooped a male, which then looped around and glided about and circled in a zig-zag pattern towards us. I was convinced it was going to land on one of us, but sadly not, and it flew away powerfully. Needless to say I didn't need to explain to my delighted bystander what a Purple Emperor looks like! Ten minutes later down came another male, also probing grass and low vegetation, staying for barely a minute. But still, it provided much excitement! At 10.50 a patrolling male came out of The Magical Wood, circled over the cherry tree at the corner, and disappeared back as quickly as it had appeared. At this point I was joined in quick succession by two Emperor-ing enthusiasts, Fiona and Carl, and we had a lot of fun chatting about butterflies. At 11.40 Fiona called out a couple of fighting males at the top of the tall linden and ash trees towering above the crossroads, and then we all saw two again at midday. We were by this time very unfortunate to suffer an almost continuous chain of individual clouds which meant that despite plenty of sunny patches elsewhere, we were curiously left almost constantly in the shade until 12.50, when in a limited sunny spell, Carl spotted two individuals heading off side-by-side along the low canopy forest on the north-eastern edge of Magical Wood - I had a fleeting impression that one was larger than the other, and the absence of fighting was more suggestive (perhaps) of a courting pair. But we shall never know! All in all this was an excellent morning, made all the more pleasurable by large numbers of swirling groups of whites of all three species, about 15 commas, several red admirals, two peacocks, two brimstones, a couple of purple hairstreaks, a few ringlets, a few small and large skippers, and large numbers of meadow browns and marbled whites. Butterfly numbers in Heartwood, at least, seem much higher than last year. And I suspect we have a few more days of good numbers of Purple Emperors. Having checked my photos, I can now confirm I have taken shots of 6 individuals - 4 males and 2 females. In the past few years the most I have seen in a whole season has been about 5 or 6, and yet this year's season has only recently begun. Fingers crossed! [Posted by Andrew Neild]
13 Purple Hairstreak in my Harpenden Field. A record count for my garden, perhaps helped by keeping lots of ant mounds [Posted by Jamie Brown]
Possibly First Chalk Hill Blue for UK for 2025 on Therfield Heath. We found a male Chalk Hill Blue on Therfield Heath Work Party this morning. There are no reports on branch or national list so it may be the first in the UK this year. Either the same one was seen twice or there were two. It will be a week or so before there are many Chalk Hills. Plenty else to see; we managed 11 more butterfly species between us in 3 hours of ragwort pulling, although no cinnabar caterpillars as we would have left those plants. Plenty of Marbled Whites, Meadow Browns, Small Heath, Dk Green Frit., Small/Essex Skippers are on the increase compared to last week (none were definitvely Essex; they probably would be found if enough time was spent), Large, Small and Green veined whites, one each of Small Copper, Peacock and Red Admiral. [Posted by Nick Keep]
Tracks around Danemead HMWT Part 2. I found another Purple Emperor on the very short afternoon walk, I had assumed it was the same individual I saw earlier as it was in the same place. Having compared the close up pictures of the underwing and they are two different Males. This peaceful chap was happy puddling and dipping my hand into the puddle was enough to tame him like a pet. [Posted by Nathan Ellis]
Egg laying Brimstone. Very surprised to see a female Brimstone busily laying eggs on the Alder Buckthorn in my Ware garden this lunchtime. It looked relatively fresh so I can't believe it was the 2024 generation???? [Posted by Liz Goodyear]
Sightings at Enfield & Trent Park. At private sites near Trent Park - 1 Peacock & 1 Red Admiral. At Trent Park - 2 Comma [1 near Water Grdn & 1 along bridle-path near Merryhills Brook], 2 Red Admiral [1 by lower lake & 1 near Water Grdn], female Large White near Water Grdn & female Green-veined White at 'Three Bridges'. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
Tracks around Danemead HMWT. I missed out on the Purple Emperor frenzy last weekend as I was away for a wedding, so went out this morning better late than never. It wasn't very long before I found my first grounded Male and in total had three encounters with possibly two individuals. Due to ongoing forestry work there is a big shortage of fresh dog poo and restrictions on where you can go, so maybe a good opportunity to experiment with some homemade baits to see if anything bites. [Posted by Nathan Ellis]
Purple Emperor at Tring Park. News from the 21st June 2025. Very pleased to report a male Purple Emperor gliding into the natural play area at the top of the escarpment in Tring Park at about 11.30am before flying out again and settling on the main path for a few minutes -( King Charles Ride). This is the earliest I have seen a Purple Emperor here since June 30th 2018, a remarkable 9 days and the first time I've seen one here since July 2021. [Posted by Philip Woodward]
Gatekeeper at Horsenden Hill. My transect walk included the first happy little solitary Gatekeeper I have seen this year at Horsenden Hill (East side). [Posted by Claire Easter]
Silver Studded Blue at Hampton. This butterfly was reported on iNaturalist by Arthur Gelling and it is here reproduced with his permission. The Silver studded Blue is not on the Middlesex or Herts list and the nearest colonies are on heathland sites in Surrey. They are not known to be mobile. We have no idea if this is an introduction, an accidental transportation or what? This was seen near a footpath across Hampton Golf Course. If you are in the Fulwell, Feltham, Hampton areas or a little further afield in the south west of our area, look closely at any blues you may think are common blues and see if they have a dark border around the upper wings on the males and blue studs on the underwing. They have a very close relationship with black Lasius species ants and this restricts their distribution so to suddenly appear somewhere is a surprise. [Posted by Andrew Wood on behalf of Arthur Gelling]
Sightings at Enfield. At private sites near Trent Park - 1 Common Blue, 1 Red Admiral & male Small Copper ['pristine' - summer-brood]. At Bay Farm, Enfield, along 'London Loop' path - 7 Small Skipper, 4 Ringlet & numerous Marbled White. At Gordon Hill Station - 1 Box-tree Moth - my first of the year [FOY]. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
Branch Walk Alexandra Park. 10 attended of the 15 booked. We had good weather in the end, the morning had been blustery and cool. We visited a few main areas. The Anthill Meadow followed by a walk along the cricket pitch edge and scrub, the old racetrack and the bramble and meadow by the conservation pond. Species seen: Comma, Small White, Green Veined White, Brimstone, Small Large and Essex Skipper, Marbled White, 6 Spot Burnet, Meadow Brown, Ringlet, Purple Hairstreak, Red Admiral, possible Common Blue. Plus Cinnabar Caterpillars, Thick Thighed Flower Beetle, and Broad Bodied Chaser. The photo of the Purple Hairstreak I took after the walk finished, as a couple of the group spotted it. [Posted by Dee Cullen]
Balls Wood and Hertford Heath. Spent the morning in a very breezy and at times cloudy Balls Wood, hoping to find a Purple Emperor - failed. However, it was nice to see 3 White Admiral and numerous other butterfly species, even the Ringlet were subdued at times windy and dull conditions prevailed! Just before 1pm I returned to the Hertford Heath near the College Arms and waited for a Purple Emperor to appear around the oaks. At 12.56 one made several flights around the oaks, had a rest and then started again being joined by second individual at 1.26 as well as several Purple Hairstreak also high up in the oaks. [Posted by Liz Goodyear]
Heartwood Forest Purple Emperor update. Encouraged by yesterday's success I returned with high hopes this morning, arriving on site at the north-east corner of Pudler's Wood at 9.25, and was treated within a couple of minutes to a tantalising fly-past by an energetic and impatient male Purple Emperor which touched down momentarily several times but never stopped, flying on powerfully. I then met up with Jason Reynolds and Ken Brown, friends from last year's Purple Emperor hunt. At 10.45 Jason spotted a male on dog offerings which I had earlier garnished with bait of fermented Thai shrimp paste. I have no idea if the aromatic topping contributed to the gourmet attraction but perhaps we shall gather evidence in the coming days. This male took off before we closed in, but remained for a good 15 minutes only about 2 metres up in a nearby bush, allowing for decent photo opportunities. Unfortunately it never returned to its feast, eventually flying off. Meantime, however, a female flew past us and we followed in hot pursuit, managing to get only some distant record shots as it landed on a few leaves at low level. Later, around midday, Jason and Ken enjoyed a further sighting in the Magical Wood, but were unable to get shots. And so, when the clouds rolled in and stopped play, we had confirmed sightings of at least two individuals, one of each sex, and possibly two others. Comparing wing pattern elements in today's shots with yesterday's, I can confirm a minimum of two males and two females. Elsewhere in the country there are reports of a very good season, and large numbers being spotted, so hopefully the next few days will bring more excitement. Turning to other butterflies seen here and in the nearby woods and meadows between the West End Barns car park and Cheapside Farm rail bridge, dozens of large and small whites were present, about 15 commas, 5 red admirals, dozens of small skippers, 6 large skippers, 4 small heaths, 3 speckled woods, 2 ringlets, and very large numbers of meadow browns and marbled whites. I also spotted one holly blue, one purple hairstreak, and one humming-bird hawk moth. [Posted by Andrew Neild]
Prestwick Road Meadows and Oxhey Wood. Prestwick Road Meadows was a delight this afternoon with Meadow Brown and Ringlets out in their hundreds. Other butterflies seen Marbled White 6+, L Skipper 8+, S Skipper 2+Six-spot Burnet moth 4, Red Admiral 1, Comma 3 and numerous Whites Large, Small and Green-veined present. We then took a look at Oxhey Wood to see what we could find there. It was overcast and windy so not ideal conditions. We didn't get to see many butterflies there but the highlight was a freshly emerged Purple Hairstreak. Other butterflies seen Red Admiral 5, Whites 7, Comma 1, Ringlet 1, Meadow Brown 9. The connecting field between the 2 sites also had many Meadow Brown on the wing. [Posted by Peter Fewell]
Sightings at Oakwood Park & Southgate. At Oakwood Park [0815 to 0915 BST] - 1 Comma, 2 Large Skipper, 6 Ringlet, 1 Purple Hairstreak settled on Wych Elm from 0843 BST onwards - my first of the year [FOY] & 2 White-letter Hairstreak. At Grovebury Crt, N14 - 1 Comma. At Southgate Chase Allotments - 1 Comma. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
Purple Emperor and White Admiral In Northaw Great Wood. Male Purple Emperor tacking aggressively up and down the main track east of the Car Park. Also a solitary White Admiral at the gates to the north west - again flying a lot more slowly up a path. Plus half a dozen Silver Washed Fritillary along the stream. Absolutely stacks of Meadow Brown, Comma, Large Skipper and Ringlet. Most Butterflies I have seen at NGW. [Posted by Sam fuller]
White Admiral & Purple Hairstreak in the Knebworth Woods. In the mid-morning sunshine, a White Admiral flitting close to the ground by the north-south public footpath west of Newton Wood (TL22392253) - a hot-spot for this species. Also a Purple Hairstreak flying over the top of a tall oak by the track at Norton Green. One more species to go! [Posted by Peter Clarke]
Purple Emperor, Silver-washed Fritillary and White Admiral all flying at Bricket Wood Common. I arrived at the canopy gap in Murchetts Wood at 1pm, the sky cloudy and overcast. A brief glimpse of sun at 1.40 pm activated 3 Purple Hairstreaks and then a Purple Emperor, cruising along the edge of the canopy, then gliding across the gap. No further sun, but a White Admiral was Nectaring on bramble along gas pipe ride. Chris Newman reports 4 White Admirals and 4 Silver-washed Fritillaries from this weeks transect. Note if you visit this site, the best part of gas pipe ride is currently closed due to pipeline maintenance works [Posted by Malcolm Hull]
Scales Park. Purple emperor female feasting on salts on my leg. 3-4 silver-washed fritillaries. Speckled wood and ringlet probably the abundant species. Large skipper quite common. Lots of pierids and a few meadow browns. [Posted by Hugo Rainey]
Purple Emperors at Heartwood Forest. After visiting daily for a week I can finally report sightings of adult Purple Emperors. But as you can see, my first of the year was a freshly hatched female - now that was unexpected!! (The sex was confirmed by none other than the great PE guru Matthew Oates). I was about to head home at midday after 2 hours of fruitless searching in near 30 degree heat, when I decided to check up on the one remaining pupa of the two I reported on the 15th (the other hatched some time on Thursday). Imagine my surprise when I couldn't see the pupa, and thought it was hidden by a leaf, only to realise that the leaf itself was the butterfly drying its wings! My oh my, that was exciting! And then the icing on the cake - ten minutes later I finally spotted my first male. It was touching down repeatedly but irregularly along the ride along the north-west edge of Langley Wood, and then landed practically at my feet. Sadly I only got a fleeting few seconds to fire off some souvenir shots before it flew off, but hey, beggars and choosers etc, and Heartwood is now definitely tinged with purple! [Posted by Andrew Neild]
Lime Avenue, Whippendell Woods, Newland Springs and Dell Wood. We did set up a table for the Purple Emperor today along the Lime Avenue Cassiobury. However after 2 and a half hours we got our first sighting of probably a lone early one here so far as we did check other high points but no further sightings so far. Rick did at least get a bit of video footage although a bad angle. This Emperor decided to get a bit more active probably briefly about 1pm as we were packing down as it was clouding over and possible rain expected. Other butterfly species seen along the Lime Avenue. Red Admiral, Comma, Meadow Brown, Whites, Large and probably GV White, also 1 Hairstreak spotted, my bet would be White-Letter with this as I should have seen a bit more silver looking underwing if it was a Purple. After packing down the table we ventured into Whippendell Woods first and saw 2 White Admiral, Comma, GV White and Large, Ringlet and Meadow Brown to start with before moving on towards Dell Wood. To get there we had to go through Newlands Springs Wood by the Rousebarn Lane car park. Butterfly sightings at Newland Springs Wood. Ringlets, Meadow Brown, whites, Comma 2, Speckled Wood 1. including return journey. We did reach Dell Wood although cloudy and spots of rain until 4pm. Butterflies seen. Whites galore, Large and Green-Veined identified, Meadow Brown, Large Skipper, Comma. Also I'm about 90% certain a White Admiral was seen in Dell Wood. It was on the path outside Dell Wood which turned out to be the highlight of the day for me. I narrowly missed treading on this emerging Purple Hairstreak on the Summer Solstice! Fortunately Rick spotted on the path behind my steps an insect that turned out to be this emerging Purple Hairstreak. This one didn't get squashed along the path and thanks Rick for another rescue! We really didn't get to see many Silver-Washed action today until about 6.30pm. 2 sighted in Whippendell Woods, about 4 White Admiral sightings today in Whippendell Woods along with at least 12 Comma, Ringlets, Meadow Brown, Large Skipper, Speckled Wood. And lots of Whites. [Posted by Peter Fewell]
Purple Emperors at Heartwood Forest. After visiting daily for a week I can finally report sightings of adult Purple Emperors. But as you can see, my first of the year was a freshly hatched female - now that was unexpected!! (The sex was confirmed by none other than the great PE guru Matthew Oates). I was about to head home at midday after 2 hours of fruitless searching in near 30 degree heat, when I decided to check up on the one remaining pupa of the two I reported on the 15th (the other hatched some time on Thursday). Imagine my surprise when I couldn't see the pupa, and thought it was hidden by a leaf, only to realise that the leaf itself was the butterfly drying its wings! My oh my, that was exciting! And then the icing on the cake - ten minutes later I finally spotted my first male. It was touching down repeatedly but irregularly along the ride along the north-west edge of Langley Wood, and then landed practically at my feet. Sadly I only got a fleeting few seconds to fire off some souvenir shots before it flew off, but hey, beggars and choosers etc, and Heartwood is now definitely tinged with purple! [Posted by Andrew Neild]
Sightings at Trent Park & Oakwood. At Trent Park - 10 Comma [7 at 'New Fields' & 3 near Water Grdn], 4 Ringlet, 1 Brimstone Moth edge of Church Wd. At Bramley Road, N14 - 1 Riband Wave. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
Hertford Heath. Male Purple Emperor holding territory around Oaks in the Roundings, 13.30 to 13,50. [Posted by Laurence Drummond]
Sightings at Town Park, Enfield. At Town Park, Enfield [1445 to 1510 BST] - 1 Red Admiral & 1 Holly Blue. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
Silver-washed Fritillary at Norton Green. On the two Knebworth transects I encountered my first Silver-washed Fritillary of the year at Norton Green down the track close to the 'meadow' and Small Copper in Knebworth Park. Nearly 280 butterflies counted with Meadow Brown the most abundant and Marbled White not far behind [Posted by Peter Clarke]
Northaw Assembly area. At about 1.15pm the first Purple Emperor flight was observed followed soon after by a second individual joining in the fun briefly. For the rest of the afternoon until about 3pm a single emperor made regular flights across the usual gap but although hot there wasn't many sunny spells [Posted by Laurence Drummond with Liz Goodyear]
White-letter Hairstreaks having a good year. This morning I tried a new site, Bedmond Lane Meadow on Mayne Avenue - multiple sightings of male WLH clashes and a good view of an individual perched in the canopy of a 50 foot high tree. More variety in the summer grassland species with Marbled White (50) and Ringlet (30) now outnumbering Meadow Brown (20). Numbers of skippers still low with just 2 Small Skippers seen. This delightful scrub mosaic meadow boasts hundreds of pyramidal orchids and a Lizard orchid, but is sadly threatened with development [Posted by Malcolm Hull]
Small Blood-vein at Southgate. 1 Small Blood-vein at ASDA Southgate at 0145 BST - my first of the year [FOY]. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
Cassiobury Park, Lime Avenue and Whippendell Woods.. Rick and myself had a late afternoon/early evening trip into Whippendell Woods from Cassiobury Park. The neck straining season has begun with 1 Purple Emperor sighted along the Lime Avenue canal end. Although we have arranged to put on the Purple Emperor event Saturday 28th June we will also be there this Saturday to try a warm up experiment. If anyone is interested in joining us on Saturday you will find us on the Lime Avenue 10.30 onwards. Other butterflies seen today Meadow Brown now quite numerous with 40+ seen in the park alone with the Lime Avenue and Whippendell Woods probably 80+. Ringlets are just getting going with 3 confirmed. L Skipper 10+, Comma 11+, S. Wood 1, Red Admiral 9, White Admiral 4, SW Fritillary 1, Numerous Whites seen with several Large white identified, and one unidentified flying Hairstreak either White-Letter or Purple. [Posted by Peter Fewell]
Painted Lady in Stevenage. My first Painted Lady of the year in my Stevenage garden basking on the ground at 0745 hours [Posted by Peter Clarke]
Sightings at Trent Park & Southgate. At Trent Park [1600 to 1700 BST] - 1 Small Tortoiseshell near Oakwood entrance, 1 Small Copper near Triangular Wd, 1 Ringlet & 3 Comma. At ASDA Southgate - 1 Brimstone Moth. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
More White-letter Hairstreaks in Verulamium Park. Another 8 WLH's this morning at two different locations in the park, both on King Harry Lane. At least three individuals seen in flight and at rest on elm by the entrance to the former golf course. A new site for me was by the Causeway entrance where I saw two pairs of males clashing on nearby trees and a single WLH at rest high in the canopy. Most unusually, the elms here are 50-60 feet high, very unusual for Herts! [Posted by Malcolm Hull]
Sightings at Enfield & Southgate. 1 Large White & 1 Red Admiral at Lakeside, EN2. At ASDA Southgate - 2 Common Emerald, 1 Riband Wave & 1 Treble Brown Spot. 1 Comma at Southgate Chase Allotments. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
Adonis Blues on Therfield Heath. An early start for Bob and I at Therfield Heath on the lookout for Dark Green Fritillary in particular. The area we searched was the slopes either side of the main path southwards from the cafe towards Icknield Way. It wasn't long before we found a Dark Green Fritillary skimming over the vegetation but like the others we saw it just would not settle for a decent photograph. In all, there were at least 20 in addition to 4 Adonis Blues (surprised to see these this late for this year's spring brood anyway), 100+ Marbled White, 50+ Meadow Brown, 5 Small Heath, 3 Comma, male Brimstone, 2 Large White, 2 Holly Blue, 2 Ringlet and a Small White. Small Tortoiseshell (my first of the year) was seen flying past when savouring coffee and cake at the cafe. Also a mature Peacock larva on a nettle leaf. We were unsuccessful with our other target species - the White-letter Hairstreak - to be found just off the Icknield Way towards Therfield village - maybe it was too hot for them to be flying around. [Posted by Peter Clarke]
Tracks around Danemead HMWT. Hot day so I stayed on the wooded tracks for a afternoon walk around 16.30. Luckily I saw two White Admiral silhouettes ascending into the Fir tree canopy. I gave chase and eventually found the Hornbeam outpost where he returned to again and again. I was busy fiddling about with the shaky zoom on my phone when another White Admiral landed on the bramble next to me. Also seen 2 SWF flying full throttle. This morning I saw 1 White Admiral at Balls Wood HMWT near the bridge during a very very quick walk around but that's all I saw. [Posted by Nathan Ellis]
Sightings at Trent Park. 5 Comma & 2 Ringlet at 'New Fields' Trent Park this afternoon from 1515 to 1610 BST. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
WHITE LETTER HAIRSTREAK. Batford - weedy/ scrubby field by the B653 - 2 WHITE LETTER HAIRSTREAKS in elms surrounding large Bramble bush in SW corner. [Posted by Darin Stanley]
White-letter Hairstreaks in Verulamium Park. At least five WLH on the tallest elm on Bluehouse Hill, opposite the lower end of Seabrook Meadow. Around 9am this morning I saw two clashing pairs of males and another individual all in flight at the same time. I also had several good views of WLH at rest on leaves near the top of the Elm. Earlier, a single WLH on Elm viewed from the park, close to the layby on King Harry Lane [Posted by Malcolm Hull]
Sightings from Stanwell Moor. The overall butterfly numbers and variety of species on my local patch near Heathrow are still increasing as the season progresses - a lengthy walk late morning produced over 450 butterflies with 18 species represented. A further walk early evening specifically to look for Purple Hairstreaks turned up a couple in the oaks bordering the J14 roundabout - 19 species for the day. Other highlights were the first Essex Skippers of 2025, and a second brood Brown Argus arguing with a second brood Small Copper. [Posted by Dave Miller]
Sightings at Trent Park, Enfield & Southgate. At Trent Park - 2 Comma by lower lake, 2 male Large Skipper together edge of Moat Wd near Obelisk. At private sites near Trent Park - 1 Comma, 1 Holly Blue, 1 Large Skipper, 1 Small Tortoiseshell & 1 Painted Lady nectaring on Bramble blossom. 1 Peach Blossom at ASDA Southgate - my first record for this site & my first of the year [FOY]. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
White Admirals at Potters Crouch Plantation. Among the few butterflies flying within the wood we found five different, as far as we can tell, White Admirals. Two were clashing in a clearing and all were very restless. None were seen on the abundant bramble blossom. [Posted by Andrew Wood]
Rivers Orchard Sawbridgeworth and fields. Mid-morning, min 92 Marbled White, almost certainly 100+ but only 2/3 of the main field covered, 2 Small Skipper (ffy), 7 Ringlet (ffy) 20+ Meadow Brown, 2 Speckled Wood, 2 Common Blue, 2 Small Heath, also 3 White Letter Hairstreaks on the sheltered side of the Orchard Elms, 1 Perched male and 2 that spiralled 20ft up from the canopy. [Posted by Laurence Drummond]
Cassiobury Park. Following our trip into the woods, it was time to have at the Park which we missed, it was a fine day with at least 3 Large whites, 2 Commas, 50+ Meadow browns, 3 Speckled wood, 1 Marbled white, 3 Large skippers, 1 Small white, and 1 Small heath. I had a brief look in the Nature Reserve with another 3 Meadow browns, 1 Red admiral and 1 Comma. I had a short look up the Lime Avenue but no sign of the Purple Emperor yet... Back in the Park there were another 6 Meadow browns, and the I had a look by the Croquet Club with 20+ Meadow brown, 2 Large skippers, 1 Small white, 1 Comma, some other Whites and finally a confirmed Ringlet. [Posted by Rick Vickers]
White-letter Hairstreak colony & Dark Green Fritillary. A thriving White-letter Hairstreak colony observed in the canopy of a group of fairly mature Elms at approx TL141303 about 225m north of Hexton Rd. Also a few seen in nearby Wood Lane, again in Elm canopy. A single but rather fine looking Dark Green Fritillary seen in field-side wild flower patch adjacent to a footpath at approx TL141301 about 60m North of Hexton Rd. [Posted by Gillian Marchant]
Clouded Yellow in Royston. A Clouded Yellow passed through a local field just south of Royston, stopping just long enough for me to confirm its identity but not to take a photograph! It flew off strongly to the west. It looked to be in pristine condition. At least four Small Skippers were also seen - a very early date for this area. Interestingly, Large Skippers are emerging at the same time - bang on cue for a 'normal' summer here, if such a thing exists any more. [Posted by Martin Johnson]
Sightings at Trent Park & Monken Hadley Common. At Trent Park - 5 Comma, 1 Painted Lady nectaring on Bramble blossom & 1 Ringlet near Triangular Wd - my first of the year [FOY]. At Monken Hadley Common - 2 Comma, male Large White, 1 Small Heath & 1 Narrow-bordered Five-spot Burnet settled - my first of the year [FOY]. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
White Admiral at Symonshyde Great Wood. A single WA at this wood between Hatfield & St Albans - welcome as its several years since I last saw one there. No sign of SWF's yet. Last night, the unexpected sight of a Gypsy moth in my bedroom! First both for this year & that location [Posted by Malcolm Hull]
Sightings from Stanwell Moor. A short walk locally at the end of the afternoon today produced the first of the new brood of Peacocks. Having seen probably thousands of caterpillars locally over the last couple of months, I suppose it's no surprise - but it does seem very early. I would say the likelihood of a second brood is quite high. There were lots of fresh Commas around, and several new Red Admirals -amongst all the usual suspects. [Posted by Dave Miller]
Purple Emperor pupae in Heartwood Forest. Last night I visited Heartwood Forest to search for Purple Emperor pupae using an ultraviolet torch (they fluoresce spectacularly when illuminated). After the first couple of hours I drew a total blank, and around midnight I decided to return home. However, I thought I'd give it another 5 minutes to check a short distance up the main ride northwest of Langley Wood before turning back to the car. I'm thrilled to report I found two pupae in quick succession, about 4 metres up, in adjacent mature sallows beside the ride. I returned this afternoon with my camera and managed to get some decent photos, despite the tremendous gusts of wind! I noticed a whole load more sallows in the vicinity and will return later this week to check them out (we usually don't see grounding males in Heartwood until at least a week after the first UK reports, so there's still time!). [Posted by Andrew Neild]
SW Fritillary and WL Hairstreak in Northaw. Silver-washed Fritillary in the garden today plus double figure Meadow Browns. A couple of White-letter Hairstreaks flitting around the garden and finally got a photo. Seen them in the village in the past but this is the first year they have been in my garden [Posted by Sam Fuller]
Whippendell Woods. A delightful afternoon in Whippendell Woods to see our first White Admirals of the year also Silver-Washed Fritillary on the wing. 2 White Admiral 3 SW Fritillary, Meadow Brown 25+, Speckled Wood 3, Comma, 14+, Large Skipper 4, Red Admiral 3, Holly Blue 3+, Cinnabar moth 2, Large White 4+, Unidentified flying Whites 10+ and 2 Peacock caterpillars going off to pupate. [Posted by Peter Fewell]
Sightings at Oakwood Park, Trent Park & Town Park, Enfield. 2 male White-letter Hairstreak together 'spiralling' & settled at Oakwood Park this morning from 0930 to 0945 BST - my first of the year [FOY. 1 Comma near Oakwood entrance at Trent Park at 1248 BST. 1 Comma at Town Park, Enfield. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
White-letter Hairstreak at Horsenden Hill. Pete Fewell, Rick Vickers and I took the branch stall to the Horsenden Festival of Nature in Ealing today. An excellent event and good to meet so many branch members and supporters in person. At lunchtime we visited the Elms behind Horsenden Farm and saw two White-letter Hairstreaks in the canopy [Posted by Malcolm Hull]
Sightings at Enfield & Southgate. 2 Small Tortoiseshell together at a private site near Trent Park & 1 Common Emerald at ASDA Southgate this evening - my first of the year [FOY]. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
Sightings at Oakwood Park. At Oakwood Park this afternoon [1415 to 1515 BST] - 2 Holly Blue [1 W of 10 km line & 1 E of 10 km line], 2 Speckled Wood W of 10 km line, 1 Painted Lady nectaring on Bramble blossom W of 10 km line, 4 Comma [2 together, W of 10 km line & 2 E of 10 km line], male Brimstone W of 10 km line, 5 Small Skipper E of 10 km line, 1 Burnet Companion E of 10 km line, 5 Marbled White E of 10 km line, 6 Small Heath E of 10 km line, 1 Common Blue E of 10 km line, 1 Silver Y E of 10 km line & 1 Large Skipper E of 10 km line. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
White letter hairstreak. Batford - weedy/ scrubby field by the B653 - At least 3 WHITE LETTER HAIRSTREAKS in SW corner of field in small elms around large bramble bush. [Posted by Darin Stanley]
Sightings from Stanwell Moor. A very warm and sunny day from the outset, but at least it wasn't quite so warm in the morning when I toured my local patch again. 16 species were seen: Meadow Brown(250+), Small Heath(50+), Green-veined White(25), Small White(20), Marbled White(17), Common Blue(12), Red Admiral(10), Small Skipper(10), Comma(9), Large White(8), Large Skipper(4), Holly Blue(2), Painted Lady(2), Small Copper(1), Small Tortoiseshell(1), Brown Argus(1). Notable were the numbers of GVW - all very fresh and including many sets of mating pairs. The contrast between the undersides of the sexes is particularly clear when they are paired, with the female showing a strong lemon yellow. The other highlight was the number of Marbled Whites, the highest I have seen here, and also including a pairing. The sexes in this species are also quite distinct underneath, with the female in cream and gold contrasting with the male's black-and-white. [Posted by Dave Miller]
White Admiral in Bramfield Park Wood. Not a great picture but it was above my head. Very pleased to see it after a two year absence of records in this traditional location for White Admiral [Posted by Andrew Wood]
Sightings at Oakwood Park. At Oakwood Park this afternoon [1425 to 1500 BST] - 1 Comma W of 10 km line, 1 Cinnabar, 1 Orange Beauty [Commophila aeneana] - my first of the year for this site, 3 Small Heath, 5 Marbled White, male Large Skipper & 2 Burnet sp [either Six-spot or Narrow-bordered Five-spot] - only seen in flight - I would favour them being the latter, because they generally fly earlier - all E of 10 km line. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
Tracks around Danemead HMWT. No luck spotting White Admiral or SWF on this hot day but still early doors. Different to yesterday I did find Small Skippers (or maybe Essex) and several Painted Ladys, one even agreed to pose. Also I accidentally woke up a sleeping Silver Y. [Posted by Nathan Ellis]
first Silver Washed Fritillary. doing my transect in broxbourne woods near the west car park. I saw 2 Silver Washed Fritillaries. or it maybe one travelling around a bit. [Posted by steve kiln]
Small Blues on TV!. Great footage of Small Blue on Springwatch this week, with some interesting behavioural observations. You can watch it on iPlayer, Episode 10, starting after 11 mins 30 secs. Or if you watch from the start there is some great footage of Yellow-banded Longhorn Moths lekking. Here's the link Springwatch [Posted by Malcolm Hull]
White-letter Hairstreak in Stevenage. White-letter Hairstreak active over the elm canopy at Six Hills Common at 0845 hours [Posted by Peter Clarke]
FOY Marbled Whites and Small Skipper. On my Alexandra Park transect at midday I saw two new species for 2025: a couple of Marbled Whites and a Small Skipper. [Posted by Dee Cullen]
White Admiral outside Danemead HMWT. I saw this guy yesterday jetting about but wanted a photo which I got on today's walk. Lots of new faces around - at least a dozen fresh Red Admirals and a pair of Small Tortoiseshells necturing on buttercups. Haven't seen a Marbled White yet around the farm only elsewhere. Also FOY - Silver Y. Happy hunting [Posted by Nathan Ellis]
Sightings at Enfield. At private sites near Trent Park - 2 Common Blue, 3 Marbled White & 1 Straw Dot. 1 Red Admiral along 'London Loop' path at Bay Farm. At Gordon Hill Station - 1 Comma & 1 Small White nectaring on Bramble blossom. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
Sightings from Stanwell Moor. Fewer species seen today on my local patch (14), but one was a butterfly I hadn't seen yesterday - a Brimstone. It looked completely fresh, and might well have been the first of the summer generation. By contrast, in amongst all the bright new summer Commas was one left over from 2024's hibernators. The other standout from the day was a very blue female Common Blue. [Posted by Dave Miller]
Sightings at Enfield & Southgate. At Chase Road/Charter Way, N14 - 1 Double-striped Pug at bus-stop shelter - my first of the year [FOY]. At Trent Park - 3 Large Skipper at North Lawn & 1 Comma at 'Old Golf Course'. At private sites near Trent Park - 1 Large Skipper, 2 Comma, 1 male Common Blue, 2 male Marbled White - my first of the year [FOY], 1 Barred Yellow, 2 Brimstone Moth & 1 Brown Silver-line. At Lakeside, EN2 - 1 Red Admiral. At ASDA Southgate - 1 Scarce Silver-lines - my first of the year [FOY] & only my second record here, 2 Treble Brown Spot & 1 White Ermine - my first of the year [FOY]. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
FFY Marbled Whites. My first 2 of the year at the old Rivers Orchard and fields Sawbridgeworth, mid afternoon. [Posted by Laurence Drummond]
Gatekeeper. Early Gatekeeper confirmed on bramble on site near Swakeleys A40 roundabout after Transport for London verge monitoring [Posted by Paul Busby]
Holly Blue bonanza. Doing my transect at Waterford Heath South pit. The site has a lot of Holly Blues (13 on the site today ) because of one of its food plants is goats rhue an alien invasive plant. Also had a Painted Lady ,plenty of Meadow Browns but no Common Blues. [Posted by steve kiln]
Sightings from Stanwell Moor. On a mostly bright rather than sunny day, I counted over 200 butterflies on my local patch, with 16 species seen. These included 23 Red Admirals, possibly part of a migration as there was also a faded Painted Lady in amongst them. There were good numbers of new Commas, more Marbled Whites (including a female) and as ever the everpresent Small Heaths and Meadow Browns. The former are having an excellent year here. Large Skippers are doing well, but the Smalls are only in single figures without the day-on-day increase I've seen in previous years - and of Essex Skippers there is (so far) no sign. This may be attributable to the timing of the grass cut on this site last year, which was right in the middle of their season. [Posted by Dave Miller]
Cranford Country Park. Purple Hairstreak and Small Skippers seen on long established transect route. This transect and others in Hillingdon are available for volunteers, happy to provide more details and walk the route. [Posted by Paul Busby]
Dark Green Fritillaries near Benington. We walked from Benington to Hooks Cross via the wide conservation verge along Walkern Road. We saw 57 along the verge, they were on pretty well every patch of Greater Knapweed in the cloudy bright conditions. Also seen on the walk were Small and Large Skipper, Small Tortoiseshell, Painted Lady, Peacock larvae, Small Heath, Marbled White, Meadow Brown, Speckled Wood, Common Blue, Brimstone, Small White and Green-veined White. On the moth side of things Yellow Shell, Cinnabar, Treble Bar, Pyrausta aurata, Sitochroa verticalis, White Plume, Latticed Heath and Nemophora degeerella. [Posted by Andrew Wood]
Sightings at Forty Hall CP & North Enfield. 1 Chimney Sweeper, 4 Large Skipper [3 males & 1 female], 1 Holly Blue, 1 Comma & 2 Speckled Wood at Forty Hall CP, Enfield. 2 Speckled Wood at Gough Park, Forty Hill. 1 Barred Yellow - my first of the year [FOY], 9 Large Skipper, 6 Cinnabar, 4 Small Heath & 1 Comma at a private site in North Enfield. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
Wilder St Albans District. The Branch has been supporting St Albans Council in its policy of "low mow" verges and creating wildflower meadows. Find out more about this and other wilding initiatives by joining next weeks online talk on Weds 18th June at 7.30 pm. Speakers include representatives from the council, Herts & Middx Wildlife Trust, Butterfly Conservation (me!) and Heartwood Forest. You can register now, by using this link here [Posted by Malcolm Hull]
Sightings at Oakwood Park. Male Large Skipper, 3 Small Heath & 1 Burnet Companion at Oakwood Park this morning between 0855 & 0935 BST - all East of 10 km line. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
Walkern Road and Hexton Chalk Pit.. Went to the site mentioned below on Walkern Road and despite it being windy saw at least a dozen Dark Green Fritillaries. Plus half a dozen Meadow Brown. Almost no butterflies at Hexton bar one Dingy Skipper a Small Heath and Speckled Wood. [Posted by sam fuller]
Sightings at Grovelands Park, Southgate. At Grovelands Park this afternoon [1425 to 1630 BST] - 1 Comma at TQ300941, 2 male Meadow Brown at TQ307946 & 1 Straw Dot at TQ308947. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
Branch butterfly walk at Heartwood Forest. Despite the unpromising forecast, 30 people joined us for today’s walk. Luckily the rain held off, but the morning was overcast with only brief sunny spells. From the car park we headed towards the scout hut, where the first butterfly seen at rest was a Large Skipper Nectaring on Ox-eye Daisy. Meadow Brown and Small Heath were close by, rapidly followed by Small Blue, spotted by the youngest member of our party. Continuing uphill we saw more Meadow Browns and added Common Blue. In Valley Field, the Kidney Vetch and Birds-foot Trefoil were plentiful, but in the stiff breeze there were no butterflies to be seen … until finally we found a sheltered spot where Small Blues roost and several more were seen at rest. On our way back, the sun came out as we passed another Small Blue roost at the end of Piddlers Wood. First we saw a Small Blue Nectaring on Speedwell. The sun came out and suddenly there were three all flying together and a couple more close by. Speckled Wood, Red Admiral and a fully grown Peacock caterpillar added to the days list. Several species of moths were spotted including Grass Rivulet, Yellow Shell, Green Oak Tortrix, White Plume moth and dozens of Yellow-banded Longhorns. The days total of 10 Small Blues was very satisfying in poor weather conditions and shows that this species can recorded whilst roosting where it adopts a fairly conspicuous position on long grass [Posted by Malcolm Hull and Andrew Steele]
Sightings from Stanwell Moor. I made the most of a bright morning before the rain forecast for the afternoon and walked round my local patch. Ten species appeared: Meadow Brown(82), Small Heath(37), Small Skipper(9), Common Blue(8), Red Admiral(8), Large Skipper(7), Marbled White(3), Small White(2), Comma(2), Small Tortoiseshell(2). [Posted by Dave Miller]
Sightings at Alexandra Park. After the rain I finally got out to do a transect. It was blowy. I saw Large Skipper, Meadow Brown, Small White, Holly Blue, Comma and Speckled Wood. Burnet Companion and Six Spot Burnet. No sign of Marbled White yet. Not huge numbers I hope that will change. [Posted by Dee Cullen]
Spring Fields Butterfly Bank. Christine Ridley and I visited the chalk bank we designed and seeded two years ago in Hemel. Most of the wildflower species we sowed are doing well, including Kidney Vetch and Birds foot Trefoil. No Small Blues or Dingy Skippers yet, but we did see 4 Common Blues, a Small Tortoiseshell, Burnet Companion and Yellow Shell. Also Painted Lady and Meadow Brown nearby. With hindsight, we may have overdone the Oxeye Daisies! [Posted by Malcolm Hull]
Small Blues doing well. Technical issues this week, so a late report of my trip on Tuesday 15 Small Blues at Bourne End junction. And 9 at Heartwood Forest [Posted by Malcolm Hull]
A Quiet Day in St Albans. Just one butterfly on my walk today, but delighted to report a Small Tortoiseshell. I noticed several of the stems of Sweet Rocket in the garden had been stripped of all leaves and flowers. I originally introduced this plant to attract Orange Tips, but they much prefer the Garlic Mustard On inspection, the plant damage was caused by Large White caterpillars, one of which is now pupating on the kitchen window! [Posted by Malcolm Hull]
Wet Aldbury Nowers. I did a walk out with our new Transect volunteer for the two routes here. Despite the rain we saw an early Ringlet, Meadow Browns, Small Heaths, a Common Blue and Small Skippers. [Posted by Andrew Wood]
Tick and Lyme Disease. It's that time of the year where we need to be more aware of ticks and Lyme Disease. If you are an Assemble member you should find more information in the 'No. 24 Tick and Lyme Disease' document in your Document Hub. The updated guidance has been uploaded to our website (under Committee in the menu bar) [Posted by Peter Clarke]
Sightings from Stanwell Moor. A strange sort of day weatherwise on my local patch, mostly cloudy but with a few sunny intervals and still a coolish breeze. However, I managed to see around 200 butterflies of 14 species during the day, including my first Marbled White of the year here. Other highlights included more fresh Small Skippers, a female Large Skipper, another very new Painted Lady, more Small Tortoiseshells and at last a definite female Meadow Brown among the many males. [Posted by Dave Miller]
Sightings in the Barnet & Enfield areas. 1 Painted Lady 'fresh' seen in flight & settled on Bramble 1202 BST [TQ269972], 1 Yellow-banded Longhorn Moth [TQ253973], 1 Alabonia geoffrella [TQ257970] & at least 5 Speckled Wood at Monken Hadley Common. 1 Straw Dot near Cockfosters entrance/Trent Park [TQ280967]. 2 Willow Beauty [1 at Oakwood Station & another at ASDA Southgate] [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
A sunny afternoon at Therfield Heath. After a rainy start at Therfield Heath it brightened up quite nicely . A few slightly tattered Adonis blues and lots of small Heath around . Also a very early marbled white first one of the year . [Posted by James Somerville]
A sunny afternoon at Therfield Heath. After a rainy start at Therfield Heath it brightened up quite nicely . A few slightly tattered Adonis blues and lots of small Heath around . Also a very early marbled white first one of the year . [Posted by James Somerville]
Alabonia geoffrella at Trent Park. 1 Hedge Beauty [Alabonia geoffrella] at Nature Trail/ Trent Park this afternoon. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
Dark Green Fritillary. At least 21 Dark Green Fritillary "In the field edge which runs along the Walkern road approx 200 yards before the R hand turn down Ford Lane." TL 28295 23478 [Posted by Paul Lufkin]
Purple Hairstreak. I found this caterpillar in a Turkey Oak this morning in Hitchin, kindly identified by Malcolm Hull as a Purple Hairstreak [Posted by Phil Barron]
Sightings from Stanwell Moor. Every day when I visit my local patch there seems to be something new at the moment. Today I found my first Small Skipper of 2025, a newly emerged Painted Lady which was still a bit floppy and docile, and a group of new male Small Whites puddling on a rare patch of wet mud. There were another 12 species flying, including 5 Large Skippers, my highest total here this year so far. Meadow Browns were probably now up at the three-figure mark - and I only saw a couple of definite females. [Posted by Dave Miller]
FFY White Letter Hairstreaks. 5-6 around the Elms at Cheshunt park around 11.00, plenty of chasing and clashing , suspect they have been out here for at least a couple of days. [Posted by Laurence Drummond]
Rivers Orchard Sawbridgeworth. My first 3 Meadow Brown and 2 Large Skipper of the year, also 1 Holly Blue, 8 Common Blue and 5 Small Heath. [Posted by Laurence Drummond]
Sightings from Stanwell Moor. Under mostly cloudy skies this afternoon, I decided to attempt a count of Meadow Browns and Small Heaths on my local patch. I ended up with 87 of the former and 43 of the latter - and wondered what the totals might have been in full sunshine. Only 10 species seen altogether today though: Meadow Brown(87), Small Heath(43), Common Blue(11), Small Tortoiseshell(9), Comma(4), Small White(3), Red Admiral(2), Brimstone(1), Speckled Wood(1), Large White(1). Though numbers have dropped a lot in recent days, there are still one or two new Common Blues around. All the Commas were second brood individuals, looking as vibrant in brown and orange as any fritillary. The highest Small Tortoiseshell total of the year so far here included a pair that hadn't heard the rumour that their species may be becoming single-brooded... [Posted by Dave Miller]
Therfield Heath butterflies. BNA Herts had a wildlife walk at Therfield Heath. we went to church hill very windy but saw 2 Marbled whites, 4 Meadow Brown, a Common Blue, 2 Brown Argus. The highlight was a Dark Green Fritillary. on Church Hill my first of the year. We went to the Rifle Range after lunch and saw 4 Adonis blues, 2 Brimstones. The wild flowers were lovely too. [Posted by steve kiln]
Small Blue at Millhoppers. During today's work party I was delighted to see this fluttering around our chalk bank. This is the first ever record of Small Blue at the Millhoppers Reserve! Apologies for the 'record shot' pictures. [Posted by Chris Hilling]
