Hertfordshire & Middlesex Branch
Saving butterflies, moths and our environment
Henry Foundation Lake, Widford. First Marbled White this year [Posted by Mike Harris]
Mad Bess Wood, Ruislip. Butterflies seen were 3 White Admiral; 7 Meadow Brown and 1 each of Comma and Painted Lady. [Posted by Dick Middleton]
Sightings at Southgate, Oakwood Park & Boxer's Lake, Enfield. 1 Common Emerald at Dalrymple Close, N14 this morning - my second record this month, indicating that this species has emerged early this year. At Oakwood Park [0740 to 0830 BST] - 1 Common Blue & 9 Painted Lady. 1 Speckled Wood at Boxer's Lake, Enfield. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
Meadows around Brickendon. After a couple of short walks today around the meadows in the now cooler weather. Painted Lady (25), Comma (1), Holly Blue (4), Large Skipper (6), Common Blue (4m/2f), Speckled Wood (2), Meadow Brown (10), Small Heath (15) and the highlight - Small Tortoiseshell (1). Moths: Cinnabar (2), Silver Y nectaring on Bramble blossom (1). [Posted by Nathan Ellis]
Large White caterpillar on Garlic Mustard. Last instar caterpillar of Large White feeding on Garlic Mustard (= Hedge Garlic) in Harpenden. Also seen, 1 Holly Blue and 1 Speckled Wood. [Posted by David Hunt]
Sightings from Stanwell Moor. Today was forecast to be the last of the May heatwave weather, and temperatures peaked locally at 30 degrees. I decided to attempt an accurate count of the butterflies along my usual route in the morning (before things became too hot). I ended up with a total of 212 butterflies from 13 species - the highest count so far this year: Painted Lady (64), Meadow Brown (48), Small Heath (39), Brown Argus (22), Common Blue (19), Large Skipper (5), Holly Blue (5), Large White (3), Speckled Wood (2), Red Admiral (2), Small White (1), Brimstone (1), Small Copper (1). The Painted Ladies really were a sight to see, taking advantage of the knapweed that is just coming into flower, plus the ox-eye daisies and the large areas of brambles. [Posted by Dave Miller]
Branch walk at Stafford Road Open Space. The following butterflies were observed: 1 Brown Argus; 10+ each of Common Blue; Meadow Brown and Small Heath; 4-5 each of Painted Lady; Speckled Wood and Holly Blue; 3 each of Small Copper and Large Skipper and 1 Small Skipper. The moths seen were Cinnabar; Garden Grass-moth; Meadow Grass-moth; Burnet Companion; Straw Dot and Six-spotted Burnet [Posted by Dick Middleton]
Branch Butterfly Walk in Heartwood Forwst. Around 50 Small Blues and similar number of Common Blues on today’s branch walk. 25 of us set off in two parties led by Andrew Steele and myself. Most of the Small Blues were in valley Field, focussed on the patches of Kidney Vetch seeded by the branch ten years ago. But both foodplant and Small Blue can now be found across the field. Small Blues were also found near the Scout Hut and at the Airfield. Other species included Brown Argus, Small Heath, Holly Blue, Burnett Companion, Silver Y, Brimstone, Cinnabar, Large White, Small White, Green-veined White, Large Skipper, Meadow Brown, Red Admiral, Yellow Shell plus caterpillars of Peacock and Spindle Ermine moth. Best ever total of Small Blues from a branch butterfly walk at this (and probably any other) site [Posted by Malcolm Hull]
Small Blue. Brief visit to Bourne End services and on slip road saw a male Small Blue, three Painted Lady, at least four Common Blue and a Burnet Companion moth [Posted by Paul Busby]
Therfield Heath. Bob Clift and I paid a late morning visit to Therfield Heath on the eastern side, yielding several butterflies in the warm sunshine but only occasionally settled long enough for decent photos. Even when they settled the wings were often closed to avoid the heat of the sun. The Small Heath and the Adonis Blue were the most common. Several Painted Lady were seen on the bramble bushes but the most thrilling sighting for both of us was one of the now 'rare' Small Tortoiseshell. Overall totals: Small Heath (50+), Adonis Blue (30+), Painted Lady (20+), Red Admiral (3), Small White (3), Brimstone (3), Holly Blue (3), Common Blue (3), Brown Argus (2), Orange-tip & Small Tortoiseshell. [Posted by Peter Clarke]
Cheshunt Park. Late morning, fairly brief but 100% sighting of my first for year and earliest ever White-letter Hairstreak over the park Elms, also 2 Holly Blue and 3 Painted Lady. [Posted by Laurence Drummond]
Sightings at Trent Park, Oakwood & Enfield. At Bramley Rd, N14 - 1 Treble Brown Spot at bus-stop shelter. At Trent Park - male Large Skipper edge of Rough Lot, 10 Painted Lady & 1 Small Copper by lower lake. At private sites near Trent Park - male Common Blue, male Large Skipper, 4 Painted Lady & 1 Brown Silver-line - my first of the year [FOY]. Also, 1 Four-spotted Chaser - my first of the year [FOY]. I did not count Meadow Brown or Small Heath today. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
Sightings from Stanwell Moor. A cooler day at last, with just hazy sunshine, so I spent a few hours out on my local patch near Heathrow. Over the last week or so the variety of species found has changed a bit. As has been seen everywhere, it now includes numerous Painted Ladies! I suspect the last of the Orange-tips have gone now, but instead there are Meadow Browns and Large Skippers. Today's Mix: Small Heath (34), Meadow Brown (26), Common Blue (18), Painted Lady (14), Holly Blue (12), Brown Argus (10), Large Skipper (5), Speckled Wood (3), Small White (2), Red Admiral (1), Small Copper (1). [Posted by Dave Miller]
Common Emerald at Southgate. 1 Common Emerald at ASDA Southgate this afternoon - my first of the year [FOY]. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
Sightings at Pymmes Park, Edmonton. At Pymmes Park, Edmonton this afternoon [1340 to 1505 BST] - 2 Holly Blue & 1 Painted Lady nectaring on Bramble blossom. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
Sightings in Muswell Hill. A Small Tortoiseshell visited my garden around 7pm as I was watering the garden, it landed on a few oxeye daisies. By the time I dashed for my camera it had gone. This is a rare sighting these days. I saw my first of year Large Skipper today on my Alexandra Park transect. I also saw 6 Painted Lady, including 4 together. [Posted by Dee Cullen]
Treble Brown Spot at Southgate. 1 Treble Brown Spot near front door at Dalrymple Close, N14 this evening - my first of the year [FOY]. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
Small Blues at Hillbrow Letchworth. Five Small Blues at Hillbrow, Letchworth plus two Painted Lady [Posted by Patricia Clegg]
Sightings at Enfield. At private sites near Trent Park - 1 Brown Argus, 5 Common Blue, 7 male Meadow Brown, 1 Holly Blue, male Large White, 4 Painted Lady nectaring on Bramble blossom & 21 Small Heath, 1 Brimstone Moth, 1 Burnet Companion & 1 Maiden's Blush - my first of the year [FOY]. Male Brimstone at Rectory Farm Rd, 1 Holly Blue at Strayfield Rd, EN2, 3 Large Skipper [2 along Jubilee Path/London Loop at Bay Farm & 1 at Brooke Wd], 3 Painted Lady [2 at Rectory Farm & 1 at Hilly Fields Park] & 7 Speckled Wood [3 at Brooke Wd & 4 at Strayfield Rd, EN2]. 1 Riband Wave at Gordon Hill Station - my first of the year [FOY]. Also, 9 Beautiful Demoiselle [male at a private site near Trent Park & 8, 5 males & 3 females at Hilly Field Park] - my first of the year [FOY]. At Bay Farm along 'Jubilee Path'/London Loop - 1 Silver Y. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
Painted Lady influx. Painted Lady abundant in the Gilston/Hunsdon area of E Herts this morning, utilising almost every possible food source - dogwood, dandelion, ox-eye daisies, creeping cinquefoil and fox dung were those I noted. Most were in concentrations rather than scattered singles, e.g. ten in Gilston Churchyard, where there was also a brief Hummingbird Hawk-moth. Also in the same area were male Meadow Browns at four locations, a Large Skipper near Briggens, Mother Shipton near Lord's Wood and Brown Argus at two sites - including oviposition on Cut-leaved Crane's-bill near Allen's Green. [Posted by Colin Everett]
Meadow Brown on Halsey Field. I was surprised to see what I expected to be a Speckled Wood fluttering along a rather shady path, turn out to be a Meadow Brown when it settled. Isn't this rather early? No photo, sorry, but the eye spots were clearly visible. [Posted by MRS CHRISTINE RIDLEY]
Meadows around Brickendon. Having just returned from seeing beautiful Swallowtails in the Norfolk broads I am surprised to see as many Painted Ladys around here as I did there. 5 seen on a short walk around the meadows, some deliberately choosing Ox-eye Daisy and other preferred Knapweed. Large Skippers have now made an appearance here with 4 seen. 3 Holly Blues were seen on the new Bramble blossom and many Common Blues seen on the wing. Small Heath and Speckled Wood seen also. I suspect 2 Mother Shipton were seen but too hot to chase them down for a photo. [Posted by Nathan Ellis]
Small Blues on Clothall Common. After a bit of searching I found two Small Blues on Clothall Common, west of the A505 Baldock bypass. Several Common Blues were on the wing here and small numbers of Brown Argus and Small Heath were seen, along with a few whites and Cinnabar Moths and Burnet Companion Moths. However, the commonest butterfly was Painted Lady, with at least 30 seen, many feeding on the abundant Oxeye Daisies. There appears to have been a significant influx (from Europe?) in the last week - I had a couple in my Royston garden as well. [Posted by Martin Johnson]
Painted Ladies in Muswell Hill. This week I have seen a half a dozen Painted Lady on my road, where we have Valerian in many of our front gardens. They have also been seen in increasing numbers in Alexandra Park. I hope it’s going to be one of those years. [Posted by Dee Cullen]
Sightings at Oakwood Park. At Oakwood Park [1100 to 1210 BST] - 21 Common Blue including several females, 4 Holly Blue, 1 Large Skipper - my first of the year [FOY], male Meadow Brown - my first of the year [FOY], 9 Painted Lady, 1 Small Copper, 3 Small Heath, 3 Speckled Wood including two together & 1 Burnet Companion. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
Sightings at Pymmes Park, Edmonton. At Pymmes Park, Edmonton [1400 to 1505 BST] - 2+ Holly Blue & 2+ Speckled Wood. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
Peacock caterpillars in St Albans. Spotted a Peacock nest on my allotment this afternoon. Caterpillars quite active in the heat. Unlike the few butterflies saw, which were all hiding in the shade! Holly Blues started flying again in the garden after the sun disappeared at 6.30 pm [Posted by Malcolm Hull]
Small Blue - Grass Vetchling. Small Blue nectaring on Grass Vetchling. Well away from the Kidney Vetch @ Heartwood Forest. Recorded on iRecord. [Posted by Ian Carle]
Sightings at Oakwood Park & Grovelands Park, Southgate. At Oakwood Park [1030 to 1125 BST] - 12 male Common Blue, 3 Holly Blue,1 Small Heath, 1 Alabonia geoffrella, 1 Burnet Companion & 3 Silver Y. At Grovelands Park [1135 to 1320 BST] - 5 Holly Blue, 1 Painted Lady, 2 Small Heath & 7 Speckled Wood. Also, Emperor Dragonfly - my first of the year [FOY]. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
Ruby Tiger at Southgate. 1 Ruby Tiger freshly emerged at lighted window near front door at Dalrymple Close, N14 this morning at 0100 BST - my first of the year [FOY]. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
Sightings from Stanwell Moor. Even hotter today locally, and my walk was shorter and the butterflies harder to find. One exception was the Small Heath which appeared even more numerous than it had been the day before. I only counted 12 species today, but one of them was another first for the year - a fresh male Meadow Brown. None of today's Painted Ladies were as vibrant as yesterday's but with four seen altogether, they definitely seem to be on the move again. Other species seen: Common Blue, Brown Argus, Holly Blue, Small Copper, Red Admiral, Speckled Wood, Brimstone, Small White and Green-veined White. Dave [Posted by Dave Miller]
Blue Sunday. Heartwood Forest - I visited all 4 areas with Kidney Vetch and saw a total of 67 Small Blues. Interestingly several individuals were well away from the breeding areas, including two males taking salts at the dog pond. However they were out numbered by 91 Common Blues. Surprisingly only one Brown Argus. Other butterflies included Brimstone, Green-veined White, Large White, Orange-tip, Painted Lady, Peacock, Red Admiral, Small Copper, Small Heath and Speckled Wood. Most of the Painted Ladies looked very fresh, possibly a sign of a new immigration - all those I have seen until now have been faded or “grey” Day flying moths included Burnet Companion, Cinnabar, Grass Rivulet, Six-spot Burnet, Silver Y, Small Yellow Underwing and Treble Lines [Posted by Malcolm Hull]
Sightings at Southgate. 1 Red Admiral at Chase Road, N14 this morning at 1155 BST & 2 Holly Blue [1 at Chase Road, N14 & 1 at Southgate Chase Allotments]. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
Small Blue Butterfly in my Harpenden garden. Pleased to get a Small Blue butterfly in my garden for the first time after I planted kidney vetch the last few years [Posted by Jamie Brown]
Sightings from Stanwell Moor. A hot day again near Heathrow (often the warmest place in the UK in this kind of weather). I went out early and found the butterflies still active before it became really warm. A mating pair of Small Coppers was a high point, as was a fresh Speckled Wood and a relatively fresh Painted Lady (which was no larger than the Speckled Wood). I also had a glimpse of a Large Skipper (my first here this year), but it was supercharged in the sunshine and didn't stop for a second. Approximate totals today: Small Heath (25), Brown Argus (25), Common Blue (25), Holly Blue (22), Green-veined White (5), Small White (4), Red Admiral (4), Large White (3), Small Copper (3), Painted Lady (3), Brimstone (2), Peacock (2) Orange-tip (1), Speckled Wood (1), Large Skipper (1) [Posted by Dave Miller]
Sightings at Grovelands Park, Houndsden Gutter, N21 & Oakwood Park. At Oakwood Park [1000 to 1045 BST] - 3 male Common Blue, 1 Green Hairstreak [rather worn] - my first of the year [FOY], 4 Holly Blue, 2 Small Copper, 2 Burnet Companion - my first of the year [FOY], 1 Cinnabar, 1 Orange Beauty [Commophila aeneana] - my first of the year [FOY] & 1 Yellow Shell - my first of the year [FOY]. At Houndsden Gutter, N21 - 3 Speckled Wood including two together. At Grovelands Park [1105 to 1300 BST] - 2 male Common Blue, 3 Holly Blue, 1 Painted Lady flew NE, 7 Small Heath, 1 Small Copper & 4 Speckled Wood. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
Adonis Blues Flying on Therfield Heath. Not surprisingly, the hot weather has brought out the first generation of Adonis Blues on Therfield Heath. I saw at least 10 males on the wing on Church Hill this morning, alongside a few Common Blues (paler blue wings). Also seen were a few Small Heath and Brown Argus, as well as a single male Brimstone during a brief visit. Following the grass cutting in 2025 it was good to see lots of Horseshoe Vetch flowering here. [Posted by Martin Johnson]
Sightings at Pymmes Park, Edmonton. 2 Holly Blue at Pymmes Park, Edmonton this afternoon. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
Red Admirals in Highgate Cemetery. During my transect I saw a couple of Red Admirals my first for the year at the cemetery ( West side) sparring with each other and Speckled Woods. [Posted by Dee Cullen]
Hillbrow Letchworth Sightings. At about midday several (5+) Small Blues (TL205320), one very battered Small Copper, Holly Blues and Common Blues in reasonable numbers. [Posted by David Crawford]
Sightings at Trent Park, Monken Hadley Common & Covert Way LNR. At Trent Park - 3 Small Copper, 2 Small Heath together, 2 Chimney Sweeper - my first of the year [FOY] & 5 Alabonia geoffrella. At Chalk Lne, Cockfosters - 1 Holly Blue. At Covert Way LNR - 1 Holly Blue. At Monken Hadley Common - 2 Brimstone [male & female], 2 Green-veined White, 2 Orange-tip [male & female], 1 Red Admiral & 1 Holly Blue. At Bramley Rd, N14 - male Common Swift - my first of the year [FOY]. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
Sightings at Enfield. At private sites near Trent Park - female Brimstone, male Brown Argus, 1 Holly Blue, 12 Small Heath, 1 Small White & 1 Speckled Wood. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
Large Yellow Underwing at Edmonton. 1 Large Yellow Underwing in subway/underpass near North Middx Hospital this afternoon - my first of the year [FOY]. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
Sightings at Enfield. At private sites near Trent Park - male Common Blue, 1 Green-veined White, 10 Small Heath & 1 Nettle-tap - my first of the year [FOY]. Also, 1 Cream-spot Ladybird - my first of the year [FOY]. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
Sightings at Oakwood Park. At Oakwood Park this morning [0900 to 1000 BST] - 1 Hedge Beauty [Alabonia geoffrella] - my first of the year [FOY] at TQ300951, 1 Small Heath at TQ301951 & also, female Broad-bodied Chaser at TQ304952 - my first of the year [FOY]. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
Meadows at Brickendon Village. The nearby meadow which under a countryside stewardship scheme is currently blossoming with Vetch, Red Clover, Buttercups and Oxeye Daisy. During the sunny spells today Common Blues, and Brown Argus can be easily found in the meadow, Small Heath and Small Copper are sprinkled around the adjacent mown areas. Today they were joined by a hungry Painted Lady and a Holly Blue female, all seen nectaring on the Vetch. I am keeping an eye out for a Large Skipper but none seen yet. [Posted by Nathan Ellis]
Brown Hairstreak larva. Brown Hairstreak larva found using uv light at Hampstead Heath extension [Posted by Rohan Harris]
Butterfly Walk at Shrubhill Common today. In spite of rather cold and very overcast weather, we did see two Dingy Skippers on the common today together with a Common Blue, a Cinnabar moth and two unknown moths. Thank you to the patient and sharp-eyed attendees! [Posted by CHRISTINE RIDLEY]
Sightings from Stanwell Moor. The sunshine today round my way only lasted until about 1030, but a few butterflies took advantage of it. Most notable among them were three more Green Hairstreaks, found in two of the three areas I've seen them occupying so far this season. Today's list: Holly Blue (11), Small Heath (10), Brown Argus (9), Green Hairstreak (3), Small Copper (2), Green-veined White (1), Large White (1), Common Blue (1). [Posted by Dave Miller]
Sightings at Grovelands Park & Southgate. At Grovelands Park, Southgate [1150 to 1430 BST] - 4 Common Blue [3 males & 1 female], 2 Small Copper, 2 Small Heath & 3 Mother Shipton. At ASDA Southgate - 1 Yellow-barred Brindle - my first of the year [FOY]. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
Sightings at Pymmes Park, Edmonton. At Pymmes Park, Edmonton [1435 to 1605 BST] - 2 Holly Blue, 1 Small Heath & male Small White. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
Small Coppers. A break in the clouds allowed me to do my Alexandra Park transect this afternoon, I only got just enough sunshine. Not much flying, pleased to see a couple of Small Coppers about and great that the Knapweed is finally coming into bloom. [Posted by Dee Cullen]
Butterflies in Queen Elizabeth 2 memorial garden Regents Park. I visited this recently opened garden in cold windy and showery weather today. Butterflies were the last thing I expected to see, however in a brief sunny interlude I saw a Small Copper and three Common Blues in the meadow area with lucerne and various grasses. The garden is beautiful and worth a visit. [Posted by Dee Cullen]
Sightings at Enfield. At a private site near Trent Park - male Brown Argus - my first of the year [FOY], female Small Copper & 2 Small Heath. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
Sightings at Oakwood Park. At Oakwood Park this afternoon [1245 to 1315 BST] - 2 Common Blue [male & female] & 1 Holly Blue. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
TfL Verge monitoring- Hillingdon A40. Bright morning sunshine so monitored the TfL road verges along the A40. This is part of a four year monitoring project and these low mow verges with cut and collect methods in place are showing good results. A variety of grasses and wild flowers observed and a good selection of butterflies recorded which included a Small Heath, a female Common Blue, some Small Coppers, Holly Blue, Peacock, Orange-tips, Green-veined White and a Small White as well as a Small Yellow Underwing moth. An impressive list as the adjacent Gutteridge Wood and Meadow transect produced less butterflies and only 3 Species. [Posted by Paul Busby]
Sightings from Stanwell Moor. After another very chilly start, it was a glorious sunny morning on my patch near Heathrow. The Holly Blues in the area nearest home kept me entertained first - there seem to still be fresh examples emerging all the time. Out on the grassy areas, Brown Argus, Common Blues and Small Heaths are the main participants at the moment, but Small Coppers are always around and today yet another Green Hairstreak appeared, though it was a bit worn. There was also a fresh female Large White, a species that has been almost absent this year so far. 13 species altogether today: Small Heath (14), Brown Argus (13), Holly Blue (13), Common Blue (11), Small White (6), Peacock (3), Orange-tip (3), Small Copper (3), Speckled Wood (1), Green-veined White (1), Brimstone (1), Large White (1), Green Hairstreak (1) [Posted by Dave Miller]
Waterford Heath joint branch walk with HMWT. The weather forecast was far from favourable, so we were not optimistic of finding any Grizzled Skipper this morning - as it turned out we had a lot more sunshine than we expected. We were joined by HMWT staff members Anna and Iain so with attendees - 14 people in total. This was an advantage as we had many sets of enthsiatic eyes. We selected the most sheltered areas on the north pit between the slope on the east side from the seat to the far end and were absolutely thrilled to find 11 Grizzled Skipper, there could have been more but we were trying to not over count. Also seen were at least 5 Brown Argus, 2 Small Copper, 1 Common Blue, a Green-veined White & Large White as well as a Brimstone, Painted Lady and at least 1 Holly Blue. Anna and Iain also explained about the recent management of the site that the branch had been involved with and future plans. A truly excellent morning! [Posted by Liz Goodyear & Andrew Wood]
Northwick Park Hospital. A brief look at flower beds around Northwick Park Hospital and in a brief sunny spell, a male Common Blue perched on flowers [Posted by Paul Busby]
Branch walk - Hounslow Heath. An enjoyable nature walk through Hounslow Heath and onto Feltham Marshalling Yards looking at butterfly habitats and food plants with expert local knowledge from Pete Gore. Six brave souls completed a 3 hour walk in cool breezy weather conditions. Butterflies few and far between with an unidentified White and Speckled Wood on edge of Heath with a brief glimpse of a Small Copper and a Speckled Wood at the Marshalling Yards. Nice to see a female Mandarin Duck with 5 ducklings along River Crane with a couple of Banded Demioselles. [Posted by Paul Busby]
Sightings from Stanwell Moor. After a morning down on Salisbury Plain seeing slightly more exotic stuff, I spent the afternoon back on my local patch. There was plenty to see here, including three species that hadn't appeared in Wiltshire. Highlights today here were a mating pair of Common Blues, a courting pair of Painted Ladys (behaviour I'd not witnessed before in this species) and an unusually marked male Orange-tip with a black "eyebrow" over the forewing eyespot. Today's totals: Small Heath (19), Brown Argus (12), Holly Blue (11), Common Blue (10), Orange-tip (8), Brimstone (5), Peacock (4), Small White (4), Small Copper (4), Red Admiral (3), Painted Lady (3), Green-veined White (2), Comma (1), Speckled Wood (1). [Posted by Dave Miller]
First Brown Argus record on Parkland Walk Site. On my transect at Parkland Walk Transect at the Highgate end in the wildlife reserve I was pleasantly surprised to see a Brown Argus. My first of year and the first record on that site. Record phone shot isn’t great but submitting as evidence! [Posted by Dee Cullen]
Sightings at Grovelands Park & Southgate. At Grovelands Park [1240 to 1510 BST] - 8+ Holly Blue, 1 Small Copper, 6 Speckled Wood, 2 Cinnabar & 1 Mother Shipton - my first of the year [FOY]. At The Bourne, N14 - 1 Holly Blue. At Dalrymple Close, N14 - 1 Painted Lady. At Ivy Road Recreation Ground - 1 Painted Lady. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
Trip to Hatfield Quarry (private site). Just a single Dingy Skipper again today, though I did manage a better photo. Fresh Common Blues(13) all males, accompanied by equally fresh Brown Argus (5). There’s been a small migration in the last few days. I saw 3 Painted Lady - 1 still in migratory flight hurtling NE at speed. Also a single Silver Y. Other species on the wing included Small Heath (4), Small Copper (1), Brimstone (1), Small White (4), Orange Tip (7), Large White (2) and Green-veined White (3) [Posted by Malcolm Hull]
Sightings at Enfield. At private sites near Trent Park - 5 Small Heath, 3 Speckled Wood, 1 Painted Lady, 1 Silver Y - my first of the year [FOY] & 1 Cinnabar [FOY]. At Rectory Farm - 2 Brimstone [male & female], 2 Small White, male Orange-tip & 1 Holly Blue. At Strayfield Road, EN2 - female Brimstone. At Flash Lne, EN2 - 1 Holly Blue. At Hilly Fields Park - 2 Holly Blue. At Gordon Hill Station - 1 Figure of Eighty - my first record of this species & 1 Small Dusty Wave [FOY]. At Enfield Town Station - 1 Holly Blue. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
Tracks around Danemead HMWT. Another calm cloudy day alternating between cool and warm haze. Spent a peaceful lunchtime hedge walking looking for interesting resting insects, with plenty found and photographed. I found caterpillars for a Copper Underwing and a Drinker moth. Butterflies seen on the wing just along the tracks were Painted Lady (2), Holly Blue (2) laying eggs on Dogwood, Small Copper (3 including 1 ab. caeruleopunctata = blue marks on hindwing), Speckled Wood (1). [Posted by Nathan Ellis]
Sightings from Stanwell Moor. A bit chilly this morning, but there was some sunshine around initially so I did a quick circuit of my local patch. After seeing so many in April, it seemed strange not to find a single Peacock during the walk. However, I did find 12 other species: Holly Blue (14), Small Heath (8), Orange-tip (4), Green-veined White (4), Brown Argus (4), Speckled Wood (3), Small Copper (3), Small White (2), Common Blue (1), Brimstone (1), Red Admiral (1), Painted Lady (1). [Posted by Dave Miller]
Sightings at Enfield & Oakwood. 1 Waved Umber at bus-stop shelter at Bramley Road, N14 - my first of the year [FOY]. 2 Painted Lady & 1 Small White at private sites near Trent Park this afternoon. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
Sightings at Enfield. At private sites near Trent Park - 5 Small Heath - my first of the year [FOY],1 Painted Lady, 2 Green-veined White & 1 Speckled Wood. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
Waterford Heath. Had a wander around Waterford Heath with Helen Bantock. Started on the north pit in an anti-clockwise direction and in total encountered 6 Grizzled Skipper (scattered around the site), with a further 2 on the South Pit. Also seen were several Holly Blue, 2 Orange-tip, 5 Brown Argus including a mating pair, 2 Painted Lady and a Cinnabar and Treble-bar moth [Posted by Liz Goodyear]
Sightings from Stanwell Moor. A blanket of low cloud sat stubbornly over my local patch almost all day. However, there was enough solar radiation coming through the cloud to keep the Painted Ladies active. I found six today and there were likely more hiding down in the grass. In rare bright moments a few other butterflies appeared. Totals today: Painted Lady (6), Small Copper (4), Orange-tip (3), Brown Argus (2), Small Heath (2), Red Admiral (2), Common Blue (1), Holly Blue (1). There was also a brand new Burnet Companion moth. [Posted by Dave Miller]
Sightings at Enfield & Southgate. 1 Angle Shades at a private site near Trent Park this morning - my first of the year [FOY] & 1 Brimstone Moth at ASDA Southgate this afternoon - my first of the year [FOY]. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
White-letter Hairstreak Caterpillars. Cool and cloudy today so didn't look for butterflies but it was good weather to look for caterpillars and other interesting insects. Whilst my daughter went on her scooter around Barclay Park Hoddesdon I managed to find White-letter Hairstreak caterpillars on the very first low hanging Elm tree branch I searched, which was a nice surprise. Even though I forgot my glasses I still found 5 without much difficulty, which is very encouraging. [Posted by Nathan Ellis]
Whippendell Woods Bluebell butterfly walk. When we arrived we did get some sunny intervals and before the walk started Rick spotted a male Common Blue. We did try and find it once the walk got under way but sadly the rest of us including me missed it, Rick did get a photo though. We found a few people that were in the wrong location eventually and all that attended seemed to enjoy the walk although it went quiet due to the overcast conditions. I didn't see any Holly Blues but Rick sighted one. We did get to see about 5 Orange-tips, 1 Speckled Wood, 1+ Red Admiral, Green-veined White certainly 2 as in the photo's. The female was having none of the males advances! There were a few more white butterflies seen that were unidentified. Although not as good as last weekend we had a better count than last years spring walk. It was great to have Chris Newman with us who does all the great transect work over at Bricket Wood. The bluebells were still holding on although going over in a few places they were at their peak a couple of weekends back as they started flowering early this year. The coral root that was in full flower last weekend had practically gone but we did find the last remnants of flowers. We thank and hope all that attended enjoyed the walk and sorry if we missed anyone trying to find us. [Posted by Peter Fewell/Rick Vickers]
Sightings from Stanwell Moor. Another sunny and warm day in my part of the world - at least until the rain arrived late afternoon. In a lengthy walk around my local patch I started somewhat unusually with a Painted Lady, two Green Hairstreaks and three Small Coppers. The highlights later in the walk were brand new Common Blues and Brown Argus. The totals seen today: Holly Blue (23), Small Copper (12), Orange-tip (11), Brown Argus (10), Green-veined White (5), Peacock (5), Common Blue (3), Speckled Wood (3), Small White (3), Brimstone (3), Green Hairstreak (2), Red Admiral (2), Painted Lady (2), Comma (2), Small Heath (1). I also saw my first Mother Shipton moth of the year. [Posted by Dave Miller]
Sightings at Enfield & Trent Park. At private sites near Trent Park - male Common Blue - my first of the year [FOY], 1 Holly Blue, male Orange-tip, 1 Peacock & 4 Speckled Wood. At Trent Park - 1 Green-veined White at Williams Wd, 1 Peacock by lower lake & 2 Speckled Wood [1 along Leeging Beech Gutter near Water Grdn & 1 near Equestrian Centre]. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
Green Hairstreak. Green Hairstreak found today (02/05/2026) by Neil Anderson while leading a LNHS field meeting on Poor's Field, Ruislip, Grid Ref TQ086895. (also submitted on iRecord Butterflies). [Posted by Richard Middleton]
Sightings at Southgate, Trent Park, Enfield & Edmonton. At Dalrymple Cose, N14 - 1 Holly Blue. At Trent Park - 2 Speckled Wood along bridle-path near Equestrian Centre. At private sites near Trent Park - 2 male Brimstone, 1 Green-veined White, 3 Holly Blue, 3 male Orange-tip, 2 Painted Lady, 2 Peacock, 1 Red Admiral & 1 Speckled Wood. At Pymmes Park, Edmonton - 1 Speckled Wood. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
arrival of Brown Argus and Small Heath. I walked the quarries, Rickneys and South and North pits at Waterford Heath. 11 Brown Argus at Rickneys my first this year and 2 Grizzled Skippers of note. On North Heath I saw 6 Grizzled Skippers, 3 Brown Argus and also Cinnabar moth of note. On South Heath Grizzled Skippers 5, best of the year there and well spread out. 3 Small Heath, my first of the year and also 5 Brimstones. Moths had Cinnabar, Latticed Heath and Silver Y. [Posted by steve kiln]