Silver Studded Blue Butterfly

Yesterday I made my annual trip to Prees Heath Common near Whitchurch, Shropshire to see and photograph the rare Silver Studded Blue Butterfly at it's only site in the West Midlands. They lay eggs in the nests of  black ants which look after the pupa and caterpillars and are rewarded by receiving a sweet secretion which they love to eat.

There were also pyramidal orchids and the three of us found a lizard hiding itself in the undergrowth. Extra pictures.

Afterwards I went to a most enjoyable music session in a local pub.