spbf

You guessed it. Small Pearl Bordered Fritillary. A little beauty on top of Arnside Knott early this morning. A female we believe.

They are more frequent in the north and west of Britain which makes a nice change. The eggs are laid singly on or near Common Dog-violet or Marsh Violet and hatch in ten to twelve days. The Chrysalis is suspended close to the ground near the food plant where it remains for two weeks. The Caterpillar has two forward projecting spines and hibernates among dried leaves when half grown. It resumes feeding in the Spring.

I hope you are taking note of all this valuable information. There will be an orchid and butterfly test at the end of the Summer.

The extra is a Rhodo in the garden. I couldn't resist it. But then as in the well known song My resistence is low.