Flea Bane Butterfly Boon

The stand of common fleabane in my mini meadow between two blocks of glasshouses has recently come into bloom. All the insects, butterflies in particular, love it. 

It used to be burnt to repel fleas - the scientific name Pulicaria comes from Pulex, Latin for flea. The specific name dysenterica was given to it by Linnaeus who was informed by General Keit of the Russian Army that his soldiers fighting in Persia were cured of dysentery by this plant.

Peacock butterflies are a bit boring in that we often see them and nearly all year round. However they are one of the most brightly coloured and exotically patterned of all British butterflies. This one is looking particularly fresh. I prefer to shoot insects on wild flowers if possible.