Ringlet

There were numerous ringlets flying low over the coarser grassland on Arnside Knott early this this morning while the dew was still on the grass.  The number of "ringlet" spots on the underside of the underwings of this species is quite variable, as is the number which have a black ring around the white dot.  This one has only two of the latter.  It's not the most gaudy of butterflies, a bit more moth-like in its subtlety and variation between individuals.  I particularly like the white edge to the wing, particularly when backlit by the morning sun.

Its caterpillars feed on common coarse grasses, and its range has been expanding over the last couple of decades.  The Millennium Atlas from 17 years ago shows a gap in distribution in south Cumbria and north Lancashire.  That was filled 10 years or so ago, and I find now that they even appear in our garden most days during the flight season.

A bright, sunny morning and I was awake at 0530.  Perhaps I should have got up and taken Gus for his walk up the Knott then, rather than lying awake for another hour.  It was so lovely first thing.

Anyway, this is a quick blip.  Dr T is due to arrive shortly, the first time I've seen him in well over a year.