Small Heath

Another very hot day here. The spaniel and I set off early for the walk up Blackcap on the South Downs and on into Ashcombe Bottom. I was searching for Silver-spotted Skippers which normally appear in early August. None were to be seen today nor were there any second brood Adonis Blues. I suspect its the later emergent species and second broods that will suffer most in the drought. However, there were good numbers, several hundred at least, of Chalkhill Blues amongst which I spotted a solitary Small Heath an easily overlooked unassuming little butterfly, the underwing being much like a miniature version of the Gatekeeper.