Warming up

Dark green fritillary, Arnside Knott

Our old friend and colleague Dagmar stayed with us last night before heading south today. The challenge this morning was to find her something she hadn't seen previously, and before breakfast, so she joined me for the walk with Gus at 0600. I think she has seen Dark Green fritillaries like this before, but not well enough to photograph. After this we found a Northern Brown Argus which really was a new species for her. So I succeeded in the challenge, and was awarded a Box 2 marking.

Once you spotted one of these sunning themselves, then you soon started seeing lots more. Even at that time in the morning, many were warmed up and flying rapidly, but there were still some soaking up the rays and gently vibrating their wings.

This is a view of a Dark Green backlit to show off the brown and black coloration. Today's shot gives a clearer idea of the features that identify this from the other, much rarer large fritillary which flies on the Knott, the High Brown. There is a greenish tinge to the underside of this one, and there is more spangling with the pearly markings. The High Brown has reddish spots too which the Dark Green lacks. The lighting in this one shows off the reddish legs and the drumstick antennae.

Anyway it was a lovely start to another beautiful Summer's day. The moth trap is going out tonight, so we shall see what tomorrow brings.