Sharpenhoe Gall Flies and Butterflies

The Chalkhill Blues and Burnet Moths outnumbered other insects but there were lots of other insects to photograph including these Carline Thistle Gall Flies (Terellia serratulae) laying eggs in the Thistles and two Fritillaries - the Dark Green and the much larger Silver Washed - single rather tatty individuals making brief appearances but good to see.  

Sharpenhoe Butterflies

 Despite the strong winds, most of the RPS Nature Group on an outing to Sharpenhoe yesterday managed to photograph two of the target species - the Chalkhill Blues (all males so probably early in the season) and Dark Green Fritillaries (getting a bit worn and mainly females so late in their season). However, the favourite was a Brimstone male emerging from its cocoon. Also shown Large Skipper, Red Admiral, Small White and Holly Blue.