Boxhill Orchids and Butterflies

Great day out with Ben West yesterday hunting the various orchid and butterfly species  characteristic of the Surrey Hills. The Bee Orchid is a variant with pointed lip. The dry conditions this year have reduced the number of orchids though we found most of the target species. The butterflies were loving the sun with highlights including the Dingy Skipper, Green Hairstreak and hundreds of Small Blues

Butterfly Walk at Trumpington Meadows

Joined a butterfly walk at Trumpington Meadows, a Cambridgeshire  Wildlife Trust Reserve. We eventually found the three target species, the Small blue, Purple Hairstreak and White-Letter Hairstreak along with lots of other species. This Copper photo was my favourite along with the Small Blue. A small fly took my eye - Eliozeta pellucens - which looks to be quite rare in the area. Species iID list at the end.