Butterfly Conservation
saving butterflies, moths and our environment
Butterfly Conservation - saving butterflies, moths and our environment

2018 Last sightings

Updated 1 December

Adonis Blue
9 October

Black hairstreak
28 June

Brimstone
18 November

Brown Argus
14 November

Brown Hairstreak
5 October

Camberwell Beauty
13 July

Chalk Hill Blue
24 September

Clouded Yellow
30 November

Comma
14 November

Common Blue
15 November

Dark Green Fritillary
12 August

Dingy Skipper
14 August

Duke of Burgundy
4 June

Essex Skipper
1 August

Gatekeeper
24 September

Grayling
7 August

Green Hairstreak
24 June

Green-veined White
13 September

Grizzled Skipper
22 June

Holly Blue
16 November

Large Skipper
22 July

Large Tortoiseshell
15 March

Large White
2 November

Marbled White
25 August

Meadow Brown
10 November

Orange-tip
6 June

Painted Lady
13 November

Peacock
30 November

Pearl-bordered Fritillary
27 May

Purple Emperor
27 July

Purple Hairstreak
12 August

Red Admiral
23 December

Ringlet
4 August

Silver-spotted Skipper
9 September

Silver-studded Blue
14 July

Silver-washed Fritillary
22 August

Small Blue
1 September

Small Copper
8 November

Small Heath
27 October

Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary
14 August

Small Skipper
18 August

Small Tortoiseshell
16 October

Small White
29 December

Speckled Wood
14 November

Swallowtail
7 May.

Wall Brown
02 November

White Admiral
19 July

White-letter Hairstreak
20 July

Wood White
???

2018 First sightings

49 Species to date
* indicates a national first

Grayling
13 July

Silver-spotted Skipper
11 July

Brown Hairstreak
6 July

Chalk Hill Blue
27 June

Camberwell Beauty
23 June

Essex Skipper
22 June

Gatekeeper

Purple Emperor
17 June

Purple Hairstreak
15 June

Small Skipper
14 June

Silver-Washed Fritillary
13 June

Ringlet
9 June

Marbled White
9 June

White Admiral
8 June

White-letter Hairstreak
7 June

Silver-studded Blue
6 June

Black Hairstreak
4 June

Dark Green Fritillary
2 June

Meadow Brown
28 May

Large Skipper
26 May

Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary
15 May

Adonis Blue
11 May

Small Blue
9 May

Swallowtail
7 May

Wood White*
6 May

Common Blue*
6 May

Brown Argus*
6 May

Duke of Burgundy
4 May

Pearl-bordered fritillary
4 May

Small Heath*
25 April

Wall Brown
22 April

Dingy Skipper
21 April

Clouded Yellow
18 April

Green Hairstreak*
18 April

Holly Blue
14 April

Orange-tip
14 April

Grizzled Skipper*
14 April

Large White
11 April

Green-veined White
3 April

Speckled Wood
31 March

Small Copper*
14 March

Large Tortoiseshell*
15 March

Small White
13 March

Painted Lady*
6 March

Peacock
25 January

Small Tortoiseshell
10 Jan*

Comma*
10 January

Brimstone
10 January

Red Admiral
10 January

2018 sightings


Sunday 30 December

Two Beautiful Plume Moths in our sunlounge yesterday. One came into the kitchen & had to be taken back out. No sign of any (or any additional corpses) today. (John & Val Heys)

Saturday 29 December

Found this male Small White outside our Bexhill flat today - although quite torpid it was very much alive. (Nicholas Turner)

Monday 24 December

Thank you Jonathan "(Ed jnr)", for updating our wonderful website throughout the year - Merry Christmas to you! (Jamie Burston)

A Peacock was enjoying the Christmas Eve sunshine at lunchtime today flying along a hedgerow on the outskirts of Warnham. (David Bridges)

We had our family Xmas meal yesterday & I took our 5 year old granddaughter into the sunlounge in an attempt to interest her in lepidoptera. I pointed out Beautiful Plume Moth number 14 almost invisible roosting on a rosemary sprig. She looked at it for a nano second, then said "there's another over there gaga" & ran off cackling. I looked up and she was quite right. There was a 15th moth on the window. In all the party chaos doors were left open both to the kitchen & the garden. The next time I saw one of the moths it fluttered past me while I was in the hall on the computer. I have restored it to the sunlounge, but there was only one in there this morning. We've had a daffodil flowering in the front garden for a couple of days now, which is the earliest we've ever had. (John & Val Heys)

An unseasonal but festive looking Kidney Vetch flower in my garden today. Happy Christmas. (Mark Cadey)

Sunday 23 December

Surprised to see a Red Admiral today flying adjacent to the June borders at Nymans Gardens in Handcross. It seemed particularly interested in the plastic bunting and fairy lights in that section. (Martin Buck)

Saturday 22 December

sat 22/12/2018. 1x Red Admiral flying around front door of bungalow in West Close, Polegate, E.Sx at 9.34am. this was a nice sight as my last RA was in mid November. (Peter Farrant)

Wednesday 19 December

Of the 13 which we've seen on the wing in our sun lounge, there are still 2 live Beautiful Plume Moths. The 11 deceased are laid out on the window sill as they have the knack of dropping dead in easy-to-find places, which is very useful for keeping a count. I doubt that there will be any more emerging. We were serenaded by black redstarts as we awoke each morning on an autumn holiday in Switzerland last year. We'd never heard nor seen them before & were impressed. It's a bit tiny in the picture but I thought it might make a change from another Beautiful Plume Moth. (John & Val Heys)
Perhaps we should start a Black Redstarts sightings page! (Ed jnr)

Please can someone identify this butterfly (Graham Hicks)
Colin Pratt, county recorder for Moths informs me that this is the day flying moth Mother Shipton. If you look on the wings you can see the witches face that gives this moth its name. (Ed jnr)

Monday 17 December

I was visiting Newhaven Harbour Station this morning when a Female Large White gently flew past me very slowly just a few feet away , she was in mint condition and was either newly emerged or may have been struggling slightly at the low temperature, it was sunny with an air temp of 10 degree c. I was about to leave and then saw a stunning Black Redstart fly down from a dilapidated building and commence snatching flies from a Bright green hoarding - I was surprised and my spirits uplifted by these encounters on the morning of 17th of December .
(Richard Roebuck)
Dr John Feltwell adds "P. brassicae is still breeding on coastal cabbages, in their 3-4th generation, and with a sunny day like today, late adults will be on the wing. Maybe it is too much to assume that Pb came over with a wave with Black Redstart but you never know. More likely hatched locally and was enjoying the sunshine. Nov Dec adults are surely well known." (Ed jnr)

Yesterday we all had a good time at the Bevendean work party but I had the feeling that Geoff had a little bit too much fun with his Flame-thrower as the secret arsonist emerged and baked us some delicious potatoes. As it was the last work party for me this year I thought I would take a moment and to close my first butterfly season (during which I saw 41 butterfly species, a number of moth species and a few caterpillars) I would like to say thank you to all who helped me with identifying these beautiful little flying wonders. I also have to mention the Atlas what proved a huge help and source of information to me. It is a most beautiful book packed with lots of practical information so in the unlikely event you don't already own a copy Christmas is your chance to get one! Besides learning more about butterflies in the new year I also have the mission of seeing the missing species of Purple Emperor, Pearl-bordered Fritillary, Silver-studded Blue and Wood White. Until then I just keep my eyes peeled for whatever we may find during the winter months such as the half-a-dozen Plume moths who were disturb by us at yesterday's work party. (Istvan Radi)
In my considered opinion here is no such thing as "too much fun with a flame thrower". I am afraid you will have to visit Surrey to see the Wood Whites as the small number in Sussex are out of bounds. However I think you can add Black Hairstreak to your list as we now have 46 species in Sussex if we can hang on to the Grayling. This obviously means that a 2nd edition of the Atlas is desperately needed. Thanks for all your posts this year. (Ed jnr)

Friday 14 December

The cold overnight weather hasn't killed off all the Beautiful Plume Moths in our sun lounge yet. Having brought in some rosemary, which they like, it's been very hard to get a reasonable photo as the camera wants to focus on the plant sprigs & not the moth, but the final attempt today wasn't too bad. This afternoon there were 4 alive and 9 dead plumes. Tonight is likely to see off one or two more. (John Heys)

This is a sighting of an interesting article from the U.S. about a wonderful effort to save Miami Blue butterflies which were thought to have become extinct in their unique habitat - see the link. (Colin Knight https://www.atlasobscura.com/articles/miami-blue-butterfly-extinct)

Wednesday 12 December

During a flying visit from soggy Devon to equally soggy Sussex last weekend I was at least rewarded by the sight of a single Red Admiral flying in moderate rain in a Robertsbridge garden. (Rob)

Tuesday 11 December

Many thanks to the fabulous Brighton Conservation Volunteers for their magnificent efforts on the BC Park Corner Heath reserve today (11 December). We continued working over the far, lower level slope where our own volunteers cleared small trees and scrub last Sunday, and started by burning up some large piles of brash. By the end of the day an area of almost 0.25 hectare had been completely cleared, creating a substantial area of breeding habitat for fritillaries and other species. The combined efforts of BC and BCV volunteers over the last couple of winters have reclaimed a very extensive area of lowland heath from the encroaching scrub and I'm confident that the butterflies and moths will show their appreciation. (Neil Hulme)

Very suprised to see this Red Admiral fly past my car and land on a mahonia bush to feed at crawley rugby club in ifield avenue that I forgot to alter my camera settings so pic is not as sharp as I'd like (David Long)

Despite the frosty start today, it warmed up really well in the sunshine. I decided to do a scrub clearance session at High and Over and during a break I thought it was worth having a quick look to see if any Wall Brown larva were venturing out. I have never seen any before the 18th December so I did think it was unlikely. However, in the first tussock I checked, and after only a 2 minute hunt I came across a young larva of just under 1 cm in length. For another 15 minutes or so I only found one more. There was plenty of danger for the young larvae in the tussocks with several spiders found. However, this wet weather has meant some good fresh growth for them to nibble on and hopefully plenty will see it through the Winter successfully. (Bob Eade http://bobsbutterflies.blogspot.co.uk)

A Red Admiral was feeding on Viburnum Tinus in my Seaford garden this morning. The temperature was less than 10 degrees so it was a nice surprise. (Stuart Ridley)

Monday 10 December

I found another dead Beautiful Plume Moth this morning but Plume number 8 was still around probing the scabious flower. By this evening the sunny day must have worked its magic as number 8 had 4 new Beautiful Plumes to keep him company, 3 of them clustered on the rather tired looking scabious. (John & Val Heys)

16 people braved a chilly wind on our last scheduled conservation work party for 2018 at Park Corner Heath. We worked to extend the area of open heathland from the plateau down into the valley to the north-west. This is an area where we often see butterflies emerging a little earlier due to the slightly warmer micro-climate. So it's great to provide routes between here and the plateau for butterflies to move about. I'd like to take this opportunity to thank on behalf of the branch, all those volunteers who have so kindly given their time to participate in conservation work this year. It makes a massive difference. As a small reward for this work party, we enjoyed cake and mince pies thanks to Helen, Andrea & Keith. Looking forward to seeing you all next year. Keep your eyes posted on the website for conservation work party details. (Colin Gibbs)

Sunday 09 December

I did a lot more in our garden in Hove today & Val & I also walked to Sainsbury's in Benfield Valley, but despite the bright sunlight didn't have any sightings outside. However, in the sun lounge two Beautiful Plume moths were out and about. Later I found the corpse of number 6, so these are numbers 7 & 8. At one stage they were both on the verbena. By mistake I had cut down the last field scabious flowering outside. I had been intending to put it in a pot inside, but then it occurred to me to put it on the window ledge near the verbena & the next time I passed one of the plume moths was on it. When I came back so was the other. Their probosces are so thin they are almost invisible, but close up I could see they were probing the scabious, enjoying a change from their usual nectar source. I'll try a bit of rosemary next as that is coming back into flower. The mulberry tree is behaving oddly. Although the leaves have fallen it has mulberries in several places trying to ripen. (John & Val Heys)

Saturday 08 December

My Daughter pointed out this Red Admiral also enjoying our festive family outing to Tulleys Farm this morning. (David Cook)

On 5 December, when I checked in the sunlounge one more Beautiful Plume moth had died but number 6 was still on the wing. And then I spotted number 7 as it fluttered past my eye. I suspect number 6 is no more (although I haven't found the corpse yet). Yesterday & today only 1 Beautiful Plume moth flew out of the geraniums when I shook them a bit. (John & Val Heys)

Today (8 December) I joined a large and industrious group of Graffham Down Trust and visiting volunteers (about 30 in all) on the GDT reserves. We made excellent progress in opening up an old and very overgrown ride through an area of Hazel coppice. Work in this area will benefit a wide range of species, including Pearl-bordered Fritillary, Drab Looper moth and Hazel Dormouse. (Neil Hulme)

As recent local sightings have dropped in number lately I might be allowed to post these two pictures from an earlier trip of mine to the Peak District. I use the rainy winter days to sort out my 1000s of pictures so I just realized that I took a photo of a Swallow-tailed Moth and the caterpillar of a Small Tortoiseshell (or at least I think it is that). They might be of interest to some. (Istvan Radi)
Vince Massimo writes that the larva y is a Red Admiral. Thanks Vince. (Ed jnr)

Wednesday 05 December

I saw a Red Admiral on platform 2 at Barnham railway station while waiting. It was my first butterfly in some (feels like a very long) time. (Istvan Radi)

I forget to mention in my report from yesterday, that Tim and I saw a Red Admiral and two Peacock, while taking a break from our hard labour. I also enjoyed goods views of a female Merlin crossing Deep Dean. (Neil Hulme)

Tuesday 04 December

Conditions were almost identical to a last Friday, so returned to Mill Hill in the hope of a December Clouded Yellow. On arrival I found Vince Massimo thinking along the same lines. Sadly we didn’t see one. We did find, the now orange, Clouded Yellow egg, laid on the 15th November. I was rewarded with a Peacock just after Vince had to leave.
Oh nearly forgot to mention, the 29 Herdwick Sheep that have been moved to a different part of the hill. :-) (David Cook)

The battle to save the chalk-based race of Grayling in Sussex stepped up a gear today, as I joined Tim Squire of the South Downs National Park Authority and the SD Volunteer Ranger Service for a conservation work party at Deep Dean. Working around the edges of an area where ponies have recently been used to strip away the invasive Tor-grass, we mattocked out a large number of features to mimic the excavations of rabbits. The spread of Tor-grass and reduction of bare ground and scree have been identified as prime candidates in explaining the drop in Grayling numbers over recent years, with both threats probably reflecting a reduction in rabbit numbers due to mortality caused by lagoviruses. The changes in habitat are sufficiently great that they can clearly be seen via remote images taken over the last ten years. Many thanks to all who became rabbits for the day. (Neil Hulme)

A Red Admiral seen briefly in my front garden this afternoon. Conditions overcast and around 9°C. (Mark Colvin)

A Red Admiral was resting on a white towel that was drying on the washing line but flew away shortly afterwards. The first seen in my Seaford garden since mid November. (Stuart Ridley)

Monday 03 December

Yesterday (2/12/18) I checked on our Beautiful Plume moths in the sunlounge. Number 3 died a couple of days ago so I was surprised to find number 4 with 2 new friends, numbers 5 & 6, all very visible. This morning I couldn't see any of them dead or alive, but after I'd gently roughed up the geraniums one flew out. Quite sunny for short spells in our back garden this morning & very mild. Strawberries & blackberries are still appearing, although not really ripening. We did a lot off hacking back & cutting down, but didn't disturb any butterflies or moths. Saw the news item on the Seaford Elm plantings at around 6.45pm. Hoping they will all thrive. (John & Val Heys)

I have received news that today on BBC South East Today, there should be coverage of the 'Elms for Armistice' project in Seaford, which I've been involved in, assisting the Seaford Tree Wardens, on behalf of our Sussex Branch. It would be worth checking the 6.30 and 10.30 showings as I'm not sure when it will be covered. Information on the 'Elms for Armistice' project, here (Jamie https://www.sussex-butterflies.org.uk/news/#82)

Please consider taking just a few seconds to add your name to this important petition which objects to the environmentally damaging route currently being favoured by Highways England, based on a consultation so seriously flawed that it's having to be re-run. More cost-effective and less damaging options are available, saving woodlands, meadows and chalk streams from destruction, and saving a wealth of wildlife including Purple Emperors, White Admirals and Dormice. (Neil Hulme https://www.ipetitions.com/petition/a27-arundel-bypass)

We may have been low in number, but the small team that worked so hard on our Park Corner Heath reserve on Sunday (2 December) achieved a huge amount. Many thanks to Paul Day, Jonathan Crawford and Gary Norman for their efforts. We cleared the majority of saplings and small trees growing over the area favoured by our rich reptile fauna, to reduce the increasing level of shade which would eventually cool the ground and make it less suitable. However, we left sufficient scrub and blankets of collapsed Bracken to afford them refuge when they become active in the spring.
A tour of both reserves revealed that violets and other important larval foodplants, and nectar sources for adult butterflies, are appearing in abundance across most of the recently created habitat. (Neil Hulme)

Friday 30 November

Today at Lancing seafront I carried out an extensive search for butterfly pupae along the timber shingle barrier running from the caravan parks in the west to the eastern end of Widewater Lagoon. The total for the day was 13 Large White pupae and a tatty hairy brown caterpillar (which is probably a Ruby Tiger). The pupae were all on the shaded northern side of the barrier and varied in colour and all but one were in a vertical position. Unfortunately I did not have time to stop at Mill Hill, so missed the Clouded Yellow.............
Also, on the subject of pupae, I am fairly sure that David Harris' pupa of 27th November is a Green-veined White rather than a Small White, (Vince Massimo)

13c and a relatively light but warmish breeze and clear skies on Mill Hill produced a very fresh Male Clouded Yellow and a Peacock. (David Cook)
And 29 herdwick sheep I hope? (Ed jnr)

2 Red Admiral nectaring on viburnum in my garden today. My first for 12 days! God rest ye merry butterflies, no matter which stage of the life cycle you are a-wintering in! (Lindsay Morris)

WORK PARTY SUNDAY 2 DECEMBER
There will be work party at the reserves this Sunday, which is in addition to the ‘regular’ date of Sunday 9 December. We will meet at the main gate at 10.30 am and continue until the last person is ready to drop. I will be using a chainsaw, JC will be on the brushcutter and Gary will be fireman, so please assemble by the gate for a short but important safety briefing. Due to logistical difficulties I only have tools (saws and loppers) for an additional ten people, so please bring any tools you may have. The pruning saws I have are very sharp, so only those wearing very sturdy gloves will be able to use these (I have a couple of spare pairs). I have a couple of new bowsaws available. We will be cutting small trees and Bracken on the PCH plateau. (Neil Hulme 07778 306816)

Wednesday 28 November

Yesterday Val noticed that our 3rd Beautiful Plume moth had managed to sneak into the kitchen. I was going to catch it to put it back into the sunlounge when I noticed another Beautiful Plume on the other side of the kitchen door waiting for me to open & let it in. So I left number 3 up on the kitchen wall. That means we've had at least 4 plumes emerge in the sunlounge. Number 3 evaded us until this evening when it turned up in the hall & it's now back in the sunlounge with number 4, which was on the wing while I was depositing number 3 by the geraniums. (John & Val Heys)

Situations Vacant
The South Downs National Park authority are looking for volunteer warden "Lookerers" to keep an eye on the sheep at Mill Hill over the winter. If you live in the area or can visit occasionally you can sign up by contacting Assistant Ranger Jasmine Owen at Jasmine.Owen@southdowns.gov.uk.

You can find a full description of what is involved here. It does mention that there are 24 sheep. There are actually 29. I know this because I have been "lookering" every morning before work. It is fascinating to watch as the sheep strip everything that is green from the bushes and shrubs, in clear preference to the abundant grass. It is essential to the long term future of Mill Hill that the sheep grazing is a success, as the sheep are managing habitat in a natural way that cannot be replicated by humans. Any help looking after them would be an important contribution to the ecology of the site.
(Jonathan Crawford)

Tuesday 27 November

While tidying up the garden this weekend a very pretty Small White pupa that had spun up on an old Agrimony stem was saved from an otherwise horrible death in the compost heap. (David Harris)
Addendum from Dave "Oops! Looking at that pupa again it is actually a Green - veined White, P. napi, and not the Small White originally described. "(Ed jnr)

Plume moth: On the wall in my kitchen for at least 24 hrs now... Hailsham, East Sussex (Liz Hankins)

After a weekend away, yesterday we found 2 of our Beautiful Plume plume moths dead in the sun lounge, but the third was still going strong. The first date we noticed one of them was 5th November. They've lived for about 20 days. I don't know how long they take to go from egg to moth. Maybe we'll have some more in flight before we put the geraniums back in the garden around the end of March. I suppose I should look for eggs, but our geraniums have so many blemishes that this would be quite difficult. I'm going to have breakfast instead. (John & Val Heys)

Thursday 22 November

Many thanks to the wonderful Clapham Wood Coppice Group, who made excellent progress cutting more Hazel to benefit the Pearl-bordered Fritillary and other woodland wildlife at Church Copse. Today we said goodbye to National Park Ranger Becka, who is moving to an equivalent post in Hampshire; she'll be sorely missed and we wish her every success on her new patch. The next meeting of the group will meet in Clapham Church car park at 10 am on Thursday 29 November. Any new faces will be enthusiastically welcomed. (Neil Hulme)

Someone else remembers Biggles! By the time he was at the front the Taubes were sitting ducks as they were not armed, but one did do the first bombing raid on Paris, I think, and another was more crucial to the course of the war as it spotted a Russian army advance which otherwise would have caught the German forces by surprise. Instead Tannenberg was a Russian defeat. Plume moths have a much less warlike history. (John Heys)

Tuesday 20 November

I was interested to see the comparison between certain pterophorid moths and an early German monoplane. Just a few weeks ago I had remarked on this and I asked local butterfly/moth enthusiasts if they could tell me which aircraft I was thinking about. Jochen Moehr put me on to the Rumpler Taube - a 'plane whose shape I had remembered, though I had forgotten its name. I first heard about the Rumpler Taube not through a model aeroplane kit but through Biggles books. The similarity between it and pterophorid moths is quite striking. (Jeremy Tatum http://www.vicnhs.bc.ca/?cat=8)
Good to hear from you again Jeremy. Hope it is not too cold in British Colombia.
For those of you who are wondering what a Plume Moth looks like. Here are are couple if pictures.

.

(Ed jnr)

Monday 19 November

Quite warm & very sunny on the sea front in Brighton this morning, but no butterflies. We made up for this with 3 Beautiful Plume moths all out at the same time in our sun lounge as the sun went in & black clouds gathered. One of them I disturbed from the geranium pot when I was doing the watering, but the other two were already visible. From the top they remind me of one of the Airfix kit first world war planes I made in the 1960s, the German Rumpler Taube. (John & Val Heys)

Sunday 18 November

Beside the lake, beneath the trees, fluttering & dancing in the breeze Val & I saw not a host of golden daffodils but a single Brimstone. Actually it was in the most sheltered, least breezy clearing on the slope to the east side of Westwood Lake at Wakehurst Place gardens around noon. We also walked the lakeside loop of the Loder Valley Reserve & didn't see any hint of anything else despite full sunshine from 10.45am to 3.15pm - a long enough stay to incur the full £10 car parking charge. (John & Val Heys)

A couple of visits to Mill Hill over the weekend drew a blank for anything but Clouded Yellows. Today there were at least four, maybe five.

It was great to see the Herdwick Sheep have arrived on Mill Hill. The South Downs National Park Rangers can't be praised highly enough for putting thing them there despite the enormous numbers of dog walkers on the site. Due to it's steepness Mill Hill has never been ploughed. If you peel back the more recent scrub and trees you are left with ancient downland flora and fauna that developed over thousands of tears of sheep grazing. Today's sheep are keeping up that age-old tradition, which is why I greeted them with a smile. (Jonathan Crawford)

A lunchtime walk around Cissbury Ring produced 2 Clouded Yellow on the south facing ramparts. Earlier there was a Red Admiral in my Horsham garden. (Patrick Moore)

This morning in glorious sunshine seven volunteers did more scrub clearing on Cardboard Hill Bevendean Down. (Geoff Stevens http://bevendeandown.wordpress.com)
And a big thankyou from us to each and every one! (Ed jnr)

A belated post for this sleepy Male Common Blue found resting at the Northern end of the southern slope of Mill Hill on Thursday afternoon. Given its condition, is it possible this could be still be around for a few more days? (David Cook)

2 Red Admirals in the garden today. One I think the same as yesterday, the other this much fresher example. Both feeding on buddleia and occasionally winter viburnum. (Jon Ruff)

Yesterday (17/11/18) I saw a Red Admiral in Stoney Lane, Kingston while I was walking to Shoreham station. I was on the lookout for more at Lewes FC's ground as it's quite rural & we have seen a few butterflies during games, but although it was sunny it was maybe a bit too cool by then. Nothing for Lewes either as they went down 0-1 to Haringey Borough. (John Heys)

Saturday 17 November

One Red Admiral in the garden today, feeding on buddleia "Sungold" and sunbathing in between feeding peiods. Also a day flying micro-moth feeding on the buddleia. (Jon Ruff)

David Hanson sent in this clipping from the "Daily Telegraph" on 14th December. The newspaper picked up on a news item on the national website written by Steve Wheatley. Thanks for sharing it with us David. (Jonathan Crawford)

Friday 16 November

Clearing up leaves in my back garden in North Chailey yesterday (Thursday) morning I was very surprised to see a Holly Blue. A Holly Blue in mid November - is that even possible?
(Ian Seccombe)
There is a small third brood of Holly Blues though they are normally over by now. However we have had Brown Argos, Common Blue and Meadow Brown in the past seven days, so to be honest anything is possible. I think Dave Harris is still hoping for a Long-tailed Blue. (Ed jnr)

Wednesday 14 November

Val & I have fitted in a trip to Spain & can thoroughly recommend Seville. We were given a fantastic butterfly welcome on the afternoon of our arrival by a Two-tailed Pasha which was getting the best out of any wine residues on a kiosk we were passing. Around the town during our stay we saw several Red Admirals & whites, the nice blue in the third picture (I think it's just a Common Blue but we never got a good look at the underside), a possible long-tailed blue (I'm still checking the not great pictures we got of it) and a half a dozen or so fast moving small-sized jobs which darted all over & wouldn't settle (maybe Lang's short-tailed blues?). Did we get to see currently the second best team in Spain beat Espaniol 2-1 with a last gasp goal? Although our hotel was next door to Seville's ground, we discovered that the match was a sell-out apart from the 70 euro seats, so we celebrated Val's birthday with a meal out instead and saved 100 Euros. Today I've been out mowing our lawns & got as hot as we were in Spain, but no butterflies, although the Beautiful Plume moth is still hanging around in our sun lounge. (John & Val Heys)

There were 5 Red Admirals and 2 Peacocks still on the wing at Thorney Island. (Barry and Margaret Collins)

This afternoon (14 November) I couldn't resist a visit to Cissbury Ring, to see Our Beloved Flailbot in action. The National Trust has done a fantastic job in attacking the scrub within the south-facing coombe at the NE corner of the site, which we identified as an important target at a meeting in October 2017. The work done last winter has already brought rapid rewards; the steep slope above the track hosted good numbers of Wall Brown, Small Copper and a few Adonis Blue and Clouded Yellow this summer. With Flailbot now clearing a much larger area of scrub, this is undoubtedly a site to keep a close eye on in the future; I suspect it will become very good, very quickly. As Darren Sercombe, the operator, guided Flailbot through a patch of scrub, I watched a male Brimstone make a timely exit from its path. It was good to see that the ponies are still doing a great job of browsing scrub around the ramparts. (Neil Hulme)

At Mill Hill today it was good to meet Kirsty Gibbs, and later Dave Cook.
And a splendid day was had, considering the late date. The highlight of the day
was a female Clouded Yellow on an egg~ laying mission.
All told 6 Clouded Yellows,3 Common Blues, 1 worn Brown Argus, and a flyby Brimstone were seen.
Dave also spotted a Comma.
(Trevor Rapley)

Myself and Nigel Kemp had a good stroll out over Pevensey Levels today where a Peacock was spotted looking for a hibernation spot. Several Red Admirals were also spotted along with quite a few Common Darters. (Bob Eade http://bobsbutterflies.blogspot.co.uk)
For those of you who don't know: the Common Darter is one of the most common dragonflies in Europe. (Ed jnr)

Lancing Ring has had half its grassland mown, and showing their appreciation in the warm sunshine were 3 Red Admiral and a male Brimstone. (Lindsay Morris)

A Brimstone has just flown through our garden in Frant. (Alan Loweth)

Yesterday (13 November) the BC reserves in Sussex were again visited by Mike Fearn and his fabulous Brighton Conservation Volunteers. The team of 14 was split, with one group burning up a vast quantity of brash in the recently created/extended Oaken Glade in Rowland Wood, while the other group continued the restoration of lowland heath habitat on Park Corner Heath (PCH).
One or two visitors have recently queried why we are now clearing so much vegetation, including a few (albeit inferior quality) oaks from Parris Plateau on PCH; I've felled three over the last two winters, from in front of the hut, with the last going yesterday. I think it's important to explain that this area was designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) to preserve this small patch of grassy heath habitat, which formed part of a once much larger area within the Vert Wood complex, before its near total destruction by post-war and post-1987 'blow down' clearances and coniferisation. We must hold on to what remains of this rare habitat and the rich fauna and flora it supports, including the reptiles which thrive on the more open and warm ground here. In addition to the images from yesterday's conservation work party, I've appended a pair of images taken as recently as 2007, which demonstrate the type and extent of the heathland habitat we're now reclaiming. We'll soon be clearing the young birch and buckthorn (Brimstones prefer the very small regrowths) over one of the favoured areas for Adder, Grass Snake and Slow-worm, but if we were to leave the vegetation to mature much further, the ground will become too shady and cool to support them.
So where are Oaken Glade and Parris Plateau, I hear some ask? At a recent meeting, all of the main rides and open spaces on our reserves were named, and Bob Foreman will soon be publishing a map to show where Skipper Corner, Long Furlong and Boggy Ride are. This will help communicate where you've seen the butterflies, moths and other wildlife which are already reacting in a very positive manner to the recent habitat work.
My thanks go to Mike and the Brighton Conservation Volunteers, and to Jonathan Squire and our own volunteers, who worked on the reserves last Sunday. (Neil Hulme)

A lunchtime return to Mill Hill produced just one rather shy Specked Wood and a friendly Clouded Yellow in pretty good nick. (David Cook)

Tuesday 13 November

Between Lyons Farm and Cissbury were a male Brimstone and a Red Admiral. At the Ring were a fine Painted Lady and a Red Admiral. It was exciting to see a Bomford Flailbot laying waste to the scrub above the rifle butts. Also spotted à Patrick Moore who had additionally seen a Clouded Yellow. (Lindsay Morris)

I'm delighted to have found 5 White-letter Hairstreak eggs this morning on 'Sapporo Autumn Gold' trees in Brighton, the benchmark of disease-resistant elm cultivars. During 2019 I hope to study the butterfly life cycle in more detail on this cultivar. (Jamie Burston)

Seen on Cissbury Ring this afternoon; Clouded Yellow (1), Painted Lady (1), Flail-Bot (1) and Lindsay Morris (1) (Patrick Moore)
Next time, don't feel you need to hold back on pictures of the 1350kg Bomford Turner Flail-bot with its lively 50 bhp Perkins engine delivering 140 newton metres of torque at 1800 rpm. It would be nice to see it operating at its 55 degree maximum working angle which fully utilises the tandem piston pump hydraulics at 2900 psi. It's mid-November so I would even be happy with a picture of Lindsay for my website (though if you could squeeze the flail-bot into the background that would be better still). As always, pleased to see pictures of the butterflies as well, so thank you for them too. (Ed jnr)

Monday 12 November

2 Red Admiral and 1 Painted Lady, Kingston nr Lewes.
Dark Bush Crickets still chirping - just.
It has been unseasonably warm but cold weather could be on the way by the end of the month! (Crispin Holloway)

10 days since my last visit to Mill Hill. The bright and breezy conditions produced 2 Clouded Yellow, Brown Argus (probably the same insect from 2nd Nov) another fresh Common Blue and a Red Admiral. (David Cook)

While I was gardening this morning I was very surprised to see a Painted Lady flying around my Seaford patch. It eventually settled to feed on Verbena Bonariensis flowers. Most of my Verbenas are self sown and pop up in most borders so they are very useful food sources this late in the year. (Stuart Ridley)

I attach photos of Jamie's Outstanding Volunteer Award at Saturday’s BC AGM at Nottingham which Sue and I attended. You will see from the group photo how unusual it is for a young BC member to receive this award. It was wonderful to see someone who is the future of Butterfly Conservation receive the recognition he so richly deserves for his hard work on behalf of the endangered butterflies of Sussex. It was great to be able to support Jamie and his father who attended along with Sussex members Dan & Libbie, Nigel (the new BC National Treasurer) with Carola, and Neil. (Colin Knight)
Hear, hear (Ed jnr)

Saturday 10 November

A quick trip to Mill Hill this morning with the car thermometer at 13C. With the sun out it was much warmer and I quickly spotted a Meadow Brown. A short while later a Peacock flew by. There were several Clouded Yellows and perhaps half a dozen Common Blues of both sexes. One male looked remarkably fresh. I saw an moth which I was unable to identify. The curious thing about it was that at rest it beat its wings relentlessly, I presume to generate heat. (Jonathan Crawford)
Bob Foreman pointed out that this is obviously a Silver Y which is generally not shown open winged in guide books. However it is on the Buttefly Conservation website. (Ed jnr)

2 Red Admirals today basking on the electric buggy at Nymans Gardens. Are they attracted to the paintwork because it is white? Or it is warmer because the sun warms it up? Either way it is a pleasure to see butterflies in November and this is the 4th time this month I have seen them in the formal gardens. (Martin Buck)

Friday 09 November

fri 09/11/2018 had a look near Spithurst, E.Sx. along footpaths to Burtenshaw's Wood and around fields looking for Brown Hairstreak eggs, none found, so paid a return visit to east facing hedge where ide found 3x BH eggs last Sunday, (TQ 42069 18766) and within a few minutes (12.11pm) found on a single stemmed sucker 4x more BH eggs laid at height of 1ft 8 1/2inches to 2ft off ground, four laid along stem in a space of 5 1/2 inches. seven BH eggs in small area of hedge. (Peter Farrant)

At Drusillas zoo, 1 Red Admiral seen in the Giant Anteater enclosure. It managed to escape unharmed. (Jon Ruff)
The anteater or the Red Admiral? I have been buzzed by the latter and it is a fearful thing when it sets it mind to it. (Ed jnr)

Yesterday (8 Nov) a Red Admiral was flying around my garden before feeding on Verbena Bonariensis then resting in the sun on a Viburnum leaf. (Stuart Ridley)

Thursday 08 November

Cissbury Ring was blustery but sunny. A tractor with a hedge cutter was pulverising the scrub in a broad swathe along the southern boundary track. Bodes well for butterfly seasons to come. 4 Red Admiral, 2 Clouded Yellow, 2 Small Copper. Only 43 days to the winter solstice... (Lindsay Morris)
The National Trust are putting a lot of effort into managing Cissbury and I am sure it will pay off. (Ed jnr)

I was out planting some bulbs this morning and looked up just in time to see this Red Admiral flit by. As usual, I had my camera nearby. I think a Speckled Wood flew past too, but I lost it? (Philip Booker)
Planting bulbs for next year! Is it that time of year already. Where does the time go? (Ed jnr)

We have notice a Red Admiral in our south facing garden this morning and keeps settling on our passion flower plant, (David O'Regan)

On Tuesday (6 November) I joined a large flock of jolly farmers from the Arun to Adur (A2A) Farmers Group, which is doing much to benefit wildlife across the area, including butterflies, farmland birds and arable wildflowers. The event was hosted by the Somerset family at Castle Goring Farm and we toured much of the estate, looking at hazel coppice (being worked with a view to restoring a population of Pearl-bordered Fritillary), areas of arable and pasture, and the lovely sweeping slope of chalk grassland at Long Furlong. The latter area has been grazed by cattle and sheep for the last four years, following a period of c.15 years without any livestock on. I suspect there are now some interesting butterflies here, so I'll be taking a closer look next summer. (Neil Hulme)

Tuesday 06 November

Seeing Jamie's message reminds me that Val & I regret we won't be able to make the AGM either. I was going to ask Jamie if the shrub like growths (see pictures) which are in the westerly extension of the Shoreham Port road leading off Church Road Portslade are elm suckers. I don't recall there ever being any large elm trees there which have been lost to disease or cut down. I can answer the St Anns Well gardens query - it's in Hove. Before the unitary authority of Brighton & Hove came into being on 1 April 1997, it was within the boundary of the Borough of Hove and owned by Hove Borough Council. Unusually, Dyke Road Park a little further north was owned by Brighton Borough Council even though it was just across the border in the Borough of Hove. If my memory serves me right, Brighton informally asked whether Hove would like to have it (and thus become responsible for its upkeep) but the offer was politely declined. (John & Val Heys)
Neil Hulme writes "John’s and Val’s images show small suckering growths of Wych Elm". Thanks Neil. (Ed jnr)

Just a few minutes of sun from 14.15 on a breezy dull day at Cissbury Ring was enough to entice out 2 Clouded Yellow, Small Copper, Red Admiral. Top of south east coombe.
(Lindsay Morris)

I regret that due to unforeseen circumstances, I will not be able to attend our Sussex Branch AGM on Saturday 17th November.
Those that were interested in visiting my art stall can view all available art on my online shop, looking for a Christmas present? Link to my shop is provided, a percentage from each sale goes towards the purchase of disease-resistant elm trees, to conserve the White-letter Hairstreak. Wishing everyone a great time at the AGM! (Jamie Burston https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/JamieBurstonArt)

Not quite butterflies but I found two tiny caterpillars in St Ann's Well Garden in Brighton (or is it Hove already...). The greenish-yellowish one was under attack from an even smaller insect. I guess they shall be moths one day but does anyone know what kind of moth? I also found something in Wild Park yesterday what I think to be a spider's egg case? Could anyone confirm this please and maybe the species too? Thank you. (Istvan Radi)
Neil Hulme writes "Istvan’s larva appears to be that of the Common Banded Hoverfly Syrphus ribesii; a common species which feeds on aphids in the larval stage. I wouldn’t be confident in assigning his spider egg sac to a species". Thanks Neil. (Ed jnr)

Small Copper butterfly seen in Warnham, Horsham. 02/11/2018 (Paul Mitchell)

Common Blue butterfly, Warnham, Horsham. 05/11/2018 (Paul Mitchell)

Small Copper seen in Warnham, Horsham. 05/11/2018 (Paul Mitchell)

Still two Clouded Yellows near Longmere Point, Thorney Island on Monday. (Barry and Margaret Collins)

Having brought our geraniums inside, we now have at least one Beautiful Plume in the sun lounge. (John & Val Heys)

Monday 05 November

sun 04/11/2018 along footpath/track between Spithurst Road and Markstakes Lane, E.Sx. after much searching of blackthorns found 3x Brown Hairstreak eggs at 12.34pm, two side by side, the third about 3/4 of an inch farther along twig, at a height of 3ft 9in. these are my most, most, most, most easterly BH eggs at TQ 42069 18766. today mon 05/11/2018 saw 1x Red Admiral feeding on Michaelmas daises in Nursery Close, Polegate. (Peter Farrant)

It had to happen sooner or later! No butterflies at all on a warm sunny walk around Lancing Ring. Still dozens of dogs, however! May I take this opportunity to thank the weather, all the butterflies and all the butterfly people for an interesting and rewarding season. Ed Jnr rules, ok? (Lindsay Morris)

Oops, I think I misprinted Dean Lewington as Lewingtom and pressed send before I could correct. (John Heys)

On Friday 2 November, Val saw a Painted Lady in Clive Avenue, Worthing near West Park School. We didn't see anything despite the sunshine when we went to watch Crawley Town being thrashed 0-4 by MK Dons on Saturday. Amazingly Dean Lewingtom, who we first saw playing for Wimbledon at Selhurst is still turning out for MK Dons. I wonder if he is any relative of Richard Lewington the butterfly artist? (John & Val Heys)

Picture is poor quality so added a filter. Any idea what it might be? Would love to know (Rachel)
Thanks Rachel, this is a Peacock.They hibernate, so you can see them on sunny days throughout the winter.(Ed jnr)

Sunday 04 November

Yesterday (3rd November) I popped down to Mill Hill again finding a handful of Common Blue, at least 3 Clouded Yellow and a fresh Meadow Brown. Earlier I'd wandered along the beach front towards Lancing looking for Large White larvae and pupae, finding 2 of the former and 1 of the latter. I also had a single Red Admiral flyby walking through town (Paul Atkin)

Two quick visits to Mill Hill this weekend with the dog.. Yesterday as Katrina mentioned, there were several Common Blues and I saw 4 Clouded Yellows at the same time. I also saw a single Speckled Wood. This morning weather conditions were not advantageous for butterflies so I was surprised to see a single frigid Common Blue which I snapped with my phone. (Jonathan Crawford)

A less than thorough search of the lower part of Mill Hill yesterday revealed several Common Blues including a very fresh looking specimen and a single Clouded Yellow. More dragonflies were seen than butterflies. It was also a pleasure to bump into Paul. (katrina watson)

Saturday 03 November

I saw a nice fresh Red Admiral basking in the sun on Saturday afternoon on the edge of a meadow by Madgeland (Southwater) Wood. (John Williams)

Brig, the leader of Friends of Bevendean Down sent me this picture of a Clouded Yellow she saw at the back of her house in Bevendean today 3rd November (Geoff Stevens)

We spent a couple of hours this afternoon walking around Stansted Forest mainly in square SU7511 and recorded Red Admiral 5, Speckled Wood 2 very worn individuals. (Barry and Margaret Collins)

Another Red Admiral feeding on Verbena Bonariensis in my Seaford garden today. Earlier this morning a Painted Lady was resting in the sun before moving on.....to Europe perhaps? (Stuart Ridley)

I am spending most of my time seeking out raptor species but this rather nice Red Admiral came into my Storrington garden yesterday, so I took a photo. Whilst up on my local downland there was a Clouded Yellow (near The Burgh) in pristine condition. Also a Speckled Wood, nearby. (Martin Kalaher)

Out of curiosity I have just checked my Wall Brown records since I took over as the species champion, and my latest record was 28th October. That was in 2015. Therefore, the sightings at High and Over and Lancing yesterday was the first November records for me to report. (Bob Eade http://bobsbutterflies.blogspot.co.uk)

Friday 02 November

We had the first frost of the season here in Crawley this morning, but the sun was shining and the wind was light, so I travelled down to the coast for a final day out. On the seafront at Lancing, Large White larvae could still be found feeding on Sea-kale or wandering around on the shingle barrier looking for a place to pupate. A search of the north side of the barrier located 8 pupae. Then on to Mill Hill where I bumped into David Cook who pointed out a mating pair of Brown Argus to me. After he had left I managed to add another 2 Brown Argus females to the list as well as a second Meadow Brown and a Red Admiral. I will not duplicate his pictures but will add two that may be of interest. The temperature reached approximately 12C at Mill Hill, but it felt much warmer at the bottom of the sheltered slope. (Vince Massimo)

I didn`t expect to see a Large White in November but one was in my Seaford garden resting in the sun on a Viburnum leaf, followed later on by a Red Admiral. A Humming Bird Hawk Moth appeared in mid-afternoon and stayed for some time feeding on Verbena Bonariensis and perennial Salvia plants. (Stuart Ridley)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZDXu2WDE-Ww
maybe of interest if not seen already. (David Long)
Interest
verb
verb: interest; 3rd person present: interests; past tense: interested; past participle: interested; gerund or present participle: interesting
1) excite the curiosity or attention of (someone).
2) persuade someone to undertake or acquire (something).
Now I would be surprised if any of our members found this unpleasant film interesting, but thank you for drawing our attention to it. (Ed jnr)

Today was just too good to stay at my desk and so headed to Mill Hill. Under clear blue sky and light wind, it wasn’t long before I had my first, albeit brief, sighting of a fresh female Common Blue as I was walking down the steps towards the lower slope. By the time I reached the northern end I had 6 male Clouded Yellow under my belt. In the bottom corner were numerous mix of Male and female Common Blue, most in various states of ‘worn’ but one male stood out as a minter. On my return I spotted what I initially thought was a Common Blue pairing when who should show up but Vince. He and I spent the best part of an hour discussing this very late phenomena for a Common Blue pairing when we suddenly noticed the possibility that one of them could actually be a Brown Argus (you’ll see what we mean in the photos as the tell tale figure 8 is very in distinct on the male). The pair then rotated 180* so we got a good view of both sides and realised they they were in fact both Brown Argus. A very fresh Meadow Brown was also seen along with a very large Small White and. Red Admiral. (David Cook)

The sun was out, the sky blue and six species of butterfly on the wing. Cissbury Ring southern ramparts and the eastern flank was where I headed this afternoon to see Clouded Yellow (7) Red Admiral, Small Copper, Wall Brown, Speckled Wood and a Meadow Brown. It's November! (Patrick Moore)

Near perfect conditions after a slight frost saw 5 species of butterfly around the southern parts of Cissbury Ring and down to the A27. 9 Clouded Yellow, 6 Small Copper, 4 Red Admiral, 2 Speckled Wood, male Wall Brown. A wasp nest was very busy and a hornet added to the fun. (Lindsay Morris)

I just managed to fit in a stroll from home today, walking up to High and Over and Cradle Valley. On the way I saw my first of several Red Admiral, during the walk I was just shy of double figures on this species. At High and Over things got a little more interesting with a male Common Blue seen. Being this late in the season there was a slight hope that it may have been something with a long tail!! A Clouded Yellow also put in an appearance. However, the main reason for the visit was a hope of seeing my final Wall Brown of the year. I checked out all my favourite spots without luck. Just as I was about to give up I spotted a female that was still looking to lay a few eggs, sunning itself between stints where it was fighting for the best spot with a Common Darter. This means the 3rd brood this year has run into November and is at the moment 8 weeks and one day long. There is still a chance for a few further sightings before it hits the wall!! (Bob Eade http://bobsbutterflies.blogspot.co.uk)

Three Clouded Yellows were found at Southwick this chilly morning.
Another Butterfly flew right over my head, the only brief glimpse I had
suggested a Small Tortoiseshell, but I am far from certain about that. (Trevor Rapley)

Yesterday (1 November) I joined a small but enthusiastic group of six, to continue cutting hazel coppice at Church Copse (Clapham Wood), to create suitable habitat for the Pearl-bordered Fritillary and other woodland wildlife. Some of the more mature 'regulars' have hung up their billhooks after working here for many years, so we're desperately seeking a little more help (tools and guidance provided). We meet on Thursday mornings at 10.00 am in the car park of Clapham Saint Mary the Virgin (TQ09550664), usually on every other Thursday throughout the winter. However, the next two conservation work parties here will be on the Thursdays of 22 and 29 November. The work is led by the South Downs National Park Authority, so BC attendees such as Paul Day and I work as part of their Volunteer Ranger Service on this project (with benefits for regular participants). Any assistance with this greatly rewarding project would be much appreciated. (Neil Hulme)

On Wednesday (31 October) I made a brief visit to Rewell Wood, to catch up with a group of South Downs National Park Authority (SDNPA) rangers, who were busy cutting a scallop into the edge of the Sweet Chestnut coppice beside the main W-E ride in the southern area, just north of the sawmill. A team effort involving the Norfolk Estate, SDNPA staff, South Downs Volunteer Ranger Service, Kenny the resident woodsman, Plumpton College, contractors and BC volunteers, guided by the BC Fritillaries for the Future Project, has now created a 1km stretch of prime breeding habitat for Pearl-bordered Fritillary along this publicly accessible ride; this will be a site to watch in the spring of 2019. Thanks to Becka, Chloe, Kate, Tom and Simon of SDNPA for their ongoing and enthusiastic support for this work. (Neil Hulme)

Thursday 01 November

Yesterday (31 October), Steve Wheatley (BC Regional Officer) and I joined a team from the Forestry Commission, to sign off on the completion of an ambitious woodland enhancement project. The Veolia funded 'Pearls of Charlton Forest' is a partnership project conceived as an offshoot of BC 'Fritillaries for the Future' (supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund, Ernest Klienwort Charitable Trust and our members/supporters) and sits within an even larger area encompassing Heyshott Escarpment, Heyshott Down and Graffham Down. This conservation effort, conducted on a truly landscape scale, will benefit a wealth of wildlife, including butterflies such as the Pearl-bordered Fritillary, Duke of Burgundy, Grizzled Skipper and Dingy Skipper. Rare moths, including the Drab Looper, which has been assisted by another BC project in the area, will also benefit greatly.
This is the largest conservation project I've ever been involved with, and I came away full of optimism for the future of this part of Sussex; I suspect the benefits will be felt far beyond the project area in years to come. I would like to thank everyone who has been involved (too many to mention individually), including funders, partners, volunteers and contractors.
The project has involved the creation of wide rides, huge scallops along woodland edges, and vast box-junctions, which are now being maintained on a rotational basis. These images provide just a snapshot of the work, which extends over several kilometres. Just a few years ago, this was mainly dark and cool 'Speckled Wood country'.
Now comes the task of monitoring such a large area. I will be setting up a fixed route over which butterflies, day-flying moths and other wildlife will be recorded, and welcome any assistance. This will require considerable time and a quite high level of fitness, but the rewards should greatly exceed the effort. Anyone wishing to be involved should contact me over the winter. (Neil Hulme)

Wednesday 31 October

A circular (ish) walk south of Berwick Village in hazy sunshine, cool wind, warm valleys and low sun shadows had two butterfly highlights. A Clouded Yellow in the big meadow at France Bottom TQ 505026 which still had some wild basil in flower and a fairly smart Brown Argus on what I think of as the butterfly bank where the Green Way descends north east from The Comp. Not many flowers left for nectaring now. (Tessa Pawsey)

No sign of any at Portslade Station & we were too far from the ivy at Worthing Station, but there was 1 Red Admiral on ivy at the west end of the footpath section of Barrington Road Worthing at 2.45pm. It was still there when we went back that way at 3.15pm. I see the temperatures are due to rise again next week - might be 15C on Wednesday - so there's hope for those butterflies still hanging on! (John & Val Heys)

In relatively short periods of breezy sunshine, often milky, I managed, with the great help of Patrick Moore, to find 5 species of butterfly around the south side of Cissbury Ring. 8 Clouded Yellow, 6 Small Copper, 2 Red Admiral, Wall Brown, Speckled Wood. I keep expecting to go out and see nothing, but it hasn't happened yet! (Lindsay Morris)

I spent a most enjoyable few hours on Cissbury Ring today with Lindsay Morris where we watched butterflies on the south facing ancient earthworks. When the sun shone there were Clouded Yellow (4), Small Copper and a Wall Brown. (Patrick Moore)

Tuesday 30 October

Many thanks to National Park Ranger Alison Pitts, her trainees and the Volunteer Ranger Service for their hard work coppicing Sweet Chestnut and managing Bracken at a wood near Fernhurst today. The Pearl-bordered Fritillary has been saved from the very point of extinction here, with greatly improved numbers recorded this spring. I suspect that the species now has a bright future on the Cowdray Estate, which has been hugely helpful in assisting conservation efforts. (Neil Hulme)

Yesterday I only saw two Red Admirals at Pulborough Brooks and I thought that was bad. But a quick visit to Southwick at lunchtime today produced nothing but a flock of fat house sparrows and a few starlings. I wonder if the "sudden" cold made all the butterflies perish? (Istvan Radi)

Monday 29 October

This morning on the seafront at Lancing, I searched for Large White pupae on the timber shingle barrier, finding 4. Some of the caterpillars were still active on their host plants and will undoubtedly still be around in November. Out of the ordinary was a moth larva which I should know (but am unsure of) but possibly Hebrew Character. Yesterday afternoon brought showers but with the added bonus of some striking rainbows springing out of Brighton. (Vince Massimo)

Lancing Ring in breezy cool sunshine only had 3 Red Admiral, 2 Speckled Wood, Comma, Peacock. (Lindsay Morris)
Curiously, none of these butterflies were one of the five species seen at Mill Hill over the weekend. So that is nine species recorded on the Adur in the last week of October (Ed jnr)

A stroll around my local area in the cold, but sunny conditions turned out to be rewarding with a female Wall Brown on Greenway Bank and 4 different Red Admirals, 3 of which were also on Greenway. (Bob Eade http://bobsbutterflies.blogspot.co.uk)

Sunday 28 October

7 Celsius when I arrived at Mill Hill around eleven am for a quick visit.The sky was more than half full with grey clouds, which coupled with the cold north wind meant that butterflies seemed an unlikely prospect. However shorty after arriving at the bank a Common Blue flew by. This was soon followed by a couple of Clouded Yellows and several Meadow Browns. More Common Blues followed before I spotted two Wall Browns. (Jonathan Crawford)

Fresh fecund female Painted Lady on Pevensey Levels on 24th October (Nigel Kemp http://eastsussexwanderer.blogspot.co.uk)

While doing my wader counts at Thorney Island on Saturday in very cold conditions. We had a Clouded Yellow and one Red Admiral still on the wing near Longmere Point. (Barry and Margaret)

Saturday 27 October

The car thermometer indicated that the temperature was 6C when I pulled up at Mill this morning for a quick visit, so I did not expect to see any butterflies. However the warmth of the sun on my back as Ii headed down the bank made me wonder if I might be in luck. Sure enough one of at least four Clouded Yellows put in an appearance. There were also half a dozen Common Blues and a couple of Small Heaths which were looking remarkably good for this time of year. (Jonathan Crawford)

Only two butterfly species seen on a walk around Lancing Ring & Steep Down. It was about 8 Centigrade with a northerly breeze and increasingly cloudy. 4 Red Admiral were joined by a plucky female Common Blue. (Lindsay Morris)

The temperature outside was no more than 7 degrees when a Red Admiral flew into my Seaford garden, fed on Verbena Bonariensis flowers and rested on my south-facing wall before flying away. (Stuart Ridley)

Over the weekend of 20th and 21st October I made some observations on Lancing beach which I needed to research before posting on this site. At that time I was monitoring Large White larvae in the wild which were feeding on Sea-kale (Crambe maritima) on the shingle beach. The plants can grow to within a few metres of the high water mark, but those used by the larvae were tucked-up against a south-facing wooden shingle barrier. Whilst searching for pupae on the wooden barrier on 19th October 2018 I located a larva at rest and seemingly preparing to pupate. However, the following day it was clear that it had been parasitised, as 4 grubs of the Braconid wasp Cotesia glomerata were emerging from its body. These wasps lay multiple eggs into the bodies of young larvae and after the eggs have hatched the wasp grubs feed on the tissues of the living larva. They avoid the vital organs, keeping it alive until it is fully grown at which time they break through its skin.The caterpillar will die immediately or soon afterwards and the wasp grubs then spin yellow cocoons nearby from which the adult wasps will emerge 7 to 10 days later. On the morning of 21st October there were 4 cocoons alongside the caterpillar. By the afternoon one cocoon had fallen away and another wasp grub was emerging from the body of the caterpillar. However there were also 2 adult wasps present with their ovipositors inserted into the cocoons, and these were soon joined by another wasp which, although larger, was probably of the same species. The most likely explanation is that these wasps were using the first parasites as hosts for their own young. These are known as secondary hyperparasitoids, the most obvious candidate in this case being the Ichneumon wasp Lysibia nana which is well documented as parasitising Cotesia glomerata.





(Vince Massimo)

Thursday 25 October

Further pictures from Cissbury Ring. (Patrick Moore)

wed 24/10/2018. 11.20 - 2.10pm. had a look around some hedges east of Barcombe Cross and to the north of the Anchor Inn for Brown Hairstreak eggs, some likely looking areas, no eggs found except for what looks like an eaten BH egg? or is it a spore of some sort, (I've included a photo of an eaten BH egg for comparison). this was on a blackthorn along a south facing hedge shown in first photo. Then it was back to Tutts Farm nr Chailey to finish off searching the rest of south facing hedge where id found 3x BH eggs last sunday. Between 2.51pm and 3.03pm found another 3x BH eggs, so my most most most easterly BH egg is at TQ 41586 19096. there laid at heights of between 1ft 9in to 5ft 8 1/2 in. (Peter farrant)

I returned to Southwick this morning. The Clouded Yellows were less active in the cooler conditions of today, and spent much time basking and nectaring. A nice surprise came in the form of a fairly fresh Common Blue.
It was good to meet John Heys at Southwick, and put a face to a name.
(Trevor Rapley)

There were 2 Red Admirals in Wish Park on the nettles behind our house at around 11.45 am when I set off for Shoreham Port. I walked west to east from the Schooner Inn (?) in Southwick to the Wellington Road/Church road traffic lights at Portslade & had the pleasure of meeting Trevor Rapley early on. In the section between the pub & the first property up on the south side of the A259 I saw 6 Clouded Yellows, 3 Red Admirals, 5 whites (maybe all Small Whites - the only one close to me was - 3 popped up at the same time towards the east end of this section), 2 Common Blues (one quite fresh) and (nice surprise) high up the bank but unmistakeable a Brimstone. East of those properties on the A259 and up to the traffic lights at the end of the undercliff walk I saw a further Red Admiral, 2 Small Whites & 4 Clouded Yellows, mostly on the grassy bank by the concrete steps. A further Red Admiral appeared by the advertising hoarding at the trafffic lights. It was about 1.30pm by now. Later in the afternoon Val & I also saw a Small White in Hove along New Church Road. (John & Val Heys)

There were at least half a dozen Red Admirals in my garden all day yesterday, feasting on Ivy. Plus I saw one Speckled Wood and what I believe was a Holly Blue which buzzed my twice but I couldn't get a photo. (Philip Booker)

Wednesday 24 October

Up at Deep Dean and Ewe Dean, east of Alfriston today: 3 Wall Brown, 2 Clouded Yellows, plus Brimstone, Red Admiral, Small White, Painted Lady. The butterfly season keeps on going! (Steve Wheatley)

With the weather being so warm this afternoon I managed to get out for a short spell to see what was about at Tidemills. Apart from a few Red Admirals heading south I only saw a couple of Large Whites and one very worn Speckled Wood! The site appeared to be largely devoid of life. On the way back into Seaford I saw four Clouded Yellows on the roadside Embankment and one even came within range of my lens. With the weather set to turn cold at the weekend this is might well be my last Butterfly photo of 2018? (James.A)

Eastbourne today with the granddaughter, as the Sovereign Centre pool has a wave machine. Although we also spent quite a bit of time in the sunshine between there and the Redoubt, all the butterflies we saw were at the Princes Park (Wartling Road) children's play area where it's quite sheltered. There were at least 3 maybe 4 Red Admirals, at least 1 maybe 2 Clouded Yellows (looking amazingly like the fallen leaves) and 2 whites, one of which was probably a Large White. Fifty years ago I used to play stoolball near there & the margins by Wartling Road have usually been a more promising area for butterflies than the actual coast. More footballers... I wonder if Tottenham's Eric Dier could be a Monarch? He's robust enough, has migrated north from Portugal & I suspect he'll reverse migrate eventually. (John & Val Heys)<>
But is he partial to milkweed? (Ed jnr)

I went to Southwick this morning and bumped into Paul and later Trevor. I saw Clouded Yellows including a Helice form , a Common Blue, a Small White and a Red Admiral. The highlight was Paul finding 2 Clouded Yellow Eggs.
Paul and I went on to Mill Hill, although I could only stay for a short time I saw a Wall Brown, a Small Copper , some Common Blues including a very fresh one, Red Admirals, Brown Argus and a Meadow Brown. (katrina watson)

Up to 12 Clouded Yellow at Southwick today. Also 2 Common Blue, 1 small and Large White, 2 Red Admirals and a Peacock. 2 female Clouded Yellows seen - this one rebuffing the attention of a male. (Mark Jones)

On a walk round Lancing Ring & Steep Down there were ten butterfly species in the calm warm sunshine. 21 Red Admiral, 7 Speckled Wood, 3 Clouded Yellow, 3 Common Blue (including in cop), 3 Small White, 2 Wall Brown, 2 Comma, Small Copper, Brimstone, Peacock. On the previously discussed topic "footballers-as-butterflies", surely Anthony Knockaert would be a Panthonus Cattleheart? A straight red card? Oh, come on ref... (Lindsay Morris)

Tuesday 23 October

Quite sunny at the Bluebell Railway, but fairly cool too. We only saw two butterflies. Val caught a brief glimpse of a white from the train and earlier we all saw a Red Admiral as we were sitting outside at the good but underused play area by Kingscote Station. It could be somewhere in the picture attached. There's a small but even better indoor play area in the restored elephant coach at Horsted Keynes station. Kids for a quid this week & enough trains each way to spend time at both play areas. I got the date wrong on my last posting - it should have started "Yesterday, 22 October..." (John & Val Heys)

Yesterday, 22nd October, I left Val shopping in Sainsbury's, Benfield Valley, Hove and in the car park I saw a Large White nectaring on buddleia. From platform 2 at Portslade station it was still possible to see that there were 3 Red Admirals basking on the ivy at platform 1. They were put in a flutter when the non-stop GWR train raced through. As there's also a lot of ivy on the north side at my destination, Worthing, I crossed under to platform 1 where I counted 12 Red Admirals This was at about 4.30pm. None around when I caught the last train back at 11.27pm having seen Eddi Reader in concert with my daughter. I'd never heard of her but she & her band were very good. She was in Fairground Attraction which may mean more to anyone 20 years younger than me. Off to the Bluebell railway with the granddaughter today so hopefully will be able to report some butterflies from there next. (John Heys)
Perfect. (Ed jnr)

These were on a Farm in Saddlescombe (Philip Booker)

Monday 22 October

sun 21/10/2018, to the east of South Street, Chailey, E.Sx. 4x Brown Hairstreak eggs found today, the first at 12.07pm along south facing field edge behind Markstakes Farm TQ 40501 18642, the other three found along driveway to Tutts Farm 2.00 - 2.27pm, between TQ 41520 19108 and TQ 41561 19101, this last egg is my most most easterly sighting, also 4x Red Admirals, 3x Hornets, 1x WHITE squirrel and 1x Camel. not a sighting you make every day. (Peter Farrant)

On Sunday 21st October on Lancing Beach and promenade there were 12 Red Admiral, 3 Clouded Yellow, 3 Small White, 1 Painted Lady, 1 Common Blue and 1 Small Copper. Also, checking the nettles which were growing in the shelter of the south-facing walls of the car wash and tyre-fitting buildings on the seafront, I found them loaded with Red Admiral eggs. The previous day (20th October) there were similar numbers and species, but these included a mating pair of Clouded Yellows and a male Large White. There are also still numerous Large White larvae feeding on Sea Kale which is growing on the shingle. (Vince Massimo)

When I arrived at Southwick this morning the temperature was 11c. according to my car. But this did not deter the Butterflies, with two Clouded Yellows found straight away, altogether six were seen. The real prize, however, was a very fresh and placid Painted Lady, that allowed close approach many times. Many Red Admirals were flying at high speed, except for a worn ab. bialbata, basking on the path. No Common Blues were found today. (Trevor Rapley)

On Saturday, 20 October Val & I visited Lancing Football Club's ground at Culver Road to watch Horsham v East Grinstead. (Horsham are having a new ground built up there, but like Spurs's, it's not ready yet.) In the third minute, this Speckled Wood landed at the side of the artificial pitch and as Val turned on her phone camera to get the picture, Horsham's first goal went in. She missed it, but at least I was able to describe it - an acrobatic own goal by Grinstead's number 6. Although he redeemed himself with an equaliser 3 minutes later, he ended on the losing side. Yesterday, 21 October, at Portslade Station's platform 1, on the ivy, a Red Admiral was out sunning itself at 8.40am as we started what turned out to be an epic 4.5 hour journey to south London involving 3 trains, 3 buses and a signalling fault. We did see a couple of whites up in London, but there's no sign of any butterflies in the sunshine in our garden to day, 22 October. (John & Val Heys)

I spotted this little one on a tree's leaf. Any idea what kind of caterpillar is it? Thank you. (Istvan Radi)

Sunday 21 October

Visited several sites in and around Shoreham in today’s lovely sunshine, including the beach, the harbour and up to Mill Hill. Most abundant were Clouded Yellows, with 40-50 seen, then Red Admirals 20+, also Small White, Small Copper, Common Blues, Brown Argus (Mill Hill), Comma, Painted Lady, Meadow Browns (some surprisingly fresh, even males), Walls, Speckled Woods and Small Heath, two at Mill Hill. A fabulous day for this time of year! (Mark Bunch)

Single Small Copper, Clouded Yellow and Small Heath on/at edge of a recently-cultivated arable field on a beautiful sunny afternoon at Mountfield (Grid Ref TQ743202). The Clouded Yellow was the first I've seen here this year. (Robin Harris)

Saw a Wall Brown at the top end of Petworth park. Not far from the car park. First time I have seen one around here. (Frances Bassom)

One each of Speckled Wood, Clouded Yellow and Brown Argus on a late afternoon stroll round the north side of Beeding Hill above Room Bottom (Chris Corrigan )

I only managed a couple of short trips to mill Hill this weekend because of other commitments. I was disappointed to see a moron had sprayed what might loosely called graffito on the visitors board. I am perplexed by their motivation, as I was by the person who had clearly sat on a bench to admire the view but felt it appropriate to leave their tissues on the ground beside where they were sitting.

On a more positive not, the SDNP are introducing sheep to the site to try and tackle the invasive privet. This will be a challenge for the dog walkers. Steve Wheatley and I met with the rangers who manage the site a few weeks ago. They are extraordinarily passionate about the work they do and do a tremendous job attempting the impossible task of managing the site on a pittance. It is a crazy world that places so little value on maintaining sites like Mill Hill.

Butterfly wise, it was the usual suspects as pointed out by Katrina yesterday. The highlight for me were a couple of male Brimstones who looked quite exotic after watching so many Clouded Yellows whizz by. One caught my attention because he was very keen to get into the middle of quite inhospitable bushes. I followed him for a while until he eventually found what he was looking for. As it was midday I wondered if he was finding a sight for hibernating rather than roosting. I shall go back and check next weekend. (Jonathan Crawford)

A circular walk south of Berwick Village in east sussex in warm sun was enlivened with two Clouded Yellows and a very faded Small Copper in France Bottom. On the Green Way leading to Blackstone Bottom TQ489025 we saw a couple of Brown Argus, one of which was egg laying on helianthemum. (Tessa Pawsey)

Ashenground & Bolnore Woods, Haywards Heath - 5 or 6 Red Admiral butterflies higher up around the oak and ivy, several coming down to land in the sunshine. (Kim Berry)

Over the last three days (18 - 20 October) I've been at the BC Rowland Wood reserve, guiding the mowing of rides and glades by our wonderful contractor, Ian Hampshire (who performed the major restructuring works last winter). By working so closely with him, we were able to get every pass with the cutter in precisely the desired place, to optimise the improvement of breeding habitat (for Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary and other species), while avoiding some margins, to reduce the extent of the 'collateral damage' which is inevitable when any invasive woodland management takes place. Different cutting devices (which produce different effects) were used in different areas, which, alongside the works performed in the summer months, will produce the most varied mosaic of microhabitats, to suit as many species as possible.
On behalf of the Branch, I'd like to thank Reserves Officer Jayne Chapman, for her invaluable help with contracts, logistics and plenty of the physical work we conducted well away from Ian's rampant tractor. I'd also like to thank Stuart Sutton (FC) and Tim Squire, who helped with chainsaw work over this period. Together, we have opened up a large new glade to the south of the Rowland Wood lake, in an area which SPBF has shown a clear liking of, during both its broods.
Despite so much being achieved, there is still a great deal of work to be done on the reserves this winter, so every additional hour that our trusty volunteers can give will be most appreciated. I'm already getting excited about we might see at Park Corner Heath and Rowland Wood next summer, building on the excellent year that butterflies had here in 2018. (Neil Hulme)

Saturday 20 October

I went to Mill Hill for just over an hour late afternoon. On the Hemp Agrimony was one Comma and one Red Admiral. Seen at the rest of the site were Clouded Yellows, Common Blues , Brown Argus (I think) Small Heaths and Meadow Browns. (katrina watson)

Perfect warm sunny still conditions, but not that many butterflies up on Lancing Ring & Steep Down. 24 Red Admiral, 6 Speckled Wood, 6 Small White, 2 Clouded Yellow, 2 Wall Brown, 2 Common Blue, Small Copper, Comma. (Lindsay Morris)

Delayed report from Wednesday 10th October, ten days ago, when I walked from Denton nr Newhaven to Alfriston, via Bo-Peep, and came across a Clouded Yellow on the edge of a field, soon followed by a Wall Brown, if I've identified them correctly.

The first photo shows the rough location alongside the path (top left) towards the top of Gardener's Hill. The second is nearer to the spot (E 546938 N 103553 approx) on the edge of a ploughed field looking northwards towards Firle Beacon. The last photos aren't very sharp but were all I could manage at the time. Not sure if of interest but decided to submit them anyway. (Christopher Smith)
Thanks Chris. Yes you have identified them correctly and bitterfly sightings are never too late and always of interest. (Ed jnr)

Friday 19 October

This afternoon I visited Cissbury Ring in lovely sunshine and managed to see 11 species of butterfly. Most were around the north east, southerly facing bank mentioned before and on the southern ramparts. There were; Speckled Wood, Peacock, Red Admiral, Small Copper some very fresh, Painted Lady, Common Blue all worn, Clouded Yellow, Wall Brown, Meadow Brown, Comma and surprisingly a Brown Argus. There was also a Humminghawk birdMoth. (Patrick Moore)

We had a good look around Thorney Island today and what a beautiful day it was. We recorded 8 species of butterfly they were, Clouded Yellow 7, Painted Lady 2, Brown Argus a very fresh looking individual, Common Blue 1 very worn, Small Copper 4, Small White 8, Red Admiral 36, Speckled Wood 2. (Barry and Margaret Collins)

Val suggested Shoreham Beach for a change, so we walked it from west to east between about 2.30pm & 3.15pm, starting south of Ferry Road & reaching the Coastguard Building by the Adur's mouth. We then headed back west as far as the footpath causeway across Widewater, doing our best not to double-count the length we'd already done & finishing around 4.15pm. Most of our sightings were on the initial walk eastwards. We made our way quite close to the properties there rather than staying on the board-walk. We saw 23 Clouded Yellows (2 helice), 9 whites of which at least 2 were Small Whites, 2 Small Coppers, 5 Red Admirals, 5 Painted Ladies & 11 Silver Y moths. Of the three Clouded Yellow pictures forwarded, the first is an ordinary Clouded Yellow and the other two the 2 helices. Although we saw them in much the same place, I think they were not the same butterfly as the spots are different shapes, but my picture of the second specimen isn't so well in focus so I'm not 100% sure. We also saw lots of lizards on or near the walls of the properties backing on to the beach, 50 or 60 at least - more than all the lizards I've ever seen before added together plus a Brent goose and 3 little grebes on Widewater. (John & Val Heys)

I visited Rowland Wood today where heavy machinery is again at work mowing the rides. Thanks to Ian Hampshire for his painstaking work and to Jayne Chapman for negotiating the contract and overseeing the work. Neil Hulme and Stewart Sutton were again at work with chain saws clearing further glades which will provide more ideal habitat for fritillaries next spring. (Nigel Symington)

A short walk on the eastern side of Lancing Ring was notable for a fresh-looking helice Clouded Yellow. Also present in the perfect calm conditions were 40 Red Admiral, 15 Speckled Wood, 4 Comma, 2 Wall Brown, Small Copper, Brimstone, Small White.
(Lindsay Morris)

TQ 439 134 near Cock Inn A 26 - 3rd Gen? Brown Argus. (Graham Parris)

Unfortunately this Sundays Conservation Work Party at Bevendean has been cancelled. Future Work Parties will carry on as normal. (Ed jnr)

Yesterday (Thursday) I was off up to London on the first cheap train & by then (9.48am) there were at least 3, maybe 4, Red Admirals on the ivy at platform 1 of Portslade Station. (John Heys)

Thursday 18 October

Spotted two hummingbird hawk moths at Sussex Prairie Gardens near Henfield. (Jason)

A walk up to and around the south side of Cissbury Ring in very breezy sunshine was graced by eleven butterfly species. 22 Speckled Wood, 19 Red Admiral, 16 Small Copper, 14 Wall Brown, 7 Clouded Yellow (including 1 helice and 1 ordinary female), 5 Common Blue, 4 Painted Lady, 2 Small Heath, 2 Meadow Brown, Brimstone, Peacock. This climate change lark is simply the best fun ever... (Lindsay Morris)

Wednesday 17 October

Val & I have been in a very rural Wiltshire village for a long weekend where we saw precisely 1 butterfly (Red Admiral) despite it being quite hot & sunny at times. Back in Hove today, there were only several dozen bees & some flies on the ivy at the bottom of our garden this morning. But the season for urban butterflies isn't quite over yet. In Worthing in the afternoon we saw 2 Speckled Woods by the Barrington Road footpath, one on the way to school & one on the way back. The second specimen was brighter & had a nick in its wing, so definitely not the same as the first. (John & Val Heys)

A beautiful warm and sunny walk from Litlington. Several Small Coppers, a Common Blue and a Wall Brown as we walked along the north edge of Lullington Heath. Lots of Red Admirals anywhere there was ivy in flower and three male Wall Browns as we walked up the steep north side of Folkington Hill. Lovely to look down into Deep Dean and see the hardy horses ( or ponies ) grazing in the fenced off area, hopefully eating lots of tor grass and making nice warm patches for next years Grayling. (Tessa Pawsey)

A very fruitful day was spent at Southwick today, despite a bank of cloud threatening to scupper things early on. When the sun did break through, a definate five, possibly six fresh Clouded Yellows, and a fresh male and female Common Blue were found. Several Red Admirals and a very fast flying Painted Lady were seen in the air. (Trevor Rapley)

Many thanks to the Brighton Conservation Volunteers for their hard work yesterday (17 October), managing Bracken, Bramble and saplings on our Rowland Wood reserve. While they worked their way along one of the key rides, I started to enlarge a glade which the Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary showed particular interest in this year, during both its first and second broods. The sunshine brought out 3 Speckled Wood and a male Brimstone. (Neil Hulme)

Tuesday 16 October

I spent yesterday (15 October) on the Knepp Wildland with my brother, who was visiting from Antwerp. In generally overcast conditions we saw just three butterflies (two Red Admiral and a Small Copper), but there were bigger attractions on offer; the Red Deer rut is well underway and the Fallow are now joining the party. (Neil Hulme)

tue 16/10/2018. Markstakes Lane, near South Street, Chailey, E.Sx. found 4x Brown Hairstreak eggs (11.56am/1.37pm/1.46pm and 2.05pm) along south facing hedge, between TQ 39517 18427 and TQ 39679 18408, the forth egg found at TQ 39679 18408 is my most easterly egg. Between 12.08 and 1.13pm had a look at the east and west facing sides of a nearby hedge in field, with sucker plants growing out from it, it looks ideal but no eggs found, could be that this area is just on the easterly edge of BH range. I found 2x BH eggs in lane last year. (Peter farrant)

Thorney Island: We managed to count a few butterflies this morning in bright sunshine in square SU7601 before the cloud and fog rolled in. They were Clouded Yellow 4, Red Admiral 3, Small Copper 2, Small White 2. (Barry and Margaret Collins)

With ‘wall to wall’ sunshine, a light breeze and temperature touching 20c you could be forgiven for thinking it was the Mediterranean and not Southwick. The butterflies liked it too with Red Admiral, Small White, Small Copper, Common Blue, Comma and Clouded Yellow gracing the air. (David Cook)
Only if you were completely bonkers! (Ed jnr)

Before the cloud rolled in at 13.00 I managed to find ten species of butterfly around Lancing Ring and Steep Down in warm sunshine. 32 Red Admiral, 9 Wall Brown (two in cop), 7 Comma, 7 Speckled Wood, 4 Small White, 3 Common Blue, 2 Clouded Yellow, Small Tortoiseshell, Painted Lady, Small Heath. (Lindsay Morris)

In a couple of hours at Tidemills this morning, two Clouded Yellows were seen. Both were quite lively in the warm sunshine. The one that allowed me close approach was very fresh indeed. Also several Red Admirals were seen flying at high speed. (Trevor Rapley)

Still a couple of Wall Brown flitting around our garden in Berwick (near the station) when the sun is shining.
(Chris Bird)

Monday 15 October

An afternoon visit to High and Over, produced four male Wall Browns.
On leaving at about 4pm about eight Red Admiral were seen dogfighting,
near the car park. All those in my images are all poised ready to launch,
rather than basking.
(Trevor Rapley)

Nice and warm in the garden today. Not a lot of variety but a couple of Small Whites fed on Verbena Bonariensis as did a Red Admiral and a Clouded Yellow during the afternoon. Another Red Admiral was feeding on Viburnum Flowers earlier in the morning. (Stuart Ridley)

Sunday 14 October

A total of 17 people gathered today on Park Corner Heath for the first conservation work party of the season, under the leadership of Jonathan Squire. We cut a large area of scrub on the plateau in front of the hut. 2 Male Brimstone were seen flying over, and we also found 1 frog, 1 toad, 1 Grass snake, 1 Common Plume Moth, 1 Silver Y moth, 1 male Vapourer moth, and several interesting plants: wood sage, both slender and trailing St John's Wort, Devil's Bit Scabious, and some well nibbled violet leaves. Also one nibbled Fly Agaric. (Nigel Symington)

A late Humming-bird Hawk-moth today in the garden was a surprise, as was this very smart bug that was found walking up the patio door. Successfully transferred to a leaf for a photo. It is a Western Conifer Seed Bug that was first imported into the Country in 1999 from America. It is now becoming quite widespread apparently. In the very dull conditions today it was a surprise to see anything!! (Bob Eade http://bobsbutterflies.blogspot.co.uk)

Preston Park Rock Garden; In reply to Barry Collins' sighting of Box-tree moths coming to Sussex, I saw one at the Rockery last week and pointed out to Andy the gardener there. (Graeme Rolf https://www.flickr.com/photos/128321708@N03/albums/72157649396241380)

First ever (adult or larval) Box Tree Moth sighting, in 9 years of collecting in Sussex. Happy to share my 2018 records if someone emails me on hcolville@evolvefs.co.uk (Hugh Colville)

Another late afternoon walk around Cissbury Ring yesterday (13 October) produced plenty of butterflies, including Wall Brown, Small Heath, Speckled Wood, Meadow Brown, Red Admiral, Peacock, Common Blue and Small Copper. I didn't perform any accurate counts, but Wall Brown and Small Copper remain present in good numbers (probably 15-20 of each), with one or two examples still in excellent condition. I also found four Clouded Yellows in the eastern coombe, which behaved impeccably whenever the temperature dropped during cloudy periods. (Neil Hulme)

Saturday 13 October

I had my moth trap on overnight (12th/13th Oct) in my garden at Leigh Park, although it is just over the border in Hants. I thought you should know I caught a Box Tree Moth this species has become a real pest in peoples gardens in the London area, and it is only a matter of time before it turns up in Sussex if it has not already. (Barry Collins)

Friday 12 October

A walk round Lancing Ring & Steep Down in overcast, very breezy but very warm conditions. 16 Red Admiral, 10 Speckled Wood, 8 Wall Brown, 3 Small White, Common Blue, Comma, Peacock. (Lindsay Morris)

Thursday 11 October

About eight fresh Red Admirals and several Speckled Woods, in good condition,
were seen at a blustery High and Over this morning, including an ab.bialbata.
But the find of the day must go to a freshly emerged male Wall Brown, which was
well down in the undergrowth, so no photo unfortunately. (Trevor Rapley)

I finally caught up with the Red Admirals in the garden.
(No more holiday Butterflies - No More holidays) (Philip Booker)

This Speckled Wood was in the garden yesterday as were two Red Admirals. I couldn't get my camera sorted quickly enough to capture the latter.

I also disturbed one this morning which flew off. D'oh!

I thought you might like this photo of a Swallowtail, I took in Mykonos. One of only two Butterflies I saw in ten days (plus a Humming Bird Moth) (Philip Booker)
Thanks. We normally do "holiday butterflies" in mid winner when our skies are grey and empty. (Ed jnr)

Yesterday (10 October), it was so warm and sunny that I couldn't resist a late afternoon walk around the ramparts of Cissbury Ring. I didn't leave the car park until 4pm, but still ended up seeing a large number of butterflies. The steep, crumbling banks of the south-facing coombe on the east side of the hillfort were particularly productive, with constant chases between Wall Brown, Small Copper and Clouded Yellow (including the pale form, helice). Although most of the Wall are now showing signs of wear and tear, I was surprised to see fresh examples of both male and female. As the sun started to slip below the horizon, the basking butterflies were illuminated by that beautiful warm light which typifies autumn. (Neil Hulme)

A glorious day (October 10th) : time to start birding at Pulborough again. Instead, a pristine Red Admiral, then a very fresh looking Common Blue dog fighting with a pretty worn Small Copper. Then ,out the corner of my eye, something seemingly buff and plain dropped into the grass a few yards away ,and out of sight . But before spooking it ,recognised the most worn Brown Hairstreak probably still flying. Latest sighting award? (William Gemmell)
Possibly. We will have to wait and see. Perhaps someone else will rise to the challenge. (Ed jnr)

Wednesday 10 October

A look around the Whillets Meadows at Weir Wood Reservoir this afternoon found just 3 Small Coppers on the wing.(25 Species recorded on site this year) (Alastair Gray)

On a glorious sunny walk from Kingston Village to Lewes spotted plenty of Speckled Woods and a couple of Red Admirals and Small White. Then a quick 45mins up to Malling Down and on the area I think is the Snout saw at least 2 Clouded Yellows in battle and what I assumed was the same individuals pass me a further 6 times. Then two further Clouded Yellows above the allotments where there were at least 3 Wall Browns. 2 Small Coppers and a Large White too. Plus masses of ladybirds. In the supridingly hot westher the Clouded Yellows were doing Mr MacHenry impressions so a photo was totally out of the question. (Martin Buck)

Only a couple of Small Whites in my Seaford garden today but a Red Admiral and a Painted Lady decided to spend most of the afternoon either feeding or resting before flying off. (Stuart Ridley)

Today I visited my local Brown Hairstreak hot-spot in Ifield (Crawley). When I was there last January I rescued around 90 eggs after Blackthorn suckers were cut in one of the fields. I checked the remaining suckers today and found them loaded with eggs, so took away some stems before they were strimmed. I only selected those with groups of eggs and left the singletons, which I will go back for on another day. The final count was 38 eggs on 8 stems. They will be returned to the wild next March. (Vince Massimo)

With the temperature being unseasonably warm today I managed to have a brief look around Bishopstone near Seaford. If you know where to look you can find good numbers of Red Admiral there at this time of the year. So it proved, I saw well into double figures, most looked very fresh but in the very warm sunshine they all kept their wings firmly shut. I also saw a few Commas and one very fresh Brown Argus that unfortunately didn't hang around for a photo. In fact I saw more fresh butterflies than I had anticipated with a few brand new Speckled Woods too, and then the surprise of the day, at least 10 Meadow Browns including a mating pair that kept being pestered by an overly enthusiastic male. (James.A)

The, now ,very famous area of Hemp Agrimony at Mill Hill was host to about 10 very fresh Red Admirals, including one ab. bialbata. No sign of any Painted Ladies or Peacocks this morning.
Later a fresh Comma made a brief visit. (Trevor Rapley)

A walk in glorious warm sunshine around Anchor Bottom and Beeding Hill. 12 butterfly species seen. 12 Clouded Yellow (two in cop and an egg-laying female), 21 Common Blue, 6 Red Admiral, 8 Small Heath, 5 Wall Brown, 2 Brown Argus (one a newly emerged female), 3 Brimstone, Small Copper, 2 Painted Lady, Peacock, 3 Speckled Wood, 4 Meadow Brown. I was singing "I had my thrill on Beeding Hill" and "Anchor Bottom butterflies make the rockin' world go round." Apologies to Fats and Freddie. Luckily there was nobody about! (Lindsay Morris)
Thanks Lindsay, glad someone had some fun in the sun today. (Ed jnr)

Roedean Old 9-hole Site; A slow lap around the site to gently exercise a torn calf muscle yielded 1 Small Toroiseshell, 1 Small White and 1 Common Blue. No photos as they blew past me in the wind, failing to settle. (Graeme Rolf https://www.flickr.com/photos/128321708@N03/albums/72157649396241380)

It's nearly mid October, and so far this year I haven't seen a single Clouded Yellow. On this lovely warm day, I went to Hope Gap to try to put this right, and was almost immediately rewarded by the sight of one flying purposefully northward in the warm breeze coming in from the sea. Altogether, I saw about 15, including one that posed for me with the sunlight coming through its wings.
I also saw a surprisingly fresh female Meadow Brown, a Small Heath, a Small Copper and another comparative rarity this year (at least for me), a Peacock. (Andy Wilson)

Yesterday I spent a few hours in my Storrington garden and managed to record six butterfly species as follows: Brimstone (1m), Large White (1), Small Copper (1), Red Admiral (1), Peacock (1) and Speckled Wood (1). Today, in the garden, I added to the list with Comma (1). I tramped over Chantry Hill today and saw remarkably few butterflies, just seven species as follows: Small White (1), Small Copper (1), Brown Argus (1f), Red Admiral (1), Peacock (1), Comma (1) and Speckled Wood (1). The most interesting record was the Comma (in pristine condition) which was nectaring on Devilsbit Scabious in the middle of the middle combe, far away from hedgerows and the like. There was a lot of Wild Basil in flower (in the middle Combe), which I was pleased to see. The other observation of note was 40-50 Hornets whizzing around an Ivy-clad mature Ash. I'm not sure any Honey bee or Wasp feeding on the Ivy would have lasted very long. As Hornets (like many Bumble bees) can fly around in cool conditions I suspect many butterflies get hoovered up whilst in a torpid state. I have seen more Hornets this year than any previous year. (Martin Kalaher)

Warm walk up Blackcap and around Ashcombe bottom this morning. Sightings included Red Admiral, Peacock, Speckled Wood, Small Heath, Small Copper and a Clouded Yellow. Is this the 'helice' form? (Ian Seccombe)
Looks like it. (Ed jnr)

Tuesday 09 October

One Small White on the south side of Kingsway, West Hove, this morning. No butterflies at all in our garden while I was having lunch on the lawn, despite ideal conditions. Two more whites in West Hove as we drove off to Worthing in the afternoon, probably both Small Whites. Val & I walked along Barrington Road, Worthing to reach West Park school seeing no butterflies, but a Speckled Wood flew overhead as we waited for our granddaughter at the school & the reverse trip along Barrington Road was quite productive - 3 Speckled Woods, 1 Large White & 1 Red Admiral. The weather forecast suggests tomorrow may be the last really good day for 2018's butterflies. (John & Val Heys)

I went for a short walk at Southwick and found only a handful of blues and saw two Clouded Yellows in flight. In the last couple of weeks I have seen 10-15 CYs but only one stopped for a rest and obviously that's when I didn't have my camera with me so I really wonder how everyone else is getting their beautiful close up pictures of resting Yellows?
Overcoming my frustration of not being successful with a CY photo I walked down to Widewater Lagoon in Shoreham where I saw no butterflies. But on my way back to the train station I found 3 Painted Ladies on the seafront what was nice. (Istvan Radi)

A walk from Lancing Ring to Cissbury Ring and down to Lyons Farm in glorious warm sunshine. 14 butterfly species identified as 38 Wall Brown, 28 Small Copper, 18 Speckled Wood, 11 Red Admiral, 6 Common Blue, 5 Painted Lady, 4 Clouded Yellow, 4 Meadow Brown, 3 Brimstone, 3 Comma, 2 Brown Argus, 2 Small Heath, 2 Peacock, Adonis Blue. Also about 10 Silver Y. (Lindsay Morris)

Monday 08 October

sun 07/10/2018. Sovereign Park, Eastbourne seafront, E.Sx. between 1.16 - 1.55pm saw the following butterflies:- 11x Common Blues (m), 3x Clouded Yellows (m), 5x Small Whites, 1x Large White and 7x Small Coppers (all female) including one that laid an egg on a sorrel leaf. (Peter Farrant)

Yesterday, 7th October on Lancing seafront I found several Sea Kale plants with Large White larvae feeding on them. Also seen along the length of the promenade were 5 Clouded Yellow, 4 Small White, 3 Common Blue, 1 Peacock and a Small Copper, mostly at Widewater Lagoon. While walking on the Downs above the village, I also encountered occasional swarms of Harlequin Ladybirds which would give you a nip if they landed on you. There were lots of Wall Browns up there too as reported by other observers. (Vince Massimo)

A short walk on Cissbury Ring last friday produced several Wall Brown and Small Copper. A single Male Brimstone, Peacock, Large White and a couple of Speckled Wood (Janet Wilkes)

Seen in our East Dean garden (TV562984) recently during the recent fine weather;
Male Brimstone - 5 October (very fresh looking)
Humming Hawk-moth - 7 October
(Carole & David Jode)

A walk around the downland near Horseshoe Plantation (TV5695) preparing for an RSPB walk on 10 October produced the following;
Clouded Yellow - 3
Brimstone - 1
Small Heath - 3
Red Admiral - 1
Small White - 2
Small Copper -1
Speckled Wood - 2
Common Blue - 2
(Chris & Mary Barnett)

Sunday 07 October

I saw two Red Admirals and one Comma on a visit to Michelham Priory this afternoon. (John Williams)

Quick visit to Mill Hill at lunchtime. Despite the wind the site was warm and I saw quite a few Wall Browns of both sexes and several Clouded Yellows, perhaps four or five. Also seen were Small White, Small Coppers, Common Blues, Small Heaths, Meadow Browns, Speckled Wood and a Peacock. (Jonathan Crawford)

During a short walk on West Wittering beach I saw one Clouded Yellow and two Red Admirals. These latter ones were flying out to the sea probably to cross the bay. Then an even shorter visit to Mill Hill around 4:30pm to see 3 Red Admirals on the Hemp Agrimony. (Istvan Radi)

Despite the slight chill in the air, as the wind was north-ish, Val & I walked to Fishersgate & the bank overlooking Shoreham Port. We were rewarded with at least 5 different butterfly types. Just west of Church Road, Portslade, we walked from the A259 Fishersgate Terrace down the concrete steps with the divide in the middle (they have a grassy bank either side) to the port road at the bottom. On the bank we saw a Small White & 2 Red Admirals. Walking west along the port road & past the oil terminal we saw 4 Red Admirals, 1 Clouded Yellow, 1 Common Blue, 1 Small White & 2 other whites. Further west (from the rather steep path which goes down from the A259 Albion Street - near a small Brick building - to the steps by the pub at end of the grassy & shrubby area) we saw 1 white, 2 Common Blues, 1 Small Copper & 1 Red Admiral plus an interesting bird. (Stonechat in autumn plumage was our best guess, but it seems sleeker than they usually appear to be.) Finally, back at home in Hove I disturbed a Red Admiral in the garden. There seem to be more of them around at last. (John & Val Heys)

Perhaps the most surprising butterfly at Lancing Ring was a mint male Brown Argus. In bright sun and out of the breeze there were also 19 Wall Brown, 19Speckled Wood, 13 Red Admiral, 2 Small Copper, Painted Lady, Common Blue. (Lindsay Morris)

Saturday 06 October

In the absence of anything on the wing today here is the Pale Tussock caterpillar mentioned yesterday. (Martin Buck)
More of those please! (Ed jnr)

A walk along the south downs way between Eastbourne and Beachy Head produced 10 species: 20+ Small White (mostly along Eastbourne seafront), 1 Large White, 1 Clouded Yellow, 1 Red Admiral, 1 Painted Lady, 2 Common Blue, 10+ Small Copper, 1 Brown Argus, 5 Speckled Wood, 5+ Wall Brown. The Walls are centered along a sheltered stretch of path between TV594963 and 591917. An egg laying female was also found at TV601970. I also spent a couple of hours at Newhaven Tidemills after where I added 2 Small Heath to the days tally, another Cloudie, another Common Blue and 4 Walls including a mating pair.

For completeness, on a trip to Mill Hill on the 26th September 2 male Walls were seen here TQ211065 (Paul Atkin)

We've been to Hove shops today - no butterflies, but I like the idea of Gordon Strachan as a Small Copper. Dukes of Burgundy may not have committed tax fraud but they've had the benefit of quite a bit of public money. David Beckham could be a Peacock what with his fashion styles & spending plenty of time on the wing. How about Gareth Southgate for a Speckled Wood? Always there when needed, smartly dressed, but rather understated in terms of charisma. (John & Val Heys)

Yesterday (5th October) we were able to carry out an urban butterfly spot both from the 700 bus between Hove & Goring & on foot in the Goring area before collecting our granddaughter from school. Having seen absolutely no butterflies in our garden in the morning, we started very promisingly at the bus stop on the south side of Kingsway in Hove opposite Roman Road. Val saw a blue which settled briefly on a fluffy sort of Old Man's Beard type seed head & opened its wings nicely - it was a female Holly Blue. Very unexpected. Our next sighting was on the sea front in Worthing, a white. Eventually we saw a total of 5 whites but all too far away for species identification. As our bus travelled up Grand Avenue in Worthing we had another surprise - a yellow butterfly with no hint of orange or black - a Brimstone. Finally, walking along the service road south of Goring Road, I saw 2 Speckled Woods circling up together and a Red Admiral. Although it was still very sunny on our journey back (& on to the Amex for Albion's tense 1-0 victory over West Ham) we saw no more butterflies. Having travelled to watch both Glen Murray & Lionel Messi knock in goals this week I was pondering what their butterfly equivalents are. I think Glen Murray's a Red Admiral - big, well-travelled, rugged & reliable, while Messi could be a Duke of Burgundy - small but feisty, uncommon, quick & thrilling to see. (John & Val Heys)
But I believe that unlike Messi, no Duke of Burgundy has ever been convicted of tax fraud. Small Copper - Gordon Strachan? (Ed jnr)

Friday 05 October

On an enjoyable circular walk from Ditchling to the Beacon and back spotted plenty of Speckled Wood and Red Admirals, several Small Whites, Commas and Small Coppers and a Meadow Brown, Common Blue and Peacock. And a Pale Tussock caterpillar in full punk gear... (Martin Buck)

During a walk round Highdown Gardens (A259 near Ferring, W Sussex) this afternoon we saw plenty of Speckled Woods, a Large White and 2 male Southern Hawkers battling over a pond. (Colin Knight)

Today (5 October) I enjoyed what will probably be my last outing of the year specifically to look at butterflies, as the conservation work party season is now underway (my thanks to Paul Day for helping coppice hazel at Church Copse yesterday). However, the butterflies seem far from ready to throw the towel in, and some sheltered areas of Cissbury Ring were impressively busy for October. As a result of the National Trust's recent scrub clearance work, and grazing by both ponies and cattle, some really good areas are developing (e.g. TQ142079), away from the southernmost compartment hotspot.
The stars of today were Wall Brown (33; my best count at Cissbury for many years), Small Copper (41), Clouded Yellow (5) and a late Brown Hairstreak. The impressive total of 16 species also included Brimstone (5; the warm sunshine seems to have roused a few from their slumbers) and singles of Adonis Blue and Brown Argus. (Neil Hulme)

I had a dauntingly long list of chores for today so I decided to go for a nice walk instead... I headed to Arlington reservoir first where I saw a good number of Wall Brown and Small Copper, a few Common Blue, a Large White, a very nice and bright male Brimstone, a few Small Heath and of course Speckled Woods. Then I walked across to Abbott's Wood where I found some more of the already mentioned species and on top of that a Red Admiral and a female Brimstone. Although I wasn't really after pictures today I managed an in-flight photo of these dragonflies and a departing Wall Brown. Other highlights were a Kingfisher, a Tree-creeper, a Hobby, five Buzzards and hundreds of wet cobwebs. (Istvan Radi)

A sunny afternoon after work as I cycled out of the woods found a couple of walls, a Brown Hairstreak, Small Heath, Peacock, Speckled Wood and a Clouded Yellow or two. (Tim Squire)

A walk up Malling Down beginning on the south-facing slope of the valley above the allotments resulted in a good variety of sightings - started with Meadow Brown including a mating pair, Common Blue, Small Heath and Small Copper. I counted four Clouded Yellow flying backwards and forwards very fast across the slope, never stopping for a photo of course, just too busy. Carried on up the Snout, which was quiet apart from a few Common Blue. Over towards the chalk pits, things livened up with quite a few Wall Brown, Small Copper and a couple of Silver Y moths. Had a walk through the chalk pits and added Brimstone and Red Admiral to my list. On the way back down the south-facing slope above the allotments found this big caterpillar, not sure what that's going to be? Apologies to anybody within about a mile radius startled by a loud shout of "your much too old to do that sort of thing" - I was shouting a my old dog as she went after a rabbit then realised that Malling Down acts as a kind of megaphone and even if you talk normally you can be heard a long way away. (Sylvia Davidson)

I made a detour via Southwick, on my way to Wiltshire this morning. On arrival there was apparently nothing about, sometime later a Clouded Yellow was spotted in the air, and it sent up another from the vegetation. This specimen turned out to be a very fine helice ( apart from a very small nick ). The original Clouded Yellow was found to be very fresh indeed. (Trevor Rapley)

On Wednesday the 4th of October I decided to have a look around Tidemills, to my surprise I saw a healthy population of Wall Browns, some of them still very fresh indeed, including a mating pair! I also saw two Clouded Yellows shoot past. Seeing as I only had enough time for a brief visit I decided I would return for another look today. On this occasion things turned out to be rather different. After counting double figures of Wall Browns only two days before I struggled to find a total of five today! It would seem that the female Wall Browns had gone elsewhere, perhaps they didn't find Tidemills a suitable location to lay their eggs? After that disappointment I was pleased to see the number of Clouded Yellows had increased since Wednesday with a possible five seen. They even allowed me to get close enough for a few photos, it was still quite cool and everything was covered in dew. Other species seen over my two visits were Small Heath 2, Small Copper 2, Red Admiral 2, Peacock 1, Speckled Wood 2, Common Blue 4, Large White 7. (James. A)

A walk around Lancing Ring & Steep Down in glorious sunshine and no wind was rewarded with 13 butterfly species. A magnificent 7 Clouded Yellow, 27 Wall Brown, Painted Lady, Small Copper, Small Heath, 3 Brimstone, 7 Common Blue, 5 Red Admiral, 18 Speckled Wood, Comma, 4 Peacock, Large White, 8 Small White. (Lindsay Morris)

I thought you might like this too? (Philip Booker)
Thanks Philip, it is my considered opinion that we can't have too many pictures on the sightings page, especially of Small Coppers in flight. In a few short weeks there will be very few butterflies to see, so we need to make hay now whilst the sun is shining. (Ed jnr)

Was doing some planting in my back garden when this Small Copper flew in. Its the first Copper I've seen in my Garden this summer/Autumn. Note the Shield Bug close by in the first photo. (Philip Booker)
Thank you. I have noticed that Small Coppers perhaps have a predilection for yellow plants, though am not sure if this is because there seem to be more yellow plants around at this time of year. (Ed jnr)

Thursday 04 October

A Small Tortoiseshell in our East Dean garden (TV562984) nectaring on red valerian mid-morning in full warm sunshine. A rare sighting for us this year. (Carole & David Jode)
And everyone else too. (Ed jnr)

Wednesday 03 October

Today I walked from the car park between Bignor Hill/Glatting Beacon along the Monarch's Way to East Dean then north to the South Downs Way which led me back. I managed to see 13 butterfly species the most interesting being a Wall Brown possibly a female close to the car park at su 97132 12920. I failed to get a picture as she didn't stop long enough when nectaring. Other species seen included Speckled Wood, Red Admiral, Small White and Peacock amongst others. A few Brown Argus and Clouded Yellow in the same area as above. My picture is where the Wall Brown was seen. Straight ahead is the path to Glatting Beacon, behind me is the SDW to the east, to the left is the SDW, west. (Patrick Moore)

While birding at Thorney Island today we recorded the following butterfly species. Clouded Yellow 9, Common Blue 12, Small Copper 7, 18 Small White, Speckled Wood 3, Meadow Brown 1, Peacock 1, Red Admiral 6. (Barry and Margaret Collins)

A walk from Lancing Ring to Cissbury Ring in at least some sun gleaned 15 species of butterfly. Wall Brown 27, Small Copper 20, Common Blue 10, Speckled Wood 10, Clouded Yellow 5, Meadow Brown 5, Red Admiral 3, Painted Lady 3, Peacock 2, Small White 2, Green-veined White, Adonis Blue, Brimstone, Small Heath, Brown Argus. (Lindsay Morris)
And that's why I haven't updated the last sightings for a while. There seems to be no end to this season. (Ed jnr)

Roedean Old 9-hoe Site. A quick cycle through revealed 1 Large White and 1 Clouded Yellow. (Graeme Rolf https://www.flickr.com/photos/128321708@N03/albums/72157649396241380)

Plenty of Wall Brown action at High and Over this morning, including two brief sightings of mating pairs, both on the wing. Another very fresh male was found resting on a fence post. (Trevor Rapley)

West Wittering: A walk along the foreshore footpath yesterday produced singles of Clouded Yellow and Painted Lady plus a few Small and Large Whites. (Derek Lee )

Tuesday 02 October

The weather looked rather dubious early this morning, but a few holes in the cloud later on persuaded me that a trip up to High and Over might be worthwhile. The Wall Browns hardly responded to the eventual warm sunshine, but a fresh, female Comma, a Red Admiral and two reasonably fresh Speckled Woods, did. As I headed for the car I noticed an unusual Wall Brown sparring session, closer inspection revealed a mating pair, with a second male trying to get in on the act !. As seems to be normal when a mating pair takes flight, it was the female that did the flying, with the male towed through the air. (Trevor Rapley)

CONSERVATION WORK PARTY INVITATION:
Help is urgently required to assist with the coppicing of hazel at Church Copse (Clapham Wood) near Worthing. The first in a regular programme of work parties (further dates to be confirmed) will start at 10 am on Thursday 4 October, meeting in the car park of Clapham Saint Mary the Virgin church. No experience is necessary. Tools and guidance will be provided. This work is vital to ongoing efforts to assist the recovery of the Pearl-bordered Fritillary, while creating rare habitat for other woodland fauna and flora. Participants will be signed up with the South Downs Volunteer Ranger Service, with benefits for those who attend a number of these events through the winter. Please contact Neil Hulme on 07778 306816 if you would like more information.
(Neil Hulme)

Monday 01 October

I just found this moth on my train at Pevensey&Westham. He did not have a ticket so I had to ask him to get off at the next stop... (Istvan Radi)

Visited Lancing Ring yesterday 30/9/18 with my Daughter. The sun was out with patchy cloud and slight breeze. A perfect day in my opinion. We encountered lots of Small Copper, Wall Browns , Speckled Wood and a few Common Blues. Also a few dragonflies still hovering around coming close to us to investigate. (Kirsty Gibbs)

I went to Cissbury Ring this afternoon to have late lunch with the Browns, Wall Brown. In fact there were quite a few, 31 I counted in all. However lunch was gate-crashed by Clouded Yellow (5) one of whom stopped charging around when the sun went in and sat with me. There were also Meadow Brown, Common Blue, Small Copper, Small Heath, Red Admiral, Speckled Wood and a very high speed Painted Lady. (Patrick Moore)

Walk up to Blackcap and down into Ashcombe Bottom on Sunday yielded one each of Clouded Yellow, Painted Lady and Common Blue with a handful of Red Admiral, Speckled Wood, Small Copper, Small Heath and Small White. (Ian Seccombe)

The Wall Browns are still doing well at High and Over, about ten seen this morning, including two fresh males and one female. All others looking a bit tired. Two fresh Commas were indulging on Ivy blossom. (Trevor Rapley)

On Saturday I wandered around High and Over for a while seeing plenty of egg laying Wall Brown as well as a couple of males. I then saw a Small Copper that was clearly egg laying. Looking closer several eggs were seen on the leaf the Copper had chosen, some hatched, as well as signs of feeding larva on the leaf. The next leaf also had eggs on it, as this leaf was half eaten I turned it over to find a larva of an unknown species. I had also found a Knot Grass larva sitting on a stem of Devil's Bit Scabious.
Earlier in the week a very smart Pale Tussock larva was found on the Pevensey Marshes. (Bob Eade http://bobsbutterflies.blogspot.co.uk)

I finally managed to get to Mill Hill on Saturday 29th September and bumped into John Williams who kindly directed me to the patch of late-flowering Hemp Agrimony which was attracting a variety of species. I also walked all the upper and lower paths and counted around 15 Wall Browns plus 3 very battered female Blues which were not Common Blues (and assumed to be either Chalk Hill or Adonis). I also managed to find the Peacock pupa thanks to the detailed directions provided by David Cook. Only after I located it did I realise that someone had kindly marked the nettle plant with a white spot of Tipp-Ex (or else it was a very accurate Seagull). As suspected, the pupa has been parasitised (as evidenced by a large hole in the left side), but it is a very rare find nevertheless.
(Vince Massimo)

Sunday 30 September

At last, yesterday (29/9/18) I saw an urban Red Admiral in Browning Road, Worthing & I was told there was a second one nearby. No sign of anything, even whites, where we were in Worthing today, despite being outside laying concrete for far longer than was good for our back muscles. (John & Val Heys)

I also went to Mill Hill this morning and saw a Painted Lady, 2 Peacocks, a Red Admiral and Common Blue on the Hemp Agrimony. Elsewhere I saw a Clouded Yellow, some Wall Browns, Small Heaths, more Common Blues and Meadow Browns. (Katrina Watson)

Yesterday was the final day of the 2018 transect year, which lasts from April the first until the end of September. Butterfly Conservation Sussex would like to thank all members who took part in vitally important transect recording this year. We all have tremendous admiration for the dedication and effort you have put in over the past 26 weeks. (Ed jnr)

After a busy day yesterday, I just about found the energy to stumble around Mill Hill today. Red Admiral, Furry Peacock, Painted Lady, Small Heath, Small White, Meadow Brown, Speckled Wood, Common Blue, Small Copper, Clouded Yellow and Wall Brown were all to be seen. The walls were particularly widespread and I counted more than a dozen. (Jonathan Crawford)

Some late summer beauties today at Mill Hill yesterday seen together with Vince Massimo who was down from Crawley. The patch of Hemp Agrimony must have been the same one that Trevor found. (John Williams)

Saturday 29 September

Crawley Down -finally a Hummingbird Hawk-moth in the garden today on buddleia "Beijing" along with 3 Red Admiral, 1 Small Tortoiseshell, 2 Comma, 2 Small White and 1 Large White. (Jon Ruff)

Ashenground & Bolnore Woods, Haywards Heath - initially I thought they were both female Common Blues, one with blue coloration and the other with brown coloration but now I'm leaning towards male Brown Argus for the brown one, which is a first sighting for me in this nature reserve. (Kim Berry)

Tottington Wood failed to provide a second brood White Admiral, and having found only 2 Speckled Wood and a Comma I decamped to Beeding Hill. Here there were 9 butterfly species including 5 Wall Brown, 25 Common Blue, 4 Small Copper, 2 Adonis Blue, 20 Small Heath. Anchor Bottom chipped in with Clouded Yellow amongst others, making 13 species for the day. (Lindsay Morris)

Not a lot of butterflies in my Seaford garden but quite a few Whites, 3 Common Blues and singles of Painted Lady, Comma, Red Admiral and Peacock. Most fed on either perennial Salvia and Verbena Bonariensis or rested in the sunny parts of the garden. (Stuart Ridley)

A visit to the sunny south-facing slope of Steyning Rifle Range this afternoon was enlivened by five or six Wall Browns of both sexes, including one very fresh male. Plus two Peacocks, a Small Copper, a Small Heath, and five Common Blues. (John Woodward)

Following Lindsay's report of a large number of Wall Brown in the Lancing Ring to Steep Down area, I've spent the last three days (26-28 September) up there, seeing more of this species than I have for a very long time, and far more than I've ever seen in the third brood. A full report can be found in my UK Butterflies diary at http://www.ukbutterflies.co.uk/phpBB/viewtopic.php?p=137538#p137538
My thanks go to Lindsay for doing the pioneering work. (Neil Hulme )

Friday 28 September

Female Small Copper and Common Blue, one of each, seen feeding on Sedum (ice plant) on Roedale Valley Allotments, Brighton. Nearby at northern end of Hollingbury Park, a single Speckled Wood was observed on patrol. (Jamie Burston)

Yesterday I complete the last transect of the year at Mill Hill. Nine species were seen on the transect. Small White, Common Blue, Brown Argus, Small Heath, Meadow Brown, Clouded Yellow, Peacock, Painted Lady and Red Admiral. I returned in the evening and added Wall Brown to the list amongst others. There is something about the way the autumn colours suit some butterfly species. (Jonathan Crawford)

We've had a brief trip to Wiltshire, Vale of Pewsey and, just as in Sussex outside the special sites, there are very few butterflies. No Red Admirals & the like despite the sun & plenty of flowers in the villages. We've seen some whites & a few Speckled Woods plus rather unexpectedly a couple of Brimstones & a Humming-bird Hawk-moth but absolutely nothing else. (John & Val Heys)

I found these Small White shells on the underside of a Sycamore-looking tree's leaf in Wild Park, Brighton. Any idea what they might be? I suspect some kind of a moth. (Istvan Radi)
Colin Knight writes "the eggs on leaf may be shieldbug eggs. I have found similar identified as Hairy Shieldbug eggs (Dolycoris baccarum)" (Ed jnr)

Thursday 27 September

On a walk from Amberley to Chantry Hill, Red Admiral, Peacock, Wall Brown, Large and Small Whites, Common Blue, Small Heath, Small Copper, Speckled Wood, Brimstone and a whizzer by-er which I think was a Small Tortoiseshell. Enjoy seeing other peoples butterfly photos, so am working on taking photos myself, having bought a Lumix TZ90 compact zoom camera this week. The 300 page instruction manual arrived today so it may take some time! (Denise Diston)

These were all seen today at Woods Mill (Philip Booker)

I was really pleased to see my first Humming Bird Hawk moth of year feeding on the white Valerian in the garden at Turners Hill this afternoon .
(Tom Parker)

I already had more excitement on the approach to Mill Hill then in the whole Newhaven area as two Red Admirals and several Wall Browns were visible on the field just before crossing the bridge above the A27. Upon entering the nature reserve 3 Painted Lady were chasing each other and eventually they settled on the Lilacs (I believe they are Lilacs...). Two minutes later a Clouded Yellow flew across in front of me but wouldn't settle for a picture so I kept walking toward the north top end. I found several Wall Browns, Common Blues, Whites, Small Heaths, one tiny butterfly what I think was a Brown Argus but didn't open its wings for long enough, a second Clouded Yellow, Peacocks and more Painted Ladies. Anyone going up to Mill Hill should find the flower patch at the end as you are likely to find quite a few butterflies feeding there. I got to that end just before 3pm and on the small patch of flowers there were 3 Peacocks, 5 Red Admirals, 2 Painted Ladies and a Common Blue all feeding next to each other! Just as I decided to leave a Small Copper landed in front of me what was a perfect end to the day. (Istvan Radi)

This morning my first destination was the Ouse Estuary Nature Reserve in Newhaven where I arrived way to early and had to walk around for over an hour to see my first butterfly of the day. It was a Wall Brown followed by an other two. From here I crossed over to the Tide Mill area to look for Clouded Yellow with some success as two were seen. Also present Common Blue, Small White, Large White, Wall Brown but no Long tails unfortunately. It felt really quiet here with the highlight being a Seven-spot Ladybird still covered by mildew so after a few hours I jumped on a train and visited Mill Hill. (Istvan Radi)

An accident on the A27, caused a 7 mile queue this morning.
Consequently my late arrival at Southwick had given the Clouded Yellows time to warm up In all a definite three, possibly four were seen. I then followed Dave Cook up to Lancing Ring, here, many male Wall Browns were seen, again all very active. The prize however was the discovery of a mating pair of Wall Browns..
(Trevor Rapley)

In West Worthing yesterday afternoon (26/9/18) we saw around 10 Large Whites between Browning Road & West Park School and a Painted Lady in Marlborough Road. In our daughter's back garden in Browning Road there was a Speckled Wood still flying between 5pm & 5.15pm. (John & Val Heys)

Wednesday 26 September

At the bottom of my Bevendean garden feeding on the ivy blossom there was a Red Admiral a Comma and a Speckled Wood in the late afternoon sunshine. (Geoff Stevens)

A last - a Clouded Yellow. We went to Pagham RSPB reserve today and what a wonderful place in the sunshine. In addition to the Clouded Yellow, there were at least 10 Red Admirals, at least 20 Speckled Woods, loads of whites and a supporting cast of Holly Blue and Painted Lady. (Martin Buck)

The final transect at the Gatwick north-west zone today ended with a flourish. The star was a female Clouded Yellow (f.helice). Also contributing to the modest total were 2 Small White, 6 Small Copper, 3 Common Blue, 1 Brown Hairstreak, 2 Speckled Wood and 1 Small Heath (Vince Massimo)

This evening after work I had a look at the roosting butterflies on Mill Hill. I found half a dozen Small Copper and many more Common Blues. There were still one or two Wall Browns about too. (Jonathan Crawford)

I had an absolutely fabulous time at Mill Hill today. A patch of Hemp Agrimony was host to several
Red Admirals, Peacocks and Painted Ladies. All were in superb, fresh condition. Also of note was a flyby, pure white Helice Clouded Yellow, and a good showing of Wall Browns.
I was also shown the now famous Peacock pupae. (Trevor Rapley)

14 species of butterfly identified around Cissbury Ring in glorious sunshine. 79 Small Copper, 38 Common Blue, 24 Wall Brown, 20 Small Heath,19 Speckled Wood, 19 Meadow Brown, 6 Red Admiral, 5 Clouded Yellow, 3 Brimstone, 2 Brown Argus, Peacock, Painted Lady. No Beluga whales or Pogbas. (Lindsay Morris)

Tuesday 25 September

A handful of Clouded Yellows on the Downs today. A lot of Small Coppers at Willingdon. Can someone identify the female blue please? Whites, Small Heath, wall and a Meadow Brown also seen. (Tim Squire)

With the sun shining and for me recently, a rare opportunity to get out I managed a quick Wall Brown count on my regular circuit. This is the first time I've done a 3rd brood count on the circuit, and following a good start near the steps at High and Over where 13 were seen it then became obvious that the bad weather over the weekend has knocked a few of the butterflies back. On Greenway, where I have seen several over the past 2 visits last week, I only saw a single specimen, although it was a very fresh female. A few were also seen along the Comp including a mating pair. Back at High and Over the wind had got up which put pay to any more being seen in that area. In total 30 Wall Brown were seen, 3 of which were females, so lagging a little behind the superb number that Lindsay achieved today. (Bob Eade http://bobsbutterflies.blogspot.co.uk)

The seafront at Lancing today produced scores of Small White, but the next most numerous species was Clouded Yellow. There were 2 males and a helice female just west of Lancing sailing club, a male at Widewater Lagoon and a mating pair on the shoreline shingle nearby. Also at Widewater Lagoon was a male Wall Brown and a Small Copper, with a Common Blue nearby. (Vince Massimo)

At Batemans, Kiplings House this afternoon and nice to see a couple of Commas. Plenty of Small Coppers fighting over the sedum. Plus Large White, Small Whites, Speckled Woods and a Red Admiral. (Martin Buck)

Dukes Mound Butterfly Walk TQ 33104 03443. So many Large Whites and Small Whites, it looked like it had started snowing at one point. Also, 1 Clouded Yellow, 1 Painted Lady and 2 Holly Blues.
Cliff Top TQ 33788 03353. More Large Whites and Small Whites.
Roedean Old 9-Hole Site TQ 34698 03205. 1 Red Admiral, 1 Common Blue (Female), 2 Clouded Yellows, 3 Small Heaths, 4 Small Whites.
Sorry, no photos as it was more of a bike ride than a photography trip. (Graeme Rolf https://www.flickr.com/photos/128321708@N03/albums/72157649396241380)

Our first Clouded Yellow of the year along the Salterns Way footpath between Birdham and Itchenor. (Derek Lee)

Speckled Woods feeding on very well rotted figs in my garden. (Maria Dixon)

Lancing Ring & Steep Down - in the fabulous Autumn sunshine were 12 butterfly species including 52 Wall Brown, Clouded Yellow, 27 Red Admiral, 7 Small Copper, 10 Common Blue, 4 Peacock, Comma, 4 Small Heath, Brown Argus, 25 Speckled Wood. (Lindsay Morris)

I’ve seen 5-6 Clouded Yellow Butterflies feeding on coastal wildflowers today and yesterday on Bexhill Beach. I’ve never seen them here before. (Maria Dixon)

Mill Hill 25th September Part 2.
I’d been keeping an eye on an area at the very North central end of Mill Hill as there’s a very fresh bed of Hemp Agrimony. My previous visits hadn’t revealed much but today was different. With Kirsty in tow we rounded the corner and were confronted by a fantastic display of about 20 very fresh Red Admiral, 8 Peacock and 3 Comma all happily nectaring in the now warm sunshine. Unfortunately for Kirsty she had to drag herself away to get to work on time. I stayed on in the hope I would get all 5 of our over-winterers. This wasn’t to be but Wall Brown and Painted Lady joined the party and a very unexpected, Brown Hairstreak.
I moved down to the bottom slope where I found several fresh Clouded Yellow including a very smart Clouded Yellow Helice.
It looks like this week could produce a late season bonanza for all to enjoy! (David Cook)

Very tatty Painted Lady at Chanctonbury Ring this afternoon along with a Comma and a Speckled Wood. (Pete Varkala)

Tuesday 25th September part 1.
I met up with Kirsty Gibbs first thing this morning as she’d expressed an interest in seeing the 2nd brood Peacock pupae and had failed the day before trying to locate it. Enroute from the car park we encountered several Wall Brown in aerial dog fights, Meadow Brown, Small Copper, Common Blue and Speckled Wood. Having located the pupae and Kirsty getting her ‘fill’ of photos, we made our way back to the top car park meadow where she’d seen Clouded Yellow earlier. None were seen so I suggested alternative area before she had to leave for work. (David Cook)

Seen at Falmer Pond (Philip Booker)

Clouded Yellow at Littlehampton West Beach this morning. (John Ward)

Two Speckled Woods spiralling in my Bevendean garden midday, when the intruder was beaten off the victor settled and
was somewhat the worse for wear. A Comma flew through but did not stop. (Geoff Stevens)

At High and Over this morning many, worn, male Wall Browns were patrolling, but among them was one fresh specimen. Also a single Small Copper, several Speckled Woods, and stunningly fresh, vibrant, female Red Admiral were seen. (Trevor Rapley)

Monday 24 September

With the strong sun & northerly wind I reckon it could have been interesting at Southwick basin, so I hope someone will have been there today. I had too much else to do & stayed in Hove. I did take my lunch in the back garden & was just thinking I'd been rather unlucky - nothing was around - when I saw something dark had landed nearby. At last, I thought, an autumn Red Admiral and then I put on my glasses and saw it was a Speckled Wood, which was just as exciting really. Shortly after the sky above me was full of butterflies, well 2 anyway - a Large White & possibly a Small White spiralling up together. Just before I went in a Small White appeared. Later, from about 3.30pm, I spent 2 hours doing jobs in the garden, but didn't see any more butterflies. I heard part of an interview on Radio 4 this morning about the Butterfly Count where the low numbers of Small Tortoiseshell, Comma, Red Admiral, Gatekeeper & Small Copper were being lamented. I'm not sure the Small Copper is really doing so badly - there seem to have been plenty around after the count finished. (John & Val Heys)

Cissbury Ring was rather good this afternoon in the sunshine hosting over 50 Small Copper, 17 Wall Brown (the most I have ever seen here) and 4 Clouded Yellow. I didn't count the following butterflies, Brown Argus, Common Blue, Red Admiral, Small Tortoiseshell, Speckled Wood, Small White, Large White, Small Heath, Comma and Meadow Brown. (Patrick Moore)

Whilst spending some time watching the insect bonanza around the Ivy covered walls of the Fattengates Courtyard a passing volunteer drew my attention to a 'butterfly of interest'. It was a female Brown Hairstreak, slightly worn of course, she was resting on brambles and then flew up onto the ivy flowers running the gauntlet of Hornets before flying off upwards clear of the wall. Red Admiral, Peacock and Speckled Wood were also present. (Bob North)

more pictures (Istvan Radi)

Making the most of the sunshine I went for a walk to Lullington Heath where I was very pleased to find a very good number of butterflies including plenty of Small Heath, Small Copper (a blue-spotted form as well), a Wall Brown, 5-6 Red Admirals, a few Comma, Chalk Hill Blues, Common Blues, Meadow Browns, a few Large White and Small White. Then in hope of some refreshments and Clouded Yellows I crossed Friston Forest to Birling Gap where I did get my coffee and cake but saw no CYs. Still encountered a few individuals of the above mentioned species and hundreds of hirundines. Also found two caterpillars. One at Lullington and the other one on my way to Eastbourne. This latter one had rather long hair on its top/back. Any guesses would be appreciated. Oh, and I spotted this foamy little ball in the grass. Any idea what it might be? (Istvan Radi)

8 Walls at top of south facing slope in Anchor Bottom. All males and looked to have only recently emerged. (John Gilbert)

Another visit to High and Over this morning produced some Butterfly variety.
The Wall Browns were found in good numbers but were mostly worn, except for one fresh male,
and three more females. It was good to see a fresh Red Admiral, a Comma and a single Common Blue. (Trevor Rapley)

Looking around the Whillets Meadows at Weir Wood today,I found 11 Small Coppers including a mating pair,5 Common Blues,5 Speckled Woods one each of Green- Veined White and Large White,2 Commas,1 Red Admiral and the first site record of a Willow Emerald Damselfly.
(Alastair Gray)

Last year the latest sighting for a Brown Hairstreak was 19th September. Today I saw a female butterfly flying across one of the meadows at Ifield, Crawley and then basking high on a tree (so no photo). Also recorded were 10 Speckled Wood, 2 Small White and a Small Copper. (Vince Massimo)

Each year we often get one or two second and third brood Wall Browns in our garden near Berwick Station. This year there have been a few more than usual - including one today necturing on buddleia. I presume these are wanderers from the large colony at nearby Bo Peep, but it would be nice if they bred more locally. (Chris Bird)
Wall Browns seem to have had a good year. The food plants are listed as Tor-grass (Brachypodium pinnatum), False Brome (B. sylvaticum), Cock's-foot (Dactylis glomerata), bents (Agrostis spp.) Wavy Hair-grass (Deschampsia flexuosa) and Yorkshire-fog (Holcus lanatus). So if you have any of those you may be in luck. (Ed jnr)

After the rain the sun! My grandson joined me on a local (Burgess Hill) dog walk and helped me find Small Copper and Common Blues in abundance :-) (David Cook)

Sunday 23 September

I didn't expect to see any butterflies today, especially with 11C on the thermometer and a strong north wind, but when the sun came out I thought Mill Hill was worth a try. The butterflies were focused in the northern corner which was sheltered from the wind. In a short hour I saw Clouded Yellow (2), Wall Brown (at least four male and female), Common Blue, Meadow Brown, Small Heath, Brown Argus, Small Copper and Small White. (Jonathan Crawford)

When the sun popped out this afternoon I popped out as well into St Leonards Forest, Horsham. I found Common Blue all female, Small Copper, the same slightly damaged Meadow Brown seen on Friday and Speckled Wood. (Patrick Moore)

It was a privilege to take part in Chris Packham's People's Walk for Wildlife in London yesterday (22 September), which started with many inspirational speeches, particularly those from youngsters. https://twitter.com/BellaLack/status/1043591775036891136. For me, Bella Lack (15) was the brightest of many stars. It was great to see such a strong presence of Butterfly Conservation people, including quite a few from BC Sussex. The peaceful march through London, to the loud tune of bird song played by many of the 10,000 participants, ended with more speeches, before a 200-point manifesto for wildlife was presented to Downing Street. Shockingly, the main stream media universally claimed the size of the march to be just 'hundreds'; such inaccurate reporting of numbers (much backtracking overnight) hasn't been seen since the US Presidential inauguration! Even worse, neither the BBC nor ITV bothered to cover the event, which rather highlights the difficulties in raising wider awareness of the plight of British wildlife. This seems like a good opportunity to emphasise the value of all the work done by our own volunteers, as a new work party season begins. I'd also like to thank the immense generosity of all those who bid for lots at the BC 50th Anniversary dinner at Eltham Palace the evening before, where c.£12,000 was raised for the cause. And thank you to every one of our members, all of whom contribute to our work. (Neil Hulme)

Friday 21 September

Butterflies are becoming few and far between in St Leonards Forest, Horsham especially in this afternoons high wind and showers. However I managed to find Speckled Wood, Small Copper, Common Blue, a Large White and a Meadow Brown. (Patrick Moore)

I went for a walk in the morning to Southwick along the canal to look for LTB or at least their eggs but no luck. I did get to see two Clouded Yellow, one Painted Lady and a handful of blues. After that I walked around in Hollingbury Park, Brighton inspecting the nettle in search of Peacock chrysalis as I saw a good number of caterpillars there earlier this year. Again no luck but I saw a very nice Red Admiral enjoying the sunny spells and plenty of Speckled Wood still around. Low quality photo was taken by my phone. (Istvan Radi)

A very windy walk, but mostly sunny, around Lancing Ring & Steep Down. 36 Speckled Wood, 23 Wall Brown, 9 Common Blue, 8 Red Admiral, 6 Small Heath, 5 Comma, 5 Small White, 4 Small Copper, 2 Brown Argus, 2 Peacock. (Lindsay Morris)

As the strong wind this morning was battering the front of my West facing house, I gambled that the East facing hedge at High and Over would offer some protection. And so it proved, with a good showing of male Wall Browns, and the prize I was after, a lovely fresh, third brood female Wall. Also seen, two fresh Brown Argus, two male Common Blues, quite a few Whites, several Speckled Woods and a flyby Painted Lady. (Trevor Rapley)

On Wednesday morning around 11 a.m. walking down Cavell Avenue in Peacehaven, I was surprised to see what looked like a freshly emerged Common Blue male hovering around some low bushes. (Bob Brown)

Thursday 20 September

A slightly hasty lunchtime trip to Mill Hill with Dave Cook - for me to see any butterflies I can as I am slightly starved of them in W Yorks at the moment and for Dave to relocate the Peacock pupae as posted by Neil Hulme on the 16th. We both did OK though, despite being cunningly marked, the pupae took quite a long time to re-find! Anyway, Small White, Comma, Speckled Wood, Meadow Brown, Small Heath, Common Blue, Wall and Red Admiral all had a go at fighting the strong winds during briefly hazy sunshine. Yorkshire butterflies seem less friendly in these conditions........ (Rolf Farrell)

Having given up mid-afternoon on Sussex's failing attempt to beat Warwickshire & gain promotion, we were cheered up by the sight of a Small White in Pembroke Crescent, Hove braving the literal & metaphorical gloom . (John & Val Heys)

seen in my house 4 miles from sussex border, unable to id from the usual uk moth sites so after googling brown and white moth
finally came up with BOX TREE MOTH, a moth slowly spreading out of london where it has colonised and is now regarded as a
pest because of the damage the caterpillars do to box tree shrubs and hedge's, so sussex beware (david long)

Wednesday 19 September

5 years of searching: On Monday 17 September I finally found Small Copper eggs, lots of them! 24 eggs counted on one sorrel plant, 12 eggs on another sorrel plant and 1 egg on another, that is 37 Small Copper eggs all located within a 30cm square! Plus another egg nearby = 38! A friend has pointed out how the eggs look like golf balls, this takes miniature golf to a whole new level, especially as they were found at the edge of Hollingbury Park Golf Course! On my walk I saw 5 adult Small Coppers, including 2 definite females. The photo shows 6 Small Copper eggs, 2 of which have hatched with an additional 2 eggs located out of sight on the underside of the leaf, 8 eggs on a single leaf, a species which is obviously doing very well at the moment! (Jamie Burston https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/470732567/small-copper-butterfly-on-patrol?ref=shop_home_active_4)

Val & I were in Worthing yesterday afternoon & a bit early for our allotted task of collecting the granddaughter from school, so we strolled along the footpath section of Barrington Road near Durrington Station. It's a little urban oasis of green & we were not entirely surprised to come across 2 Speckled Woods. (John & Val Heys)

Tuesday 18 September

Due to the wind instead of going up to Mill Hill I opted for bird-watching at Widewater Lagoon LNR where I found a Painted Lady, a Small White. Then I walked across to the Adur Rec Ground where I saw a beautiful brand new Red Admiral, about two dozens of Speckled Wood and Small White. Also found this little moth and a critter what I believe to be a Meconema meridionale (southern oak bush cricket). (Istvan Radi)

Solitary Clouded Yellow seen nestling in the grass at Southwick Basin on Saturday, before zooming off into the distance. (Alan Beard)

The highlights of a couple of hours on Cissbury Ring (17 September), in glorious autumnal sunshine, were 73 Small Copper (including two mating pairs) and 7 Wall Brown. Plenty of Small Heath and a few third brood Common Blue were also seen, together with some now faded Adonis, including egg-laying females. (Neil Hulme)

Monday 17 September

The penultimate transect of the year at the Gatwick north-west zone today produced 29 butterflies of 8 different species including 3 Brown Hairstreaks. However the highlight of the day was finding 2 male Willow Emerald damselflies. (Vince Massimo)

St Leonards Forest, Horsham played host to Speckled Wood, Brimstone, Small Copper, Common Blue, Small Heath, Small White and a Red Admiral in the warm sunshine this afternoon. (Patrick Moore)

I went for a walk around Seford Head N.R. and Cuckmere Haven and had the most amazing weather for it. The dominant species seemed to be the Small Heath and Small Copper but low numbers of Speckled Wood, Meadow Brown, Chalk Hill Blue, Small White and Large White were present too. Disappointingly I could not find any Clouded Yellow what was my target species for today. I shall try Mill Hill tomorrow... (Istvan Radi)

A walk round Lancing Ring and Steep Down in near perfect warm sunshine turned up the following among the 15 species of butterfly. 28 Wall Brown (in cop included), 13 Small Copper, 7 Adonis Blue, 7 Small Heath, 6 Red Admiral, Painted Lady, 2 Brimstone, 32 Speckled Wood, Brown Hairstreak, 19 Common Blue, 2 Peacock. Apologies to those of you desperate to experience proper autumn weather! I shall continue to make hay... (Lindsay Morris)

sun 16/09/2018. fields behind Friars Oak pub, Hassocks, W.Sx. counted 25x Brown Hairstreak eggs today, nine in field one, this is sixteen in total including last weeks seven. and sixteen in field two, including ten in a very small area which consisted of a blackthorn growing though a bramble bush (TQ 30362 16653). a total of 32x BH eggs have been found, but no adults seen. butterflies seen: 1x Clouded Yellow patrolling all afternoon, 2x Speckled Woods, 1x Large White, 2x Small Coppers, 1x Small Heath and 4x Swallow's overhead. and not forgetting, Sarah picked 2lb 15oz of blackberries. a grand day out. (Peter Farrant)
We like fields behind pubs. I am surprised that there are not more sightings from them. I suppose their proximity to the pub is the answer. (Ed jnr).

After watching a few Wall Brown this morning at High and Over I spotted the marker that I had placed by the Clouded Yellow egg that James and I had seen laid on the 6th September. I thought I might as well have a quick look to see if there were any signs of larva. Amazingly, there was one of the tiniest little larva there. At first I didn't think it was a Clouded Yellow larva until I got home and checked some images on UK Butterflies website of the 1st instar. Hopefully there are several more on the site from the egg laying butterfly we saw. (Bob Eade http://bobsbutterflies.blogspot.co.uk)

An early visit to High and over revealed a very healthy population of third brood Wall Browns. On one occasion eight males could be seen flying and sparring near the steps. And they were found in four locations over hillside, including one male in the car park. A very striking female Common Blue Commanded attention, but unfortunately grass blades were always in the way, creating a shadow across the wings. (Trevor Rapley)

It's been so sunny & warm this morning (& not as breezy as it will be later) that I've been looking out for butterflies in our back garden in Hove. So far only one measly white (probably a Large White). This was such a poor return that I've walked the best bits of Wish park in terms of butterfly potential. Enough nectar sources but not a single butterfly. We did a lot better out of Sussex yesterday at Osterley house where we saw more than a dozen Small Coppers in the formal gardens, a few Speckled Woods & whites and even a Red Admiral. It's years since I've been there. The National trust has done a lot to improve the gardens so well worth a visit when in bloom. (John & Val Heys)

Visited Mill Hill on Saturday with my daughter in the afternoon, weather was warmer than I expected. After a brief chat with Trevor Rapley, my daughter and I met up with David Cook who was accompanied by Neil Hulme, all looking for similar species. My quest was to see a Clouded Yellow and Wall, and I was not disappointed. I was over the moon to capture my first sightings of these to say the least. I shall return in hope of finding more. Also sightings of Small Copper, Painted Ladies, Adonis Blues, Chalk Hill Blues, Common Blues, and Large Whites and Peacock flittering around. (Kirsty Gibbs)

Two Clouded Yellows seen on Sedlescombe allotments. (Jonathan Warner)

Sunday 16 September

I spent the whole afternoon tramping around the Cissbury area which was fantastic once the sun came out and stayed. There were quite a few Small Copper around, I did intend to count them but gave up at 37 or was it 53? There were also Common Blue, Chalkhill Blue, Small Heath, Small White, Large White, Red Admiral, Painted Lady, Peacock and Speckled Wood. A Meadow Brown egg laying was rather interesting to follow. To continue with the list there were also Wall Brown, Comma, Holly Blue and a single Brown Hairstreak. Worth a visit especially when the sun is out. (Patrick Moore)

I could only get up to Cissbury first thing when it was cloudy and windy. Managed to see a few Small Coppers. Later in the afternoon on Mill Hill I found a pair of old "Ranger" 7-15 zoom Binoculars in a place only lepidpoterists would visit. If the owner wants them back please drop an email to web@sussex-butterflies.org.uk. If not I will add them to the raffle at the AGM. (Jonathan Crawford)

My plans to return to Cissbury Ring today (16 September) changed when David Cook contacted me, to let me know that he'd located a second brood Peacock pupa at Mill Hill. David first spotted numerous caterpillars here a while back, and I narrowly missed the opportunity to photograph them on 13 September, when the last one had headed off to pupate earlier in the day. Mark Jones spotted it hanging up below a nettle leaf as he left the site, and today guided David to the precise location over the 'phone. It's hard enough to find Peacock pupae at the best of times, so to locate one from the occasional, partial second brood is a rare event. The adult butterfly should emerge in early October. Plenty of Wall were seen, including some freshly emerged males, and I found a female Brown Hairstreak laying eggs near the top car park. (Neil Hulme)

During our monthly litter-pick at Tidemills this morning I disturbed a Clouded Yellow which quickly flew to another spot to shelter from the wind. The amount of litter collected is much less than previous years which is a good thing. Back home in my garden a few Large and Small Whites flew in, some feeding on Verbena Bonariensis and perennial wallflower Bowles Mauve. A Common Blue, a single Speckled Wood and a Wall butterfly also appeared. I have seen more Walls in the garden than previous years so it seems to be a good year for them. (Stuart Ridley)

Standen, East Grinstead: Small Coppers (Kim Berry)

A male Adonis Blue still in reasonable condition on the path above Horseshoe Plantation at Belle Tout this morning. Also a Clouded Yellow near the Beachy Head Hotel. Elsewhere on the headland, one Comma, good numbers of Small Heaths and a few Meadow Browns and Common Blues. (Simon Linington)

Had a short walk in the meadows Beeding side of the Adur, not expecting much. No A List celebrities but quite a few busy Speckled Woods, several nice Peacocks, a tatty blue and a reasonable showing of Small Coppers. These largely in the shelter of a Blackthorn hedge. Also a lady bird hunkered down in a holly leaf. (Simon Buck)

Today I joined Dave Harris and 8 other people cutting wall cotoneaster on the Northern embankment of the Buckle Bypass, near Seaford. Hard on the ankles as the site is so steep! But we were working in full sun as the embankment is South-facing. Numerous Common Blues - mostly males in pristine condition - flew around us. A Clouded Yellow made a high speed fly past, while Brimstone and Meadow Brown were sighted in the distance. Careful examination of Broad-leaved Everlasting pea in the area failed to show up any long tailed blue eggs. We uncovered this Fox Moth caterpillar which was carefully relocated to a fresh plant of salad burnet outside the work area. (Nigel Symington)

Yesterday we explored the extensive grassland at Petworth Park. There were Small Heath everywhere but we found Small Coppers only in the few areas which had flowers amongst the grassland, and these were few and far between. After lunch we visited North Stoke. It was quite hard to look for butterflies due to the extraordinary numbers and behaviour of four different species of raptor. I suspect a Sheep carcass was behind this festival. There were plenty of whites as well a quite a few Small Coppers, Commas and the odd Common Blue. A fresh Red Admiral was a welcome sight. (Jonathan Crawford)

Saturday 15 September

It was harder going at Mill Hill today (15 September), probably due to the much windier conditions than yesterday. Fewer Wall were seen (14), but my count did include a mating pair. Mating pairs of Meadow Brown and Small Heath were also encountered, together with a few Clouded Yellow and Small Copper. On the way home I made a late afternoon visit to Cissbury Ring (south side) where, in very short time, I counted 67 Small Copper, as many were preparing to roost. I'll return for a fuller count, as numbers must now be very high over the entire site. (Neil Hulme)

Took the bus up to Devil's Dyke for a short walk, ended up walking for five hours it was so glorious up there. Plenty of Small Heath as I walked over to Newtimber hill and a few Small Copper. Very many more butterflies over on Newtimber Hill, lots of pristine Small Copper, and quite a few battered Adonis Blue, lots of Small Heath, and a few Common Blue and Meadow Brown. Other highlights were a fantastic ivy bee nest, the autumn gentian just coming in to flower (sideways photo) and possibly the best blackberry bush in Sussex. (Sylvia Davidson)

The fine weather today did not produce the number of Butterflies one might have expected.
In nearly three hours at Southwick, only one distant Clouded Yellow was seen. But on the plus
side Common Blues did show well at Southwick and Mill Hill. I also found four male Wall Browns,
a Small Copper, and several Brown Argus at Mill Hill.
It was probably the constant cool breeze that kept numbers low.
(Trevor Rapley)

A walk from Lancing Ring via Steep Down to Steyning Rifle Range included 15 species of butterfly. 3 female Brown Hairstreak still looking good was a nice way to finish, and 7 third brood male Wall Brown included one on The Monarch's Way, the rest nearer the start. (Lindsay Morris)

Friday 14 September

I had a very lucky encounter with a Hummingbird Hawk Moth this afternoon, at High and Over.
At least my camera managed to ' freeze ' the body of the moth.
Also four very fresh male Wall Browns braved the breeze and occasional weak sunshine, as did
a fresh Large White. (Trevor Rapley)

Thursday 13 September

Mill Hill was wall-to-wall with Wall Brown by the end of today (13 September), as a large hatch of third brood butterflies is underway. I arrived before 11 am but couldn't drag myself away before 6 pm, although it felt like I'd only been there for a couple of hours. David Cook and Mark Jones dropped in for a while, with Mark doing us proud by finding a mating pair. My final tally of 21 Wall Brown included just four females, so there are probably plenty more to come. They were spread over the entire site, at all levels, including the paths running north from the top car park.
There were plenty of other species on offer, including Clouded Yellow (3), Adonis Blue, Chalk Hill Blue, Common Blue (some third brood), Brown Argus, Small Copper, Small Heath, Meadow Brown (including three mating pairs), Green-veined White (third brood), Small White, Peacock and Red Admiral. I had hoped to photograph the second brood Peacock caterpillars that David Cook recently found here, but they've all headed off to pupate. (Neil Hulme)

A follow up visit to Southwick Basin with Mark Jones this morning produced only 2 Clouded Yellow. A fresh Red Admiral and good numbers of Whites and Common Blue. We decided to head up to Mill Hill in the hope and expectation that the Wall Brown would be putting on a good display. We weren’t wrong. They seemed to be popping up everywhere from the northern end of the middle slope. Neil Hulme joined in the fun and after getting a shout from Mark that he’d got a pairing I headed off to find him whilst Neil went looking for his stick! The female looks to have an extra eye spot so is most likely an aberration. (David Cook)

On a walk from Kithurst meadow to Chantry hill, a few Speckled Woods, large and Small Whites. Lots of Meadow Browns and Small Heaths, a couple of Brown Argus and Small Coppers, 3 chalkhill blues that had seen better days and a Comma (Denise Diston)

At Worthing for most of the day. Plenty of Small Whites & a few Large Whites everywhere. In Clive Avenue near West Park School a Clouded Yellow flying strongly south-east to north-west up and over a bungalow. In a rather shaded garden in Browning Road, a Speckled Wood. As I was pondering the complete lack of Red Admirals, Small Tortoiseshells & Peacocks anywhere we've been over the last few weeks, I did catch a glimpse of something which could have been one of these, or possibly a Comma, but it was too far & too quick for a positive i d. (John & Val Heys)

A walk from Lyons Farm up and around Cissbury Ring in glorious calm sunshine. 15 butterfly species seen including a fabulous 110 Small Copper, 4 Wall Brown, Clouded Yellow, 158 Small Heath, 22 Speckled Wood, 56 Common Blue, 46 Meadow Brown, 3 Brimstone, 7 Adonis Blue, 2 Brown Argus, Comma, Red Admiral, Holly Blue. (Lindsay Morris)

Until today my record for Small Coppers seen in our Broadbridge Heath garden was eight, and that was many years ago.This afternoon we managed to count 17, although there may have been more. They kept moving! They have been attracted to two large areas of Devil's Bit Scabious I have grown in place of a traditional lawn. Apologies for my photos - I am no photographer - but I thought an image or two of this garden habitat might be of interest to anyone looking for an excuse to do less lawn mowing. Also in the garden today there was a female Brown Hairstreak and Comma, plus, in the bird department, a Marsh Tit feeding on Honeysuckle berries, or at least the seeds of these. (David Bridges)

New Coppers
Very pleased to report that at least three pristine Small Coppers were feeding on Devil's-bit Scabious growing on the SWT Waltham Brooks Reserve in between the Sewage Works and the Pedestrian Railway Crossing. One of them was the gorgeous form caeruleopunctata; the first I've seen. Lots of Speckled Woods around too, and the odd Small Heath. (Chris Skinner)

I had something of a Wall Brown extravaganza at High and Over this morning.
On arrival they were performing on the famous steps, and sending one another up.
One battle in the air consisted of five males, again right near the steps.
Assuming that it was third brood Walls that were seen today, many were worn, or tatty.
Only one female was spotted, no photo unfortunately.
Another Butterfly of note was an almost derelict Clouded Yellow, which still managed to fly.
A single, fresh, Small Copper and many Small Heaths were also present. (Trevor Rapley)

Small Copper in lovely condition relaxing in the sun on a drying pumpkin in my garden. King's Stone Avenue side of Steyning. (Simon Buck)

Wednesday 12 September

I managed to find a single Small Copper and single Common Blue in the afternoon rain in St Leonards Forest, Horsham today. (All mobile phone images so they will probably load lopsided) (Patrick Moore)

Tuesday 11 September

I know they're not butterflies, but I thought folk might be interested to see some of the fungi that were recorded on Butterfly Conservation's Rowland Wood and Park Corner Heath reserves, on a recent visit by Sussex Fungus Group. I've written a blog about it here: http://misidentifyingfungi.blogspot.com/2018/09/mychorrhizal-madness.html (Clare Blencowe http://misidentifyingfungi.blogspot.com/2018/09/mychorrhizal-madness.html)

Monday 10 September

A trip to Mill Hill in very breezy but bright conditions produced a very fresh Painted Lady, good numbers of Common Blue and Meadow Brown but the highlight had to be, what for me has been a very rare sighting this year, a Small Tortoiseshell.
In a patch of nettles several Peacock laval webs were seen along with some very large caterpillars. (David Cook)

We stopped off at Southwick Basin this morning at about 10.30am for half an hour. It was bright & sunny but with a quite stiff south westerly wind. We saw 2 Clouded Yellows, at least 5 male & at least 2 female Common Blues, a Large White and around 15 Small Whites & Green-veined Whites. It was nice to see a lot of grasshoppers too as there are plenty of places where you'd expect to see them these days but don't. (John & Val Heys)

sun 09/09/2018 on corner of York Road and Charles Avenue, Victoria Business Park, Burgess Hill, W.Sx. no adult Brown Hairstreaks seen, but counted 25x BH eggs between 11.45am and 1.50pm, a couple of weeks ago counted 16x eggs, total so far 41 BH eggs. oh and Sarah picked 3lb of blackberry's. only butterflies seen were 3x Small Whites. then we had grub at the Friars Oak pub at Hassocks, behind the pub is a field which has masses of fleabane and young willow bushes and blackthorn hedges (TQ 303 165), a couple of years ago I found 2x BH eggs, this time counted 7x BH eggs, five along south facing hedge and three along east facing hedge between 4.00pm and 4.36pm, butterflies seen: 1x Small Heath, 1x Clouded Yellow, 1x Common Blue (m), 2x Speckled Woods and 1x Hornet. (Peter Farrant)

Amongst the13 butterfly species identified, a tatty female Brown Hairstreak was basking at 13.30 in Beeding Hill chalk Pit. A new site for this species for me. A third brood Wall Brown was seen here and another in Anchor Bottom. (Lindsay Morris)

Large numbers of Sm. Heath 1 Common Blue 2 Clouded Yellows and Passenger Moth (Arthur Greenslade)

Sunday 09 September

I spent a few hours this morning (between 10am and noon) chasing Clouded Yellows at Shoreham Harbour (or Southwick Basin or whatever other name it goes by). Probably half a dozen or so males. Mostly patrolling but some did stop on the small Buddleja's at the eastern end. Also present were at least a dozen or so Common Blues (watched a female ovipositing on medick) and all three species of White

I then moved on to Mill Hill where I found more male Clouded Yellow, at least 3, along with more Common Blues and aged looking Adonis. Best spot here tough were two very fresh 3rd gen Walls. There were also good numbers of Meadow Browns, mostly females who were egg laying like it was going out of fashion. Managed to locate one egg after one flew off. (Paul Atkin)

Brown Hairstreak on raspberry plants on our allotment in Haywards Heath at about 12.30. (David Rose)

There were plenty of Clouded Yellows at Southwick Basin this morning but they were too busy to stop for a photograph. I was fascinated to see a tiny white butterfly flying inside a bush. On close inspection it was a midget Green-veined White. It was about the size of a Common Blue. Later at Mill Hill I bumped into a Northerner who had just seen two fresh Wall Browns. Whilst these eluded me, I did see at least four Clouded Yellows though there may have been more. I saw courstship behaviour on the ground and what i think was egg laying. Other species were fairly abundant and included Adonis Blue, Common Blue, Brown Argus and a single Small Copper. I also saw an absolute Methuselah of a female Chalk Hill Blue who was so warped by age that she was virtually unrecognisable and resembled nothing like the pictures in the guide books I poured over on returning home. (Jonathan Crawford)

In the Beachy Head area today (Sunday) - still quite a few Common Blues (especially on Went Hill - west side of Birling Gap), a Brown Argus (Went Hill), two Clouded Yellows (one in Shooters' Bottom and one near the zigzag in the road west-south-west of the hotel), two Meadow Browns (Shooters' Bottom), several Small Coppers, at least one Small White and a small number of Speckled Woods. However, the highlight was a Lesser Emperor Dragonfly found by Geoff G near the road zigzag (above) that stayed a number of minutes before disappearing off. (Simon Linington)

With James finding the first 3rd brood Wall Brown on Thursday at the back of Seaford, I was quite keen to do a bit of a hunt today. The wind didn't really help but 7 Wall Brown seen today, this included the same old 2nd brood individual that has been seen several times over the past week, and then 6 more fresh 3rd brood butterflies. I even had a mating pair.

A nice Hummingbird Hawk-moth was also seen which kept landing on the fence posts for a few seconds. It then landed on a bush long enough to get a few shots of. Many species seen including a very tired Silver-spotted Skipper.
(Bob Eade http://bobsbutterflies.blogspot.co.uk)

This is a date I cannot ignore and is one that makes so much sense to me, so please save the date: 22nd September 2018. Join Chris Packham in central London for The People's Walk for Wildlfie. It's up to us to protect our wildlife and ensure we have a world where all life can flourish. More details to follow soon with exact location of where we will assemble.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WNNbGoxtOxQ (Dan Danahar)

Saturday 08 September

99.9% cloud and an increasing breeze were not ideal conditions to look for butterflies around Cissbury Ring. However, 11 species were seen including 18 Small Copper, 22 Small Heath, 13 Meadow Brown, 8 Common Blue, 9 Speckled Wood, Adonis Blue, Brown Argus, Peacock, Green-veined White. The south west facing compartment was being mown. Complementing the cattle, ponies, scrub bashers and herbicide to hopefully further enhance this extensive and interesting site. (Lindsay Morris)

On Thursday James Arnott and myself spotted a fresh Clouded Yellow at High and Over busy laying eggs. Hopefully these will mature in time to give us all a good end to the year. (Bob Eade http://bobsbutterflies.blogspot.co.uk)

3 Clouded Yellows in the sand dunes at Littlehampton on Thursday but too quick in the sunshine for a photo. 2 Small Coppers egg laying were easier. Also a few Small Whites. (Richard Stephens)

I've been reading about Large Skipper in the wonderful Butterflies Of Sussex 21st century atlas, average flight period extending into August. Had also noted on the Sussex BC website Large Skipper last sighting July 22.
In light of the above, I thought I’d best pass on that I was up on Kithurst Hill watching butterflies on July 25 and saw a lone Large Skipper there. It was one of 23 species I saw.
My apologies for not sending in my sightings for that day. I'm getting to grips with technology now and have just submitted all the sightings from my garden for July and August to the B&Q garden survey! (Denise Diston)
Good stuff Denise and don't worry about getting to grips with technology. I never have, and I've worked in the industry for years. (Ed jnr)

Friday 07 September

About eight Clouded Yellows were seen at Southwick this morning, along with quite a few fresh Common Blue males, and one ' blue ' female. The constant, cool, westerly breeze made things difficult however. (Trevor Rapley)

This Speckled Wood was in my garden this morning, on the edge of Brighton (Philip Booker)

The Downs around Shooters Bottom and Horsehoe Plantation shimmered with Small Heaths at every footstep. Still a male Chalkhill Blue in reasonable condition, modest numbers of Common Blue, a single Small Copper, Large and Small Whites and a few Speckled Woods. (Bob North)

Thursday 06 September

An early morning call from Mark Jones concluded with agreeing to meet at Southwick Basin so he could photograph his 58th species if we found Clouded Yellow. Reading Trevor’s report from earlier in the week and with the weather looking favourable, the odds were good. On arrival, I found 4 on the west side of the steps. Mark arrived and we had to wait quite awhile before he was able to get his shot as the now numerous (12) Clouded Yellow were in no mood to stop. Our patrol also added Small Copper, Large White, Green-veined White, Common Blue and Small Heath by which time we had reached the gas tanks at the eastern end. At this end are some Buddleia bushes. You can imagine our surprise when a ‘little brown job’ plonked herself down on one right in front of us and we jointly exclaimed Brown Hairstreak! She posed briefly before heading on her way.
Anyone who’s visited this site will know, it’s hardly the typical habitat for Brown Hairstreak although there is some Blackthorn present. (David Cook)

Lancing Ring started sunny but deteriorated somewhat. 12 butterfly species including 22 Small Copper, 35 Common Blue, Wall Brown, 7 Holly Blue, 9 Small Heath, 6 Speckled Wood, 5 Brown Argus, Peacock, Red Admiral. (Lindsay Morris)

Despite a collapse in the weather this afternoon (6 September), I still managed to find 36 Small Coppers over just the southern part of Cissbury Ring; I suspect there are now many more present. Amongst the other species seen was another female Brown Hairstreak, this time in surprisingly good condition. (Neil Hulme)

Another amble around my local patch at the back of Seaford revealed a few very aged summer butterflies still clinging on. A single Second Brood Wall Brown plus a very tired Silver Spotted Skipper were seen, plus a smattering of Brown Argus mixed in with some very ragged Common Blues. The enormous number of Small Heath's continues unabated. Adonis Blues were seen far and wide in places I've never seen them before! Thankfully there was signs of some new life arriving to re invigorate the end of the season with a very fresh 'egg laying' Clouded Yellow, followed by a third Brood Small Copper and then a few fresh Common Blues. Surprisingly I only found one each of Comma and Red Admiral. A Hummingbird Hawk Moth caught my eye but vanished the moment I tried to change lenses! I then came across a very nice Angle-shades Moth which I proceeded to take photos of from (yup you guessed it) various angles. Just as I thought I would fail to find my main target for today I finally saw it! A lovely third Brood Wall Brown, quickly followed by a second. With luck these emerging third brood butterflies will manage to avoid the large numbers of Wasp Spiders in the area! (James. A)

Late afternoon walk to Ashcombe Bottom, still lots of Small Heath and Small White, as well as Common Blue, Speckled Wood, Meadow Brown, Red Admiral, Peacock and a solitary very battered Clouded Yellow. (Ian Seccombe)

A visit to High and Over found a male Wall Brown hanging on from the Summer brood.
Also a very fresh female Meadow Brown was very patient for the camera. (Trevor Rapley)

Up to 10 Clouded Yellow up and down, in various states - some fresh males. Small Copper, Meadow Brown, Common Blue, green veined/small/Large Whites as male and female. And a female Brown Hairstreak on the buddleia right next to the sea. Plenty of blackthorn on the bank but no trees. The most southern Brown Hairstreak? Seen with Dave Cook- we saw it at the same time and both let out various 'not to be repeateds'. (Mark Jones)

Wednesday 05 September

An afternoon with Small Copper and Speckled Wood was most enjoyable in St Leonards Forest, Horsham today. There were also rather faded Common Blue, Small White, Small Heath, Green-veined White and Meadow Brown. (Patrick Moore)

A quiet late summer afternoon in Southwater Woods. Autumn is almost here and haws, blackberries and rose-hips are now mature. A fair number of Speckled Woods on the wing and resting on ground and in oaks. I also saw a very battered but still fluttering White Admiral. A group of lovely white micro moths in remnants of honeysuckle. I'm still learning so am guessing Grass Veneer or similar. (Greg Burgess)

Colin Pratt is very keen to get hold any photographs of a heathland Grayling. These would be Grayling from colonies that once existed in West Sussex, such Weavers Down. If you have any old photographs you would like to share with Colin, please drop me a line. (Ed jnr)

Last night I was delighted to find another large and beautiful moth on our balcony, the Red Underwing (Catocala nupta). Other moths seen the past two days: Light Emerald, Small Dusty Wave, Bright-line Brown-eye, Brimstone Moth, Clothes Moth (Monopis species), Square-spot Rustic, Willow Beauty. (Colin Knight http://colinknight.blogspot.co.uk)

Tuesday 04 September

Inspired by the seemingly large 3rd brood Small Copper sightings from around the county, I decided to return to Batchelors Farm for a look. Sure enough, the small colonies that are ever present here are showing really well. One small area in particular I counted at least 20 fresh individuals mixed in with some Common Blue and Small Heath. Several Speckled Wood were also seen and one, now tired looking, Brown Hairstreak appeared to be egg laying but I failed to find any eggs after she departed. (David Cook)

The Red Admiral on my Buddleia leaf has now turned into a pupa and has amazing and intricate patterns on it. A photo does not do it justice!!
(Bob Eade http://bobsbutterflies.blogspot.co.uk)

3 September 2018
An immigrant Clouded Yellow Butterfly was seen flying near the Tollbridge, Old Shoreham in the middle of the day. And another one was seen in the afternoon over Anchor Bottom. Adonis Blues were common over the large expanse of the conservation pastures of Anchor Bottom: I counted 37 (30 males +7 females) in a timed 45 minutes, almost all of them in the central south-facing bank area in the space of 16 minutes. There were many more in the areas I did not visit and Lindsay Morris recorded over one hundred (182) in four hours.

With a different flora to Mill Hill, the Adonis Blues were nectaring on the abundant Rough Hawkbit., noted visiting the diminutive Squinancywort hidden amongst the grasses, attracted to the occasional tall Carline Thistles, once seen on the few Round-headed Rampions, often on the common Small Scabious, seen on occasional Hardheads, one spotted on a Dwarf Thistle, but not seen on the few Devil's Bit Scabious, or the spikes of the orchid Autumn Lady's Tresses. One female Adonis Blue was seen crawling amongst the leaves of Mouse-eared Hawkweed looking for somewhere to drops its eggs (which should on or near Horseshoe Vetch, Hippocrepis comosa, leaves).

There were eight species of butterfly seen on the day with frequent Small Heaths seen all over the Anchor Bottom pastures with occasional Meadow Browns. I spotted a female Common Blue on Everlasting Pea near the Cement Works as well as a Small White, Large Whites and a Red Admiral near Dacre Gardens, Upper Beeding. (Andy Horton http://www.glaucus.org.uk/AnchorBottom.html#2018)

Monday 03 September

A Wall passed through our East Dean garden TV562984 mid-afternoon today...full sunshine. (David Jode)

Third brood Small Copper numbers are increasing nicely in the Seaford area, out of the five I saw 'in the half hour I was looking' only one was showing signs of wear. Hopefully there will be many more to finish of the season in style. (James. A)

Another check at High and Over today resulted in a single Wall Brown, once again, not a fresh 3rd brood!! Still plenty of Adonis Blue on the wing and along the valley a late Silver-spotted Skipper.
On Friday I found a Red Admiral larva on the garage. After it fell off I placed it on foliage in the garden. It was clear it was fully grown and it soon started a half hearted larval web. The next day it had started to turn into a pupa. A further day and it has now become a pupa and looking pretty under a Buddleia leaf. (Bob Eade http://bobsbutterflies.blogspot.co.uk)

A walk round Anchor Bottom and Beeding Hill in still and bright conditions was responsible for 11 butterfly species including 182 Adonis Blue, 139 Small Heath, 38 Common Blue, 3 Small Copper, Clouded Yellow. Finished at the Cement Works with ace snapper Andy Horton, looking for glory, but only finding an Adonis Blue and a Common Blue. Too big, not enough tail... (Lindsay Morris)

Clouded Yellow pale form 'helice' near Rye, E Sussex yesterday in part of wildflower meadow intentionally left uncut for inverts. Also several Meadow Browns and Common Blues still flying. (Ralph Hobbs Hobbs)

This morning I went over to Shoreham harbour, hoping that Clouded Yellows might be on the wing. In all I found three, none of which were fresh, but maybe more will emerge over the coming weeks and take us into late October. As usual the proved tricky to approach in the warmth of the sun. (Trevor Rapley)

Blackthorn is abundant at Knowlands Farm, Barcombe and I have long been hoping that Brown Hairstreak would turn up. Yesterday, Sunday, I spotted a female and watched her as she moved from plant to plant, observably laying, in a west-facing hedge to the south of Knowlands Wood. A lovely conclusion to the season and it brings the total number of butterfly species recorded here to 33. (Nick Lear)

Sunday 02 September

We had the pleasure of meeting Patrick Moore at Steyning Rifle Range this afternoon & chatting about butterflies plus Brighton & Hove Albion's first come back from being 0-2 down since reaching the premier league. We'd arrived a bit later in the afternoon than was desirable. Although it was warm there was not much flying apart from Small Whites, a handful of Common Blues (several males and dark females), a Holly Blue, a Speckled Wood & a pair of Brown Argus (unless dark Common Blue females attempt to mate with each other). While we were searching for Brown Hairstreaks Val spotted a Clouded Yellow & Patrick a very fine spider. Eventually we did track what we thought was a Brown Hairstreak as it popped up here & there, but our only view of it when settled was high up. We got a picture of it but as we don't have a lot of zoom on our camera it's tiny - just below & to the right of the topmost bunch of Sycamore seeds. On the basis that it's (a) the right colour & (b) has darker areas just where they should be, Val & I are satisfied that Patrick can include it in his records as a Brown Hairstreak & we can record that we've seen every British hairstreak species in Sussex in 2018. After Patrick left we came across another Speckled Wood, a few more Small Whites & a Large White. In our garden in Hove it's mostly Small Whites at present plus a nice Comma, last seen on Friday nectaring on clematis berries. (John & Val Heys)

Today (2 September) I spent a few more happy hours on Cissbury Ring, which is probably my favourite venue at this time of year. I never got any further than the SW and S compartments below the ramparts and didn't perform any accurate counts, but I certainly saw in excess of 20 of both Small Copper and Adonis Blue. I also saw large numbers of Small Heath, plenty of Meadow Brown (including two mating pairs) and a bonus Brown Hairstreak. (Neil Hulme)

Today I visited a few sights in the Adur Gap area. First was Anchor Bottom mainly for the Autumn Lady's-Tresses which I've never seen before. Also of note were plenty of Adonis Blue as well as a Small Tortoiseshell amongst others. I then had lunch at Mill Hill where of note, a Silver-spotted Skipper appeared.
I then headed to Steyning Rifle Range where I bumped into Val and John Heys and we looked for Brown Hairstreak, probably rather too late in the day. We may have seen one but definitely spotted a Clouded Yellow. (Patrick Moore)

Began my day at the bottom of Anchor Bottom at 10 am looking for Adonis Blue. Walked up the north facing slope and found first Meadow Brown and then Small Heath, then moved over to southern side and immediately found abundant Adonis Blue, plus hundreds of the orchid Autumn Lady's Tresses. I sat and watched for quite a while and the Adonis Blue really like the orchids, but not enough to stay for a good photo - for once I wanted a photo of an Adonis on something beautiful and not cow pat!

Moved on to Steyning Rifle range after lunch and spotted five female Brown Hairstreak, one of which just landed on the grass next to me when I decided to have a rest. (Sylvia Davidson)
Try going earlier in the morning when the Adonis are waking up, or towards sunset when they are getting ready to roost. Much easier to photograph them then. (Ed jnr)

A bright and sunny afternoon in Seaford today and not vast numbers of butterflies in the garden but some nice ones. Several of both Large and Small Whites, 2 each of Small Copper and Common Blue, and 1 each of Painted Lady, Small Heath and the best one, a pristine Clouded Yellow. (Stuart Ridley)

I've been trying to find Brown Hairstreaks at Weir Wood Reservoir for the last few weeks,there's plenty of good habitat but I don't think there's been any recorded for several years.Then at last late morning I spotted a female coming down low in the meadows at the western end of the reservoir,watched for 15mins egg laying on young Blackthorn be for she made her way back higher up in the hedge.we now know that theres some around so hopefully we can manage the site better for them leaving plenty of young Blackthorn. (Alastair Gray)

I have always had a soft spot for Small Coppers so today I decided to see as many as possible. I think the best habitat in Sussex for these butterflies is Friston Gallops. Arriving just before 10am, there were plenty of Small Coppers to be seen. As the day warmed up they became more elusive. My total count was 41. There was a gap of 35 minutes between the 39th and the 40th Small Copper. The mixture of desperation, determination and hope that motivated my search may be familiar to other lepedopterists. In truth, I was disappointed by the tally. The southern part of the gallops has been cut and cleared and so was devoid of butterflies. This area is more sheltered than the northern end and in the past has had the greater concentration of Small Coppers. If you want to visit the site, the diagonal path across the gallops is the most fruitful place to begin your search.
(Jonathan Crawford)

A couple of Brown Hairstreaks in my garden yesterday. Seemed interested in the plum tree. Might be of interest. King's Stone Avenue side of Steyning (Simon Buck)
Thanks Simon, Brown Hairstreaks are always of interest. (Ed jnr)

Yesterday, while seeking signs of Long - Tailed Blue in a large valley meadow full of flowering Broad Leaved Everlasting Pea (without success) a fresh Small Blue was seen sunbathing in the warmest corner. (Sue Cross and Dave Harris, )

Saturday 01 September

I went on a bird walk to Beachy Head today but the butterflies were perhaps better than the birds. Saw a Clouded Yellow, Adonis Blue and Brown Argus. (Tim Squire)

I visited Cissbury Ring today hoping to see third brood Small Coppers. I did see a few in the ditch below the south-eastern rampart but they were very skittish in the bright sunshine. I also saw a Brown Hairstreak, the first time I have ever seen one on Cissbury Ring. (John Williams)

Spent an enjoyable hour in and aound the Lancing Ring area - our first visit. The views were excellent. There were plenty of Speckled Woods, a handful of Holly Blues, Common Blues, Small Heaths, Large Whites, a Meadow Brown, Red Admiral and this moth whose name escapes me. I am sure someone knows... (Martin Buck)

On the Downs between Lancing and Worthing (but didn't reach Cissbury!) I identified 16 butterfly species. Very glad to find 13 male Adonis Blue on Steep Down along with 4 Chalk Hill Blue. Also 104 Small Heath, 13 Small Copper, 24 Holly Blue, 29 Speckled Wood. Possibly a Fire Bug next to the A27 at Sompting. Tentatively so! (Lindsay Morris)

I am most grateful to Kirsty Gibbs, Harry Mole and David Cook for checking on the Liz Williams Butterfly Haven at Dorothy Stringer School, during August, whilst I was out of the country. Having had a first brood of Adonis Blue earlier in the year I was keen to see if this led to a summer brood on the site. So I was delighted to hear via the 'Butterflies of the Biosphere' Facebook page that this was indeed the case. Of course as soon as I returned home I felt the need to check the site for myself.

I went to the Surrenden Campus on Friday 31st August and within minutes of visiting the Liz Williams site, I discovered a male and two ovipositing females Adonis Blues. With conditions as good as they were I was not surprised by this discovery. Curiosity then got the better of me and so I visited the Butterfly Haven, created in the winter of 2015-16, at the west facing end of Dorothy Stringer School's newly developed artificial turf pitch (ATP). This site has already been colonised by the Small Blue and so I was immensely pleased to discover yet again another male and two ovipositing female Adonis Blues.

In two years we have attracted two BAP butterfly species, on this newly created habitat. This is a remarkable result, even though we have had favourable weather conditions.

I then visited the Varndean Butterfly Haven but no butterflies were seen at all, as this site was exposed to the wind, being high up on the campus. Its also true that this is a small site, with only limited amounts of Horseshoe Vetch, which is not true of the other two sites which have the colonies of Adonis Blue. Either way, quite an achievement considering we started with just an amenity/municipal playing field. I guess the test is, will we see them next year? (Dan Danahar)

Another lovely circular walk from Berwick village via The Comp south of Afriston. Plenty of Adonis Blues, male and female, on the bank just north of the Long Burgh and also on the Green Way track down to Blackstone Bottom. They were mainly nectaring on scabious and the beautiful, if subtle, carline thistle flowers. Also seen were Small Coppers, Brown Argus, Small Heath, a few Chalk Hill Blues and Common Blues. Welcome refreshment at The Cricketers pub in Berwick village too! (Tessa Pawsey)

Just seen a Small Heath on The Drove in Brighton. It was powering up the centre of the road, veered off for a stop in a front garden, then set off again very fast towards Hove. Never seen a Small Heath here before, do they travel far to new territories? This one appeared to be on an urgent mission. (Sylvia Davidson)

Sadly this is more a record of non sightings than sightings. We visited the ride in Abbots Wood that goes 90 degrees from the road going towards the Old Oak pub. We parked in the muddy bumpy lay-by and walked through the wood to the ride. At this time of the year this open wide ride is covered in scabious and other flowers and this time last year, was buzzing with crowds of all the nettle feeders. This morning, as I am yet to see a Small Tortoiseshell this year, we thought we would go and find them. We saw 3 Large Whites and 3 Small Whites and that was it. Not another butterfly to be found. Hundreds of bees, hornets and dragonflies but no butterflies. (Kerry Baldwin)

1st September 2018 - unfolding parasol in garden, giant convolvulus hawkmoth - agrius convolvuli dropped out. Photos taken and identified as above. We have a large garden backed by trees (T.Morrell)
There are just not enough photos of giant moths in the world, so we would love it if you could share yours with us. (Ed jnr)

In the weak sunshine with clouds I visited the lower slopes of Mill Hill where there was over forty Adonis Blue Butterflies with about one third females, frequent Small Heaths and frequent Meadow Browns, a few, mostly worn, Chalkhill Blues, occasional Common Blues, a few Large Whites, one Green-veined White, one Clouded Yellow, occasional 7+ Treble-bar Moths, and frequent, faded to brown, pyralid micro-moths Pyrausta purpuralis. Three mating pairs of blue butterflies were observed. Two pairs were definitely Adonis Blues and probably the first pair as well. Most of the male Adonis Blues were worn and many were tattered and some had lost their blue sheen. The scattered Bird's Foot Trefoil was almost the only flower visited by the Adonis Blues. A spike of Autumn Lady's Tresses was spotted on the lower slopes.
(Andy Horton http://www.glaucus.org.uk/MillHill2018.html)

Friday 31 August

Yesterday morning I visited Cissbury Ring after reading Neil's report. In the southern compartment I saw 8 Adonis, but none in the eastern compartment, though my walk was a stroll through the areas rather than a thorough count. There were many Small Heaths and Brown Argus, a very worn Painted Lady on buddleia, Meadow Browns, Whites, Speckled Woods, Small Coppers, Common Blue, Silver Y, Common Grass-veneers. There were 3 ponies doing an excellent job of mowing the lawn for the benefit of the butterflies. (Colin Knight http://www.seapic.com)

Today I walked the Cissbury Ring area and managed to see 16 Butterfly species and also bump into Neil Hulme carefully counting his coppers! Seen were Small White, Small Heath, Meadow Brown, Green-veined White, Red Admiral, Large White, Small Copper, Brimstone, Brown Hairstreak, Common Blue, Chalk Hill Blue, Adonis Blue, Peacock, Brown Argus, Speckled Wood and a Comma. (Patrick Moore)

I spent a very enjoyable afternoon (31 August) with Patrick Moore on Cissbury Ring, chasing Small Coppers and Adonis Blues in the warm sunshine. As expected, we saw Adonis Blue in both the south and east quarters of the site, but the presence of at least one in both the north and west quarters came as a nice surprise and is testament to the excellent management by the National Trust over the last couple of years. Third brood Small Coppers are only just starting here, so I expect the 23 I saw today to be no more than a taste of things to come. By far the most numerous species was Small Heath, which I didn't even attempt to count. This is a fantastic site to visit at this time of year, with plenty of migrant bird interest, including Spotted Flycatcher and Common Redstart. (Neil Hulme)

New to my garden! (Emma-Louise Jones)
A lovel Comma which will be looking to stock up before its winter hibernation. (Ed jnr)

There was intermittent sunshine for my walk around Newtimber Hill, but this didn't seem to bother the numerous Small Heath, with many many pairs of them circling madly around the path. Also saw Brown Argus, Meadow Brown, whites (small and large), a couple of Common Blue and a Red Admiral. Had fantastic views of a kestrel hunting below me. (Sylvia Davidson)

I thought that as today is the end of meteorological Summer, It would be appropriate to spend the day with the last of the Summer Butterfly species to emerge. So it was off to Sreyning Rifle Range for the Brown Hairstreak. In all three were seen. As is often the case this site does seem to attract more than it's fair share of cloud, which probably kept numbers down this morning. (Trevor Rapley)

I checked our balcony around 11pm and was amazed to find a large moth (6x4.5cm) settled into a corner near the light. I saw a small patch of blue and hurried to the computer with photos. I soon identified it as a Clifden Nonpareil (Catocala fraxini) aka Blue Underwing. This rare and beautiful immigrant moth is the one I have long wondered about due to its fame and being Victorian collector's classic target. We now know what all the fuss was about! Also seen: Silver Y, Setaceous Hebrew Character, Square-spot Rustic, Double-striped Pug, Lime-speck Pug. (Colin Knight http://www.seapic.com)

Because of my relative failure of my photography the previous day, I visited the top plateau of Mill Hill and I spent well over an hour there in the early afternoon, mostly because I had difficulty in finding the spikes of Autumn Lady's Tresses (an orchid). When the sun was out from behind the clouds, so were the butterflies and many more than expected. An estimated 40 Adonis Blues, including a count of 16 females, were everywhere on the one acre upper plateau but were only active when it was sunny. They were exceeded in number by an estimated 50+ Small Heaths, joined by a dozen Meadow Browns, a few Small Whites and at least two Common Blues. Nectar flowers were well spaced out and the Adonis Blues were seen visiting Bird's Foot Trefoil, Rough Hawkbit, Hardheads and Carline Thistle as expected, as well as Squinancywort, Eyebright, and the rarely visited Hoary Plantain and Round-headed Rampion. The first flowers of Autumn Gentian appeared. Two micro-moths were frequently seen: the Common Grass-veneer, Agriphila tristella (probably) or Agriphila selasella, and the pyralid Pyrausta despicata. Grasshoppers were frequently disturbed, most of them identified as green specimens of the Meadow Grasshopper, Chorthippus parallelus. (Andy Horton http://www.glaucus.org.uk/MillHill2018.html)

Thursday 30 August

This morning (30 August) I returned to Cissbury Ring, primarily to assess Adonis Blue numbers. I found a few more than last time (28), but a higher proportion were females, some of which were probably overlooked during my previous visit (28 August). I was also looking for Small Coppers, but soon became distracted by the abundance of Small Heath, so started counting them; I decided to stop at 150. This easily overlooked species is clearly having a bumper year and I don't recall the last time I saw so many. Best was a bundle of six males in pursuit of a female.
I later moved on to Steyning Rifle Range, where I saw ten female Brown Hairstreak between 11.50 am and 1.30 pm. (Neil Hulme)

A walk to Cissbury from Lyons Farm in calm and bright conditions turned up 14 butterfly species including 185 Small Heath, 92 Meadow Brown, 33 Common Blue, 21 Adonis Blue, 17 Small Copper, 12 Brown Argus, 4 Chalk Hill Blue, 2 Painted Lady. (Lindsay Morris)

At Anchor Bottom today the grass was bejewelled with Adonis Blues soaking up the hazy sunshine and feasting on delicious cow dung. Mmmm. I also came across a Small Heath apparently perched on a scabious flower with wings open, but actually being devoured by a crab spider (Xysticus). The spider didn't like being watched, dropped out of the flower and dragged her prize out of sight. (John Woodward)

I have over-lapping broods of Small Copper in the garden, with fresh ones emerging on the 28th. Otherwise there is still quite a nice selection to be seen, including a very faded Comma (which I mention, as I haven't seen one for many weeks). A garden-first when I spotted a white spider (I cannot remember its proper name) hanging on to and murdering a moth! (Martin Kalaher)

The day started with a female Brown Hairstreak in my Crawley garden at 11.30. Later 5 more were seen on the transect at the Gatwick North-west zone, together with a smart Painted Lady. The long meadow alongside the River Mole has now been cut, but all the nectar sources here had dried up weeks ago. (Vince Massimo)

BHS walk 26th August 2018 Steyning Rifle Range

By a miracle the weather on Saturday was perfect for Brown Hairstreak activity being still and warm, temperatures reached 17.

The day started with a temperature of 8 degrees and felt very Autumnal. At the meeting point at 9.30 there were four of us, but by the time I gave a briefing at 10.00 there were over 30 enthusiasts had arrived, and later other people joined us, swelling numbers to around 40. I had a good omen spotting a newly emerged splendid Comma at about 8.30 which we all filed past .There were plenty of smart Speckled Woods on the track on the way up to the rifle range.

I was convinced that female Brown Hairstreaks would be seen soon after 11.00. Indeed a chap who had travelled the furthest (from Southend) spotted a female sunbathing on a bunch of Ash trees which must have been 60 feet away only really clearly seen with binoculars.

A short while later a female came down to short Blackthorn at the front of the fenced reserve, giving excellent views, spiralling and descending down Black Thorn stems and then egg laying. Indeed several eggs were also discovered during the visit. Possibly 10 - 12 Female Brown Hairstreaks over several hours.

Unlike previous years outings, several Brown Hairstreaks were content with just sunbathing for quite long periods, providing open winged shots for anyone with a camera phone, let alone a camera. I suspect this was due to the lack of warmth the previous day and the need to aid maturation of eggs and continued egg laying. I had mentioned earlier that observing Brown Hairstreaks was hit and miss as they are elusive and distributed in small colonies in suitable Blackthorn and Bullace habitats.

Due the excellent management of cyclical cutting of Blackthorn, to provide prime egg laying shoots, the reserve mangedby the Steyning Downland Scheme volunteers at the Rifle range remains an excellent site to see Brown Hairstreak butterflies in warm still conditions after the golden hour of 11.00 a.m. This site can be visited on any suitable day during the flight season.

It was great to meet so many enthusiastic people an the day which was good fun. The visit was a great success. Of course this was due to the liberal appearance of female Brown Hairstreaks and the unusual patience they showed to inquisitive humans.
(Richard Roebuck)

For a change of scene, I went over to Burgess Hill for a Brown Hairstreak hunt. Life would have been easier and simpler if I had not met so many fresh Small Coppers whilst searching for Hairstreaks. Two female BH were found, one high up in an Ash, and another which flew into a bush right beside me. One Small Copper should qualify me for membership of the blue badge club. (Trevor Rapley)

On my walk over Blackcap this morning I noticed dozens of Small Heath. Other species seen were Common Blue, Meadow Brown, Small White, Small Copper, Speckled Wood and a solitary Painted Lady. (Ian Seccombe)

Wednesday 29 August

As the skies cleared today (29 August) I headed to Steyning Rifle Range, confident that the Brown Hairstreaks would be doing their stuff. I arrived at 12.30 pm and immediately found one sunbathing on a Blackthorn sucker. As the temperature rose the action came thick and fast; at one point I was watching two females when I looked down to see a third sitting on my boot! I saw 12 individuals before the cloud cover returned just before 2 pm. Several freshly emerged Commas were feeding greedily on ripe blackberries, which for me marks the onset of autumn. I'm hoping that there'll be plenty of Small Coppers to come, and a good third brood of Wall, but I think this wonderful butterfly summer has reached its end. I then headed to Anchor Bottom, where many Adonis Blues were doing their best to get airborne. After the epic first brood here, numbers are a little disappointing, almost certainly due to droughting of the foodplant. However, the Autumn Lady's-tresses were far from disappointing, with thousands on show. (Neil Hulme)

Two very tatty 2nd brood Wall Brown were just hanging on at High and Over. Adonis Blue have had one of their best years in recent years at this site with many females now being seen looking for egg laying sites and nectaring on the Devil's-bit Scabious. Small Heath are everywhere and a few Chalk Hill Blues are still just hanging on. A newly emerged Small Copper was also seen along Cradle Valley, still with partly folded wings. (Bob Eade http://bobsbutterflies.blogspot.co.uk)

Yesterday (28 August) I visited Cissbury Ring, to see if the autumn brood of Small Copper had started to emerge; it had, with a total of six seen, but I'm optimistic that numbers will increase greatly over the next few weeks. However, the best result was the surprise sighting of so many Adonis Blue, a species which has really struggled for survival here in recent times. The National Trust (NT) has been grazing the site with ponies for a few years now, and the benefits are clearly beginning to show. I found 19 Adonis Blue in the southern compartment at TQ137076. Even better, I found a further five (including a mating pair and an ab. krodeli) in the eastern coombe at TQ142079, above the rifle range. We identified this area as having having high potential at a meeting with NT and Natural England in 2017, and the clearance work and grazing with cattle has brought about a rapid improvement in the habitat. There is much more to do, but things are clearly moving in the right direction. (Neil Hulme)

Tuesday 28 August

Visited the site around lunchtime today with my daughter, and the weather looking propitious hoping to see Brown Hairstreaks. A gentleman almost hiding in the blackthorn told us he hadn’t seen any, so waited around half an hour and our first of the day was spotted. A tatty female but a BH none the less. Also joined us was a man that had driven quite some way to see them and after we had seen our 3rd BH both gentlemen left very happy. But my daughter and I stayed on for another hour or so and I was very lucky to spot another 4. So 7 in total. We left very happy to have found so many in such a short time. (Kirsty Gibbs)

A trip to Steyning downland late this morning was fruitless until the sun showed for more than a few minutes at 1pm, when 3 female Brown Hairstreaks appeared for an audience of four. One gentleman had driven for 3 hours for the show. Also seen were Blood-vein and Dark Strawberry Tortix moths. Visitors to our balcony last night included The Uncertain, Silver Y, Small Dusty Wave, Elbow-stripe Grass-veneer and the tiny Poplar Bent-wing. (Colin Knight http://www.seapic.com)

A sunny visit to St Leonards Forest, Horsham this afternoon enabled 11 species of butterfly to be seen. Speckled Wood were all over the place and quite a few Common Blue and Brown Argus near the Dragon Seat. Other sightings included Large White, Small White, Green-veined White as well as Small Heath, Holly Blue, Meadow Brown, Small Copper and a Red Admiral. (Patrick Moore)

Sat 25/08/2018 Victoria Business Park, Burgess Hill, W.Sx. I forgot to mention in my last report that Sarah picked 3lb 11ozs of black berry's. a grand day out. (Peter Farrant )
I am glad you remembered.(Ed jnr)

Sat 25/08/2018. Victoria Business Park, Burgess Hill, W.Sx. between 11.20am and 1.44pm counted 16x BH eggs including two pairs (eggs laid side by side) and one small blackthorn had four on it. As it was mostly cloudy with a few sunny spells it took awhile for the adults to get going, but at 1.50pm a female seen high in blackthorn doing her stuff, then right in front of me at 1.54pm another female low down at waist height and in lovely condition settling in blackthorn but I lost sight of them, but I managed to take two not very good photos. the third was seen at 2.18pm flying and settling in blackthorn in egg laying mode, but I couldn't find egg. but got a photo of her at rest. the mound area at far right of photo is getting rather difficult to access because of the encroaching brambles. other butterflies seen: 1x Large White, 1x Speckled Wood, 3x Small White and 1x Comma. (Peter Farrant)

A search of Lancing Ring in calm and increasingly sunny conditions found 12 species of butterfly including 4 Brown Hairstreak, 11 Small Copper, 38 Holly Blue, 11 Small Heath, 11 Common Blue, 20 Speckled Wood. (Lindsay Morris)

Preston Park Rock Garden. A quick walk round this morning yielded 4 Small Whites (and a large terrapin!). (Graeme Rolf https://www.flickr.com/photos/128321708@N03/albums/72157649396241380)

Sunday 26 August

Spent an hour late afternoon up at Anchor Bottom yesterday with my daughter, and we were pleasantly surprised by the amount of Adonis Blue butterflies there were. A really beautiful sight of males and females scattering through the grass. A lovely sight to see and no need for tracking them down. Simply Stunning! (Kirsty Gibbs)

My garden butterfly season is rapidly coming to a close but in the past couple of days there have been 11 butterfly species, including a female Brown Hairstreak yesterday. I didn't actually see it nectaring on Buddleia but it came from a clump of Buddleia located close to the house. In flight it looked interesting, so I pursued it to a perch on Portuguese Laurel, raced off for my camera and then couldn't re-locate it. Fortunately it hadn't gone far and rested on Spindle for a while (albeit around 8 feet away). Species and numbers for the past week as follows: Large White (5), Small White (4), Brown Hairstreak (1f), Small Copper (4), Brown Argus (4), Common Blue (5), Holly Blue (2), Red Admiral (5), Speckled Wood (2), Meadow Brown (4) and Small Heath (4). (Martin Kalaher)

Saturday 25 August

I visited Furnace Meadow at Ebernoe Common hoping to see 3rd brood Small Copper (which I have seen there in previous years). But none were to be seen today, just some Small Heath and a few faded Meadow Brown and Common Blue. I switched to foraging mode instead and picked enough Sloes for a bottle of Sloe Gin! (John Williams)

A walk up to Ashcombe Bottom this morning, Common Blue, Chalk Hill Blue and Wall on the way up and in Ashcombe itself Comma, Red Admiral, Small White, Large White, Speckled Wood, Small Heath and a surprise Clouded Yellow, first I've seen this year bringing my total Sussex species count to 46. (Ian Seccombe)

On a spontaneous visit to Steyning rile range I spent a lovely day in the company of Neil Hulme and his Young son Jacob, who showed that he is following in his fathers footsteps by directing a visitor a Brown Hairstreak that he'd found. Having already seen two Brown Hairstreaks before Neil arrived we went on to find a total of 9. Lot's of Brown Hairstreaks about for anyone hoping to visit Steyning in the coming days. (James A)

Delighted to see the beautiful Brown Hairstreak for the first time. Many thanks to our informative guide, Richard Roebuck for leading the group. A bright and warm day with barely a breeze brought the butterflies down from the Ash trees then posed contentedly for photos. (Maria Dixon )

Congratulations to Richard Roebuck on the success of his Brown Hairstreak walk at Steyning Downland Scheme today (25 August). I turned up towards the end of the event with my three-year-old son, Jacob, and it was obvious from the many happy faces that the group had done well. People were hanging around chatting, even though there were hairstreaks still posing in the Blackthorn; a sure sign that everyone had had their fill. We headed up to the northern flank where we joined James Arnott in tracking down plenty more, seeing nine here alone. At one point, while James and I were photographing a hairstreak, we noticed that Jacob was now talking to someone about 30 metres away. I was delighted to discover that my boy had found his own Brown Hairstreak and had pointed it out to the grateful hairstreak-hunter! By the time we had dropped in on another local site, the total number of female Brown Hairstreaks seen over the Steyning Downland Scheme area, on both the guided walk and by ourselves, had risen to about seventeen. A few were still in good condition and there will be plenty more opportunities to see this species over the next couple of weeks. (Neil Hulme)

I went on the Steyning event today to see my first ever Brown Hairstreaks. When I got home I nearly fainted when I saw one briefly in the garden and just managed to get a picture on my mobile. (Ian White)

This Marbled White caught me by surprise this morning in Burgess Hill and I only had my iPhone to record this very late sighting. (David Cook)

Friday 24 August

A quick visit To St Leonards Forest, Horsham this afternoon, before the rain happened, was worth it for the Speckled Wood and Brown Argus. There were also Small Copper, Common Blue, Meadow Brown, Small Heath and rather surprisingly, several Gatekeeper. (Patrick Moore)

Very close to my home is a very narrow country lane, Coldthorn Lane, Hailsham.
Despite being so close I had never explored the area for Butterflies.
Today I decided to take a look. In all I found two Small Coppers, a single Small Heath,
many flighty Speckled Woods, and some worn, male Common Blues. (Trevor Rapley)

Pretty quiet at Lancing Ring this morning with only 11 butterfly species seen. Not much sun and cooler than of late. Only Small Copper, Common Blue and Speckled Wood managed to reach double figures. I drew a blank with Brown Hairstreak (after just one yesterday). (Lindsay Morris)

Thursday 23 August

(continuation of previous report) (Colin Knight)

During a walk round Rewell Woods this afternoon I saw Speckled Woods, Holly Blues nectaring on hemp agrimony, Common Blues, Brown Argus, Large Whites and mating Small Heaths. A Juniper Shieldbug hitched a ride home. On 11 August I saw a Drab Looper in Rewell Wood.
Our balcony has received many moths during August including Silver Y, The Uncertain, Common Plume, Elbow-stripe Grass-veneers, Heart and Dart, Marbled Beuaty, Small Fan-footed Wave, Light Brown Apple Moth, Dingy Dowd, Twenty-plume Moth, Twin-spot Honey (Aphomia zelleri), Marbled Green, Cloaked Minor, Beautiful Plume, Clouded Border, Bright-line Brown-eye, Starry Pearl (Cynaeda dentalis) on 8 August - a rarity in West Sussex, Cloaked Minor, Skin Moth, Dark-Sword-grass (Agrotis ipsilon), Setaceous Hebrew Character, Cypress Pug (Eupithecia phoeniceata), Small Fan-footed Wave. (Colin Knight)

If you like Speckled Wood then St Leonards Forest, Horsham was the place for you this afternoon. They were in most sunny and dappled clearings. There were also Common Blue, Brown Argus, one Green-veined White and several Meadow Brown. (Patrick Moore)

Excited to see a brown hairsteak in my small Storrington garden this afternoon. Moved here 2 ½ years ago, knew they were in the area, so optimistically planted 3 puny blackthorn whips in November 2016. Was suprised to find 3 eggs last winter, and even more surprised to actually see the butterfly crawling about amongst the now 6ft high and growing well blackthorns this afternoon. It also nectared on nearby verbena and I managed to get this rubbish photo of it on my mobile while it rested in purple loosestrife. It's roughly in the middle, but you may need to zoom in to see it!
(Denise Diston )

Wednesday 22 August

Off we trotted on the transect walk at PCH/Rowland Wood today, where the sun was sulking but 3 pairs of eyes between us instilled a little surge of optimism. It was quiet and peaceful, and the butterflies were also taking easy, occasionally rising lazily from their roosts ahead of us to ensure we did not feel entirely alone.
Consequently, we saw 4 Small Pearl-bordered Fritillaries (second brood), 13 Common Blue, 15 Small Heath, 3 Speckled Wood, 1 Holly Blue plus 1 Silver Y moth and 1 Light Emerald moth. We enjoyed spotting all the wildlife in the reserve, including a slow-worm and a small grass snake, a couple of hornets, a shieldbug of some kind (ID help please?) sporting a fetching peach outfit, and a garish yellow crab spider (we didn't pander to him for long). Please forgive us if any of the ID is incorrect.
P.S. We said hello to the lost property at the gate (small rubber whale?)
Rosie, James & Andrea (Andrea Gibbs)

An 8 mile circuit south from Berwick village held a delight of butterflies despite, or maybe because of, warm grey weather.
A little north east facing bank at TQ512036 had horseshoe vetch and adonis and Wall Brown among others. The Comp had what I have come to think of as Bob Eades' Wall Browns and the little path from The Comp down to Blackstone Bottom at TQ490026 seemed full of Adonis Blues, both male and female, which often stayed still with wings open allowing really good views with our Papillio binoculars. (Tessa pawsey)
I think of all Wall Browns as Bob's too, just as I think of the White Letter Hairstreak as Jamie's and the Dukes and Pearls as the personal property of Neil. That's because they are great species champions. (Ed jnr)

During a visit to Kithurst meadow yesterday afternoon I enjoyed the sight of many of our summer butterflies fluttering around: Brown Argus, Common Blue, Small Heath, Large and Small Whites, Silver-washed Fritillary, Holly Blue, Comma, Speckled Wood plus a Migrant Hawker.and a Ruddy Darter. (Colin Knight)

The transect at the Gatwick north-west zone today was carried out in warm, but cloudy conditions. The highlights were a Small Copper, a Silver-washed Fritillary a Brown Hairstreak egg and a lovely micro moth which I assume to be Oncocera semirubella (Vince Massimo)

we saw these butterflies in Southerham nature reserve, Lewes. Large Skipper, Speckled Wood, Red Admiral, Comma, Common Blue, Small Blue, Small Heath, Holly Blue, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Large White, Small White and Green-veined White. (alexander and suzy (my mum))
Thank you for you sightings Alexander, keep sending them in. The Large Skipper is in fact a Silver Spotted Skipper which is much rarer and more exciting. You can find more of them on Malling Down over the hill from Southerham where you might also find Brown Argus and Adonis Blues. (Ed jnr)

Tuesday 21 August

In the garden in Bexleyheath Kent (Donna Hoadley)
It's a Privet Hawk Moth caterpillar. (Ed jnr)

Today (21 August) I visited the BC Park Corner Heath (PCH) & Rowland Wood reserves to monitor second brood Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary (SPBF) numbers, probably for the last time this year. While thoroughly searching the entire site I also started making mental notes about what work needs to be done by both contractors and our volunteers this winter; we're going to be busy!
Things started well, with the sighting of four SPBF (3m, 1f) in the upper part of the rush meadow, and a single male in the lower part of the adjacent birch meadow. I then struggled to find more, surprisingly drawing blanks on PCH and the W-E ride to the south of the Rowland Wood lake; both locations have consistently produced SPBF over the last few weeks. However, I had better luck at the west (lower) end of the W-E ride which runs past the fallen Beech, where I found two females at roost in the long grasses. I've never encountered females here before and I hope they've been egg-laying in some of the newly created areas of habitat in this part of the wood. Although I only found a total of seven SPBF, one female was in absolutely mint condition, so must have emerged earlier today. They're there to be found, but do take some hunting out. Over the two broods I've collated more than 300 SPBF sightings on the reserves this season, which certainly gives cause for optimism. (Neil Hulme)

On a lunch time visit to Steyning Rifle Range today my wife and I found this very battered Brown Hairstreak down at ground level egg laying on very young Blackthorn shoots. (Terry Wood)

A walk around the SWT Malling Down Reserve coincided with some late afternoon sunshine. Many of the expected species were seen including good numbers of vividly blue male Adonis Blues and numerous Brown Argus on slopes at the east end of the coombe, and plenty of Small Heaths in the chalkpits. There were also small numbers of Silver-spotted Skippers (some looking quite worn), a few Chalk Hill Blues, one Small Copper and two Red Admirals. (Simon Linington)

While looking around Thorney Island this afternoon we found 4 Clouded Yellows, 2 Brown Argus and still good numbers of Common Blue and Small Heath on the wing. (Barry and Margaret)

Walking to my allotment in east Brighton today my attention was caught by a strange flying insect. When it landed it turned out to be a mating pair of Humming-bird Hawk-moths. Unfortunately they had landed in the road at a bus stop just as the bus was coming up the hill so despite the odd looks from the people in the bus queue I felt I had to move them out of harms way. (tessa pawsey)

A further visit to Steyning Rifle Range this morning produced six female Brown Hairstreaks.
It was rather cloudy most of the time, but a few decent breaks in the cloud was enough to bring
some females down. I was very surprised to have the place almost to myself for most of the morning.
My visit was cut short when I noticed a change in the type of cloud, which produced some very fine drizzle. (Trevor Rapley)
I am told that people in Surrey have more than 40 different words for that kind of cloud. (Ed jnr)

I was delighted and surprised to see a female Brown Hairstreak in my garden yesterday. I live in Sharpthorne Crescent, Portslade.Rather unusual I thought.No photo I am afraid. (Sally Milne)

Visited The Liz Williams Butterfly Haven in Brighton yesterday for an hour with my daughter. Although she wasn’t keen on the amount of beautiful Wasp Spiders we discovered within the area (my daughter is not keen on spiders to say the least), we were so pleased with the amount of Common Blues, Whites, Small Coppers, Brown Argus we saw, and in particular plenty of Male Adonis Blues. The best part of our visit was also our discovery of our very first sightings of the Female Adonis (Kirsty Gibbs)

Monday 20 August

In the hope of seeing Brown Hairstreaks I called in at Steyning Rifle Range this morning on my way to Petworth. I arrived at 11.30hrs with hazy sun, 22 deg C. and light winds. Within a few minutes I spotted a Brown Hairstreak in reasonably good condition near the style. During the 45-minutes I was present this was the only one of this species I saw. (Douglas Neve)

We had a walk along the west side of Thorney Deeps this afternoon and had a record count for this site of a 182 Wasp Spiders. (Barry and Margaret)
Any butterflies? (Ed jnr)

A female Holly Blue appeared to be egg-lay on ivy in Barcombe village this afternoon. A walk up to nearby Knowlands Farm yielded just a few of the commoner species (including a Small Copper) but nothing in any numbers possibly due to the dearth of flowers following the dry weather. There was a brief spell of excitement when a hairstreak fluttered out from the top of an ash on the old railway line (where there is also an abundance of blackthorn) near the south-west corner of Knowlands Wood. After much scanning, it turned out to be a rather worn Purple Hairstreak. It was living rather dangerously as it was surrounded by about 15 flying Migrant Hawkers. In turn, these were the presumed reason a Hobby appeared overhead momentarily. (Simon Linington)

Today (20 August) between 11.15 am and 2.10 pm I achieved my highest ever count of female Brown Hairstreaks on the Steyning Downland Scheme (26). 13 were seen in some of the less visited areas, such as Pepperscoombe Bank and the Round Hill, and a further 13 were encountered on the Rifle Range, which I didn't reach in time to search thoroughly. I could have covered a little more ground had I not come across someone I know, out on a butterfly hunt with her two grandsons. The priorities were clear and I was delighted to find them two Brown Hairstreaks, one of which we tracked for quite a while as she sought out small Blackthorn suckers on the southern flank of the range. She laid several eggs while we watched and she occasionally stopped for a rest and opened her wings wide. "She's beautiful" said one of the boys. I hope they'll want to see more. (Neil Hulme)

Yesterday (19 August) I found this single Brown Hairstreak egg laid on young Blackthorn, at the edge of Hollingbury near Ditchling Road, in Brighton. (Jamie Burston)

Today I walked around Chesworth Farm, Horsham looking for Brown Hairstreak along the many Blackthorn hedges. I found two but also spotted Small White, Large White, Speckled Wood, Small Heath, Common Blue, Holly Blue, Meadow Brown, Small Copper and a Comma. The area is well worth a visit and probably much better if it's sunny unlike today. (Patrick Moore)

fri 17/08/2018. 1x SPBF seen feeding at 2.05pm in Rowland Wood TQ 51211 15000. and 2x SPBF feeding on heather in front of shed at 2.28pm and 2.30pm TQ 51151 14812. Coudy on arrival but had a nice sunny spell. I still can't get over seeing SPBF feeding on summer flowers. (Peter Farrant)

Rowland Wood provided some Butterfly variety this morning.
Including a single Small Pearl Bordered Fritillary, a pair of fresh Small Coppers ( male and female ),
Many worn Common Blues, two Brimstones, several fresh Large Whites, the last few Gatekeepers,
And a mating pair of Small Heaths.

(Trevor Rapley)

Two Small Whites at the same time in our back garden in Hove. One did some nectaring and chose the michaelmas daisy flowers rather than the nearby much larger buddleia. Later, a Comma rejected the michaelmas daisies in favour the buddleia. When I was pointing it out to Val we found there were two Commas, I think the first occasion we've seen 2 Commas in the garden at the same time. (John and Val Heys)

Sunday 19 August

On my way home this evening I called at Mill Hill, hoping for a few Adonis Blues.
The sunny hillside was hot, despite a fairly strong wind.
This made photography tricky, but a few Adonis obliged for the camera.
One deformed male had obviously had a hard life. Many males were found
varying from reasonably fresh to very worn. Many Meadow Browns were present. (Trevor Rapley)

I've not been down to Sussex since the Black Hairstreak bonanza so it was a welcome opportunity to get a chance to pop over to Malling Down on Friday (taking an unsuccessful gamble that I might pick up Brown Hairstreak over the weekend). It was somewhat idyllic with, if I remember correctly, Speckled Wood, Small Heath, Large White, Small White, Meadow Brown, Wall Brown (fleetingly), Chalk Hill Blue, Adonis Blue (in large numbers), Common Blue, Brown Argus (also large numbers) and Small Copper all present. And none of the hibernators at all. Still, the Brown Argus (Argii?!) were particularly welcome as I'd not actually managed to see any this year until now! The sheer number of butterflies in action was a delight; at one point I had more than 20 buzzing around me covering most of the above species at once. It was like being in a very second rate Transylvanian meadow which is actually a good thing (Malling was just short of the half dozen or so Fritillary species to measure up - I've just been on a Greenwings holiday there and the difference in butterfly population is staggering with a single meadow delivering 10 species of Fritillary and a random roadside lunch stop featuring Southern Purple Emperor, Hungarian Glider and Scarce Swallowtail for example - and no managed sites visited at all). Makes you realise what a mess we have here....... (Rolf Farrell)

Seeing as the weather has been so poor during this weekend I finally had a chance to sort through my images from last Friday - 17th of August. In fact the weather when I arrived at Steyning on Friday was not very promising either but I still found 2 Brown Hairstreaks under some rather ominous clouds. Approaching midday and with sightings having dried up I decided to have a wonder about leaving the main group of Hairstreak watchers behind. Mercifully the weather started brighten up and the Hairstreaks suddenly woke up! I saw a further 8 in total 7 females and one very worn male just above head height. A highlight for me came when I found a pristine Female basking, she stayed around for a good few minutes allowing me to get some photos. This was followed by some egg laying activity where I saw several females busily depositing the next generation. On the way back to the car I spotted a huge and very handsome Privet Moth Caterpillar posing a little too conspicuously for it's own good. (James A)

I had hoped to walk the transect at Mill Hill this morning but the weather was not suitable. However once the sun came out in the early evening I headed straight up the hill.The butterflies were particularly active, i guess because they had to cram a whole days work into an hour or so. Outstanding were the Adonis Blues (male and female) , but also seen were Small Heath, Brown Argus, Meadow Brown, Small White, Common Blue, Red Admiral, Speckled Wood and Chalk Hill Blue. (Jonathan Crawford)

Saturday 18 August

Last week I spent several days in Eastbourne during which time I spent a couple of days searching for butterflies in the Beachy Head / Birling Gap area on 12th and 14th August, overall I saw a fantastic total of 27 species and I was amazed by the sheer numbers of butterflies which were seen in this area and in the best spots there were so many butterflies flying all around me that I had to be very careful where I walked, the areas around Beachy Head and immediately east of Horseshoe Plantation both proved excellent for butterflies but the meadows about 1km further east from Horseshoe Plantation between Shooters Bottom and the Beachy Head Hotel was without doubt the best spot for butterflies in this area, I don't think that I have ever seen so many butterflies anywhere else in the UK before (certainly not up in Scotland where I live) and it actually brought back amazing memories from my last holiday to the French Pyrenees (Ariege Department) where clouds of butterflies could be seen virually everywhere I looked and I can recall seeing approx 95 species within 10 days on that holiday which was truly exceptional.

List of the 27 species, 24 species were seen in the Beachy Head / Birling Gap area while the other 3 species (*) were only seen around Eastbourne.

Adonis Blue, Brimstone (*), Brown Argus, Chalk Hill Blue, Comma (*), Clouded Yellow, Common Blue, Dark Green Fritillary, Dingy Skipper, Essex / Small Skipper (?), Gatekeeper, Green-veined White, Holly Blue (*), Large White, Meadow Brown, Painted Lady, Peacock, Red Admiral, Silver-spotted Skipper, Silver-washed Fritillary, Small Copper, Small Heath, Small Skipper, Small Tortoiseshell, Small White, Speckled Wood, Wall Brown. (John Candlish)
Thanks for you sightings John. I am glad you had a good trip. I think you probably got the downland set for this time of year. (Ed jnr)

I visited Steyning rifle range under cloudy skies this morning, more in hope than expectation. There were quite a few Speckled Woods, some quite fresh but I didn't see a Brown Hairstreak. (John Williams)

Friday 17 August

At Kithurst Meadow this afternoon a female Brown Hairstreak spent half an hour working her way along the Blackthorn beside the roadside fence, resting frequently with he wings open. Still many Common Blues and Brown Argus, a female Holly Blue was feeding and a very worn Silver washed Fritillary visited. There were also a lot of Small Whites and a Red Admiral. (Bob North)

A late afternoon visit to Anchor Bottom produced good numbers of Adonis Blue. This site is probably the best site for this butterfly in the South Downs. I have visited twice and in windy and cloudy conditions and have been able to find many roosting in the grass. I am not sure the numbers are as good as last year when I witnessed the incredible spectacle of thousands flying on a sunny day 18 August but you are likely to see many adonis here. These butterflies thrive in the short cropped turf that this site has thanks to the grazing. The farmer has both cattle and sheep grazing the site which is what is needed for chalk grassland management on the Downs. If you visit you will also see the handiwork of the South Downs Volunteer Ranger Service and the National Park Authority who clear invasive scrub and have recently been cutting the regrowth that comes up on the areas of previously cleared scrub. This combined with the grazing enables the recovery of the short turf, a component of which is the horseshoe vetch that is the Adonis Blue caterpillar food plant. Most of the Adonis Blues appear to be on the north facing slope. You would normally expect to find them on hot south facing slopes but I only found a couple on that side today. You will note that there are ant hills on the north facing side and not the south. I theorise that the butterflies are on the north side because of the symbiotic relationship it has with the ants. The ants protect the caterpillar in return for a sweet secretion that the caterpillar produces. This is an incredible valley and bucks the trend of most other chalk grassland sites which are under grazed or not grazed at all and are slowly being lost to scrub. Visit this weekend if you can to see the most amazing butterfly of our chalk grassland which is so special to the South Downs. (Tim Squire)

Grayling: Thank you to everyone who has helped monitor Grayling numbers over the last month; it seems that its (rather short) flight season is now over. The data collected has provided a very clear picture of the butterfly's current status in Sussex and we have every reason to be concerned about its future. We can only hope that a rescue plan proves effective in preventing its loss, but the situation does look rather bleak. (Neil Hulme)

Walked over the south facing slope of Deep dean this morning from 11 until 12.30. No Graylings were seen. Other species present included Small Heath, Chalk Hill Blue, Meadow Brown, Common Blue, Adonis, Silver-spotted Skipper, Wall Brown, Small White (Ian Seccombe)

This morning's visit to Steyning Rifle Range started well, with the first female Brown Hairstreak obeying site rules and appearing just a minute or two before 11.15 am. Two more showed shortly afterwards, but then a bank of cloud moved in and the action cooled down. I headed to the much sunnier Knepp Wildland to check on Brown Hairstreak numbers there, and things looked promising as a female flew straight into my face as I reached the first Blackthorn hedge! I found a further three nectaring on Fleabane before the clouds moved in. A brief stop at another site on the Downs produced four more, but it seems I would have done just as well by staying at the Rifle Range, where the hairstreaks later reappeared in good numbers when the sunshine returned. (Neil Hulme)

Wolstonbury Hill this afternoon was busy with butterflies as below plus Speckled Woods on the wood margins. Hundreds of field grasshoppers too. To spot Autumn Lady's-tresses orchids was my reason to go on the hill but none were found. (Peter Lovett https://sussexrambler.blogspot.co.uk/)

On a walk in the West Bevendean part of Bevendean LNR this morning I found several Adonis and Chalk Hill Blues and Brown Argus and Common Blues and Small Heaths and a few Meadow Browns. (Geoff Stevens)

We looked at the weather forecast & decided it was worth driving up to Balcombe to walk our 2 WCBS lines for August provided we'd done them by 11.30am. On the "official" line walks we saw 10 Small Whites, 7 Speckled Woods, a probable Meadow Brown, a Holly Blue, a Large White and 3 male Common Blues. The total was 23 which was 6 more butterflies than on 15 August 2017 with 2 different species from last year (Holly Blue & Large White instead of Red Admiral & Gatekeeper), but vastly less than the 177 butterflies we saw on 6/7/18. We did make other sightings off the lines, including a nice female Holly Blue and a wall butterfly on a very fine wall - a bridge over the railway tantalisingly 10 yards beyond our walk line. The cloud was over the sun by the time we left at noon. The weather forecasters on the BBC got it right. (John & Val Heys)

The 11.15 Brown Hairstreak at Steyning Rifle Range this morning with Neil Hulme & others. (John Ward)

Went back to Deep Dean this morning for just over 2 hours starting at 9.30. Weather was sunny with 1-2 oktas of cloud, 20 C, wind SW2-4. Explored areas 1a-h, 2a-c and 3c but found no Grayling present. I think their flight season is now over. However, I saw plenty of other butterflies with good numbers of Meadow Brown, Common Blue, Chalk Hill Blue, Adonis Blue, Small Heath and Silver-spotted Skipper along with the odd Small White, Large White, Small Copper, Wall Brown, Painted Lady and a very old and tatty Small Blue (the first one I've seen up there for about 3 years). (Chris Hooker)

Thursday 16 August

A mid afternoon walk in St Leonards Forest, Horsham proved to be most exciting in the rain as I managed to find Common Blue, Brown Argus, Small Heath and a Meadow Brown all like most of us, waiting for the weather to improve. (Patrick Moore)

Wednesday 15 August

I wasn't expecting to see any butterflies on an evening walk over to Arlington Reservoir from Berwick, so was pleased to see a Wall Brown at TQ5298306853. Also 2 Small Heath. (Chris Bird)

I am just going through the photos I took today at Deep Dean and found this one. When I took the picture I thought it was just a faded Brown Argus whose black marks gone white but now I read the description in my guide book and there is no mentioning of this kind of change so I started to hope for an "exotic" Northern Brown Argus who got lost but then I ended up with the most likely answer what is a faded female Chalk Hill Blue. Could anyone confirm this please? (Istvan Radi)
You can hope all you like for a Northern Brown Argus but your not going to find one round here. Come to think of it, I would have said the same thing about Black Hairstreaks six months ago. I think you are right with the Chalk Hill Blue though. It is one species which exhibits an enormous amount of variety (Ed jnr)

12 species of butterfly seen when the sun belatedly shone on a blustery Lancing Ring, including 37 Holly Blue, 24 Speckled Wood, 21 Common Blue, 15 Meadow Brown, 7 Wall Brown, 5 Small Heath, 2 Painted Lady. (Lindsay Morris)

Further sightings from today at PCH/Rowlands Wood (Vincent Oates)

Following a swift overnight fishing session with my daughter, Rosie, we decided to make a quick call at Park Corner Heath and Rowland Wood reserve to look for SPBF. It was warm and overcast and a tour of the heath provided no sightings for us, nor a couple from Norfolk, who had made the trip specially. We finally finished on the meadow and found one SPBF on the ride alongside the wood and, subsequently, another individual bang in the centre of the meadow (where we also met up again with the couple from Norfolk and made their trip worthwhile). Whilst photographing the second SPBF, my daughter pointed out a Wasp spider feeding on a sizeable grasshopper and we subsequently spotted another three in the space of three square metres. These spiders have only been recorded in Britain since 1922 and are fairly scarce, so may interest some of you. (Vincent Oates)

I arrived at 08:45 and due to overcast conditions I started to inspect the bushes on the top of Deep Dean. Then at 9.30 the sun put in a brief appearance what brought all the butterflies out and for half an hour there was a frenzy of mating and feeding. All the butterflies but the Grayling. I covered the best part of the South facing slope zigzagging from one patch of bare ground to an other but nothing. Then at 11am I walked down to Ewe Dean on the main path but no luck there either. On my way back to Polegate I once again stopped and had a quick look at the top of Deep Dean but I had no luck whatsoever so at 11.45 I called it a day. It was overcast with a breeze, the temperature was a humid 20 Celsius. (Istvan Radi )

Tuesday 14 August

Blackstone Down is a long finger of chalk grassland between Alfriston and Firle that has mostly gone to scrub. There are however some good remnant bits of chalk grassland and I saw Adonis Blue flying there during a brief burst of sunshine. This is very encouraging and the remaining bit of chalk grassland I looked at was very nice and worth trying to save from further degradation. On the slopes of Firle Escarpment where there is a battle to control tor grass I saw no adonis but did pick up common and chalkhill blues plus wall, Small Heath, Small Copper. I thought there were Brown Argus but think they may have all turned out to female Common Blue. (Tim Squire)

On 6th August I saw a Comma laying eggs on the potted nettle in my Crawley garden. Today they all hatched and I counted 9 larvae on the undersides of the leaves. Fairing less well are my Large White eggs. Despite hundreds being laid, there are no larvae. Many eggs have been predated by slugs, but it was unusual to see a Harlequin ladybird also taking an interest. Any larva that hatches seems to be taken by wasps. Also today, a walk in woods near Gatwick Airport produced two Orange-tip pupae on Garlick Mustard stems situated in shady conditions. Both were green and stood out against the parched ground and dead stems.


(Vince Massimo)

Today looked like a write-off for butterflies as the weather refused to live up to the forecast, but as I headed back towards home there appeared to be just sufficient sunshine to make a visit to Steyning Rifle Range worthwhile. It was getting on for 1.30 pm before I arrived, but for 45 minutes there was a flurry of Brown Hairstreak activity, with six different females being spotted by various members of the small group present; three others had been seen prior to my arrival. If the sun shines, this coming weekend should provide plenty of hairstreak action, and there should be plenty still flying for Richard Roebuck's guided walk here on 25 August. (Neil Hulme)

Another entertaining day a Steyning Rifle Range started slowly owing to a mixture of leaden skies
and brief spells of bright sunshine. The last hour of the Brown Hairstreak hunt produced the most
Butterflies, as the weather improved. Indeed the weather played it's part in ensuring that the females
seen either perched or basked for long periods, allowing all admirers good photo opps.

One of my images, taken from above the Butterfly, shows the tail display to attract snacking Birds away from the head.
(Trevor Rapley)

Just after lunch I spent a happy 40 minutes or so lurking by the blackthorn enclosure on Steyning Rifle Range with congenial company (Trevor Rapley, Neil Hulme and others. Six female Brown Hairstreaks put in an appearance, despite the somewhat gloomy conditions, and three more were seen earlier. As one of the locals tasked with managing the blackthorn (I have the scars) I was relieved to see that we hadn't overdone it with the loppers! (John Woodward)

I also visited Deep Dean today from 11AM to around 2.30PM and unfortunately saw no Grayling despite zig-zagging the entire slope more times than necessary. There were however Wall Brown, Meadow Brown, Chalkhill Blue, Silver-spotted Skipper, Small Heath, Small Copper, Speckled Wood and Adonis Blue to be seen. I then headed to PCH and saw with others, 2 Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary. (Patrick Moore)

I spent quite a few hours in the garden today, weeding one of the herbaceous borders and moving seedlings around. I was also hoping for Clouded Yellow (which I didn't get) but there was a Humming-bird Hawk-moth on the Buddleia, as there was yesterday, and that was my first garden sighting of the year. Last year the first sighting was on July 1st and with all the good weather we have had this summer I rather expected to see more. Most of my garden plants flowered early and finished early, so I'm grateful to Devilsbit Scabious which is flowering nicely. This is an interesting British native as it seems to do well in wet conditions, grows nicely on chalk and also does well in the very dry sandy soil that I have in my garden. Ten butterfly species in the past couple of days but numbers diminishing rapidly. (Martin Kalaher)

I visited Roland Wood and Park Corner Heath this afternoon. Ths sky became quite overcast soon after my arrival, however many Common Blues were seen on the Fleabane at Roland Wood. As I reached PCH the sun finally emerged and a single Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary was seen. (Douglas Neve)

Paid a visit to Deep Dean this morning but saw no Grayling. There were good numbers of Meadow Brown and Silver Spotted Skipper though along with some Adonis Blue, Wall Brown, Small Copper, Common Blue, Chalkhill Blue and Small Heath. (Chris Hooker)

Monday 13 August

As Trevor reported, an unexpected joint visit to Rowland Wood and Park Corner Heath proved difficult to start with but as the sun broke through we were able to locate our quarry with 3 Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary seen. Also seen were significant numbers of Common Blue, Small Heath, Small Copper, Speckled Wood, Small White, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper and a very smart Painted Lady. As the weather worked against us we departed the reserves and headed off.
Back in the Burgess Hill and the weather much improved, I decided to nip up to Batchelors Farm. My arrival, although quite late in the day (2.30pm) did produce 3 egg laying females to the left and right of the entrance gate. It really is worth checking the Burial Ground, Tesco fields, Nightingale Meadows and of course Batchelors Farm over the next week as there has been a sudden increase in Hairstreak activity as has also been reported from Steyning. (David Cook)

Appearing this afternoon in the St Leonards Forest, Horsham humidity were, in order of appearance; Speckled Wood, Holly Blue, Gatekeeper, Meadow Brown, Small White, Brown Argus, Common Blue, Comma, Brimstone and last and actually least in number a Large White. All were seen along the track known as Micks Run and around the Dragon Seat. (Patrick Moore)

Another visit to Steyning Rifle Range today (13 August) produced numerous female Brown Hairstreaks, with some bursts of frenetic activity whenever the sun broke through. I didn't keep an accurate tally, but suspect I saw about eight individuals just in the vicinity of the fenced-off area of Prunus. Just after 2 pm I finally managed to get up onto the northern flank of the Rifle Range, where I found a further five in as many minutes. Although some are rapidly collecting nicks and scratches, several of those I saw were still in mint condition. Some of today's visitors saw Brown Hairstreak for the first time, and went home very happy! My thanks go to the Steyning Downland Scheme volunteers for keeping the Blackthorn and Bullace here in such great condition for the butterfly. (Neil Hulme)

I went over to Rowland Wood this morning, and soon met up with Dave Cook.
After a lot of searching we eventually found a female Small Pearl Bordered Fritillary, and two males near the hut at Park Corner. Later a mating pair of Common Blues was seen in Rowland Wood. Many worn Common Blues were also present. (Trevor Rapley)

Several more Brown Hairstreak were seen today at Steyning rifle range, in between the showers. Plus I've added a bonus shot of Neil Hulme in action! (John Williams)

Went looking primarily for female Brown Hairstreaks before the heavens opened at Lancing Ring. None found! Of the 12 butterfly species identified Holly Blue excelled with a minimum of 30. (Lindsay Morris)

Sunday 12 August

I visited Mill Hill today around lunch time. Under leaden skies I saw a few Adonis Blues basking open-winged trying to absorb what little heat there was. I stayed about an hour before the rain set in. (John Williams)

I only had a brief opportunity to get out and about yesteday and decided to pay a visit to Blunts Wood in Haywards Heath. This has proved to be a good location for Brown Hairstreak in the past but even though conditions were favourable, it didn’t produce, so I had to be content with Meadow Brown instead and got this rather unusual male ab grisea-aurea and a pairing. Also a rather tired female Purple Hairstreak (David Cook)

The annual Steyning Rifle Range Brown Hairstreak festival is now underway, with the site performing spectacularly well yesterday (11 August). I arrived just after 11 am and spotted a pristine female sitting in the first stand of Blackthorn I approached, which was quickly joined by a second. The action came thick and fast and the combined efforts of a search team including Tom Parker, Gary Norman, Trevor Rapley, John Williams and James Arnott located a total of 16 egg-laying females, before activity ceased just before 2 pm. The majority were in perfect or excellent condition, although a couple of tattier examples were seen later in the session.
Gary and I then moved on to the Park Corner Heath & Rowland Wood reserves, to monitor numbers of the second brood Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary. We were surprised (and very pleased) to see more than we expected, and it was clear that butterflies are still emerging; four were so fresh that they must have emerged earlier that day. Despite weather conditions varying between unsuitable and borderline, we saw 11 individuals in a couple of hours. We only searched over the most promising areas, so I suspect there are a few more present. The top of the rush meadow, the W-E ride just south of the lake and the patch cleared of Bracken in front of the PCH hut were most productive. We were relieved to see plenty of fresh violets following the recent wet weather, providing a critical improvement in the breeding prospects for this second flight - just in time!
Plenty of other species were seen, including Wall, which seems to have gained a firm foothold here. I'm delighted by the rapid response of the wider butterfly fauna to the recent restructuring work. (Neil Hulme)

Some of the 16 Brown Hairstreak spotted by myself, Neil, Trevor, James, and Gary on Saturday morning. (John Williams)

Saturday 11 August

Today I got some Brown Hairstreak photos at Steyning rifle range - which means that this year, for the first time ever, I have managed to get a picture of all 5 Hairstreaks - and all in Sussex too! (John Williams)

Walked up Malling down today. Saw plenty of butterflies, but many were looking very battered. There was a Wall Brown and a Chalk Hill Blue that I was amazed could still fly as they had so little left of their wings. Saw plenty of Common Blue, Adonis Blue, Brown Argus, Small Heath, Small Copper and Meadow Brown as I walked up the valley. Saw a Clouded Yellow that I managed to get as a blur in a photograph. Although there were some Silver-spotted Skipper near the bottom end of the allotments, they really increased in number as I climbed the Snout, this was also where the Chalk Hill Blue began to appear. (Sylvia Davidson)

Hard to beat this trio. (Jon Warner)

Surprised to find a Wall on my Chailey Common (Lane End) transect this morning. I don't think its been recorded here before. (Ian Seccombe)

I spent a very enjoyable few hours at Steyning Rifle Range today, searching for Brown Hairstreaks. In all I found three, but the experienced regulars present found more. It was agreed with Neil Hulme that the total for the day was sixteen females. In addition I found an immaculate, fresh Speckled Wood.
(Trevor Rapley)

It was my first visit here, as a new member of BC and I wanted to see some butterflies other than the regulars who visit my garden. On the edge of the wood, I saw a Meadow Brown and Speckled Wood. Around mid-day, As I left the shade of the trees and walked up onto the sunny Downs I immediately spotted a Wall butterfly, a Clouded Yellow (flew off before I could photograph it!) and later, lots of Common Blues, and Adonis Blues, as well as several Small Heaths, lots of Gatekeepers and a few Brown Argus’. (Maria Dixon)

After a couple of wet and windy days it was good to see the butterflies again and during the morning several Small Whites visited my Seaford garden. I have had a few sightings of Wall recently including a very worn one this morning and another fairly fresh looking one this afternoon. Until this year they rarely visited. Also seen were a few Large Whites, 2 Meadow Browns, 1 each of Red Admiral, Holly Blue and Common Blue, the latter thinking my kitchen doormat was a good place to rest. It`s better outside Mrs Blue so you ought to leave! She did. (Stuart Ridley)

Every year I usually get a few Brown Hairstreaks visiting my Crawley garden, sometimes laying eggs. Today I found a female that had alighted on my neighbours front hedge. A more unusual sighting for this part of Crawley was that of a male Brown Argus at Rathlin Road pond which was only the 3rd one I have ever recorded there in nearly 20 years. (Vince Massimo)

Whilst in the poly-tunnel at Seaford Community Garden on our Wednesday morning session I rescued a very bedraggled Wall Brown from a spider's web. First sighting of a Wall here, I remember in the 1960's they were a very common species but latterly much rarer. (Bob Brown)

Thursday 09 August

After the rain came the sun and driving home from work I figured Mill Hill would be a good place to enjoy sunbathing butterflies. This proved to be the case, despite a strong wind. (Jonathan Crawford)

Think this is a Blue moon butterfly, llypolomnas Bolina, Eggfly. Male. Spotted it on my buddleia in my small Garden on the Folders Lane Estate near Ditchling Common. It spent most of afternoon flying around and settling on my shrubs.
Is this Butterfly native to this country? or do you think it flew in from across the channel? or maybe its escaped from captivity?
(Peter Smitherman)
I think you are right, it is a male Blue Moon. Unfortunately not a Sussex species nor a natural immigrant. It is found from Madagascar eastwards to Australia so there is no chance that it got here of its own volition. For this reason we don't count it as a first sighting. Normally we get exotic Asian butterflies sighted near Chichester because there is a butterfly centre at Earnley, from which they occasionally escape. In this case I have no idea of its origin, but if someone else knows I am sure they will drop me a line. Still a fantastic thing to find in your garden. (Ed jnr)

As per Istvan Radi's post of Tuesday 24 July we were the couple he met who mentioned 2 sightings of Grayling outside of Deep Dene. Hope it is ok to send via this system? I have checked back via my sightings book and diary and one sighting was 4 August 2013, we found a Grayling on the path going up towards the top of Windover just as the path starts turning towards the top, away from Ewe Dene. We were very surprised and delighted to find one there. The other sighting was around the same year, but unfortunately as I wasn't there I didn't note it down. My partner runs regularly on a circuit up from the car park past the reservoir, up over the top to the trigpoint above the Long man where he saw a Grayling. He reckons it was about the same year. In the future, should we see anymore outside of Deep Dene, we will report and long may they continue and make, for some of us, a hard climb very worth it! (Kerry Baldwin)
Thanks Kerry, sightings of Grayling are so precious that we would love to hear about them both in Deep Dene and outside. 2013 was a hot summer too, and I wonder if they go over to the north face of Windover when it gets too hot in Deep Dean. (Ed jnr)

Wednesday 08 August

I'm very upset to report that I have just found the caterpillars of Box moth (Cydalima perspectalis ) on one of the box trees in my garden on Hampden Road, Brighton. It's taken twenty five years for the tree to get to 9 foot high and apparently the caterpillars can defoliate the trees completely. The RHS garden website says the moth has only been found in Britain since 2008. (Tessa Pawsey)

It was not my intension to post any sightings today from St Leonards Forest, Horsham. Only a Wall Brown put in an appearance at the Dragon Seat (TQ2172 3187) which was really quite exciting. I've never seen one in the area before. So as I am now posting I may as well mention that there were also Common Blue, Brown Argus and Gatekeeper also at the Dragon Seat. Other butterflies included Painted Lady, Meadow Brown, plenty of Speckled Wood, Green-veined White as well as both Large and Small White. Also a very warn Silver-washed Fritillary. One Gatekeeper was Small Heath sized only when it opened its wings at rest did I realise. (Patrick Moore)

This afternoon I visited Roland Wood and Park Corner Heath. I made my way first to the Common Fleabane strip in the north-east corner of Roland Wood where I lucky to spot a Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary and a Wall Brown together with numerous Common Blues, Small Heaths and Meadow Browns. Close to the hut at Park Corner Heath I later spotted two further Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary, which were very active and difficult to photograph. (Douglas Neve)

A quick tour of BCs site at Park Corner Heath and Rowland Wood to find Small Pearl-bordered Fritillaries. Many Common Blues in evidence, also Small Heaths and Meadow Browns, until we finally spotted the intended target at the back of the top field near the road/car park. Looking slightly tired, but still very active and the first time i've seen one in that location (normally see them on the heath itself). (Vincent Oates)

A short visit to Wild Park, Brighton this morning between 09:10-10:00 produced a Purple Hairstreak on the small oak tree near the (almost fully dried up) dew pond, a very small number of other butterflies and most importantly a few individuals of my target species for the day namely the Brown Hairstreak. At the location provided by Jamie I saw a very faded one on a tree and almost immediately two more on the neighboring tree. The latter two did not settle in sight so no photos of those, only a silhouette of one of them.
As for Batts Wood...when I got home and calmed down I did some research and apparently I was supposed to follow the Blue Arrow Bridleway from Witherenden Farm not the Yellow Arrow footpath. And I also should have mentioned that once in the Woods the paths are all good. But I attached a photo of the footpath leading into an impenetrable cornfield... (Istvan Radi)

Tuesday 07 August

No problems with access to Batts Wood from the footpaths from Witherenden Road. On 14 July we did the circular route from the footpath at Pound Bridge through Batts Wood and back onto Witherenden Road to the east. Plenty of butterflies in the long straight ride along the south edge of Batts Wood including at least 7 Silver-washed Fritillary. (Richard Farran)

Today I popped into Park Corner Heath-Rowland Wood on my way to Deep Dean. There was a single Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary next to the shed nectaring on the Heather. I managed one picture!
I then walked from Wilmington to Deep Dean via the summit of Wilmington Hill arriving about 12.30. It was hot, very hot with a distant rumble of thunder and cloud build up to the south. I found no Grayling for the first hour of zig-zagging.Then after the first rain shower two males appeared along the top bush line and after the following hail storm two flew down the slope. Only one further Grayling appeared, I left at around 15.30 before the next cloud bank arrived. Totals 2m, 1f, 2 un id. (Grayling seen in 1a, 1b, 1c and 1d. nothing in 1e, 1f, 2a and 2b). It seemed that numbers were building from mid afternoon onwards when the temperature dropped. However the weather failed me! (Patrick Moore)

Malling Down. From 13.30 - 17.00 hrs, 25 degrees. Lots of Meadow Browns, Gatekeepers, Common Blues and Small Heaths. About 20 Silver-spotted Skippers, 30 Chalk-hill Blues, 3 Adonis Blues, 1 Small Copper, 1 Painted Lady, 3 Wall Browns, 4 Small Whites, 1 Large White, 7 Silver Y moths and a Wasp Spider. (Graeme Rolf https://www.flickr.com/photos/128321708@N03/albums/72157649396241380)

Escaping the madness of the gas main replacement in Cuckfield if only for a few hours I arrived at the Burial Ground in Burgess Hill about 10.30. Unusually it is one of the few places where you can watch butterflies from the comfort of your car because it is in the 2 oaks in the car park where the hairstreak action could be witnessed. A few flew off southward but it was too hot to give chase. A gentleman joined me briefly and he left minutes before a Brown Hairstreak came into perfect view and on an adjacent branch Purple Hairstreak did the same. In vain i checked the other master trees as suggested previously by Dave Cook but did see some Small Coppers and Common Blues and plenty of Speckled Woods.

It was approaching noon when I arrived at Bachelors Farm in the searing heat. Drew a blank on hairstreaks but again a number of Common Blues and other usual suspects. The views towards the Downs are wonderful. A special thanks to Dave Cook for detailed maps of the master trees which cut out some unnecessary walking in the hot weather. (Martin Buck)

Those members who have visited my Storrington garden on Open Days will appreciate that I have a large deciduous hedge (on the southern border) that appears to somewhat unruly. I cut it back once a year in early August, and so I did today. Pausing to wipe the sweat from my brow a rather faded and tatty male Brown Hairstreak stopped by within 2-3 feet of me to say hello. Now that was very nice for that takes the total count for 2018 to 31 butterfly species. I believe that is a national record for a garden and am more then happy to be told otherwise, for then I will try harder to encourage more butterflies into the garden! I took a few photos yesterday of butterflies waking up in the meadow (plus a Holly Blue later on in the morning). (Martin Kalaher)

Having done my Big Butterfly Count at midday I was astonished to see this female Brown Hairstreak in my Ferring garden where it has been nectaring on solidago for several hours. My plot is about 10 minutes walk from the sea. I've planted several blackthorns so shall be examining the twigs later. Other firsts for the garden this year were Marbled White ovipositing in the meadow area on 26th June and ovipositing Large Skipper on 8th July. (Tim Freed)

Yesterday (6 August) I joined David Cook, Kirsty Gibbs and her (impressively patient) daughter for a Brown Hairstreak hunt around the Burgess Hill Green Circle. In all we saw the best part of a dozen males high in various master trees, with most being on the Burial Ground site. Four females were also seen in the master trees, with just one settling low in the shade of a Bramble for a few minutes. It wasn't until much later in the day that we finally found one egg-laying at the Batchelors Farm site. Brown Hairstreak males have behaved rather differently to last year, when unprecedented numbers of freshly emerged butterflies were photographed low down, particularly at Knepp; not so this year. The big difference in behaviour has clearly been driven by this year's lack of nectaring opportunities. Although (now faded) males are descending to feed on Hemp Agrimony (where present) as it comes into flower, the thistles had already seeded due to the intense heat, and the Fleabane flowers were already 'dry'. However, the behaviour of females has remained remarkably consistent. Although a handful of females have been seen in Sussex through late July, they have been freshly emerged individuals, soon retreating to the canopy. It is only now that the females are starting to egg-lay, to precisely the same timetable as in previous years. This has held true over the twenty year period surveyed by the 1990-1994 and 2010-2014 Sussex atlases; although we've seen some remarkably early males, the female Brown Hairstreak refuses to be hurried. Peak female activity is expected, as always, to be through mid and late August, but we should start to see a few more this week.
I then headed to our Park Corner Heath & Rowland Wood reserves, where there are plenty of Common Blues and Small Coppers to be seen, together with the odd Wall and Painted Lady. However, my target was second brood Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary, of which I saw four (3m, 1f). I had to wait until 7.30 pm before they finally closed their wings. (Neil Hulme)

Falmer Station, Brighton: On the cycle to the gym I stopped by the Railway side to spot the following: (Philip Booker)

I was parked for a few minutes at the edge of Sheepcote Valley, on the edge of Brighton. (Philip Booker)

6 August 2018
An early afternoon truncated visit to the lower slopes off Mill Hill was just too uncomfortable with the excessive warmth and drenching humidity. In a one third of an acre transect, I found an unplanned count of 133+ lively male Adonis Blues, about 30+ Chalk Hill Blues including five brown females, 25+ Common Blues, 60+ Meadow Browns 15+ Gatekeepers 15+ Small Heaths, occasional Small Whites, four restless Clouded Yellows, two Wall Browns, a few Speckled Woods (over the southern steps) and a Treble-bar Moth. At one stage thirty Adonis Blues surrounded me. On the southern top of Mill Hill, there were occasionally more Chalk Hill Blues, Meadow Browns and a pyralid micro-moth: a Pyrausta despicata. (Andy Horton http://www.glaucus.org.uk/MillHill2018.html)

Monday 06 August

From 13.00 to 16.00 I plodded about on Weavers Down, vainly hoping for a Grayling to show. The habitat looked perfect to me - lots of short dry grass with much evidence of rabbit and mole. I did manage to see 11 butterfly species, including a Clouded Yellow, 52 Small Heath, 8 Small Copper, 65 Common Blue, 4 Brown Argus, 17 Gatekeeper, 120 Meadow Brown. (Lindsay Morris)
And thank you for visiting the last of the Atlas sites. That's all 60 accounted for in 2018, so we now know they Atlas authors didn't make any of the sites up! (Ed jnr)

A brief visit to Steyning Bostal chalk pit and adjacent downland this morning before the serious heat kicked in revealed an encouraging number of Wall Browns (maybe 10), plus a Painted Lady glowing in the sunshine. (John Woodward)

A most disappointing and frustrating visit to Batt's Wood (site No. 56). I walked from Stonegate but the public footpath is in such a bad shape that very often is doesn't actually exist. Several signs are removed and gates are locked so have to climb over or squeeze through next to it. Walkers don't seem to be welcome in this area... As for butterflies I have never seen such low numbers in an Atlas site. I counted 31 Speckled Woods, 6 Gatekeepers, 4 Meadow Browns, 1 Small White and 2 Large Whites. I don't think I will make the four-hours long round trip anytime soon again. The highlights were a few deer and two Nuthatches and an aerial display by 3 Buzzards. (Istvan Radi )
Sorry about that Istvan and thanks for the warning. It would be interesting to hear from any locals about access to the site. (Ed jnr)

Filby: hi i found this in my living room this morning , is it a moth or butterfly ? can you identefie it please (Moira Cox)
It is definitely a moth, probably a Large Emerald (Geometra papilionaria) and I have just discovered that Filby is in Norfolk, so we are both a little wiser today. We are a site for Sussex sightings but you can get assistance here https://www.norfolkmoths.co.uk/ (Ed jnr)

I visited to Rowland Wood & Park Corner Heath on a very hot Saturday morning. Nothing much doing at PCH except for a Gatekeeper and Meadow Brown. Rowland Wood was much better, 20-30 Common Blues, 1 Wall, 2 Brimstone, Large and Small Whites and 2 Small Pearl-bordered Fritillaries in Ride S. (Howard Wood)
I am guessing that it wasn't you who put "nothing good" in the sightings book on saturday! (Ed jnr)

Sunday 05 August

Val & I have been up in the north east for a bit and visited a Durham site where we were told we would have seen northern Brown Arguses if we'd been 3 or 4 weeks earlier. We were able to console ourselves with dark red helleborines instead which are so magnificent that I can't resist attaching a picture as they can't be seen down south. However, we did see what I'm now sure was a brand new ordinary Brown Argus (female) at Barnard Castle fairly nearby - I checked last night in the Butterflies of Sussex how to tell them from brown female Common Blues. This turned out to be very useful today when we visited family who have recently moved into a house in East Preston which is virtually in the country and has a garden well protected by trees and shrubs. In quite a short time we saw Small Whites, Large Whites, a Comma, a Red Admiral, several Speckled Woods, a Gatekeeper, a Meadow Brown, 3 Holly Blues and best of all a female Brown Argus nectaring on golden rod. Having so recently revised the identification features I was able to nail it before an annoying bee disturbed it and thwarted my attempt to get a decent photo. I was luckier with one of the Speckled Woods. (John & Val Heys)

Rushed up to Cissbury this afternoon to look for the phone I lost there on Friday. I found it, along with 3 Brown Hairstreak, 2 in the south east part of the moat and one near the top of Tenants Hill. They were all very faded and on Hemp Agrimony. 2 Humming-bird Hawk-moth, a hornet, 7 Small Copper etc, but no Clouded Yellow today. (Lindsay Morris)

I tramped over Chantry Hill today and between "the Hill" and my garden recorded 20 butterfly species as follows: Silver-spotted Skipper (35), Dingy Skipper (1), Clouded Yellow (1), Brimstone (1f), Large White (many), Small White (many), Green-veined White (3), Small Copper (4), Brown Argus (350), Common Blue (500+), Chalk Hill Blue (35), Holly Blue (2), Red Admiral (1), Painted Lady (1), Comma (2), Speckled Wood (20), Wall Brown (3), Gatekeeper(6), Meadow Brown (500+), Small Heath (150). With so many comments about high numbers of Silver-spotted Skippers I expected more, the second-brood Dingy Skipper was a first record for me and the Clouded Yellow my first for the year. I usually see 1-2 Speckled Wood on this walk, so 20 or so was a lot. Everywhere there was a combination of sunshine and shade there was another one (on the walk to Chantry, not on Chantry itself). No Fritillaries seen. At home, one of the delights is in the early evening when there are so many "Blues" roosting. Two evenings ago there were 12 Common Blues, 5 Brown Argus and a Small Copper. They like the seed heads of Ox-eye Daisy. (Martin Kalaher)

There was an influx in Hampshire of Clouded Yellows on the 31st we found 10 in Wiltshire and 6 here in Hampshire I mention in order to alert observers. (Ted Raynor)
Thanks Ted, we are beginning to have them reported here too. (Ed jnr)

At least 30 Silver-spotted Skippers around Horseshoe Plantation (TV 56087 95866), Belle Tout, this morning including five that were down beside the main path. Additionally, nine were seen in short grassland on the west side of the car park at Shooters Bottom (TV 57381 95571). Photo attached of one that might be described as suffering a 'bad hair day'. Also in the area were three Wall Browns, one Small Copper, and two Small Skippers (looking very worn). On Went Hill near Birling Gap (TV 55141 96613) there was a Painted Lady and what appeared at times to be 'clouds' of Common Blues. (Simon Linington)

Istvan and I got up to Deep Dean around eight thirty this morning, having seen two Humming-bird Hawk-moths on the South Downs Way as we climbed up. We quickly found two female Graylings near the top of the south facing slope, both in scrapes. Not long afterwards a couple from Essex showed us the scrape where they had seen a male Grayling. It was their sixth trip to Deep Dean and their first Grayling. We were soon joined by Mark and Ian Cadey and together we surveyed the entire south facing slope, finding only one more male Grayling, once more in a scrape. We then surveyed the north facing slope which was full of butterflies but no Grayling. Highlights were one Dark Green Fritillary, one Clouded Yellow, a few Small Coppers and Wall Browns, and plenty of Silver-spotted Skippers and Chalk Hill Blues. At the bottom of the valley Common Blues were also abundant.
Female Grayling TQ 54318 03119
Female Grayling TQ 54355 03151
Male Grayling TQ 54438 03189
Male Grayling TQ 54239 02912
Leaving Deep Dean we checked out the scrapings on Windover Hill for Grayling and drew a blank. However we did find large numbers of Wall Browns. We were also disappointed to discover the Long Man of Wilmington is made out of painted breeze blocks which was apparently done in 1969, replacing Victorian brickwork.
On the way back Istvan and I called in at Park Corner Heath and almost immediately saw a single Small Pearl Bordered Fritillary in front of the shed. It was hot and the butterfly declined to be photographed.
(Jonathan Crawford)

Tried to beat the heat with a morning walk at Batchelors Farm but failed - glad I took some water with me. Thanks to David in an earlier post for pointing out the best places to search for the Brown Hairstreaks. I saw a few and finally found one who was willing to perch for a while in the open albeit at some height. There were a few Common Blues, Small Coppers, Gatekeepers, Meadow Browns and whites around also. (Paul Sharman https://paulsharmanoutdoors.com)

I too went to Mill Hill yesterday morning, and good to bump into Jonathan Crawford and, as a newcomer to Sussex, get some gen about some of the local sites. My sightings were similar, but did also see a solitary 2nd-brood Dingy Skipper. Got home to find this Painted Lady in my Steyning Garden. (Ray Baker)

A Brown Argus flew into our conservatory in the hamlet of Gay Street, near Pulborough, on 4 August. This is only the second year I have seen the Brown Argus here (the first was last year) and we are hoping our wild-flower meadow is the reason. A moth also flew into the conservatory and after buzzing around for a few minutes, settled long enough for me to photograph it. After looking through my 'Britain's Day-Flying Moths' book, I am unable to identify it and am hoping someone with more knowledge than me is able to tell me what it is, please? Could it be a night-flying moth that was disturbed? (Chris Page http://www.g4bue.co.uk/Butterflies/)
Having seen two Humming-bird hawk-moths today, my first thought is that this what your moth is.The only thing that seems different from the standard pictures is the red patch on the back of the head, which have been caused by attempting to leave the conservatory. Anybody else got any thoughts? (Ed jnr)

Silver Spotted Skippers seem to be having a good year. I only saw them twice at this site last year and they seemed to be much more localised than yesterday when I found my first one right at the bottom of the hill, almost by the car park. TQ 43268 11405 (Harry Mole https://www.instagram.com/wannabephotoguy)

An over wheeling number of blues (common, chalkhill and Adonis) at Castle Hill yesterday including this doubly aberrant chalkhill. Plus at least 8 Wall, 1 Dark Green Fritillary, a few Small Heath and one very battered old Small Copper. (Harry Mole Https://www.instagram.com/wannabephotoguy)
I am guessing "over wheeling" is a spellcheck error as "overwhelming" probably makes more sense. However I see my role as editor largely restricted to correcting spelling mistakes in butterfly names (i.e. Chalk Hill Blue) so have left it as it is. (Ed jnr)

Saturday 04 August

This afternoon I visited Kithurst Meadow then walked a loop via Medley Bottom and North Stoke. Highlights included Adonis Blue (not huge numbers but several at Kithurst and more at Medley), Chalk Hill Blue, Common Blue, Meadow Brown, Large, Small and Green-veined White, some very small Brown Argus at Medley. Painted Lady, Small Tortoiseshell, Red Admiral, Peacock and Comma at South Stoke. A helice Clouded Yellow failed to stop for a proper photo, There were also Brimstone, Small Skipper, Small Heath, Speckled Wood and Gatekeeper. (Patrick Moore)

An early and shortened 'beat the heat' walk from Litlington alongside Lullington Heath had four Wall Browns amongst the usual downland butterflies. Lovely to see a Humming-bird Hawk-moth egg laying on a white flowered bedstraw. Later while having a swim at the beach in Bishopstone on the way home we were cheered to see a Painted Lady flying in from the sea. Such a feat of endurance for such a flimsy seeming creature to migrate so far. (Tessa Pawsey)

It seems along with others that I'm seeing regular Common Blues in our Crawley garden this summer,including both male and females this afternoon.still several Holly Blues and Small Whites too.And loads of Mint moths. (Alastair Gray)

Did the transect at Anchor Bottom this morning. Nearly six hundred butterflies, though unfortunately most of them were Meadow Browns. An earlier trip to Mill Hill led me to hope that Anchor Botttom might put in a good show for Adonis Blues, but these were somewhat muted with only 99 recorded. I did see a Clouded Yellow, my 44th Sussex Species of the year. Other highlights were a pair of mating Wall Browns and quite a few Brown Argus.
After that i went to Burgess Hill to look for Brown Hairstreaks. It was hot and there was little moving except the Common Blues on feebane in the meadows. Back at the Burial Ground car park where I had spotted hairstreaks last year in an oak, I noticed one again. I hung around a while. They were flying briefly but always landing out of the sun and out of sight. At one point the sun was obscured by a cloud and I counted six. In addition there were three Purple Hairstreaks in the same tree.
The Brown Hairstreak was the 45th Sussex species for me this year. Once again the only one I am missing is the Wood White, which is too precious to visit. Whilst on the subject, I spoke to Margaret Hibbard, species champion, earlier in the week. She told me that the second brood Wood Whites were doing really well and unusually were showing in larger numbers than the first brood. She also mentioned that she had found three Wood Whites in a place they had never been recorded before so it looks like they are pushing out. (Jonathan Crawford)

This afternoon I went over to Rowland Wood, and found the most magnificent, fresh and scale perfect Painted Lady I have ever seen. This specimen is surely ' home grown ' , and not from across the Channel, to be in such fine condition.(Trevor Rapley)
I expect you are right Trevor. However I do remember the Mount Caburn Swallowtail incident earlier this year, where Mr Hulme suggested that a butterfly could cross the channel and still look immaculate. (Ed jnr)

I went looking for the Brown Hairstreak at the Knepp estate and Steyning rifle range today but no luck at either, just these less exotic beauties. (John Williams)

Had a lovely cycle ride on the West Grinstead Downs Link (Atlas site 46 tick!) from Copsale to Henfield and back in the sunshine today with my youngest son. It could be renamed Speckled Wood Link as it has the perfect dappled light and we counted over 30. Also over 20 Large Whites, about 6 or so Silver-washed Fritillaries, one Brown Hairstreak, two Common Blues, one Red Admiral, one Comma, two Small Whites and two Meadow Browns (plus one deer!). It is a lovely path and was a railway line so is very flat. I can also recommend the Cat and Canary pub in Henfield (which is right on the Downs Link) for its food, drink and friendly staff! No pics as camera currently kaput. (Tony Gould)
/Thanks Tony. Only two left now. Weavers Down at the extreme west of end of Sussex and Batts Wood at the extreme east. Perhaps we are all just centrists at heart. (Ed jnr)

There have been 19 different butterfly species in my Storrington garden over the past 4-5 days, with Speckled Wood and male Chalkhill Blue adding to the list, today. This is only the second time I have recorded a Chalkhill blue, the first record on 28/07/2014. This year there have been five "Blues" in the garden - Common Blue, Holly Blue and Brown Argus as "residents" and Small Blue and Chalkhill Blue as "visitors". I have so much Kidney Vetch in the borders of the meadow I am hoping for a breeding colony of Small Blue. I am working on it! In 2018 I have recorded 30 butterfly species in the garden, which equals last years total. I am awaiting Brown Hairstreak and Clouded Yellow. Note that this butterfly is nectaring on Ragwort, a plant that may do harm if in a hay mix but otherwise is an important wildflower for many of our insect species. (Martin Kalaher)

My first Brown Hairstreak of the year on the west side of Rusper Road playing fields, Crawley. It was in high up in an Ash master tree at TQ24603 37064 where they are regularly seen every year. Meanwhile, in my Crawley garden I have had visits most days of this week from Common Blues which is unusual. Also reporting that a new transect has been set up on land controlled by Gatwick Airport, east of the railway line. It basically follows a line around the Y-shaped lagoon at the water treatment works there. Species have included White Admiral (now finished), Silver-washed Fritillary and White-letter Hairstreak, but a reminder that, whilst presently in Sussex, all transect records are submitted to Surrey because the site is in Vice-county 17 for recording purposes. (Vince Massimo)

Barrie Puttock 1 Wall Brown Knepp Castle Estate TQ 1428 2041 (Barrie Puttock)

Barrie Puttock
1 Grayling Windover Hill 50.80946, 50.80946 (TQ 54044 03376)
1 Grayling Windover Hill 50.80833, 0.18514 (TQ 54055 03250)
The time was 14:39 and the temperature was about 30C. The time for the second sighting was 14:45 temperature was similar. Please note that both of these sighting were on the South Downs Way track. (Barrie Puttock)

An early morning walk around Rowland Wood and we found several Common Blues, including a few still roosting which was nice, time for a close study. Lots of Meadow Browns, Gatekeepers and Small Heaths. 1 Ringlet, Large White, green veined white, a Speckled Wood, a Dark Green Fritillary, 2 Silver Y moths and the highlight - a Small Pearl Bordered Fritillary. Not bad for a ‘beat the heat’ walk! (Kerry Baldwin)

Apart from the Fritillary, these are a few of the butterflies which have regularly visited my Bexhill garden in the last week. (I’ve Recently joined BC and happy to be here! ) (Maria)
And we are happy to have you here too. (Ed jnr)

Friday 03 August

I went to see the Kittiwakes at Splash Point, Seaford today and then ventured up Seaford Head and walked over to Hope Gap, roundabout and back. There were plenty of Meadow Browns, Small Heaths, Gatekeepers, Common Blues, Chalk Hill Blues, Small Whites, a Painted Lady and a Clouded Yellow en route. I saw a couple of Wall Browns at the Head and the Gap ends, also Small Copper and Brown Argus at Hope Gap. A glorious walk on a beautiful summer's day. (Anna Grist)

Whilst visiting friends, in Fernhurst I took a walk around the local cricket and football pitch. Plenty of Large and Small Whites, Meadow Browns and dancing around the trees, some Comma butterflies who eventually slowed down and allowed me a close up . Martin Neil (Martin Neil)

I was very pleased to see a female Wall Brown on my allotment today on Whitehawk Hill Road in east Brighton today. That seems pathetic compared to Lindsay's wonderful sightings but as I have'nt seen one here for ages I reassured to think that they are still hanging on on my patch. (tessa pawsey)

I have recorded 17 butterfly species in the garden over the past 3-4 days. The most unusual (I suppose) was a Silver-washed Fritillary, which flew past me heading south. For this year, just as unusual, was a Small Tortoiseshell, which was nectaring on Buddleia yesterday. Remarkably, this is only the second garden Small Tortoiseshell I have seen this year, the first of which was on April 17th. I was out all day but on my return managed to find an egg-laying Common Blue. (Martin Kalaher)

At last a Painted Lady spent some time in the garden (Theobalds Road, Burgess Hill), browsing on the Verbena bonariensis. A Common Blue turned up when I was photographing the Painted Lady! (John Prodger)

Only 18 butterfly species see on a circular walk from Lyons Farm via the southern area of Cissbury Ring, but happy to see at least 5 Clouded Yellow, 28 Wall Brown, 65 Silver-spotted Skipper, 6 Small Copper, 66 Small Heath, over 200 Common Blue, 4 Painted Lady, Humming-bird Hawk-moth. (Lindsay Morris)

Due to some train cancellations I only got up to Deep Dene around 10:30 today and as Ed.jnr already mentioned it I didn't find any Graylings in areas 1A,1B,1C and 1F despite checking every patch of bare ground. I also noticed the very high number of Silver-spotted Skippers. Last time I was up at Ewe Dean there was lots of them there but I didn't notice any in Deep Dene. It looks like they spread successfully. I wish the Graylings would follow suit. Unlucky for me there are plenty of "big fat" Wasp Spiders on the slope. I also found some bigger moths of which one I think is a Clouded Buff but I cannot find the other one in my guide book. Any ideas? On my way back to the station I had a little detour to check 2B but no Graylings there either. A good number of other butterfly species otherwise. (Istvan Radi)

An early morning visit to Rowland wood found many roosting Common Blues.Despite the strengthening sun they were still in the same position as last evening. As well as many fading Gatekeepers, some fresh Small Heaths were present. I found one battered Butterfly fluttering in an Oak, it took several guesses as to what it might be. I finally settled on a Female Silver-washed Fritillary. She still had the Command of flight and shot off at high speed. Several female Brimstones were seen on Thistle flowers. No second brood Small Pearl-bordered Fritillaries were found. (Trevor Rapley)

On the 2nd of August I made it up to Deep Dene for a couple of hours to see how the Grayling were doing. It quickly became evident that they are now in their final stages. I walked the main escarpment from one end to the other. I didn't see a single Grayling, although with camouflage as good as that anyone could easily miss a few! My technique was to try and spot any on the wing, and cast my shadow over as many scrapes or rabbit burrows as possible. Having failed to find any on the escarpment I wondered along the scrub line at the top where I finally saw one. Knowing that in previous years Grayling usually decamp from the escarpment near the end of their flight season on to the top of Windover Hill I made my way to the chalk path where I found a further two very worn individuals, one of which escaped my lens making a count three in total. The most notable sight at Deep Dene were the incredible numbers of Silver Spotted Skippers, probably the most I have ever seen there. I then went onto Rowland Wood PCH where I saw three - possibly four second brood Small-pearl Bordered Fritillaries. By now the temperature was approaching 30 degrees and the Fritillaries were not stopping. (James A)
I am glad you saw some Grayling yesterday. Istvan has just been up there and drew a blank today which is worrying. We are going there for 9am on Sunday morning if anyone wants to join us. (Ed jnr)

On my morning walk with the dog along the Adur I saw three Brown Argus and a Wall Brown by the river near the A23 flyover.
First time I have ever seen these by the river, normally because it is too early for butterflies. But today it was 23C. There was also the smallest male Common Blue I have ever seen. About the size of my little finger nail. (Jonathan Crawford)

I must get out of the habit of pressing "Enter" after I've inserted a picture! Now where was I? Ah yes, and plenty of Speckled Woods in the shaded path areas. (Graeme Rolf https://www.flickr.com/photos/128321708@N03/albums/72157649396241380)
Indeed. But glad to see you made the effort to complete the post. (Ed jnr)

Burgess Hill Green Circle (Burial Ground Region). From 10.00 am to 12.00 pm, 25 degrees C. Unsuccessful hunt for Brown Hairstreaks. However, 1 Small Copper, 1 Brimstone (Male), 1 Red Admiral, 2 Commas, 1 completely knackered Purple Hairstreak, several Large Whites, Small Whites, Green-veined Whites, Gatekeepers, Meadown Browns, Common Blues and Brown Argus. (Graeme Rolf https://www.flickr.com/photos/128321708@N03/albums/72157649396241380)

On a walk this morning over the area covered by my old Bevendean B Transect that includes Cardboard Hill and the seldom visited area between The Avenue and Bevendean Crescent I saw a Humming-bird Hawk-moth Meadow Browns, Gatekeepers, a Ringlet, Brown Argus, Common Blues, and lots of Chalk Hill Blues, a few Speckled Wood, a Small Copper, and a few Small Heath and Large and Small Whites and a big fat Wasp Spider. (Geoff Stevens)

2 brief, Brown Hairstreak sightings today at Batchelors Farm Nature Reserve. Here’s a short clip of an ovipositing female.

(David Cook)

Seaford East Sussex: Speckled Wood butterfly (Linda Lammiman)

Several Wall Brown egg laying observed today at High and Over. Seeing one in a scrape, obviously looking to lay, I was surprised to find 2 eggs left next to each other on a Dandelion Clock. (Bob Eade http://bobsbutterflies.blogspot.co.uk)

On Monday 30th July I was visiting my sons at Wick Street Farm and took the opportunity of carrying out a Big Butterfly count with one of my sons who is aiming to encourage butterflies on the property. We located 17 species of butterfly and one Humming-bird Hawk-moth. We were delighted to find two Walls, but were disappointed that there was not a single Peacock to be seen on the 21 acre site. There are Purple Hairstreaks flying round a number of the large oak trees on the farm but there was two much wind to be able to observe them while I was there. The extensive clumps of Fleabane on the site are an excellent source of nectar as will be seen from the pictures I took. (Michael Pitt-Payne)

Thursday 02 August

On a walk into Hogs Trough Bevendean, after pushing through rather a lot grazing cattle there were still plenty of Common Blues and Meadow Browns but the chalkhill blues were fewer fewer and looking rather worn but there were good numbers of second brood adonis also seen were Small Heaths, Brown Argus, gate keepers, various whites and Speckled Woods, 6 spot burnet moth and a Silver Y moth. (Geoff Stevens)

Northiam: I didn't take a picture but on investigation it was definitely a hummingbird moth hovering above a large clump of phlox. (Rosina Adkins)

Late afternoon a female Wall Brown suddenly appeared on the Buddleia in the garden nectaring. 2 Humming-bird Hawk-moths also here on and off during the day. (Bob Eade http://bobsbutterflies.blogspot.co.uk)

With reports from the Lancing area of large numbers of Wall Brown, (Thanks Lindsay), I ventured out to do a very quick walk around the 4 mile circuit of Frog Firle. I had to abort twice last week which was a shame as it was evident today that numbers are almost certainly past peak with most of the butterflies looking past their best!! One of the problems with a long hot spell is where they complete their life-cycle in double quick time!! Some areas of the walk were down more than I would have hoped. The Comp for instance has suffered this year from heavy farm traffic, occasionally also some dreaded chemicals for spraying on the crops has gone along there which I'm sure hasn't been beneficial to human or butterfly!! Wall Brown certainly do not respond well to this type of disturbance which is possibly one of the reasons they are struggling nationwide.

Having said all that I still had my 3rd best count since I started doing this in 2009 with a count of 85 (30 down on 2017) so I was well pleased really. I just hope that there is enough good quality grass for the young larva to feed on.

Other species seen were good numbers along Cradle Valley of Silver-spotted Skipper and Chalk Hill Blue, however, our local Adonis Blues were conspicuous by their absence!! (Bob Eade http://bobsbutterflies.blogspot.co.uk)

"The Pride of Sussex", our county flower is flowering now on the South Downs and buterflies like Silver-spotted Skippers are flying too. Lots more pics at https://sussexrambler.blogspot.com/ (Peter Lovett https://sussexrambler.blogspot.co.uk/)

Butterflies seen around Frant- On the Buddleia-Butterfly Tree near the disabled car parking space at the Church 2 Painted Lady, a Comma and a Peacock. 4 Speckled Wood around the Churchyard. A Common Blue in the grass opposite the Memorial Hall.
Visits to Hargate Forest have been curtailed due to incidents highlighted in the press recently. If any member needs more details please email me. (Janet Wilkes)
For those of you who are perhaps not up to date with the local news from Tunbridge Wells, a serial "flasher" has struck seven times in Hargate Woods recently and remains on the loose. (Ed jnr)

The slopes immediately west of Horseshoe Plantation, Belle Tout near Birling Gap were alive with downland butterflies this morning. In an area not much more than 100m x 100m we estimated that we'd seen 200+ Chalkhill Blues, 100+ Common Blues, 50+ Silver-spotted Skippers plus a supporting cast of Meadow Browns, Gatekeepers, Small Whites, Small Heath, Small Copper (1) and Wall (1). Additionally, there was a Hummingbird Hawkmoth. On the edge of the plantation were Brown Argus (1), Green-veined White (1), Commas (about 3) and a few Speckled Woods plus a Southern Hawker dragonfly. (Simon Linington & John Gowers)

I went for a walk around Mill Hill nature reserve this weekend and found....a go pro camera and power bank! If you've lost it, or know friend who has get in touch! I've charged it back up and can see who it belongs to but don't know who you are! Please like and share! (Mat Armstrong https://www.facebook.com/groups/MillHill/search/?query=go%20pro%20camera%20)

Wednesday 01 August

A search of Highdown Hill revealed only 18 species of butterfly. Unable to locate any species that would have got me excited (such as Silver-spotted Skipper, Brown Hairstreak, Adonis Blue, Chalk Hill Blue etc.) but that's butterflying! 115 Common Blue, 52 Small Heath, 7 Holly Blue, 6 Painted Lady were notable. The café has sadly closed down. (Lindsay Morris)

I walked from Milton Street to Windover Hill and Deep Dean this afternoon to look for Grayling again. I walked virtually the same zig-zag path as last week and encountered 4 females, 4 males and 3 unidentified Grayling. Two females were egg laying. Regards to all I met on the hill and I hope they found what they were after. There were also another 16 species of butterfly to be seen in the area, so well worth a visit. (Ed, I will email further details) (Patrick Moore)

Today (1 August) I started at Deep Dean, to continue monitoring Grayling numbers. With the help of several others I struggled to a deeply worrying tally of three (2m, 1f), all of which were quite old butterflies. The Sussex Grayling is in serious trouble, so any further sightings would be most welcome, and vital in determining just how critical the situation is. There's plenty more to enjoy up there, including numerous Silver-spotted Skippers and the first second brood Adonis Blues, so it's still well worth a visit.
Things were considerably better on the Park Corner Heath & Rowland Wood reserves, where I recorded a wide variety of species (25), including Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary (5, including 3 egg-laying females), Dark Green Fritillary, Silver-washed Fritillary, Wall, Painted Lady, Clouded Yellow, Small Skipper, Essex Skipper, Brimstone, Large White, Small White, Green-veined White, Speckled Wood, Small Heath, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Ringlet, Red Admiral, Peacock, Comma, Small Copper, Purple Hairstreak, Holly Blue, Common Blue and Brown Argus. Two female Oak Eggar moths were sitting quietly on vegetation, while several males were seen flying at high speed. (Neil Hulme)

1 August 2018. I cycled up to Mill Hill about midday for the annual count of Chalkhill Blues on the fixed one acre transect on the lower slopes.The 30 minute count recorded 51 male Chalkhill Blues. This was a very low day count but not the worst recorded which was 30 in 2016. They were even outnumbered by male Adonis Blues which were counted at 58. (Andy Horton http://www.glaucus.org.uk/MillHill2018.html#1August)

Regular visitors to these pages will recall my postings from last year referencing the conservation work done by Burgess Hill Town Council to protect and increase the numbers of Brown Hairstreak at Batchelors Farm Nature Reserve on the south side of Burgess Hill. It’s still early days but numbers I’ve seen in this area are definitely responding well. Here’s another female seen today, unusually at 17:10pm.
It’s a pleasant walk for anyone who fancies having a look around. Check out the Blackthorn hedges between the markers on the map shown here and also the Ash, Oak and Field Maple master trees.
Easy access and parking at TQ 31200 17908. Follow the path to the pond and turn left and over the railway bridge. Batchelors Farm is directly in front of you with the Water Tower in the distant field. (David Cook)

About three hours walking deepdene this morning covering areas 1a,1b, 1c and 1d in the company of Neil I found only one female Grayling hiding in the scrub in area1c near the top of that area.Quite a few walls on the way down. I then joined Neil in Rowlands wood where we observed several SPBs both male and female quite active. I also found a lovely little Viper. (Peter Jarman)

In the extreme heat last week the meadow was brimming with beautiful butterflies...fritillary , whites, Brimstones, skippers , Meadow Browns and many blues. And many beautiful Chalk Hill Blues like this one. (Kirsty Gibbs)

This rather tatty two spotted Meadow Brown could not keep away from the mint growing next to our pond (off Theobalds Road, Burgess Hill), last Tuesday. (John Prodger)

Morning walk on Harting Down Today (1 Aug) Lots of Common Blue Meadow Brown Small Heath 3Brimstone Red Admiral Peacock, 6 silver washed fritillary 2 Speckled Wood 4 Large White Green Veined White lots of Small White Clouded Yellow 6 Gatekeeper Small Tortoiseshell (Ian Thomas)

Three Painted Ladies were feeding on one of my Buddleia bushes at the same time at around 9 o`clock this morning. During the day I have also seen a number of Small Whites, a few Meadow Browns and 1 each of Gatekeeper, Large White, Common Blue, and a second Wall this year in my Seaford garden. (Stuart Ridley)

In my back garden in Hailsham on a large patch of fleabane, this afternoon I have a female Common Blue. First time I have seen this butterfly in my garden so very happy! (Kerry Baldwin)

My thanks to Paul Atkin for reporting the Wall Browns he saw at Tide Mills. This is an area of particular interest as the butterfly was once numerous here, but in recent years has all but vanished. I did start to get reports last year of their return from a few people, although what the impact for them will be once the concrete blocking factory arrives we will have to wait and see.
I am also interested if anyone sees any Wall Brown the other side of the railway line on the Ouse Estuary Project. This also was once a very good site for them. (Bob Eade - Wall brown Species Champion http://bobsbutterflies.blogspot.co.uk)

On the turn of the month, the Chalkhill Blues were expected to reach peak numbers on the lower slopes of Mill Hill, but for the fifteenth successive year the numbers have been terribly disappointing. Under a cloudy sky, a third of an acre transect at the northern end of the lower slopes recorded an estimated (part counted) 60 blue males and two brown females with not many more than a hundred seen over the hill. Adonis Blues were about 30, but of the twelve species of butterflies seen the ubiquitous Meadow Browns led the way with 400 seen and many more hidden. (Andy Horton http://www.glaucus.org.uk/MillHill2018.html#31July)

The garden is well and truly entering its end-of-season quiet phase. The recent high winds and heavy rain battered the meadow and scattered more-or-less all the flower seed that was waiting to drop. There are still butterflies to see and pursue with a camera but there are fewer opportunities. One of the little games I like to play at this time of the year is to see how many different female Common Blues I can photograph. I am fascinated by the colour variation. One of the photos shows a very pale individual. Initially, I thought it was just faded but since there is very little wear of the hairs of the white outer border I changed my mind and decided that it more-or-less emerged that way. In my articles on wildlife gardening I have mentioned that Musk Mallow is a lovely wildflower for both the meadow and the herbaceous border. However, looking through my photo albums I realised that I had never managed to photograph a butterfly nectaring on the flower head. This year I have been more successful as I realise that Brown Argus and Common Blue are both regular visitors (if other preferred flowers are not available). The other characteristic of Musk Mallow is that it is not fazed by high winds and heavy rain and remains proudly upright when storms have petered out. We often talk about the resilience of butterflies and after the weekend I thought the meadow butterfly numbers would have plummeted but not a bit of it and as soon as it brightened up there were around 5 male Common Blues, 4 female Common Blues and 3-4 Brown Argus - all going back to their business as if nothing had happened. (Martin Kalaher)

Tuesday 31 July

A morning wander on Malling Down found amongst dozens of Chalk hill & Common Blues my first second Gen Adonis of the year. Also lots of Silver-spotted Skipper (50+ over the whole sight observed). Walls, Meadow Browns, Small Heath, Brown Argus, a single Small Copper, fresh Painted Lady & all 3 Whites also seen.

A slight detour home via Newhaven Tidemills (looking for Clouded Yellows mainly) found more Small Heath, Common Blues, Red Admirals and the surprise appearance of at least 3 Walls (1.2). Not sure if Walls have ever been recorded here before but 1 of the females was definitely in laying mode. 1 M&F seen here TQ45880025, 2nd F seen here TQ45440044. Finished the day with a Hummungbird Hawkmoth as I was leaving (Paul Atkin)

(continuation of previous report) (Colin Knight)

This morning I checked Fairmile Bottom and saw Meadow Browns, Common Blues, Small Heaths, Gatekeepers, Painted Ladies, Large Whites. moths seen: Straw Dot, Satyr Pug larva (Eupithecia satyrata) on Slender Knapweed, Common Purple and Gold, V-Pug larva (Chloroclystis v-ata) on Hemp Agrimony, Light Brown Apple Moth, Red Piercer (Lathronympha strigana). Later I visited Kithurst Meadow where I saw Silver-washed Fritillaries, Small Whites, Large Whites, Common Blues, a Small Tortoiseshell, a Clouded Yellow, Commas, Red Admirals, Brimstones, a Small Copper, Brown Argus and a female Long-tailed Ichneumon wasp (Gasteruption jaculator). (Colin Knight http://www.seapic.com)

Humming-bird Hawk-moth. I have seen this today feeding on Verbena and a Buddleja
(Adeleine O'Dell)

I met up with Trevor Rapley today to do a thorough search of the Blackthorn hedges around the Burgess Hill Burial Ground on the west side of town. The early signs looked promising in the oaks by the car park (marked red) with males seen dicing with Purple Hairstreaks high up. Following the path in a northerly direction, headed towards point 1 on the map, as this was a bit of a hot spot last year. A couple of possibles in the Ash and a brief encounter with a female low down. We made our way around to point 3 (just visible) and here found an Oak and Ash master tree that had several males again dicing with Purple Hairstreak. I also found a female in the scrub in front of this area at point 5.
We checked most of the fleabane on our walk but only found Common Blue, Small Copper, Brown Argus, Small Whites, Gatekeeper and Meadow Browns nectaring. (David Cook)

A walk up and around Lancing Ring and Steep Down was made glorious by 110 Wall Brown. Full support was given by 2 Brown Hairstreak nectaring on hemp agrimony, 2 Clouded Yellow (one a delicious helice), 5 Painted Lady, 2 Hummingbird Hawk-Moth. 19 species of butterfly seen including that current rarity a Small Tortoiseshell. Couldn't find any Adonis Blue yet and the everlasting pea was devoid of diminutive blue migrants. (Lindsay Morris)

This is a correction to yesterdays sightings. It was a Common Blue that I should have reported not a Small Blue. (another senior moment......worrying!) (Stuart Ridley)
Thanks Stuart.When you don't worry, it's the time to worry (Ed jnr)

A fresh male Clouded Yellow alongside the Northern Perimeter Road at Gatwick this morning. (Vince Massimo)

A good day butterfly spotting in my semi-wild garden in Lewes: Common Blue, Gatekeeper, Speckled Wood, Comma and Small White made up the current crew of regular sightings. In addition there were 2 Brown Argus (clearly distinguishable from the female Common Blue also present) flitting around the wild geranium and to cap it all a lovely fresh Clouded Yellow on buddleia.
Also watched a Humming-bird Hawk-moth on buddleia outside the Linklater Pavilion in Lewes this morning. That's the 5th sighting this year in Lewes this year. (Ray Pyne)

Monday 30 July

These sightings were all in the Woodingdean Castle Hill Nature Reserve area
Painted Lady
Wall Brown
Brown Argus
Marbled White
Speckled Wood
Gatekeeper
Small Skipper (I think?) (Philip Booker https://1drv.ms/f/s!ArU6MTVhfwxBhfhFdLlKyo02yyJYTw)

(continuation of previous report) (Colin Knight)

During a walk in Houghton Forest this afternoon I saw worn male and female Silver-washed Fritillaries, Green-veined White, Large and Small Whites, Speckled Wood, Gatekeeper, 4th instar Comma larvae on nettle and a White-spotted Pug larva on an umbellifer. Plus Silver Y and Pearl Veneer moths. Also seen: a lacewing larva, leafhoppers (Evacanthus interruptus and Eupteryx urticae), and Mirid bugs (Liocoris tripustulatus and Plagiognathus arbustorum). (Colin Knight http://www.seapic.com)

After the very wet and windy weekend I was surprised to see 9 different species in my Seaford garden this afternoon, namely several Small Whites 2 Meadow Browns and one each of Gatekeeper, Brown Argus, Large White, Painted Lady, Small Blue, Wall and Speckled Wood. The latter 2 are not frequent visitors to the garden but nice to see them. (Stuart Ridley)

Dark Arches, Apamea monoglypha - dead on my bedroom floor.

(Peter Lovett https://sussexrambler.blogspot.co.uk/)

Sunday 29 July

(continuation of previous report) (Colin Knight)

Before the rains came we had many visitors to our balcony the past week including a new one - Small Grey (Eudonia mercurella). Others included Blastobasis vittata, Bright-line Brown-eye, Brimstone Moth, Brown House Moth, Channel Islands Pug, Cloaked Minor, Common Wainscot, Elbow-stripe Grass-veneer, Knot Grass, Light Brown Apple Moth, Marbled Beauty, Marbled Green, Meal Moth, Silver Y, Small Purple and Gold aka Mint Moth, Twenty-plume Moth, Waste Grass-veneer, Yponomeuta species. (Colin Knight)

In the middle of Orange Tip season I purchased a new pair of walking trousers which are supposed to be waterproof. As I left to test them this afternoon in St Leonards Forest, Horsham; "Take a camera dad, you never know" was the shout from the family. I'm glad I did for despite high winds and driving rain I found a group of Common Blue sitting it out at the "Dragon Seat". Rather odd taking pictures of butterflies in the teeming rain I have to say. The trousers worked well. (Patrick Moore)

I visited Kithurst meadow on my way back from a camera sensor cleaning course at Cameracal, West Chiltington yesterday afternoon. Plenty of butterflies seen and a few moths, including Chalk Hill Blues, Brown Argus and Straw Dots (Rivula sericealis). I hope they are well hunkered down today! (Colin Knight)

Saturday 28 July

On Thursday (26 July) I paid another visit to Deep Dean (Windover Hill, Wilmington) to monitor the ailing population of chalk-based Sussex Grayling, where I joined forces with Patrick Moore and Lindsay Morris. Between us, we could muster no more than 8 individuals (all male), although the butterflies were clearly doing their best to hide from us (and the heat) in rabbit holes, scrapes and shrubs. I'm hoping that the subsequent rain will trigger a substantial emergence of particularly females, but observations over the last two weeks give cause for real concern. The chance meeting with Tim Squire (SDNPA) allowed us a useful opportunity to discuss habitat management issues on site, as it is becoming a little clearer where some of the problems may lie.
As I made my final ascent of the steep slope I flushed what I initially thought was a mating pair of Silver-spotted Skippers, but it soon became apparent that this male skipper hadn't been as lucky as first appeared; a rare Downland Robberfly had the hapless butterfly in a Vulcan death grip.
I then visited the BC Park Corner Heath & Rowland Wood reserves where, among many other butterflies, I spotted a second brood Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary. My fears for any breeding opportunities for a second brood were somewhat alleviated the following day, when a trip to Drusillas Park with the kids ended with a rain storm, which swept over the area.
My final stop on Thursday was at the Knepp Wildland, which seemed strangely quiet after recent weeks. I toured most of the hotspots which have given so much pleasure since mid June, during the best Purple Emperor season I've ever experienced, and may ever experience. I saw just one reasonably conditioned female and a fragment of a male. Time to say goodbye for another year. (Neil Hulme)

With all the national first sightings in for 2018, Sussex has once again topped the provisional county list. Last year we had seven national firsts. This year we managed an astounding ten, which was far more than anywhere else and probably a record. In fact if Mr. Hulme had his way it would be eleven as Head Office don't count the Large Tortoiseshell and he does.
2018 Leaderboard
Sussex10
Derbyshire6
Cumbria4
Devon 4
Hampshire3
Norfolk3
Oxfordshire3
Cornwall3
(Ed jnr)

Already too warm by 11:00 am yesterday , the butterflies were all very active on Mill Hill. Fourteen species of butterfly were spotted including 47 Chalkhill Blues, a dozen Adonis Blues and a Silver-spotted Skipper. (Andy Horton http://www.glaucus.org.uk/MillHill2018.html#27July)
Colin Knight writes that the micro looks like a Satin Grass-veneer (Crambus perlella f. warringtonellus) (Ed jnr)

Friday 27 July

10 species of butterfly seen on a patch of rough ground by the Alfriston road in Seaford today. Small Copper, Green Veined, Small, and Large White, Wall Brown, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Speckled Wood, Common Blue, Brown Argus (lots of the last two) (Mike Kerry)

Spent a couple of hours at Burgess Hill green circle from 10am hoping to see a Brown Hairstreak. Did the section from the burial ground and the fields behind it round to Tesco. Everything was moving so fast in the heat and the only hairstreaks on view were purple. Plenty of Common Blue, Speckled Wood, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, a few whites, a Small Copper, a silver washed fritillary and a Red Admiral. (Martin Buck)

A couple of good home sightings on 22 July.. We are at TV562984 (East Dean).
A Chalk Hill Blue in the garden, possibly 2 or 3.
Jersey Tiger in the house. At least six sightings here during July. (Carole & David Jode)

Silver washed Fritillary (Valezina). Seen on the Abbots Trail walked anti-clockwise from the car park, on the way back from the lake, along the main path. Also Purple Hairstreak, similar area (on 26th) and photo of one on the 16th taken along main path by lake. (Marilyn Dewar)

The garden meadow is now dominated by a handful of Common Blue and another handful of Brown Argus. I wander around the garden hoping for Brown Hairstreak and Clouded Yellow but have yet to see one of either. However, it is only July and there is plenty of time yet. In my garden there is a very strong association between Brown Hairstreak and Hemp Agrimony and as a result of the hot dry summer much of the HA has failed to flower, and the plants that have flowered are going to seed very quickly. The Buddleia is looking good but isn't attracting any great numbers of butterflies. Yesterday there was Painted Lady, Red Admiral, Comma and Peacock, all on Buddleia and Brimstone on Everlasting Pea. There were 13 species in the garden. The photo of Brown Argus has some interest as the "Figure of Eight" can be seen but the inner circle is very small. (Martin Kalaher)

I was surprised to see a female Purple Emperor flying in the shade of a large group of willow's in the garden at Turners Hill today. (Tom Parker)

Approaching thunder scuppered my plan to go on to Steep Down from Lancing Ring. Around the latter I could find only 15 species of butterfly, the highlights of which were 38 Wall Brown, 69 Common Blue, 10 Brown Argus, 4 Painted Lady. Yesterday, in the very bottom of the Deep Dean oven, I was lucky enough to have a Grayling land on my binoculars, but we only managed two sightings. I saw 11 Silver-spotted Skipper between here and the SDW car park, at several sites. What a population there must be! Also 3 Small Blue and 7 Wall Brown. I was surprised to see a Silver-washed Fritillary amongst the several Dark Green Fritillaries in Deep Dean. (Lindsay Morris)

I bumped into Neil in Deep Dean yesterday (26th) and despite the heat helped to conduct a zig-zag sweep of the south facing slope for somewhat difficult to find Grayling. Despite several fleeting sightings most were hiding from the heat within or just outside rabbit burrows towards the valley floor. For one "over-too-soon" moment a Grayling landed on clothing, rucksacks and camera, wonderful. Totals for the day reached 8, yes 8. Worrying isn't it? (Patrick Moore)
Yep. (Ed jnr)

Thursday 26 July

I saw only one Grayling at Deep Dean but it was with a Neil Hulme so that was good. A fortunate meeting as we had a very useful talk about the management of the site. Too busy to photograph the Grayling itself even though it landed on my leg at one point! Did get some nice shots of a silver spotted skipper though. (Tim Squire)

With the midday mercury nudging 35c and low humidity (33%) these Purple Hairstreak were seeking moisture by the pond at the entrance to Batchelors Farm today. I sat and watched for about an hour in the hope that the female Purple Emperor i’d seen earlier in the week would make an appearance but alas she didn’t. Seeing the Hairstreaks though was a very entertaining. (David Cook)

With an arrival time of 09:30 I entered Binsted Woods (No.41 in Atlas) from Binsted Lanes and I found the first Silver-washed Fritillary at SU 99544 06971 followed by an other 15 of them at SU 99307 07234. This latter spot is the end of a clearing where the electricity poles are running and the trees have been felled so there is plenty of Fern, Bramble and wildflowers for the butterflies. This corridor runs all the way to SU 98940 07282 where I counted an other 6 SWFs. In this area there were a few Meadow Brown, Large White, Small White, Gatekeeper, a Red Admiral and one male Brimstone. Along the path at SU 99208 06898 I found yet an other bunch of SWFs and I saw a Purple Hairstreak high up on an Oak tree. I also ventured out onto Binsted Park SU 99064 06400 what was buzzing with MBs, Skippers, and all kind of blues. In the woods the dominant butterfly was the Speckled Wood with 30+ seen. Unfortunately I cannot confirm the presence of the PE or WA but I guess that is due to the time of the day.
I left at 12 noon and walked back to Arundel and popped in to the WWT Center where I saw a fishing Kingfisher and a Grass Snake lurking in the murky water of the reed. (Istvan Radi)

Two beautiful Jersey Tiger moths attracted to my moth trap last night, in my Eastbourne garden. My first sighting of this moth. (Robert Coleman)

Wednesday 25 July

Following a habitat management meeting at Rewell Wood with Norfolk Estate Forester Mark Aldridge, this afternoon (25 July) I headed up to Cissbury Ring to monitor the Silver-spotted Skipper, which colonised the site in 2012 (first observed 2013). Since then, numbers have been highly variable, largely reflecting the condition of the sward (too rank in damp summers) in the SW compartment, which is in dire need of grazing. In poorer years the species retreats to the southernmost compartment, where I saw most, but not all, today (some in Shipdens Holt meadow and within the ramparts). Silver-spotted Skipper is clearly doing very well this year and I easily beat my previous best count with a tally of 128, including three mating pairs. Although the currently occupied area is relatively small, the action rivaled the best I've experienced at Malling Down and Newtimber Hill. The place was buzzing with skippers and I watched chases of up to six or seven males in pursuit of a female. However, you need to 'get your eye in', such is the speed at which they move in this heat. Other highlights included Wall, Dark Green Fritillary, Small Copper and a second brood Dingy Skipper. (Neil Hulme)

This afternoon despite the heat I went Silver-spotted Skipper spotting on Newtimber Hill. Also of note there were Chalkhill Blue above the old quarry as well as Dingy Skipper and Wall Brown in and around it. A total of 19 species were recorded. (Patrick Moore)

Up and around Lancing Ring and Steep Down were 90 Wall Brown. A Clouded Yellow and a Brown Hairstreak stood out amongst the many other butterflies. It's well worth doing the Butterfly Conservation Big Butterfly Count. My nephew Joe (S.E. London) sat by his pond for 15 minutes and photographed a Purple Hairstreak (his first encounter with this species) drinking from a lilly pad! (Lindsay Morris)

In our Crawley, Poundhill garden today a Silver-washed Fritillary a first for the garden.3 male Holly Blue,female Common Blue,Speckled Wood, Gatekeeper and several each of Small & Large Whites. (Alastair Gray)

Wall Brown female on Water Mint, TQ51151471, 50m south of the Shed. (Francis Kelly)

Plenty of Silver-spotted Skippers at Mailing Down, on the hill immediately East of the allotments - too fast to count but I would estimate 60+. Plenty of chalkhill blues. Also seen on the reserve but in smaller numbers were Small Heath, Meadow Brown, Brown Argus, Common Blue and Essex Skippers. Saw one of Dingy Skipper, Comma, Wall Brown, Speckled Wood, Small White, Large White, Small Copper and Gatekeeper. The area was full of butterflies but even at 11.30am it was too hot to stay long. (Martin Buck)

Tuesday 24 July

A few pictures of the 14 species seen in St Leonards Forest, Horsham this afternoon. (Patrick Moore)

There's been a lot going on at the BC Park Corner Heath and Rowland Wood reserves over the last two days. On Monday (23 July) I was joined by Andrea Gibbs, Bob Foreman (on the mower), Nigel Symington, Graeme Rolf and Doug Neve, for a day of Bracken control on Park Corner Heath. Similar work was conducted today (24 July) by Mike Fearn and a dozen of his Brighton Conservation Volunteers, this time on Rowland Wood. My thanks go to everyone who took part; a huge amount of Bracken clearance was completed, despite the intense heat. Summer cutting will allow some areas to become more grassy and herb-rich, which will suit the Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary. A partial second brood of this species is likely (late July and August) given the hot summer we're experiencing, so the cut will also make more violet accessible. The drought conditions are very worrying (rain please), but the plants in semi-shade around the Bracken margins will hopefully prove usable. It was encouraging to see a couple of female Dark Green Fritillary immediately start laying eggs in the newly cleared area on Park Corner Heath yesterday. During my walkabout I also saw plenty of Common Blue, Brown Argus and Small Heath, together with a few Silver-washed Fritillary. Andrea and Gary Norman have both seen Wall on the reserve recently, and Gary has reported a second brood Dingy Skipper; the first time I've heard of one in a woodland setting. (Neil Hulme)

My watching brief was to look after two grand-children but it did allow me to pop into the garden once in awhile. There were 13 butterfly species and around 70 butterflies in total (with Gatekeeper contributing about 30). The female Common Blue in the photo appeared very blue in flight, but very brown when perched. There was at least one male Small Copper on territory, as well as a minimum of 5 Common Blue and 4 Brown Argus, resident. One Red Admiral on the Buddleia was nice. Still no Small Tortoiseshell. It would seem that so far this year they have had a disastrous season. (Martin Kalaher)

Roedean Old 9-hole Site. A few more pictures. I forgot to mention a handful of Small Skippers! (Graeme Rolf https://www.flickr.com/photos/128321708@N03/albums/72157649396241380)

Roedean Old 9-hole Site. Between 10.30 am and 12.30 pm, 25 degrees C.. The constructed bank was alive with Meadow Browns, Small Whites and Common Blues, accompanied by a lesser number of Brown Argus and Small Blues. Elsewhere over the meadow were several Small Heaths, a Green-veined White, a Small Copper and a Wall Brown. There were also a couple of Six-spot Burnet Moths on the Scabious. One Common Blue seemed to be a spider's breakfast!
Some Cinnabar moth caterpillars were merrily munching on the occasional Ragwort plant. (Graeme Rolf https://www.flickr.com/photos/128321708@N03/albums/72157649396241380)

There were 2 Clouded Yellows and 150 Small Whites on the southern end of Thorney Island this morning. (Barry and Margaret Collins )

A circular walk from Lyons Farm via Cissbury. Some highlights from the 28 butterfly species identified were 33 Silver-spotted Skipper (all in the usual area (TQ 13733 07675) except one up on the flint mines), 2 Clouded Yellow, 129 Common Blue, 109 Chalk Hill Blue, 4 Small Tortoiseshell, 6 Small Copper, 8 Wall Brown, 4 Silver-washed Fritillary, Dark Green Fritillary, Hummingbird Hawk-Moth, 19 Small Heath, 10 Brimstone. (Lindsay Morris)

Following on from my report of a sighting of a Dark Green Fritillary at RSPB Broadwater Warren on 14 July, I saw another today nectaring on buddleia outside the RSPB 's Wealden Office at Sham Farm Business Units, Eridge Green which is situated within the Eridge Park Estate (TQ563338). (Alan Loweth)

As I am doing a night shift today I had time to quickly go up to Ewe Dean and look for Graylings. I arrived just before 9am and stayed until about 11am and spent my time in Area 3C and 3B mostly on the top and in the middle with NO sightings.Temperature was around 22C and no clouds. I am not an expert but even I noticed the huge difference between Deep Dean and Ewe Dean as in the latter is covered with dense knee-waist high grass and it also lacks exposed soil/rocks. On my way back to Polegate I stopped at Deep Dean for 10 minutes in the hope that I wouldn't have to leave without seeing at least one Grayling and I did see one at TQ 54330 03104 what is Area 1A I think. Plenty of Wall Brown, Silver-spotted Skipper and Chalk Hill Blue though. I also met a couple who told me that they have seen Graylings in Ewe Dean twice in the last 5 years, hopefully they will get in touch with the details. (Istvan Radi)

Hot sticky day at Woods Mill with little to show for it . On way out , tried the dried out dipping pond for dragonfly activity -- ruddy darter and golden ringed were very welcome . Then ,on a sunlit area of the moist pond bed ,a Common Blue, followed amazingly by a Purple Hairstreak, then a Brown Hairstreak ! (William Gemmell)

Clouded Yellow At goodwood trundle midday (Ian Thomas)

We spent yesterday morning on Chantry Hill where we saw a dozen or so Silver-spotted Skippers, Dingy Skipper, Small Skippers, Chalk Hill Blues, Brown Argus, and some very worn Dark Green Fritillaries. (Barry Sketchley)

23 July 2018
With the humid warm weather approaching a health risk, perhaps a visit to Mill Hill was ill advised, but I wanted to check up on the number of butterflies in the afternoon on the parched downs. Butterflies were lively and a full report is available on the Mill Hill page.
Chalkhill Blues were all over the upper meadows and middle slopes in the early afternoon, but not so numerous on the parched lower slopes where most of them are usually found. Second brood Adonis Blues were a surprise this early in the year and a second brood Dingy Skipper was always a rare find. Thirteen species of butterfly was equal to the most in a day this year, but still nothing special. (Andy Horton http://www.glaucus.org.uk/MillHill2018.html#23July)

Monday 23 July

A search round Lancing Ring and Steep Down was notable for a whopping 86 Wall Brown amongst the 25 butterfly species identified. Also a Hummingbird Hawk-Moth and my first Clouded Yellow of the year. (Lindsay Morris)

I have had 18 butterfly species in my Storrington garden over the past 4-5 days. The slightly unusual ones today were Silver-washed Fritillary on Buddleia, a faded Painted Lady and a Speckled Wood. I mention the latter as I haven't seen any in the garden for weeks/months. The record which is probably the most interesting is that of a Common Blue egg-laying on Dogwood. Prof Thomas tells us about all sorts of legumes but no mention of hedgerow plants. Any thoughts anyone about this? (Martin Kalaher)

I thought you might like to see this photo of a Dark Green Fritillary taken by visitor David Saunders at Broadwater on 14 July near the Decoy Pond. I have seen in the Butterflies of Sussex that there is a population in some tetrads south of Tunbridge Wells and I recall some years back someone saying that they had seen a Dark Green Fritillary on the border between Broadwater and SWT Eridge Rocks, but this is our first confirmation of one being recorded in Broadwater.
(Alan Loweth Office Manager & Volunteer Co-ordinator)

Nick Linazasoro's caterpillar from 22nd is a beetle larva, Drilus flavescens. The male ends up as a small beetle but the female is wingless and similar to a glow worm female. I know this because we occasionally get them on my Brighton allotment site. Penny Green wrote about them, there are not many records of them in Sussex, possibly because they get over looked. (Tessa Pawsey)
And thank you too Tessa. (Ed jnr)

Some of the other species found on Windover hill this morning.
Chalk Hill Blues must now be in their thousands, over the whole area. (Trevor Rapley)

I set out for Windover hill very early this morning, in order to make the climb in cooler conditions. Graylings were my target, but on arrival there were many other distractions, so much so that the sun was fully up when I arrived on the Gayling site. In all I found 10 Graylings, 6 on the ground and 2 pairs in chases. They were all seen over the full length of the path below the Gorse thicket. (Trevor Rapley)

The unidentified larva that Nick put up from Malling Down is actually a beetle larva, Drilus flavescens. It is a rare, NA classified beetle, although its stronghold does appear to be in the Lewes area. (Bob Eade)
Thanks Bob (Ed jnr)

Wall on a wall near Arlington (TQ5524206418) (Judith Barnard)

Wall at the top of Deep Dean, Windover Hill (Judith Barnard)

Silver Washed Frittillary flew past me in Lewes Town Centre yesterday whilst I was busking!
(Danny McEvoy)

Sunday 22 July

Sunday Roost
I managed to spot this Small White whilst watering the patio flowers this evening, it's still there as I write this (10PM) (Patrick Moore)

The usual low numbers in our Hove back garden but as we were having a family get together we were outside for most of the day and saw good variety:- Small Whites (best 3 at same time), Holly Blues (best 2 at same time), 1 Speckled Wood, 1 Comma, 1 Red Admiral, 1 Meadow Brown, 1 Gatekeeper, 1 Six-spot Burnet moth (may be a first in our garden), 1 Light Brown Apple Moth and at least 2 Common Purple and Gold moths. (John and Val Heys)

Here are a few more Malling Down photos for you to enjoy. (Nick Linazasoro)

Here are a few more Malling Down photos for you to enjoy. (Nick Linazasoro)

Went for a peaceful stroll around Malling Down, Lewes and saw Comma, Common Blue, Gatekeeper, Holly Blue, Large White, Marbled White, Meadow Brown, Red Admiral, Silver-spotted Skipper, Small Copper, Small Heath, Small Skipper, Small White, Speckled Wood as well as Mint Moth (Pyrausta aurata), Cinnabar Moth caterpillar and an unidentified caterpillar. (Nick Linazasoro)

The first Clouded Yellow I've seen this year, two over a meadow beside carpark at Chalkpit Lane Goodwood (Ian Thomas)

Correction to the date (18th July) of my first Grayling on the path up to Windover Hill (TQ 53941 03533) (Judith Barnard)

My second Grayling seen in Deep Dean (TQ 54369 03165) (Judith Barnard)

My first Grayling seen on the path up to Windover Hill (TQ 53941 03533) (Judith Barnard)

Ashenground & Bolnore Woods, Haywards Heath - lovely to have a Peacock included in my Big Butterfly Count and sooo excited to see a male Silver Washed Fritillary (not included in the Count) as not seen one in my local woods for several years. Also sighted: male Common Blues, Gatekeepers, Meadow Browns, Large Whites, Small Whites, Green-veined Whites, Ringlet and 6-spot burnet. (Kim Berry)

Yesterday evening looking for roosting Chalk Hill Blues I came across this male ab at High and Over. (Bob Eade http://bobsbutterflies.blogspot.co.uk)

Visited Malling Down yesterday between 1030 and 1300 wanting to photograph Silver spotted Skippers and Brown Argus. Parked in the car park on the B2192, spent most of the time on the south facing slopes south of the of the golf course. About 10 Silver spotted Skippers seen plus many Brown Argus,Chalk Hill Blues, Common Blues, Essex Skippers and Small Skippers, Small Heaths, 1 Dark Green Fritillary and 1 Peacock. (Jonathan Warner)

It was both hot and windy at Malling Down, Lewes this afternoon, making photography very difficult. Fortunately there were a couple of Silver-spotted Skippers that stopped for more than one nano-second and I managed to snatch a few photos. (John Williams)

In Jul17 we went on a BC organised walk which introduced us to the butterfly reserve on the edge of Warnham village (not the nature reserve on the way into Horsham). I thought I'd go back today but of course everything is baked dry by the weather with large cracks in the ground. Few flowers left but turning right immediately after the entrance to the field brought me to a large bramble bush that still had flowers on it. There was something big and fritillery like gliding about but it didn't stop long enough to see properly. Many Meadow Browns, some in a bit of a tattered state. I also got a Ringlet on ragwort and then something else that I now believe to be a Purple Hairstreak but happy to stand corrected (Nick Layt)
Yep. PH it is. (Ed jnr)

I decided to forego a trip to Deep Dean this weekend (I'll return in mid August after a short holiday) and instead paid a visit to the Ashdown Forest this morning to carry out another SSB survey (even though I was not expecting to find any!). It was very quiet on the butterfly front with just Gatekeepers, a Meadow Brown and a Ringlet showing. And then I reached site 3B and immediately up flew a male Silver Studded Blue; I couldn't quite believe it! In the next 5 minutes at the same site I found 9 more SSB's (giving a total of 8 males and 2 females) - amazing! I also added Small White and Large Skipper to my morning's list from the same area. I then moved on feeling optimistic but all went quiet again. Eventually I caught up with 2 more male SSB's, one at site 5B and the other on the track at TQ 478287 giving a total count of 12. Both females were worn but some of the males at 3B looked really fresh. A lovely walk made all the more special with these sightings and my curiosity aroused as to why 3B should have had so many late SSB's when they were pretty much absent everywhere else. I'm looking forward to returning next year to see how they are faring. (Chris Hooker)
Chris has been part of a most excellent team surveying the Ashdown Forest for Silver-studded Blues this summer. More about the project and the sites Chris visited here. (Ed jnr)

I went to Chantry Hill today between 7 and 8.30. The butterflies were already very active on arrival. There was a hot air balloon flying in the distance. From the main pathI saw 5 Silver-spotted Skippers, lots of Meadow Browns including a mating pair, didn't count the Chalk Hill Blues but I would guess about 20, 2 Small Coppers, 2 Marbled Whites, 2 Dark Green Fritillaries, 3 Brown Argus, 2 Common Blues, a few other skippers, Gatekeepers, 2 Small Heaths and a Large White. (katrina watson)

I have been doing other things as regards the natural world and as far as butterfly observations are concerned haven't strayed from my Storrington garden. Although the date is only July 22nd it seems more like August 10th with many of the native wildflowers in rapid decline. The garden is generally very quiet. In the last week of July I usually have a few days when the total garden-butterfly count exceeds one hundred. Right now I would be lucky to count 35. It has been a glorious summer in the garden but it seems to finishing early. The highlights of the past week have been emerging Common Blue and Brown Argus. On the 18th there were five male Common Blues all freshly-emerged and all reluctant to fly. Having emerged late afternoon they appeared to decide that going to bed was a better option than trying to fly around the meadow. The other highlight is a regular small roost of the above two species with Small Heath and Small Copper thrown in some evenings. The Buddleia is in its full glory but with very few insects nectaring. Not only has the garden butterfly population crashed, the bumble bee numbers are also considerably down compared to a week or two back. (Martin Kalaher)

I set out on Saturday to look for Brown Hairstreaks at Knepp. Unfortunately I didn't see any, but I saw a nice female Gatekeeper, and also bumped into Trevor who made the welcome suggestion of a pint of shandy at the Countryman! Later I went to Kithurst Hill to see some Chalkhill Blues, and a mating pair of Common Blues. (John Williams)

Saturday 21 July

Today I arranged to go with 2 friends and their son to Castle Hill. The only time that worked for both of us was in the middle of the day. I was hoping both to catch up with them and give then a window into the butterfly hobby experience and hopefully share some of my enthusiasm. I think I at least had a modicum of success in my mission with my friend getting very good at spotting Gatekeepers. We were beaten back by the heat early though.
Seen today were Small Whites, Gatekeepers, Meadow Browns, Common Blues, Chalk Hill Blues, Brown Argus, Marbled Whites, Dark Green Fritillaries, a single Dingy Skipper, a single Small Blue, some skippers, a Speckled Wood and some Burnet moths - six-spotted I think.
(katrina watson)

Aberrant Chalkhill male at Bevendean from last weekend (Harry Mole)

Spent an hour trying to photograph Silver Spotted Skippers at Malling Down today. I wasn't counting but there must have been dozens of individuals including ovepositing females. I managed to find an egg. (Harry Mole https://www.instagram.com/wannabephotoguy)

Here are some more photos from my Seaford Head, Rathfinny, High & Over amble. Enjoy. (Nic Linazasoro)

Here are some more photos from my Seaford Head, Rathfinny, High & Over amble. Enjoy. (Nick Linazasoro)

Here are some more photos from my Seaford Head, Rathfinny, High & Over amble. Enjoy. (Nic Linazasoro)

Went for a wonderful stroll around Seaford Golf Club and the Rathfinny Wine Estate area and spotted Adonis Blue, Brown Argus, Comma, Common Blue, Gatekeeper, Holly Blue, Large Skipper, Large White, Marbled White, Meadow Brown, Painted Lady, Peacock, Red Admiral, Ringlet, Silver-spotted Skipper, Small Copper, Small White, Speckled Wood and Wall. Also spotted were Cinnabar Moth caterpillars and Six-spot Burnet Moth. Also of interest were several Blue Hawker and Black Tailed Skimmer dragonfly. (Nick Linazasoro)

Having seen my first and only Grayling on Wednesday afternoon, I decided to revisit Deep Dene today accompanied by my wife, Sam, our youngest daughter, Rosie and our spaniel, Dottie. Checking along the west hillside about halfway up, we soon spotted one, then more until we'd counted four different individuals. Many other butterflies in evidence including hundreds of Meadow Browns, various whites, Gatekeepers, Small Coppers and many blues, including Chalk Hill Blues on pooh (see picture). (Vincent Oates)

Went to Wilmington this afternoon to see if we could spot a Grayling. Success. We saw one at 4pm on the top of Windover Hill just above Deep Dean. Also many Chalk Hill Blues, Dark Green Fritillaries, Marbled Whites, Wall Browns, Silver-spotted Skipper, and best of all, the Small Copper. (Elizabeth Japes)

Silver-spotted Skipper at Cissbury Ring this afternoon, very warm & a little breeze.I saw about 8 in an hour at TQ137076. There were many other species around. (John Ward)

This morning I visited Knepp. As soon as I arrived a Purple Hairstreak flew down from an Oak
and landed low down on Sallow. Later I met Simon Withers, as we talked a very tired old female
Purple Emperor gave us a wonderful flying display, swooping low down and around us.
She landed several times, usually out of sight, then grounded several times. I was not expecting
to see an Empress so late in the season. In all I saw three over the course of the day. (Trevor Rapley)

Chalk Hill Blues at Deep Dean (Jonathan Crawford)

I got to Deep Dean this morning just after half eight. It was cloudy and not particularly warm though there was still a lot of butterfly activity. Not long after arriving I saw a Chalk Hill Blue emerges from the grass dragging his wings like a wedding train. I put him on my bag and he walked across it trailing meconium. After watching him for some time I wandered off to look for other butterflies, leaving my bag behind. As I was leaving I remembered earlier sightings about Graylings responding to sweat. I had worn my hat climbing the hill and it was quite damp, so I thought I would leave it by the bag.
There were quite a few newly emerged Chalk Hill Blues, and these are easy to identify because they fly erratically two inches off the ground. I guess they are like toddlers learning to walk. Anyway, they are easy to photograph because after a few seconds they stop and open their wings, which are of course perfect.
Returning to my bag and emergent Blue, I found a Grayling sitting in the middle of my hat. The first of my day despite completely overcast skies.
Over the next couple of hours the weather brightened and I managed to see a total of 10 Grayling including three in the air at the same time and a mating pair. I was trousered several times and even the dog was "pawed" twice. I was even successful with the hat trick a second time. One male was so persistent that I wondered if he had a mineral deficiency. I also experienced the disappearing trick where Ii saw a Grayling settle and knew it was two feet in front of me but just could not see it until it moved off.
Other species seen were Dark Green Fritillaries, Common Blue, Wall Brown, Silver-spotted Skipper, Small Copper amongst others. (Jonathan Crawford)

(continuation of previous report) (Colin Knight)

On 17 July I recorded a micromoth from Rewell Wood as a Dark Strawberry Tortrix. Then I spotted a more likely id, the rarely recorded Moss Marble (Celypha aurofasciana) which was confirmed by Sussex county recorder Colin Pratt. Other records from Rewell Wood yesterday: Brown Argus, Gatekeepers (one with a 'bleached' part on the forewing), Meadow Browns, Common Yellow Conch (Agapeta hamana), Long-winged Pearl (Anania lancealis), Small Purple and Gold (Pyrausta aurata). Our balcony visitors last night included Flame Shoulder (Ochropleura plecta), Lime-speck Pug (Eupithecia centaureata) and 3 new species: Spectacle (Abrostola tripartita), The Uncertain (Hoplodrina octogenaria) and Hawthorn Ermel (Paraswammerdamia nebulella). (Colin Knight)

The once not so Common Blue and Brown Argus butterflies delayed my quick walk in St Leonards Forest, Horsham by several hours on Friday afternoon, they were everywhere near the "Dragon Seat". The weather looked set for rain, the clouds rolled in, the light failed but the Blues and Argus came out. Here is a small selection of the photos I took... I took a lot! (Patrick Moore)

Friday 20 July

A Female Purple Emperor seen very closely for several minutes, laying eggs on the underneath of the leaves of a goat willow at the edge of the middle lake at Five Oaks Fishery, Mill field Farm House (TQ107287). (Ian Woolsey)

First time we've seen White-letter Hairstreak in Hotham Park, Bognor Regis - enjoying the wonderful cottage garden flower bed near the Lodge at the main entrance. Is it a regular in Hotham Park? (Duncan Reavey)

White-letter Hairstreak sighted on PROW between Barnham Rd and Eastergate Lane. resting on old mans beard. Seen whilst undertaking a bumblebee transect. First seen in walking this route for 10 years. (Nigel Madge)

Today whilst in the area I looked for Brown Hairstreak at Green Ridge - Brighton/Hove. I was delighted to find a smart looking male perched on Blackthorn, seen from the green, near the Hill Top Cafe car park, Dyke Road Avenue. The butterfly was exactly at (TQ 28624 08050) when the grid reference is copied over to: https://gridreferencefinder.com/
A day after my initial sighting, I returned on the 18th July, to an area just off the Ditchling Road, Brighton, here I was pleased to see two male Brown Hairstreaks, the second spotted by my friend, Suzie. Again they were located at (TQ 32362 08504). Both different, "Male 1" was paler and larger, whilst "Male 2" was strongly coloured but smaller, some good variation, probably down to the weather during the pupa stage. "Male 1" was seen below head height for over an hour! - Perched on Blackthorn leaves and also feeding on a dainty umbellifer species.

Catch-up: Having seen a Small Blue lay eggs in the garden back on 21st June, on the 16th July, I located a single caterpillar! Within hours of finding it, it disappeared from the Kidney Vetch plant, I can only assume it's gone off to pupate, what bad timing on my part to have missed it's departure! My search of the caterpillar was inspired by the photo taken on the Bevendean Blues walk.

Back on the 15th July, I arrange an event for my fellow Woodbourne Meadow conservation volunteers/friends, having seen Purple Hairstreaks the previous day, I was keen to share where they were active, as until now the species had hidden from us at Woodbourne Meadow (Brighton), despite searching every year, for 8 years. Finally I was able to confirm their presence! We found them most active between 7.30 and 8.00pm, mostly seen flying between an Oak and a Sycamore within the wood at (TQ 32167 08271). The previous day I also saw the Purple Hairstreaks flying around the following areas of these trees, but with less frequency: (TQ 32179 08294, TQ 32211 08285, TQ 32222 08313 and TQ 32245 08321).

Back on 5th July I counted 4 Purple Hairstreaks in the evening around the dew pond area of Wild Park LNR, Brighton. Istvan should be interested to know that the best locations to see evening activity is on the "Master Oak" (TQ 32545 07744), "Small Ash" (TQ 32542 07723) and particularly the "Big Ash" (TQ 32522 07759). It's been my local Purple Hairstreak study/observation site for 8 years now.

(Jamie Burston https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/JamieBurstonArt)

Took a walk up Castle Hill, Brighton, this morning looking for Chalk Hill Blue. Strange weather, including some bits of water that dropped from the sky occasionally, think its called rain. Saw plenty of Chalk Hill Blue, but the highlight was the nice number of fairly fresh Wall. At one point I could see at least four on the narrow chalk track ahead of me lined up with about a metre between them. As I walked they rose and then settled back behind me. Also plenty of Gatekeeper and Ringlet, a few Marbled White, a male Common Blue, couple of Essex Skipper, Silver Y moth, Red Admiral, Speckled Wood, and Small White. (Sylvia Davidson)

Yesterday (19 July) I spent six hours covering almost every square metre of Deep Dene (Windover Hill, Wilmington), in an attempt to accurately determine the numbers of Grayling present, and to see if there are any potentially negative changes in the habitat since I was last here a few years back (there are).
As many will be aware, we have serious concerns about the long-term survival of this unique chalk-based population, so collecting as much data as possible is the first step in any remedy. Thanks to all those who have already been reporting from the site, but it is important that survey visits are spread throughout the flight season, particularly through early and mid August, so please hold some effort in reserve!
Timing is important; during this early, male-dominated stage of the flight season, the butterflies become far less active from c.11.30 am onward, and are almost 'invisible' by early afternoon as they shelter from the heat. During my visit I recorded 24 Grayling, only two of which were females. At 9.00 am I witnessed an impressive chase of five males, which tend to glide down the slope in search of females, before returning to the upper level near the gorse-line; they are very mobile, making counting tricky. I enjoyed a total of seven trouserings throughout the day, as the males sought salts from my jeans. I expect numbers to peak 7 - 10 days from now.
It took me some while to reach Deep Dene, as there was so much of interest to see during the climb up Windover Hill. Highlights included some very fresh Wall, some rather older Dark Green Fritillary, and large (but not huge) numbers of Chalk Hill Blue, many of which were drying-off their recently unfurled wings. During my visit I also saw six Silver-spotted Skipper (including a mating pair) and two second brood Dingy Skipper. As always with this site, the wildflowers and views were breathtaking.
(Neil Hulme)

Thursday 19 July

I was doing a summary of what had turned up in our back garden in Hove over the last 15 days or so when it all vanished, so this will be briefer. In our sun lounge this morning a Silver Y moth and in the garden regular visits from Small Whites, an early Speckled Wood joined by another, a brief flash of a Comma and 2 Holly Blues at the same time. Seeing 2 of the same species at the same time in our garden is not very common except in relation to the whites, so a pair of Speckled Woods and a pair of Holly Blues was a bit exciting. (John & Val Heys)

Purple Hairstreak in lots of Oaks, Holly Blue patrolling and nectaring. Speckled Wood, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper and Comma spread fairly evenly, Large White and Small White in most sunny areas and Common Blue in the flower beds. That in a nutshell was Horsham Park this afternoon. (Patrick Moore)

We've had 28 species of moths on our balcony the past two days including Bud Moth (Spilonota ocellana), Common Purple and Gold (Pyrausta purpuralis), Straw Dot (Rivula sericealis) and 3 new ones: Large Clover Case-bearer (Coleophora trifolii), Pebble Hook-tip (Drepana falcataria), Wormwood Pug (Eupithecia absinthiata).
(Colin Knight)

Whilst walking near the Kingly Vale Nature Reserve I spotted a Grayling as well as a Male Brown Hairstreak. (Charlie Mouland)
Charlie sent this in yesterday, and I delayed publishing it whilst I consulted with wiser men. I am assured that this is feasible though if it is true, quite an extraordinary find. Still, we have had more than our fair share of those this year. This would probably not be a chalk Grayling as found at Deep Dene, but the acid heath variety, possibly a migrant from Hampshire. According to Colin Pratt the last sighting was at Weavers Down in 2011. (Ed jnr)

Forgot to mention a Purple Emperor seen to land in the Oak tree next to the railway bridge at TQ 31228 17692 whilst train spotting with my youngest Grandson yesterday afternoon around 14:30 (David Cook)

After reading Jamie Burston's report about the Hairstreaks in Wild Park I got really excited. This park is at my doorstep and I go there very often but I have never expected to find such treasures on the treetops. I have known it for a few years that the meadows are rich in butterflies but today after work I was inspecting the trees rather than the grass and Bramble. I arrived at 12:40 and in the same time it became cloudy but I still managed to find the Purple Hairstreak on the small oak tree. No luck with the Brown Hairstreak but on my way home (4pm-ish) I did find an other two Purple ones on a different oak tree at TQ 32579 07619. Apart from that the usual good number of more common butterflies all over the place. Also a Blood-vein moth and this brown one what I do not know by name.
(Istvan Radi)

Seeing a single Silver-spotted Skipper earlier this week whilst pursuing Grayling, I thought today, with a bit of cloud cover, it was worth checking out Ditchling Down. I checked several of the most likely and found 2 males.
Back to Burgess Hill and taking note of Jamie Burston’s afternoon fresh Male, I walked the East side of the Burgess Hill circular walk and found this very obliging and fresh female Brown Hairstreak. (David Cook)

Deep Dene: Trousered by a Grayling at TQ5406 0285, there were 4 of them skirmishing. (John Ward)

The Painted Lady was seen in Parham Gardens today and the Meadow Brown was in Bignor Park on Tuesday. (Graham Hicks)

White Admiral sighted on High Weal Landscape Trail in wood between Pickwell and Pickwell Farm about 11 A.M. Never seen one before so v pleased to see it and find it is high on the butterfly conservation (Bernard Plaister)

My husband saw a Purple Emperor whilst out cycling a week ago, and today while cycling near Duncton Mill he is sure he saw a Swallowtail - it was very big and we have seen them abroad so he is sure that's what it was. (Mrs Paula Little)

Brown Hairstreak on the margin on my garden pond today in suburban Lancing, before flying off southwards. My gardens is one tetrad south of the distribution shown in "The Butterflies of Sussex". I must get the planned Blackthorn hedge planted this winter! (Adrian Thomas)

A trip to Rewell Wood on Tuesday afternoon was rewarded with Gatekeepers, Meadow Browns, a Brimstone, Silver-washed Fritillaries, Whites, Large Skippers, Peacocks, Ringlets, Speckled Woods. moths seen: Common Carpet (Epirrhoe alternata), Common Purple and Gold (Pyrausta purpuralis), Dingy Footman (Eilema griseola), Hemp-agrimony Conch (Cochylidia rupicola), Large Skipper male (Ochlodes sylvanus), Pearl Veneer (Agriphila straminella). (Colin Knight)

A second visit to see white letter hairstreaks turned up zero. A few other butterflies on the thistles that were going over and some ragwort. Small White and Gatekeeper and Commas (Tim Squire)

After seeing on his blog the Bob Eade has seen silver spotted skipper I went to Sheepcote to look for the small population there. It was windy and not much flying and no sign of sss. Meadow Browns were all I saw on the slope. I got a nice Small Copper and Comma near the woods. (Tim Squire)

Only one Grayling for me. It was a bit windy and the only one I saw was one I flushed. Lots of Dark Green Fritillaries egg laying. (Tim Squire)

Wednesday 18 July

I arrived at Deep Dean shortly after 3.30PM in sunny very warm conditions. I spent the next hour and a half zig-zagging the slope, and found 4 Graylings, plus another probable fly-by. They particularly liked to settle in the chalk scrapings. Not a huge figure, but very welcome, and I know earlier visitors have seen more. One of the pictures is of a Grayling in its unique chalk habitat. Lots of Chalkhill Blues, many of which were already going to roost when I arrived, sitting out the heat. But, as it cooled,a few opened their wings. A most enjoyable afternoon and evening down from Essex. (Mark Bunch)

Wednesday saw Team Buck (one keen the oyher less so) descended upon Alfriston in pursuit of the Grayling (non piscarian variety) at Windover Hill. Careful planning of the route, ample supplies of water and the promise of tea and cakes at the end (irrespective of the outcome) saw us set off on a warm, sunny morning. Downright lies about the distance (no more than 1.5 miles) and steepness (not very) started to unravel when we reached a car park that would have considerably shortened the distance. At this point clouds of chalkhill blues appeared and momentium continued interspersed with 'not much further' claims that lost their credibility as we edged ever closer. The views of course are amazing and to cut to the chase, we spotted 5 Grayling on the SE slope at Windover in the same coordinates already provided by previous visitors. The descent was easy and the tea and cakes at the Apiary cafe excellent. Mission accomplished and a wonderful morning enjoyed. (Martin Buck)

I thought it was interesting to see this Garden Tiger moth in the heart of Whitehawk in my garden. (Katrin Tweddle)
And you were right. (Ed jnr)

On a walk on Friston Gallops this afternoon one had to be careful where one trod so as not to tread on a Chalk Hill Blue. Mainly males evident but some females, all the subject of fierce aerial tussles. Also present were Common Blue, Brown Argus, Dark Green Fritillary, Small Copper, Dingy Skipper, Meadow Brown, Small Heath, Gatekeeper, Brimstone and Small Skipper (Nigel Symington)

I arrived at Deep Dene at around 9am this morning and immediately saw two Grayling, this is a good start I thought! I then began a systematic search from one end of the valley to the other along the escarpment. I was pleased to note that the Grayling were present all along one end of the scarp to the other. Between TQ544031 to TQ540028 and extended right down almost to the bottom at TQ544030. At one point I saw 5 Grayling sparring!! A very welcome sight indeed. I then met Ian Seccombe, we compared notes and both agreed that the Grayling are certainly into double figures. Even taking the inevitable double counting into consideration. Some were obviously very fresh - suggesting that there may be more to emerge. Just as I was about to leave I met a nice chap called John Warner, it was his first time looking for Grayling at Deep Dene so I was rather amused when he casually said "oh look it's a mating pair!" this being something I've been trying to see over many years up there but never have! The very strong breeze blew the pair away so I gave chase, they briefly landed on a twig "for all of 5 seconds" allowing me to get a really nice shot of them. A great day, many thanks again John. Lastly it was interesting to note that a lot of the males were sporting a pronounced and more dazzling white stripe than usual. (James A)

A walk from Lancing Ring to Steep Down and east on the SDW to Dacre Gardens was best for Wall Brown (15). Only 17 butterfly species identified. Wretchedly, no L-tB at the Cement Works. Are the wheels coming off? (Lindsay Morris)

Colin Pratt has kindly provided us with historical site information about the Grayling in Sussex from "A Complete History of the Butterflies and Moths of Sussex"

These come from Volume 2, pages 299 to 304, published in 2011, and the final update piece from volume 4, pages 283 to 284

You can download a pdf of the extracts here.

(Jonathan Crawford)

I went to Castle Hill in the midday heat. I saw Meadow Browns, Chalkhill Blues (lots), Common Blues, Gatekeepers, Whites, Skippers, 5 Small Coppers, 2 Small Blues, 2 Red Admirals, 5 Dark Green Fritillaries, one Peacock, one Dingy Skipper and one Speckled Wood. (Katrina Watson)

I arrived at Deep Dene just after 8am this morning, it was blustery but warming up rapidly. I found my first Grayling at 08.15 - couldn't miss it as it landed on the barrel of my camera (TQ5431 0305). This was the first of four that I saw on or near the path that runs down towards the northern end of the valley. I found one at the far north end of the valley (TQ 5449 0315) and a group of three down the slope at the southern end (TQ 5422 0289). Apart from those three all my sightings were above the path with one right at the top (TQ5438 0319). By 09.45 I had seen 10-12 individuals (the blustery conditions made it difficult to be sure that they were unique). All looked fresh and none had red mite. I met James Arnott at that point and we saw another four or five before I left at 10.30. In total I would estimate that I saw at least 12 individuals. Other species I saw included three very fresh Silver-spotted Skippers (near the fence line at the top), Chalkhill Blue (en masse), Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Ringlet, Small Copper, Small White, Large White, Brimstone, Common Blue, Dark Green Fritillary, Marbled White, Small Skipper, Large Skipper (Ian Seccombe)

Tuesday 17 July

A few pictures from Cissbury Ring this afternoon, where, out of the wind there were large numbers of butterflies, both species and amounts. (Patrick Moore)

I'm not surprised if you now dread the length of my sighting reports! Sorry everyone!
Today (17 July) I went for a walk with my friend, Lesley Goodfellow, to the dew pond area of Wild Park LNR, Brighton, between 10am and 11am, to look for low down Purple Hairstreaks and we struck silver! Two seen on the small Oak located at (TQ 32501 07752). However it was this female that we saw below head height for 40 minutes! She did multiple practice runs of egg laying - nothing produced. Hilarious in the way she would strut and then suddenly race along the branches, as Hairstreaks do, they love to have a walk about (see photo descriptions).
She was seen low down during sunny and cloudy intervals (changeable). No mobile with me so I couldn't share the news with anyone! Last seen low down 6/7 years ago at the same location, the wait is finally over!
After walking away from the dew pond in a state of shock and amazement, having seen the Purple Hairstreaks, me and Lesley couldn't believe our luck when this assumable newly emerged male, Brown Hairstreak, perched right in front of us by an area to the side of Ditchling Road, Brighton, at (TQ 32362 08504). Our jaws dropped. If you visit, please let me know how you get on! The time was 11.45am at this point, sunny and sheltered from the wind. Further along the path we were surprised to see a female Wall (Brown) sitting ahead of us on the path, seen at (TQ 32370 08571). I've seen them along the road verge before, but not here. Notably 8 Common Blue, 2 Brown Argus and 1 Marbled White in the same area. Furthermore a Painted Lady seen on the Hollingbury, Hill Fort, Brighton, at (TQ 32223 07983), earlier in the day I had one also visit my garden. Thinking about today's sightings, certainly brings a smile to my face. (Jamie Burston https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/JamieBurstonArt)

Amongst the usual suspects of high summer at Mill Hill near Shoreham, were at least 2 second gen Dingy Skippers. Good numbers of fresh Peacock, Red Admiral and 1 Painted Lady. Also seen was a rather impressive Gatekeeper ab. (Paul Atkin)

By the time (11:45am) I walked up to Deep Dene the wind picked up and it was overcast so I did not have too much hope to see anything but non the less I decided to walk around a little bit but an hour and a half later I was ready to call it a day when at 1:10pm I spotted my first ever Grayling!!! It was resting on a stick on the ground next to a small bush (TQ 54318 03077) where others have seen Graylings too. I took a few not so great photos but watching this little fella for around 10 minutes was more important. When it took off to chase a Chalk Hill Blue away I lost sight of it but 15 minutes later I found an other one what I presume to be the same individual as it was very close (TQ 54255 03042) to the first location. There was an other gentleman taking pictures of it so hopefully he got some decent shots and will share it. Also, as I always walk up from Polegate station via Folkington what I think used to be an other location for Graylings, could you please post some grid reference numbers where to look? (Istvan Radi)
This man walked from Polegate Station to Deep Dean just for the Grayling! Respect. (Ed jnr)

After yesterday’s exertions at The Long Man I opted for a local walk today and spent a couple of hours searching for Brown Hairstreak on the west side of the Burgess Hill circular walk. Only one male seen in overcast and windy conditions. (David Cook)

Took a detour through Dyke Road park, Brighton (or possibly Hove I think the border runs through it) on the way to work, just to see what was about - first 2 Meadow Brown, then a Speckled Wood and then a lovely white letter hairstreak floated down to potter around on the geranium leaves at ground level, where it posed for close-up shots with my phone.
I have been taking a detour through this park for a while now, and although only a small section is planted with flowering plants I have now spotted 11 species in total, including the WLH. Pretty good going for a small park and there may be more yet. For some reason my phone photo is loading oddly - need to turn your head by 45 degrees to see it properly (Sylvia Davidson)

Monday 16 July

Chalkhill Blue, Common Blue and Brown Argus in the evening sunlight at Kithurst flower meadow. (John Williams)

Circular walk from the car park at Darwell Wood between 9 and 10.30 this morning: 2 White Admiral, 3 Silver-washed Fritillary, 9 Brimstone, Comma, Peacock, Large White, Common Blue, plus multiple Gate Keeper, Meadow Brown, Ringlet and Speckled Wood. (Richard Farran)

more pictures, Eridge (Istvan Radi)

I payed a visit to Eridge Old Park (54) where I have never been before so it was a great day out despite not having time to explore the rocks on the other side of the road. I am not trained in transect walks so what I did today was using the grid reference numbers from the Atlas and tried to slowly walk in a more or less straight line from Eridge to Frant and on a different route back to Eridge where I had to catch the train. I only counted the butterflies what I disturbed by my walking past despite that I could see more on the field in the distance so it is not a scientific and full report but it hopefully gives a good impression of how rich this place is in butterflies! Also it is a huge area and although quite remote it is so well worth the visit that I might even go back again in the coming weeks! On my list there are 19 species for today. I tried to broke up my route into four sections but here I will just give the totals. Meadow Brown: 210, Small White: 24, Large White: 28, Ringlet: 19, Gatekeeper: 125, Comma: 11, Brimstone: 3, Small Skipper: 6, Essex Skipper: 22, Large Skipper: 2, Speckled Wood: 13, Small Copper: 1, Small Heath: 4, Peacock: 2, Holly Blue: 2, Silver-washed Fritillary: 13, Dark Green Fritillary: 5, Purple Hairstreak: 18, White Admiral: 12
Unfortunately no luck with the Emperors ans White-l HSs but maybe if someone just focused on the Elm trees instead of trying to explore the whole area there would be sightings. I would mention that almost all of the Oak trees had PHs up in the canopy but if it was not on my path I did not count them. I have a few grid reference numbers where I saw the most interesting things if needed I can email it to Ed.jnr. (Istvan Radi)
Two Atlas sites. Must be my lucky day. Please email me your sightings, Istvan , I will make sure they go into the record. We will be doing transect training in the Spring. (Ed jnr)

sun 15/07/2018 Paygate Wood, Uckfield, E.Sx. between 11.54am-12.54pm. 1x Purple Emperor still flying over and around territory oaks at 12.11/12.22/12.23 and 12.44pm the last being the best sighting as it was longish and relaxed in open area, then headed north and over territory oaks. (Peter Farrant)

(continuation of previous report) (Colin Knight)

The past two night's 28 moth species visited our balcony, including 6 new ones: Least Carpet (Idaea Rusticata), Lesser Wax Moth (Achroia grisella), Marbled Piercer (Cydia splendana), Ruby Tiger (Phragmatobia fuliginosa), Grey Knot-horn (Acrobasis advenella). (Colin Knight)

In addition to the event "Surveying Seaford's White-letter Hairstreaks" which was back on the 26th June. I personally conducted two further surveys in Seaford, looking for White-letter Hairstreak colonies whilst assessing the health of Elm. My survey back on the 5th July produced my first White-letter Hairstreak at 10.34am with one White-letter Hairstreak flying around the Wheatley elm outside house number 34, Chyngton Way, with a follow-up second sightings at 10.37am. The next sighting was at 10.48am, with one in the canopy, on the Wheatley elm outside house number 28, Chyngton Way. Lastly at 11.08am and then again at 11.11am I saw one in the canopy of the Wheatley elm (photo attached) outside house number 15, Chyngton Way. Thanks to Michael Blencowe for the lift to and from Seaford and to Ann Roe who later join me with Michael for photos on her birthday, attached one of her photos, a White-letter Hairstreak "typical dark Triangle" flying above a diseased Wheatley elm along Chyngton Way.

Some of the trees along Chyngton Way, mentioned above illustrated a scenario that I hadn’t come across with such clarity. White-letter Hairstreaks (at least the males) are clearly not able to tell that the tree they live on is infected or even dying from Elm Disease. The fact that these butterflies were still faithful to the diseased trees makes me think that there might actually be some value to diseased elms as a habitat to continue breeding - given that there are areas on a diseased tree which retain healthy foliage going from one year to the next based on the fact that some elms have a slower rate of dying from the disease. Some elms are killed much quicker than others, so won’t work for all cases. This may explain why you might still find White-letter Hairstreak occurring amongst infected elm trees, such as in the countryside, where Elm Disease isn't managed. A thought provoking possibility. To be clear these are my own views and in no way represents the views of Butterfly Conservation. I believe Elm Disease should be managed where possible, as this helps to slow or stop its spread to further Elm trees, as I've witnessed first-hand.

Now onto my survey conducted on the 9th July! Thanks to Diana Windley, Seaford Tree Warden for giving me a lift to and from Seaford, whilst also joining and assisting me in the survey.Firstly at the Memorial Garden off Kings Mead Lane, we looked at a Wych elm located at (TV 48026 99825), here I was demonstrating to Diana where you would expect female White-letter Hairstreaks to lay their eggs, and sure enough, after looking on three different branches, I located a White-letter Hairstreak egg within reaching distance to show her, photo attached. The egg was found in a typical position, on the scar band between this and last year's growth.

At the edge of Carlton Road, a tall, but more slender elm produced a sighting of a White-letter Hairstreak at 10.48am, seen flying and resting up in the canopy. This tree is located at (TV 48028 99700). On the elm trees along Belgrave Road, situated between Kedale Road and Kingsmead (road) - (TV 48147 99743 along to TV 48202 99774) we searched for the butterfly, this location was where 3 to 5 White-letter Hairstreaks were seen back on the 26th June, during the "Surveying Seaford's White-letter Hairstreaks" event, attached, a photo taken by Mike Kerry during the event. I sadly noted that Elm Disease has since taken hold on these elms. Despite this we saw 1 White-letter Hairstreak flying on the elms here, in front of house number 41 (Headland View) Belgrave Road at 11.01am.

At 11.53am there was a very brief sighting of a potential White-letter Hairstreak seen flying around elm foliage overhanging the pond at the far western end of Sutton Drove, located at (TV 48597 99496). Wildflowers around the pond could be a good source of nectar for the White-letter Hairstreaks to feed from, allowing for potential close views, this or in future years. Nearby, along Blatchington Road we had 1 White-letter Hairstreak seen at 1.15pm on healthy elm, then at 1.16pm saw 2 or 3 White-letter Hairstreaks flying together on the same tree, then a few minutes later at 1.19pm we had two male White-letter Hairstreaks dog-fighting with each other. The elm they were using is exactly at (TV 48443 99391), just west of where Chichester Road meets Blatchington Road. Moving along Blatchington Road, we came to a group of elm trees (multiple trunks in close proximity), the middle of the group of elms, located at (TV 48381 99347), just east from the Auto shop. Here at 1.37pm we saw 2 male White-letter Hairstreaks dog-fighting, after they broke apart, one eventually landed at the tip of a leaf, which made for clear viewing, I took a photo, attached. Here we had multiple sightings of individuals flying around the canopy. Blatchington Road, a hotspot of activity. Note, there are opportunities to see White-letter Hairstreaks low down at close proximity, if they visit Bramble blossom, Buddleia or Ragwort flowers to feed, plants all seen whilst walking along Blatchington Road, especially towards the eastern end, along the road edge between Chichester Road and Avondale Road.

Moving onto Alfriston Road, there was a grouping of elms within close proximity, opposite house numbers 3 and 5 along Alfriston Road, approximate grid reference is (TV 49303 99829), house numbers are a more reliable reference to the location. The tree(s) were a hotspot for White-letter Hairstreak activity. 3.02pm - two males dog-fighting. 3.06pm - one seen flying. 3.08pm a group of three definitely seen flying together (possibly four).

I attach a photo sent to me by Sue Robinson, who took this photo of a female White-letter Hairstreak feeding on Marjoram in her back garden, on the 11th July. She also had a male feeding on Marjoram that same day. The sightings were towards the northern end of Firle Road. It would be great if you could help to survey for the White-letter Hairstreak along Firle Road, at and past the junction with Firle Grange (road), especially heading north on Firle Road, looking at the elms around the Bowden House School area and beyond for White-letter Hairstreaks. There should still be a week and a half left of the White-letter Hairstreaks flight period for this year to check, please send all sightings of White-letter Hairstreaks in Seaford to me, it will help my work as White-letter Hairstreak Species Champion. Email: storm_of_elements@hotmail.com

With my assistance the Seaford Natural History Society has kindly produced a PDF document which you can view by visiting their website (http://www.seafordnaturalhistory.org.uk/). The PDF contains maps showing the distribution of Elm across Seaford, I would be particularly interested in White-letter Hairstreak sightings from the areas covered by maps "Seaford 2", 4, 7, 8 and 9. To access the PDF, visit the Seaford Natural History Society website and click on "WLH (PDF)" located under "Local Events" on the far right-hand side of the opening page.

Finally, I have produced content for the White-letter Hairstreak, Sussex Species page, covering information on how to survey for White-letter Hairstreaks on Elm trees, as seen in "Part Six" at the bottom of the page, viewed here: https://www.sussex-butterflies.org.uk/species/white-letter-hairstreak.php.

Many thanks,
(Jamie Burston - White-letter Hairstreak Species Champion)

This afternoon I paid a visit to Ebernoe Common (site 42) for the first time. What a fascinating place, woodland, meadow and hammerponds. There were Meadow Brown, Ringlet and Gatekeeper everywhere as well as Silver-washed Fritillary along most of the rides and paths. Also Small, Large and Green-veined White. Other sightings included Comma, Purple Hairstreak, White Admiral a single Purple Emperor and Holly Blue. I also heard a Turtle Dove. If visiting take a map, there are a lot of very inviting paths. (Patrick Moore)
Thank you Patrick. Five left. Anyone want to place a bet on which one will be last? (Ed jnr)

My report pretty much mirrors Jonathan’s from the weekend with a start time of around 9:00am at Deep Dene, with the first Grayling seen just after at TQ 543 030. It was very interested in Bertie my dog and seemed determined to land on him even though he was walking about. My attempts to photograph this were thwarted by a flat camera battery. Lesson learned—start the day with a fully charged one!! I’d walked down as far as the scrub at the eastern end without seeing another and instead enjoyed the fresh Brimstone, Small Coppers, Essex Skippers and Chalk Hill Blues nectaring. The shade offered by the shrubs giving my dogs a break from the intense sun.
It was on my return walk along the lower slope that my 2nd was encountered. This one kept landing on me!!
Bob Eade and Mark Colvin were seen higher up the slope and we joined forces around 10:15 by which time many more were on the wing including a very large female. I left them to it around midday as I’d run out of water (the dogs were very thirsty) and had a count of 8.
As I was leaving, 1 Silver-spotted Skipper up by the gate. (David Cook)

Two more pictures from Sunday's Bevendean Blues walk. (Geoff Stevens)

Sunday 15 July

This morning I visited the Tugley Wood complex, whilst I realise this is all in Surrey just a stone's throw form the Sussex border, I was rather pleased with this Wood White picture and wanted to share. (Patrick Moore)

A big thank you to the 14 people who braved the heat to come on the Bevendean Blues walk today. What a nice group of people seem to be attracted to butterflies and conservation.
Despite the high temperature on the south facing chalk grassland slope there were still plenty of butterflies to be seen.
Skippers, large and Small Whites, Marbled Whites, Meadow Browns, Gatekeepers, Ringlets, Small Copper, Small Blues, Common Blues, Brown Argus, Chalk Hill Blues, Speckled Woods a Brimstone and some day flying moths such as six spot burnet and Silver Y.
The highlight for me was someone finding a Small Blue caterpillar on a kidney vetch seed head.
The grassland was very dry, going a bit crispy on the steepest slope where the horseshoe vetch is abundant. I hope they have deep roots.
Tessa Pawsey wrote the above report and Sarah and Patrick took the pictures with my camera. (Geoff Stevens)

The warm still nights continue to draw dozens of moth species to our balcony light: Brown-tail, Waste Grass-veneer, Burnished Brass, Dingy Dowd, Rosy Tabby, Garden Grass-veneer, Obscure moth, Yponomeuta species, Riband Wave, Yellow-backed Clothes moth, Bright-line Brown-eye, Rosy Tabby, Inlaid Grass-veneer, Meadow Neb, Brown-tail, Meal Moth, Common Footman, Double-striped Pug, Heart and Dart, Knot Grass, Long-legged Tabby, Marsh Dowd, Satin Grass-veneer, Shuttle-shaped Dart, White Satin. (Colin Knight http://www.seapic.com)

Couple of hours around Cowdray Forest & Greentrees SSSI found 6-7 Silver-washed Fritillarys,3 Purple Hairstreaks,1 Holly Blue,22 Speckled Wood,1 Large Skipper,4 Small Skipper,80 Meadow Brown,40 Gatekeeper,1 Peacock,1 Red Admiral,18 Small White,12 Large White,6 Ringlets. (Alastair Gray)

Big highlight of Lancing Ring amongst 22 butterfly species was a Brown Hairstreak resting in a blackthorn. Also Hummingbird Hawk-Moth.
(Lindsay Morris)

Saturday 14 July

18 species seen at Friston Gallops between 11am and 2pm today. Most numerous were Chalkhill Blues (although unfortunately it was too warm for them to settle with their wings open). Also Meadow Brown, Ringlet, Marbled White, Small Heath, Gatekeeper, Comma, Red Admiral, Dark Green Fritillary, Silver-washed Fritillary, Large White, Small White, Brimstone, Common Blue, Brown Argus, Small Blue, Small Copper and Essex Skipper. (John Williams)

Today in company with my father, Roy Symonds I visited Stansted Forest (SU7410) where the temperature reached a scorching 25°C. We covered many paths during our 3 hour walk, which included woodland, forest clearings, scrub and grassland. An impressive total of 18 different species were recorded, the main species being Whites, Silver Washed Fritilarys, Gatekeepers, Ringlets and Meadow Browns. In the open grassland areas several Marbled Whites were seen, some slightly worn, while others had significant wing damage. Close examination of settled Small Skippers revealed two Essex Skippers. I looked closely at the many Oaks but was unable to note any Purple Hairstreaks.
Totals: Brimstone 8M 7F, Large White 55, Small White 38, Green Veined White 24, Common Blue 2M 1F, Gatekeeper 32, Marbled White 8, Meadow Brown 46, Ringlet 37, Speckled Wood 10, Comma 9, Peacock 2, Red Admiral 1, Silver Washed Fritillary 49M 30F, White Admiral 3, Large Skipper 1, Essex Skipper 2, Small Skipper 13.
(Richard Symonds)
Glad you are having a good trip Richard. Still time to see a few more butterflies before you head back to Cornwall. (Ed jnr)

I went to Deep Dean this morning from about 7.30 -9.30 No points for me for observation as I didn't manage to find the Graylings. I, however, just caught a few Chalkhill Blues still roosting and most were still warming up. Also seen were numerous Meadow Browns And Dark Green Fritillaries (mainly faded), Gatekeepers, a Small Copper, some Skippers, some Marbled Whites and Large Whites (Katrina Watson)

Surprised to see a fresh looking Brimstone on the edge of Vert Wood today (Mike Kerry)

After Deep Dean we went to High and Over andCradle valley which was buzzing with butterflies. These included Silver-washed Fritillaries, Wall Browns, Common Blues and a small but active colony of Small Blues locked into a battle with a larger population of Brown Argus. We saw one Marbled White with 5 Trombidium bree mites and also saw one on a Common Blue, In all we saw 24 species today. (Jonathan Crawford)
Bob Eade writes "I see you say you saw Silver-washed Fritt at High and Over. I have never seen them here despite being there several times a week. There are plenty of female Dark Green there egg laying at the moment. Are you sure it wasn't these you saw. They are quite a bit larger than the males you probably saw at Deep Dean". Bob is probably right as the fresh butterfly was only glimpsed in passing. Thanks Bob for clearing that up. (Ed jnr)

I counted 25 Silver-washed Fritillaries upon arrival at RSPB Fore Wood today then stopped counting and I just enjoyed the sight and being surrounded by them even more of them. More interestingly I also counted 6 Purple Hairstreaks and I was made aware of an other two in a different part of the reserve. My individuals mostly stayed high up on the oak trees but one did come down to waist level for a brief period of time (obviously when I didn't have my camera at hand). I do wonder if there was a chance to see P. Emperors as well given the number of oak trees. Also present 3 Red Admirals (no luck with the White ones), 2 Comma, 1 Ringlet, Gatekeepers, Meadow Browns, Brimstones, Small and Large Whites and one Skipper what I believe to be a Silver-spotted Skipper based on a very visible white line in the middle of the sex brand (unfortunately couldn't get a clear shot of it). (Istvan Radi)
Given it's location it is probably unlikely that it was a Silver-spotted Skipper, Istvan, though not impossible. Female Large Skippers are most often confused with this species. (Ed jnr)

I went to Deep Dean this morning with my old school friend Robert, arriving around nine thirty. On the way up we met Katrina who had done an early shift, and later handed over to Chris Hooker. We walked along the south facing valley side in strips with about three metres between us, which meant we covered most of the northern hillside.
The first Grayling was the hardest to spot but then it became progressively easier. Our total count was nine. I thought none of them had the Trombidium bree mite, but later looking at my pictures I can see that one did.
We didn't find any of the Grayling in the scrapes but instead found them sheltering beneath small shrubs. When disturbed they would tend to seek a shady spot. Once settled they seem unperturbed, so I don't think they were hiding and it is more likely that they were just finding it a bit hot. My guide says that they perform a looping flight, though I am not sure what that means. We did seem a number of them gliding down the hill rather like a fritillary does.
All of the Grayling we saw were seen within the marked area in the photograph. There were also large number Chalk Hill Blues, quite a few Dark Green Fritillarys and a number of Small Coppers amongst other butterflies. (Jonathan Crawford)

Circular walk through Hawksden Park Wood and Rolfs Farm (Mayfield) at 14.00 today. Highlights : 1 White Admiral, 5 Silver-washed Fritillary, 1 Marbled White. Plus Common Blue, Essex Skipper, Brimstone, Peacock, Large White, Small White, Gatekeeper, Meadow Brown, Ringlet, Small Copper, Comma, Speckled Wood, Holly Blue. (Richard Farran)

Thanks to dropping my son for a Duke of Edinburgh expedition and a visit to my in-laws I was able to combine trips to Ashdown Forest and Windover Hill. In the forest I saw 6-8 Silver-studded Blues on the heathland north of the Poundgate car park (thanks for the tip Jonathan Warner!). Then at Windover amongst the hundreds of Chalkhill Blues my highlights were a Small Blue (actually in the disused quarry across the road) and a pair of coupling Dark Green Fritillaries. Sadly no Graylings! (Tony Gould)

Literally dozens of Silver Washed Fritillaries in Vert Wood this morning. Also several White Admiral, and 8 other butterfly species. (Mike Kerry)

The highlights of a walk round Lancing Ring and the north side of Steep Down were 5 Wall, 5 Chalk Hill Blue, 2 Silver-washed Fritillary - my first in Lancing for a couple of years. 24 butterfly species identified, plus a probable Brown Hairstreak. I'll track it down in the end. Resistance is futile. (Lindsay Morris)

I spent about 2 hours across the middle of the day walking around Deep Dean and ended up finding 11 Grayling including 3 having a chase. All were on the SE facing slope about half way up the slope and were spread along about a 300m section starting 100m to the NE of the SW end fence that runs down the slope. I had 2 land on me and another 2 on my clipboard, obviously curious to know what I was up to! Eventually one settled away from me and I was able to get some photos. Also seen were numerous Meadow Browns, Chalk Hill Blues and Dark Green Fritillaries as well as small numbers of several other species. (Chris Hooker)

An early morning visit to Abbots wood revealed four Purple Hairstreaks, low down. One in particular allowed close approach for both open and closed wing shots. Although none of the PH's seen recently are fresh, but many remain in good condition. This was also true of a female Silver-washed Fritillary found nectaring on Ragwort. (Trevor Rapley)

Friday 13 July

With our Bevendean Blues walk on Sunday I had a short walk over the main site to see what was about
today and there were plenty of Chalkhill Blues and other downland butterflies and flowers. (Geoff Stevens)

Another sortie to the southern block of Knepp Wildland this morning. Plenty of Gatekeepers, Meadow Browns, Small & Essex Skippers etc. We were hoping for early Brown Hairstreaks and many thanks to Matthew Oates for sharing his find with us of a pristine male - the only one we saw. Also Purple Hairstreaks flying high as usual. (Chris Hamilton)

(continuation of previous report) (Colin Knight)

Many of the usual suspects have appeared again on our balcony the past 3 days. A Poplar Hawk-moth appeared in the house last night and laid 2 eggs on a lampshade! I hope to nurture the larvae when they emerge. Gatekeepers were seen by the Golf course path. Balcony moths: Brown-tail (Euproctis chrysorrhoea), Meadow Neb (Metzneria metzneriella), Meal Moth (Pyralis farinalis), one of the Obscure moths (Oegoconia species), Rustic (Hoplodrina blanda) and the Privet moth returned. (Colin Knight)

Spent nearly four hours looking for signs of Grayling on windover hill today but no luck yet. Plenty of butterflies and duelling marbelled whites plus scores of Chalk Hill Blues and Dark Green Fritillarys. (Peter Jarman)

Today while visiting my father, Roy Symonds from my home in Cornwall, we visited Houghton Forest (SU9911). When we first arrived at 11:30 the weather was warm, humid with some hazy sunshine. During the course of our 2.5 hour walk the sun appeared reaching a temperature of around 23°C. Ringlets and Whites were everywhere, with good numbers of Silver-washed Fritillarys, but no signs of any White Admirals. I have visited this site during July for the past 4 years and have never been lucky to record a Purple Emperor here, until today. First I found the remains of a Purple Emperor beside the path (at approx SU99261127) and took some photos of possibly a female, as no traces of purple could be seen from any angle on what was left of the wings with the head absent - the final resting place of a regal butterfly.
Later as we were walking out of the forest on a main track towards the car park at 14:11 (at approx SU99961119), a female Purple Emperor flew over my head across the path and disappeared behind a large bush. As I walked along to see where it had flown, I noticed that a sallow bush was growing behind, but no traces of the Empress, but a close encounter which made my day.
Totals: Brimstone 5M 6F, Large White 31, Small White 28, Green-veined White 11, Gatekeeper 15, Meadow Brown 19, Ringlet 72, Speckled Wood 4, Comma 12, Peacock 10, Purple Emperor 2 (1 dead), Silver-washed Fritillary 20M 10F, Large Skipper 8, Small Skipper 6. (Richard Symonds)
Nice to hear from you again Richard. It's been a while. (Ed jnr)

The first of the second generation Small Blues was seen at Dorothy Stringer School today, along with the first ever record of the Ringlet on the Surrenden Campus. (Dr Dan Danahar)

No Grayling!
Spent three hours this afternoon scouring the top of the Deep Dene valley looking for Graylings, in places we have seen them before (mostly where scrub clearance had taken place). Alas none seen, although there were plenty of Chalkhill Blues and we counted c40 Dark Green Fritillaries, some looking decidedly tatty. Also 7 Small Coppers.Good luck to all those who look tomorrow... no-one we met saw any today either. (Chris Skinner)
I am sorry, Chris. We all know that feeling.Thanks for looking anyway. (Ed jnr)

more pictures (Istvan Radi)

I spent about 5 hours walking all the paths up and down around Windover Hill and Deep Dean and yet I didn't see any Graylings what is slightly disappointing especially as others did see them (well done to Bob Eade). But not all is gloomy as I did see a LOT of other butterflies. Not a full list just the most interesting and what I can remember: 2x Peacock, 3x Comma, 1x White Admiral, 3x Dark Green Fritillary, 1x Red Admiral, 8-10x Wall Brown, 100s of Meadow Brown, dozens of Marbled White and Gatekeeper, quite a few Small Copper, 10-12x Painted Lady, lots of Small and Essex Skipper (surprisingly to me I didn't notice any Large), plenty of Chalk Hill Blue, some other blues, probably 1000s of Five/Six-spot Burnet moth, a few Forester moth and zillions of other day flying moths of gold, white, brown and mixed colors. (Istvan Radi)

Mill Hill - I couldn't find any Silver-spotted Skipper, but did manage 21 butterfly species including 2 Dingy Skipper in good condition, but is it too early to claim second brood? 4 (fresh) Painted Lady is the most I've seen anywhere this year. (Lindsay Morris)

Roedean Old 9-hole Site. I've tried to promote this wonderful site on here, but as yet, I haven't bumped in to anyone belonging to SBC whilst there. Easy, free on-site parking and a cafe just over the road. TQ347031.
This morning from 11.15 am to 12.15 pm, numerous Large Whites and Small Whites, Essex Skippers and Meadow Browns. A lesser number of Gatekeepers and Marbled Whites. 15 Small Blues, 4 Common Blues, 3 Peacocks, 2 Small Heaths, 1 Brown Argus and lots of 6-spot Burnet moths. (Graeme Rolf https://www.flickr.com/photos/128321708@N03/albums/72157649396241380)

Early this morning I went with Doug Neve to Abbots wood to show him my Purple Hairstreak hot spot.
Despite unfavourable weather, ie. little sun, one female PH was found low down in an Oak.
We then carried on to Knepp where a fresh male Holly Blue was found, along with many Gatekeepers
and Meadow Browns ( some very fresh ). As a late bonus, three Purple Emperors were seen in the air. (Trevor Rapley)

It was a case of Deja Vu today, as last year on July 13th I did my Wider Butterfly survey in Friston Forest followed by a visit to Deep Dene where I saw the 1st Grayling of the year. Today on that same date I repeated the exercise with very much the same results. In Deep Dene I did a zigzag course across the hillside and again, similar to last year I was about to give up when a Grayling flew up. As it already had a red mite attached it is possible it has been on the wing for a few days. At one point another joined it and a small battle commenced.
There were also one or two Chalkhill Blues in the area!! Looking like snow blizzards at times.
In a patch of Viper's Bugloss there were 3 Hummingbird Hawk-moths flying together. My first UK Clouded Yellow of the year was also seen.
As usual there were almost plague numbers of Mecyna flavalis on the slopes. (Bob Eade http://bobsbutterflies.blogspot.co.uk)
The Grayling has landed! I know where I am going to be tomorrow morning.(Ed jnr)

Silver-spotted Skipper seen on a flying visit to Cradle Valley this morning. (Chris Brewer)

I spotted a Camberwell Beauty in Friston Forest at approximately 20:30 between Butchershole Bottom and Friston Pond. It was unmistakably this species, as it was large, had a cream perimeter around the topside of the wings and a purple/burgundy colouring. Maybe has something to do with the hot weather and easterly wind helping them over from Scandinavia? Unfortunately, the butterfly flew up into the trees before I could take a photo.
Location of sighting: https://goo.gl/maps/K61kyQjgh7P2 (Alan Mackenzie https://www.alanmackenziephotography.com)

On Tuesday night our balcony visitors included Dotted Oak Knot-horn (Phycita roborella), Inlaid Grass-veneer (Crambus pascuella), Long-horned Flat-body (Carcina quercana) and the mighty Privet Hawk-moth (Sphinx ligustri), the first Hawk-moth we have ever seen here. (Colin Knight)

Yesterday (12 July) Matthew Oates and I led the last of the 2018 Knepp Purple Emperor safaris, finishing the season in style. We saw a total of 27 emperors, including two 'tumbledowns', in which both female and male spiral down to the ground. Of the many observed on sap bleeds, we were surprised to see a freshly emerged female, which should still be egg-laying in two weeks time. However, it will be very difficult to see Purple Emperors beyond mid next week. Among the wealth of other fauna and flora, we found this funky pink hopper, showing how not to do camouflage. (Neil Hulme)

Thursday 12 July

In a line of Oaks near Pease Pottage,Crawley at least 10 Purple Hairstreaks seen,some coming low down on Brambles. (Alastair Gray)

I set out for a walk in St Leonards Forest, Horsham this afternoon to see some of the more common species that live in the forest. I've always enjoyed watching Meadow Brown, Ringlet and Gatekeeper but sometimes neglect to photo them whilst persuing other species. There were also Small Skipper, Essex Skipper and Large Skipper. Large, Small and Green-veined White. As well as Red and White Admiral, Brimstone and others totalling 19 species. (Patrick Moore)

Visited Ashdown Forest to look for Silver Studded Blues yesterday afternoon. Parked at Poundgate car park and walked a circular route north of New road. About 20 males and 1 female spotted. Other species seen included Large and Small Skippers, Gatekeepers, Meadow Browns, a Brimstone, a Peacock and a Clouded Yellow. (Jonathan Warner)

Whitehawk Hill. I spent an enjoyable hour and a half on the lower part of the hill. An abundance of Chalkhill Blues, Meadow Browns, Large and Small Whites, Gatekeepers, Essex and Small Skippers and Marbled Whites. Also, 15 Ringlets, 10 Common Blues, 2 Peacocks, 2 Speckled Woods and 2 Brown Argus. There were also 9 Burnet and 1 Silver Y moths. (Graeme Rolf https://www.flickr.com/photos/128321708@N03/albums/72157649396241380)

On a walk up Blackcap this afternoon, many Gatekeeper, Marbled White and Chalk Hill Blue. Meadow Brown and Ringlet in the grass, also Six-spot Burnet moth and Cinnabar caterpillars on the ragwort. Plentiful Large White. Dark Green Fritillary in the grass land on the top, and Silver-washed Fritillary in the woodland on the way down to Ashcombe Bottom. Only the Chalk Hill Blue let me take a picture! (Nigel Symington)

I went to Chantry Hill with the intention of counting Dark Green Fritillaries and counted five females before the clouds came and I gave up. Otherwise in the garden there were fresh individuals of Brown Argus, Common Blue and Small Copper and faded specimens of many others (17 species in total). A count of at least 3 Holly Blue was nice. (Martin Kalaher)

Yet another beautiful walk round the Litlington, Jevington and Folkington area, the highlights of which were lots of male Chalk Hill Blues, oodles of Marbled Whites, skippers, Meadow Browns, Gatekeepers, only a few Dark Green Fritillaries this time, three bright new Small Coppers, a couple of Forester moths, abundant six spot burnet moths, a pair of peregrines with two vociferous young in tow and two kestrels, one of which was very very pale, like a ghost kestrel.
We spent a bit of time at the head of Deep Dean looking at patches of dust dry earth and hoping to flush Grayling but we did'nt. It was hard trying to explain to my companion that we were looking for a butterfly that you can't see. (tessa pawsey)
Well thanks for trying Tessa.(ed jnr)

Back on Sunday 8th July was my 'Green Ridge - Marbled Meadow' guided walk, at Green Ridge in Brighton & Hove. It was good to see visitors from Butterfly Conservation, RSPB, three local Councillors, Brighton & Hove Wildlife Forum and Keep The Ridge Green members. I remember counting 18 attendees. Thanks go to Annabeth for my lift to and from the site and for compiling a detailed list of species and numbers seen, as follows, my own notes in brackets: Essex Skipper (easily a few hundred over the whole site, every Skipper I checked was of this species), Large White 19, Small White 3, Green-veined White 1, Brimstone 1, Marbled White 19, Gatekeeper 1 (plus 3 I saw, including one where orange was absent on it's left hindwing when viewed with wings open, instead of orange it was white), Meadow Brown 26 (had to be more on site), Red Admiral 2 (plus 1 I saw), Common Blue 2 (plus another 2 I saw), Peacock 1, Comma 3, Six-spot Burnet 3 and Five-spot Burnet 2. Many thanks to Colin Leeves for allowing me to share his photos, including this female Silver-washed Fritillary that was feeding on Privet in his garden that morning along Green Ridge (road) which backs onto the site, also seen in his garden the previous day. To my knowledge Silver-washed Fritillaries haven't been recorded from this area of Brighton & Hove before. Many thanks to everyone who came along, you made it most enjoyable, it was great to put faces to some familiar names and for meeting new people. If you visit Green Ridge during this month you may well see Brown Hairstreaks along the Blackthorn hedgerow or feeding on the Creeping Thistle, Bramble or Ragwort flowers, as having found their eggs on site, at the start of the year.
(Jamie Burston http://www.keeptheridgegreen.com/)

Ashurst wood, West sussex White Admiral in my garden at 13.30 today 12th July. I have a large sunny garden backing on to light woodland. (Mike)

(continuation of previous report) (Colin Knight)

I visited Kithurst meadow yesterday afternoon and enjoyed the spectacle of many flowers and grasses up to waist height. I saw 17 butterfly species: Brimstone, Brown Argus, Chalk Hill Blue (2), Comma, Gatekeeper, Green-veined White, Large White, Marbled White, Meadow Brown, Small White, Painted Lady, Peacock, Red Admiral, Ringlet, Silver-washed Fritillary, Small Heath, Small Skipper. Moths: Common Plume (Emmelina monodactyla), Silver Y, Six-spot Burnet. At one point 12 Whites were tumbling in the air together, including a Marbled White. Silver-washed Fritillaries flashed by and included a mating pair. (Colin Knight http://colinknight.blogspot.com/2018/07/kithurst-meadows-july-butterflies14.html)

I saw a wide variety of species this morning in just two locations.
Firstly an early visit to Abbots wood produced two Purple Hairstreaks, and among the abundant Butterflies
at Abbots wood a lovely female Silver-washed Fritillary.
I then moved on to High and Over and saw three Wall Browns, many Chalk Hill Blues and a huge, fresh, Large White.
(Trevor Rapley)

A Brown Hairstreak near the Hanger View point briefly today which pleased everyone on the guided walk. Attached is a back of the camera shot. (George Kinnard)

Wednesday 11 July

I went for an afternoon walk behind Springs Smoked Salmon today at Edburton. In the sunshine the hill was alive with Meadow Browns, Ringlets, Gatekeepers, gliding Marbled Whites, small and Large Skippers, two Commas, a Peacock, small and Large Whites, lots of six spot burnet moths and a couple of what looked like Dark Green Fritillaries. However I saw only one Wall Brown and no blues of any description. Sadly Springs had shut by the time I got back there so no fish supper for me. (Tony Gould)
Thanks Tony, that's another Atlas site. (Ed jnr)

With nothing much of interest on this evening, I popped up top Mill Hill to see if I could find any roosting Marble Whites. I have tried several times recently and have always been too early or too late. This time was no different, though i did spot several Meadow Browns and a dozy Small White. (Jonathan Crawford)

Spent the whole of the afternoon on windover hill and deep dean completely surrounded by many dozens of various butterflies particularly Chalk Hill Blues but no signs of the elusive Grayling yet. I must reiterate what Nigel said in an earlier post that the wild flower display is something to behold at the moment, the downs at their very best. (Peter Jarman) Thanks Peter. much appreciated. Welcome to "Team Grayling". (Ed jnr)

A walk through Wakehurst garden and the Loder Valley gave some nice shots of Silver-washed Fritillaries and other butterflies, Dragon' and Damselfies, Cuckoo Bumblebee, and a Meadow grasshopper (Peter Lovett https://sussexrambler.blogspot.com/)

Tuesday 10 July

University of Sussex - Falmer campus. I've not seen any White-letter Hairstreaks high in the elms recently, but females have been visiting patches of brambles that are still in flower - 2 seen today. Also, 1 Silver-washed Fritillary, 3 Comma, numerous Gatekeepers, Meadow Browns and 4+ Ringlets, 1 Peacock, many Whites - most being Small Whites but probably several Large as well. (Chris Bird)

Took an evening walk on Devil's Dyke to investigate whether there is a colony of Purple Hairstreak in the small wood of weather-beaten oaks at the eastern end of the southern slope. And yes there is, what's good is that as the oaks are so stunted and on a steep slope it is possible to stand level with the canopy of several of the trees, which makes looking for them a lot easier. I am very excited by this find as I've sat under those trees for years not realising what was up there. The light was such that they all look brown in the photos though, but I'll be going back as its a good spot. Also saw a mixture of small and Essex Skippers, Marbled White, Gatekeepers, Six-spot Burnet moths, Dark Green Fritillary and Meadow Brown. Also photographed a small yellow and brown moth that I haven't managed to identify yet. (Sylvia Davidson)

A walk up to Cissbury and back from Lyons Farm was notable for 23 butterfly species including 300+ Meadow Brown, 175+ Gatekeeper, 120+ Small/Essex Skipper, 84 Marbled White, 46 Chalk Hill Blue, 41 Peacock, 27 Ringlet, 21 Speckled Wood, 21 Small Heath, 15 Common Blue, 13 Red Admiral, 10 Dark Green Fritillary, 9 Comma, 8 Brimstone, 4 Large Skipper, 3 Small Tortoiseshell, 2 Painted Lady, 2 Small Copper, Brown Argus. Silver-spotted were not spotted! (Lindsay Morris)

The accompanying images, taken on the 5th and 6th July, show iris feeding on several sap runs high in the oak canopy at Knepp. More at http://markcolvin.blogspot.com (Mark Colvin http://markcolvin.blogspot.com)

Did a survey around the three meadows at Whillets,Weir Wood on Monday,seen were 31 Small Skipper,1 Brimstone,1 Large White,7 Small White,18 Green-veined White,1 Holly Blue,2 Red Admiral,7 Comma,1 Speckled Wood,18 Gatekeeper,45 Meadow Brown and 83 Ringlets.Only moths 2 Six-spot Burnets. (Alastair Gray)

The transect for the Gatwick North-west zone today produced 509 butterflies of 20 species. The totals were: 11 Small Skipper, 22 Essex Skipper, 58 mixed Skipper, 1 Large Skipper, 11 Large White, 22 Small White, 13 Green-veined White, 5 Common Blue, 1 Brown Argus, 2 Small Copper, 9 Purple Hairstreak, 11 Comma, 5 Peacock, 1 Red Admiral, 4 Silver-washed Fritillary, 139 Meadow Brown, 29 Ringlet, 157 Gatekeeper, 4 Small Heath, 4 Speckled Wood. However the highlight of the day for me was a Six-belted Clearwing moth. (Vince Massimo)
Thanks Vince. (Ed jnr)

(continuation of the previous post) (Colin Knight)

The warm still nights on 6th,7th and 8th July have brought 46 species of moths to our balcony light, including many new ones to the list. I turned on the light at dusk and leave it on all night. Most moths arrive between 10pm and midnight. I have been going out 5-6am and sometimes several new species had arrived overnight. One morning there was a lot of tweeting from the hedgerow and while I was still on the balcony a sparrow flew past me, grabbed a moth from the wall and settled on the railing a few feet away. The moth was fluttering in its mouth then the sparrow flew off. Cheeky bird! (the rest of the images can be viewed on my blog). (Colin Knight http://colinknight.blogspot.com/2018/07/moths-galore-sparrow-feast.html)

Working in my garden in West St Leonards this morning the following Butterflies seen 4 Gatekeepers, 1 Small Copper, 3 Speckled Wood, 2 Holly Blue, 2 Meadow Brown and a Skipper near a Stinking Iris could not I.D.?
Many thanks to Paul Johnson. His walk in Hargate Forest last Saturday was most interesting. 21 Species including White Admiral, an egg laying Purple Hairstreak and a female Purple Emperor( a first for me) Silver Washed Fritillary and Dark Green Fritillary to name a few. A pity it was not well supported. It was enjoyed by the few friendly people that did come along.
(Janet Wilkes)

I went up Windover Hill today to Deep Dene, but no sighting of a Grayling. Other species were very visible in spite of a strong wind. Chalkhill Blue (Many), Small Blue, Small Copper, Gatekeeper, Meadow Brown, Six-spot Burnet moth and some Dark Green Fritillaries flying vigorously between nectaring on knapweed flowers. The walk up is worth it for the wild flowers alone. (Nigel Symington)
Thanks Nigel and welcome to "Team Grayling". You are leading by example, and hopefully others will follow in your footsteps later this week. We are very keen to know when the flight season starts for the Grayling this year. (Ed jnr)

After a week away I was keen to get back to the Frog Firle area to search out 2nd brood Wall Brown and Silver-spotted Skippers.
Around 8 Wall Brown were seen and it was clear they had been out for a few days with some already a little worn.
I then saw at least 7 and probably 8 Silver-spotted Skippers with 3 females. Once again these had probably been emerging over the past couple of days. An egg laying female Dark Green Fritillary was followed by another very fresh female. A 2nd brood Brown Argus was also good to see. Chalkhill Blues are also numerous. (Bob Eade http://bobsbutterflis.blogspot.co.uk)

An early morning ' beat the heat ' visit to Abbots wood for Purple Hairstreaks proved successful
with three seen at close quarters, two females and one male. I also found a female Gatekeeper
with an unusual brown stripe on the right hand forewing. Several Silver Washed Fritillaries were
present, all showing signs of wear. (Trevor Rapley)

Went up Malling Down on Sunday evening. Marbled Whites in profusion but not sitting still! I saw this pair of Gatekeepers on the way down. (Nigel Symington)

We have been managing Coldean Woods for five years now and the work we have put in, along with the impact of Chalara on the Ash, has made this violet rich woodland a prime location for colonisation by the Silver-washed Fritillary. Last year I observed a single individual scouting the woodland. This year the woodland is much more open and as I walked my dogs through on the 6th July I thought that its about then that we could expect to see some SWF investigating the woods. No sooner had I thought this when a female made herself apparent and spent 20 mins ovipositing on trees at 2 metres above ground level. I managed to get a couple of images with my iPhone. Happy days indeed - two woodland success in one week! (Dr Dan Danahar)

Monday 09 July

I went to the Kithurst Hill flower meadow this evening hoping to see some roosting Chalkhill Blues. I didn't manage to spot any but I got photos of a Comma, Marbled White and Small (or Essex) Skipper. (John Williams)

On the last tree on my walk I just found a Yellow-tail moth (?). (Istvan Radi)

I just finished a short walk in Wild Park, Brighton and found this dry pupa with this black dry something in it. It looks like a dead butterfly's or month's body stuck in the pupa. Any ideas what it might be? (Istvan Radi)
Neil Hulme writes "Istvan’s image shows the remnants of the chrysalis case (black) of a burnet moth, poking out from the cocoon (straw-coloured) within which the caterpillar pupated, and from which the emergent adult has escaped." Thanks Neil. (Ed jnr)

Roedean Old 9-hole Site. Lots and lots of Meadow Browns, Small Whites, Essex Skippers and Six-spot Burnet Moths. Also, 1 Peacock, 12 Marbled Whites and 4 Small Blues.
The Butterfly Bank area has now Wild Marjoram, Scabious, Knapweed and Wild Carrot pushing up through the Kidney Vetch which is going to seed. (Graeme Rolf https://www.flickr.com/photos/128321708@N03/albums/72157649396241380)

I was working in the garden all day and by tea-time realised I had recorded 15 butterfly species, the high-lights being two sightings of male Dark Green Fritillary and freshly-emerged Brown Argus in the meadow. I haven't seen a Peacock for around two months and then there was one in flight yesterday and four on the Buddleia today. Twenty butterfly species seen in the past 5 days. (Martin Kalaher)

In North Lancing I saw my first Hummingbird Hawk- moth of the year and my first ever Rosy Footman, a real stunner!
(Lindsay Morris)
Ah Rosy Footman, I am sure I went to school with her....(Ed jnr)

Matthew Oates and I led another two Knepp Safaris to see the Purple Emperor over the weekend, seeing 34 on Saturday and 37 on Sunday. Most of the males are now looking tired, and activity is largely restricted to afternoons and evenings. On Sunday we managed to get very close to a male emperor on a head-height sap bleed; he had only three legs and one foot in the grave, but provided us with the opportunity for images of some interesting behavioral activity. A 'tumbledown' female (rejecting a male's advances) also allowed us to get very close, as she sat quietly on Bramble flowers until the coast was clear. Plenty of others butterflies were also present, including Gatekeeper, Marbled White, Purple Hairstreak and golden skippers. (Neil Hulme)

In my back Hailsham garden at 5.15am, just rescued an Elephant Hawk-moth from a spider’s web on the honeysuckle. It flew off quite happily and I can go back to bed. Hope I got the spelling correct this time, I copied from the BC website? (Kerry Baldwin)
Two gold stars for you: one for rescuing the moth and the other for spelling its name properly. (Ed jnr)

Sunday 08 July

Several other schemes for the day came to nothing so we spent more time in our back garden in Hove than usual. As usual we didn't see great numbers of anything but unusually we had a lot of variety. The hot weather has encouraged butterflies to wander far and wide and Wish Park just behind our fence is much more butterfly friendly. First up before 9.00am was a Small White and they were in and out all day along with a few Large Whites. A Speckled Wood soon followed and hung around a bit in their preferred area, making a short appearance again in the afternoon. The surprise guest mid morning, nectaring on some blue flowers, was a Marbled White, but once gone it didn't return. (We have had one before, a long time ago.) I noticed a Peacock on our buddleia. It powered past us again several times during the day. A small darkish butterfly seen by Val on clover on the grass was a female Common Blue. Then a couple of skippers turned up. It wasn't until the sun went in a bit that one of them settled and could be identified as an Essex Skipper. Next up, a Ringlet which visited several times but infuriatingly wouldn't stop. Fortunately we'd seen enough Ringlets and Meadow Browns flying at Balcombe a few days ago to be sure of its identity and when a Meadow Brown passed through later we were convinced about that too. There had been occasional flashes of orange from a Comma which came to rest during another cloudy moment. The final one we could be sure of was a Holly Blue in the afternoon. Val also saw a large washed-out orange butterfly which was probably a Painted Lady. So that's 11 different - maybe 12 - which is a record for one day in our garden. (John & Val Heys)

I went to Friston Gallops this evening. It was alive with butterflies. I saw Chalk Hill Blues, Small Skippers, Peacocks, Commas, Gatekeepers, Meadow Browns. Dark Green Fritillaries, Marbled Whites,Small Coppers, Whites and a Brown Argus. (katrina watson)

I visited Iping Common to see Silver-studded Blue around lunchtime today and managed to see 12, mainly between the car park and trig point. Most but not all were very warn. I then headed off to Woolbeding Common to explore. The views were immense; Heyshott Down west to beyond Butser Hill in a place they call Hampshire, Selbourne Hangers and the sandstone hills which almost surround Milland. Butterflies were plentiful Gatekeeper, Meadow Brown, Skippers, Whites, Silver-washed Fritillary and Purple Hairstreak, But the highlight were unexpected Purple Emperor, I counted 6 around a group of Oak, there were probably more. All flying to the North West of the difficult to find trig point at Older Hill. The whole area is well worth a visit. (Patrick Moore)

I found this strange butterfly in my Shoreham garden. Amazingly it was alive and kicking and keen to get away, showing how resilient these insects are. Now if only I knew what species it was.... (Jonathan Crawford)

This morning I visited Botany Bay hoping to see and photograph Wood Whites and perhaps a Purple Emperor or two. I arrived at 08.30 and left at 11.20 hrs. During the time I was at the habitat I saw about 10 Wood Whites and a single worn and damaged Purple Emperor on the ground near the Triangle. Purple Emperors on the ground were also seen by others present. (Douglas Neve)
These Wood Whites were of course in Surrey. (Ed jnr)

Went for a well overdue summer stroll up and around Seaford Golf Course and down to the Rathfinny Estate. It's been about a year since my last report and it took me ages to get my eye in again for the little ones. But thankfully got there. I saw Brown Argus, Common Blue, Comma, Skippers (not sure if Essex, Small or Large as lost my touch), Large White, Marbled White, Meadow Brown, Peacock, Red Admiral, Ringlet, Small Heath, Small White and Speckled Wood.Enjoyed it very much. (Nick Linazasoro)

A walk around Cissbury this morning hoping to see Dark Green Fritillaries was unsuccessful, though there were plenty of other butterflies including Silver-washed Fritillaries, Common Blues and Chalk Hill Blues. There were a lot of female Brimstones and the odd male. On the way home I stopped to admire the expansive everlasting pea at Beeding Cement works. (Jonathan Crawford)

Yesterday (7th July) I walked a circular route from Horsley Farm, West Marden almost reaching Compton Down (SU7614) and back to West Marden. A total of 14 different species were recorded during the walk which took me two and a half hours. Totals: Brimstone 4M 3F, Large White 11, Small White 56, Green-veined White 1, Holly Blue 1, Gatekeeper 2, Marbled White 7, Meadow Brown 32, Ringlet 4, Speckled Wood 6, Comma 3, Red Admiral 3, Silver-washed Fritillary 1, Small Skipper 2. (Roy Symonds)

Really lovely walk along the Green Ridge this morning led by Jamie Burston. Essex Skippers seem to have taken over Brighton this year and Green Ridge was no exception, hundreds of them, so unfortunately all my decent photos are of them (different angles though!). Also seen were several Marbled White, Gatekeeper, Meadow Brown, whites (including a Green-veined White), Peacock, Comma, five spot burnet moth and right at the end of walk a female Red Admiral visited the bramble next to us. Jamie spotted a second brood Common Blue as well. Hope I haven't missed anything. Thanks Jamie for a lovely walk, although it was baking up there. Once again I noticed how resilient to drought grassland like that is - the long grass is brown but down near the ground everything is still green and lush - in contrast to everywhere that has has been mown. (Sylvia Davidson)

Fishbourne: I have this butterfly resting inside the house on my kitchen wall. I don't recognise it so would appreciate it if you could advise. (Chantelle Whittle)
Thanks for you sighting, Chantelle. It is not a butterfly. It is a Swallow tailed moth. These start out as pale yellow and as they age turn whiter. Theya re usually nocturnal. (Ed jnr)

more photos (Istvan Radi)

Seaford Head was buzzing with butterflies yesterday morning. I didn't count but lots of Meadow Browns, Marbled Whites, all kind of Skippers, Gatekeepers, Small and Large Whites, one Red Admiral, one Peacock, a few Commas and Painted Ladies and a fritillary. Then I walked down to Cuckmere Haven and along the river up High and Over. Along the river there were dozens of different Skippers feeding on the purple flower down on the riverbank (very low tide). Here I saw one Skipper what was much brighter than any I have seen before but as I couldn't get a picture of it I dare not say that it was a Silver-spotted. I also found two blues what are the first ones in a while. Up at High and Over apart from the beautiful view I didn't see much just the same species as before but less abundant in numbers. (Istvan Radi)

Over the past two days there have been 17 butterfly species in my Storrington garden. There has been an influx of Large Whites, many Brimstone have emerged with 3 males and 2 females yesterday, and others such as a second-brood Small Copper and a second-brood male Common Blue. (Martin Kalaher)

Saturday 07 July

In my garden in West Hove today this Comma on my black currant plant 10+ whites on or around the nasturtiums (Michael Church)

A stroll around Southwater woods at lunchtime today revealed 16 butterfly species including 3 Purple Emperor and plentiful numbers of Purple Hairstreak tree topping apart from 1 which luckily visited a low lying Oak branch right next to me. Several Silver-washed Fritillary visited the ground looking for moisture or minerals. Other highlights were White Admiral and large numbers of Gatekeeper and Marbled White in the meadows. (Patrick Moore)

For anyone who is joining me for the "Green Ridge - Marbled Meadow" walk tomorrow (Sunday 8th), regarding health and safety, please can I remind everyone to bring drinks with them to stay hydrated during the hot temperatures forecast. Should you want to buy drinks or food locally there is the Hill Top Café near our meeting point on Dyke Road Avenue. If doing so I would advise that you arrive 10 minutes early so to be ready for the 10.30am start. Please also consider skin protection as the site is mostly open, with limited areas of shade, wearing a hat would be a good idea. Many thanks. (Jamie Burston http://www.keeptheridgegreen.com/)

It was good to be back on Mill Hill for the transect this morning. Fifteen species of butterfly and I was particularly pleased to see 8 Chalk Hill Blues and a couple of second brood Common Blues. The dominant species were Gatekeeper and Meadow Browns, though the Marbled Whites put on a good show. After that it was along to Ashdown Forest for the Silver-studded Blues. Arriving in the morning, I could not match the 150 or so seen by Mark and Ian Cadey earlier in the day, but still recorded enough to make the trip worthwhile. (Jonathan Crawford)

In an early morning walk (7.30 am) at Ditchling country park saw plenty of Purple Hairstreaks whizzing around the canopy. Managed to get a few terrible shots of one that came down slightly lower. I saw what I'm pretty certain was a Purple Emperor - it flew towards me over my head turned and flew away from me at my height for a while before disappearing up into the canopy so got a pretty good look at it. I've never seen one before and this had all the right characteristics - size, pattern, flight type etc. I didn't know they were here, is it likely to be one? Also saw a couple of White Admirals, and lots of Large Skippers, Gatekeepers, Ringlets, Meadow Brown, Speckled Wood, Large White, Small White, Peacock and Silver-washed Fritillary. Got a photo of a Gold Swift moth - I think they are quite common and love bracken, but its a lovely looking moth. (Sylvia Davidson)

White-letter Hairstreak seen in my Steyning garden this morning.... plus Marbled White and Hummingbird Hawk Moth. (Ray Baker)

A Comma, Small Copper, Red Admiral, Common Blue, Small Whites, Essex Skippers, Gatekeepers, lots of Meadow Browns plus, for the first time here, a White-letter Hairstreak, seen in an Alfriston downland garden today. (Tony Gould)

We live in the North Heath area of Horsham which is now fairly suburban. We had a huge surprise this morning when a Marbled White (probably male) appeared in our small garden. We assume we are a long way from any breeding area and there is hardly any breeze today so where it came from is anybody's guess! We are seeing Holly Blues & Large Whites every day and the occasional Speckled Wood, Meadow Brown & Gatekeeper. (Chris & John Hamilton)

We walked our two WCBS lines at Balcombe yesterday (6/7/18) seeing about twice as many butterflies as last year (7/7/17) although a little less variety. Nothing was settling and it was very hard to tell battered Meadow Browns from faded Ringlets or the types of skipper. The totals for both lines were:- Large White 4, Small White 31, Green-veined White 2, Meadow Brown 103, Ringlet 16, Gatekeeper 6, Common Blue 1, Purple Hairstreak 1, skippers 15. None of the skippers appeared to be large and the only one Val had a fair look at was a Small Skipper, so they'll go down as small on the WCBS record, but last year in the same part of the walk the only one we identified was an Essex Skipper, therefore the 15 could have been a mixture of both. There is nothing worse in butterfly identification than chasing little skippers around when you've just had a bit of laser eye surgery and have blobs floating around an eye! Away from the two lines, we saw plenty more butterflies, the only different types being a Red Admiral and a Silver-washed Fritillary. A good way to spend the wedding anniversary. (John & Val Heys)

Purple Emperor activity on the Knepp Wildland has now become sporadic, with afternoons and evenings being by far the best times to watch the butterfly, particularly around oaks which bleed sap. There is now very little activity on hot, sunny mornings. However, numbers remain high and the sport can still be spectacular if you're in the right place at the right time. During a half-day safari on Thursday 5 July we managed a total of 60 emperors (and a very nice female Purple Hairstreak down low) and a more extensive search on Friday 6 July gave me a total of 81, including several empresses sitting in scrub and a middle-aged male on the ground. As the Knepp Purple Emperor season moves into its later stages, the Brown Hairstreak flight is already starting. (Neil Hulme)

Sitting with my coffee at 8am in my garden in Prince Edwards Road in the Wallands part of Lewes when I was amazed to see a White Admiral swoop around and then sit sunning itself on ivy only a few feet away! Have only seen them at Ashcombe Bottom previously. (Ray Pyne)

West St Leonards on Sea. A Holly Blue on Blackberry Flowers near an Ivy covered fence in my rear garden. Is this a second brood? (Janet Wilkes)
Yes (Ed jnr)

Yesterday , July 6th I rode my bike up to Hollingbury. I arrived at 1230 I was interested to note there wasn’t a single White-letter Hairstreak, on the area I’d seen dozens only a few days ago. I spotted 4 Marbled Whites, 2 Commas, 20+ Essex Skippers, 2 Speckled Woods, Large Whites, Small Whites, a few Green-veined Whites, Meadow Browns, Small Heaths, Ringlets were plentiful. 1 Fritillary. I did the adjoining wood, including the allowable part of the golf course. Have to say I was slightly disappointed as the conditions seemed very favourable, but in Hove overnight there had been rain and it was very wet early doors. (Michael Church)

Friday 06 July

I visited Knepp this morning hoping to see Purple Emperors but I only saw one, flying from an oak tree into some Sallows. But I did get a nice picture of a Small White, which I actually have fewer of than shots of Purple Emperors! I then went to the Kithurst flower meadow, where I saw my first Chalk Hill Blues of the year and some fresh Brimstones. (John Williams)

So on Monday (2nd July) I had pupils measuring light intensity, temperature and humidity - at ground level, in the school woodland, to demonstrate the influence of managing woodland structure on the physical environment. Suddenly a White-letter Hairstreak flew down onto a coppice stool and before I could get close enough to take a photo, if flew off. Then in the next glade I saw a female (see iPhone image) desperately trying to get nectar from flowerless bramble fruits.
I returned twenty minutes later, once I had discharged my responsibility for my pupils. I then looked into the canopy of the large Elm that is closest to were I saw the Hairstreaks and lo and behold there were hairstreaks having dog fights all over the canopy.
After 18 years of managing this woodland with the White-letter Hairstreak in mind, I can firmly say, we now have an established colony. This is one of the most exciting developments I have had in my habitat restoration career because its woodland based as opposed to that which I am most commonly recognised for - chalk grassland restoration. The images included here are of some courtship and are frames taken from a video filmed with my iPhone.
I returned to the woodland on Wednesday (4th July) to see more dogfights above yet another Elm within the same woodland. Happy days. (Dr Dan Danahar)

A walk round Lancing Ring and the northern half of Steep Down. 20 butterfly species with highlights 160 Meadow Brown, 96 Marbled White, 63 Ringlet, 48 Gatekeeper, 29 Peacock, 10 Comma, 2 Small Tortoiseshell, 4 Red Admiral, 4 Green-veined White, 2 Small Heath, Holly Blue, Common Blue, Brown Argus, Brimstone. I must admit I didn't look for Brown Hairstreak today, but I will tomorrow! (Lindsay Morris)

Visited Markstakes common early yesterday. Quiet at first but more action as the weather warmed up. In a clearing Purple Hairsteaks were low on the bracken. Plenty of Hedge Browns (aka Gatekeepers), Large Skippers half a dozen Silver-washed Fritillaries and a couple of White Admirals. Moved on to Hollingbury Park. Two very worn White-letter Hairstreak ,several Commas,a Peacock and many Essex Skippers. (Jonathan Warner)

A morning stroll through Lewes Railway land yielded plenty of Peacocks, Ringlets, Meadow Brown, Commas, Gatekeepers and the occasional white (most of which looked quite large) flypast. The buddleia is just getting going here and in previous years I have found this area to be excellent for Peacocks. Out on the brooks the large mounds of bramble were very busy with Gatekeepers and Commas. Blackberries look like they will be good this year as well. (Sylvia Davidson)

(continuation of previous report) (Colin Knight)

(contamination of previous report) (Colin Knight)

Last night a record 14 moths were attracted to our balcony light, including 5 new species: Blastobasis species, Buff Ermine (Spilosoma luteum), Cloaked Minor (Mesoligia furuncula), Common Carpet (Epirrhoe alternata), Dark Bordered Pearl (Evergestis limbata), Dark Fruit-tree Tortrix (Pandemis heparana), Double-striped Tabby (Orthopygia glaucinalis), Heart and Dart (Agrotis exclamationis), White-line Dart (Euxoa tritici), Marsh Dowd (Blastobasis rebeli), Riband Wave (Idaea aversata ab remutata), Rosy Tabby (Endotricha flammealis), Ruddy Streak (Tachystola acroxantha), White Satin (Leucoma salicis). (Colin Knight)

Brown Hairstreak spotted at Knepp at 9.25am today July6. Matthew Oates reckons it's the earliest ever sighting (July7 was the previous record, also at Knepp) (David Hasell)

Robertsbridge and Hurst Green. A look at the Elms in the Millennium Field failed to locate White-letter Hairstreak.
A Gatekeeper on Blackberry Blossom on the footpath opposite and several Ringlets seen from the path en route to the allotments
A Red Admiral around the Café area at Planters Garden and Farm Shop A21 Hurst Green
(Janet Wilkes)

Hastings Country Park, Barley Lane Car Park. 2 White-letter Hairstreaks flying around the top of the Wych Elm at the entrance to the Car Park. Tree canopy very dense could not see them showing on leaves. A dog fight took place. This site was suggested to me as a possible by my friend Laraine who also saw the Hairstreaks. I will continue to check this site (Janet Wilkes)

Thursday 05 July

Gatekeeper, Ringlet, Comma and White-letter Hairstreak enjoying the late afternoon sunshine in Hollingbury Park (Tony Gould)

I forgot to mention that while I was out with Jamie looking for hairstreaks on Tuesday 3rd July, Val had to go down to George Street (approx TQ287049 virtually in the centre of Hove's urban area) where she saw a Marbled White. If anyone else can recall seeing a Marbled White here before I shall be as surprised as if the Albion win the Premier League next season. (John & Val Heys)

A (sadly dead) White Admiral, in excellent condition, was found on my indoor kitchen windowsill on the morning of 5th July.
There is no actual woodland in the immediate vicinity, but our large garden has many mature trees. I have never (so far) seen one flying in the garden. Address - Rectory Lane, Clapham, BN13 3UU (Sally Morris)

First impressions can be deceptive! Initially I thought the moth on top of my new ALS Robinson trap this morning was a Dark Crimson Underwing, however I had some nagging doubts which were confirmed later that it was a Light Crimson Underwing. Either way the new kit has paid off already! (Chris Ball)

Two days ago I had a male Dark Green Fritillary in the garden meadow. That brings the annual total for the garden to 29 species. As last year I counted 85 Brown Hairstreak eggs in the garden I'm confident of reaching the magic 30, the same as 2017. Clouded Yellow would make it 31. Today I did my weekly tramp across Chantry Hill. Mostly for the Dark Green Fritillary count but also to see what else was around. I counted 67 DGFs, up from 31 just six days ago. There were no females last week but at least 8 this week. The variety was less this week, as follows: Marbled White (500), Small Skipper (450), Meadow Brown (400), Small Heath (150), Large and Small White, Brimstone (2m), just one male Common Blue. Back home my first Brimstone for a month or more (a male), Small Copper and a very attractive Painted Lady, which was so pristine it has to be locally-born (and not a migrant). (Martin Kalaher)

Five Silver-studded Blues at TQ472294, including a mating pair. (Steve and Noah Wheatley)

A friend of mine was staying with me for a few days. This friend got me in to butterflies over fifty years ago. We relived the old days by spending a lovely afternoon at two sites.
Hollingbury Park. 12 White-letter Hairstreaks. 1 Marbled White. 1 Small Tortoiseshell. Lots of Large and Small Whites. Lots of Ringlets and Meadow Browns. 7 Commas. 8 Small or Essex Skippers.
Ditchling Common. Lots of Purple Hairstreaks flitting around almost every Oak tree. 1 White Admiral. 7 Silver-washed Fritillaries. Lots of Large and Small Whites and Small and Essex Skippers. Lots of Ringlets and Meadow Browns. (Graeme Rolf https://www.flickr.com/photos/128321708@N03/albums/72157649396241380)

The Knepp Wildland felt very different today (4 July). Admittedly, I covered much less ground than during recent monitoring visits, but my day-count of 181 Purple Emperor was disproportionately lower. Although I saw one 'Benny Hill chase' of seven, clashes involving more than a pair were rare. The regular bundles of four, five and six or more already seem a distant memory. The head of steam has been lost; they are suddenly getting lazy. I have no doubt that there will be more fireworks to come, but they can no longer be expected. The same thing happens every season, reflecting completion of the female emergence.
However, the numbers present remain huge. Knepp has set the bar so high that we have come to know this species, at least here, as a quite common butterfly of scrub and hedgerows; a butterfly of the wider countryside. Of course the emperor will never be Common, but neither will things ever be the same again, and that is something to celebrate.
On the way back to the car I saw my fourth tumbledown (rejection drop) of the day. She landed on some Bracken and peered down on me as I edged below her. There is still life in the season yet, but there is now more of an urgency to squeeze every possible moment from this momentous emperor year. (Neil Hulme)

Thanks to David Bridges, who took me on a walk into a private wood near Slinfold yesterday. Target species was the White Admiral, but this hadn't read the text book: although there had been many there a couple of days before, we saw only two. The Purple Emperor had not been recorded in this wood previously, but we first saw one high up and then another came and sat in a tree above us for several minutes. Star of the day had to be the Silver-washed Fritillary: we lost count when we had seen over 50, mostly freshly emerged males but with one or two females. (nigel symington)

Wednesday 04 July

I realise that this picture of a Purple Emperor is not the most fantastic or interesting that you will ever see, BUT, this Purple Emperor was in St Leonards Forest, Horsham. The first Purple Emperor I have ever seen in the forest, despite staking out good looking areas for a many a year. Hopefully there will be many more! (Patrick Moore)

Not great pictures but I decided to send them in from the other day when I visited Ditchling Common. (Istvan Radi)

some more pictures (Istvan Radi)

I again went for a walk in Wild Park today where I saw 2x Silver-washed Fritillary, about two dozens of Marbled White, a lot of Meadow Brown, all kind of Skippers, 5-6 Comma, a number of Small White, Large White and Ringlet, Gatekeepers, one Red Admiral, one Peacock, and I am probably forgetting to mention some more as usual...
Then I tried my luck in Hollingbury Park and this time beside plenty of other species I found 2 White-letter Hairstreak feeding on Thistle. One of them was rather broken but the other one was a nice looking individual. I also saw a beautifully shiny green bug what I believe to be a Cetonia aurata (Green rose chafer). I am not sure if that is a good thing to have them around but that green color is just beautiful... (Istvan Radi)

Roedean Cliff Top. Right opposite Roedean Cafe there is a particularly floriferous area which this afternoon was alive with Meadow Browns, Whites and Skippers. I managed to capture a couple of Essex Skippers performing. (Graeme Rolf https://www.flickr.com/photos/128321708@N03/albums/72157649396241380)

Very short walk in Beckley Wood late morning. In first 200 yards counted 8 species, White Admiral,Gate Keeper, Purple Hairstreak , Silver-washed Fritillary in good numbers, Peacock, Comma ,Large Whites and Small Whites. Further along the ride Small Skipper and Large Skipper , Ringlet, Small Heath and a very battered Meadow Brown. Large numbers of Common Darter dragonfly, also seen golden ringed dragon fly and Brown Hawker. several very blue and very fast not identified. My best day for a long while. (Graham Grimmett)

Spotted this Gatekeeper in the wooded area near to Burton Mill Pond, which is near to the village of Duncton. (Graham Hicks)

Visited Crowhurst RSPB reserve yesterday. Many Silver Washed Fritillaries as well White Admirals and Purple Hairstreaks .Monday went to Knepp where plenty of Purple Emperors as reported, as well as Purple Hairstreaks, a few White Admirals and one Silver-washed Fritillary. Lots of the common species. On Saturday did a walk on the downs around the Long Man of Wilmington. Large numbers of Dark Green Fritillaries, Marbled Whites and one Chalkhill Blue. Today had a female Silver-washed Fritillary in my garden in Sedlescombe. (Jonathan Warner)

Our first Chalk Hill Blue sightings of 2018.
Five at TV558960 on the roadside path between Birling Gap and Horseshoe Plantation. Also, one in an East Dean garden TV560983.

The path between Birling and Horseshoe also had 5 Dark Green Fritillary, a similar number of Common Blue and circa 50 Silver Y. The East side of the plantation also had circa 50 Silver Y plus half a dozen White-letter Hairstreak and a Red Admiral.

Meadow Brown, Small Heath, Marbled White, Large-Small-Essex Skippers in good numbers. A Painted Lady at TV566955 (David & Carole Jode)

Yesterday morning I joined Mark Colvin at Houghton Forest for a Purple Emperor search. We saw several, including a female on the ground. There were also White Admirals, Meadow Browns, mating Ringlets and Red Admirals. moths seen: Common Cloaked Shoot (Gypsonoma dealbana), Common Emerald (Hemithea aestivaria), White-faced Twist (Pandemis cinnamomeana). Littlehampton moths on our balcony: Garden Grass-veneer (Chrysoteuchia culmella), Diamond-back Moth (Plutella xylostella), Swallow-tailed Moth (Ourapteryx sambucaria) and Willow Beauty (Peribatodes rhomboidaria). (Colin Knight)

Streat, Hassocks, Sussex: I wish to report sighting one White-letter Hairstreak butterfly on a young oak tree outside my back door. (Stuart Fisher)

My husband and I spotted a large bright orange butterfly at the Singleton open air museum, near the near the Boarhunt medieval Hall. It fluttered quickly around us for several minutes. It didn't land. We could see no markings on it at all. It didn't look like a moth. It almost looked tropical. Any ideas (Lyn Morum)
Without a photo i can't be certain but I suspect it is a Comma butterfly. The early summer hatchining (hutchinsoni ) is much lighter and brighter than later broods. In the summer sun they can look very orange. The flight behaviour is also indicative of the Comma at this time of year. There seem to be quite a few about this year and I too have been surprised at how exotic they can appear. (Ed jnr)

Tuesday 03 July

A few photos form a breezy but warm and sunny afternoon walk in the Steep Down, Lancing Hill/ Ring area. I counted at least 12 White-letter Hairstreak high in the Elms at Cow Bottom to the west of Applesham Farm as reported here earlier. (Patrick Moore)

Two locations in Ashdown Forest to see the silver studded blues. A triangular route between Ellisons Ponds to Camp Hill and Old Lodge yielded only a plethora of skippers and Meadow Browns plus a Red Admiral and a Large White. It was quite breezy and party cloudy.

The sun was fully out and the temperature 25 degrees when we arrived at Poundgate car Park and within 50 yards on the north side of the road we had seen at least 2 males and 3 female silver studded blues. I was only there for 20mins so I am sure that a closer inspection would have uncovered more. (Martin Buck)

Jamie Burston & I did a marathon Hove White-letter Hairstreak tour between 10.00am and 4pm today. As I set off at 9.10am to pick him up I spied a Gatekeeper in our front garden on New Church Road, which I took as a good omen as we don't see many butterflies there. In Wish Park Jamie spotted 2 White-letter Hairstreaks, one near the south west corner and one above the east cafe/pavilion. As we returned to my house Jamie spotted a third in a street elm on New Church Road. In my back garden I spotted one which was suddenly there on the lawn as if by magic. I let Jamie take most of the pictures & I'll post a couple of them. Jamie popped in to St Leonard's Churchyard (where there is a huge DED elm which needs removing) but didn't see any hairstreaks. Next stop was Hove Cemetery (north side) where we think we saw 2 more hairstreaks. Hove Recreation Ground was more productive: certainly 9 and probably 12, mostly on the north side (eg just north of a big white dead tree trunk) with a couple of pairs rising up in combat. Jamie got a good picture of a distant hairstreak here which I couldn't see with the naked eye. Jamie hasn't visited any of these sites before, but he has been to Hove Park although he didn't see any hairstreaks on that occasion. However, this time he spotted at least 16 mostly in ones and twos, spread widely over the park's elms. So that comes to 29 definite sightings plus a further possible 2. Miscellaneous Meadow Browns, large and Small Whites, 2 Commas, a Gatekeeper and a skipper were around on our travels. My final enigmatic picture is all that remains of a Small White I was watching as it met a hungry magpie. Snap and it was gone. If I've got any of this muddled up, I hope Jamie will post any necessary corrections or additions. It's been a relief to compose all this while missing England's extra time and the first 4 penalties against Columbia. Far too much tension. I did go back in to see the Columbian miss and Eric Dier's winner. I'm still quivering with shock! (John Heys)

I went to Hollingbury Park, Brighton to see white letter hairstreaks after work last week. Loads of them on the thistles possible twenty plus individuals. Saw three on one plant at one point. I also saw one settle on an elm leaf. It walked over to the underside and laid an egg I think. I think you can see the newly laid glistening clear egg in the photo. I spent a long time using rapid shutter firing to try and get one with the wings open. Just about succeeded. (Tim Squire)

Arlington Reservoir. Gatekeepers on the Blackberry bushes opposite the wildflower meadow and in the hedge opposite the fishing lodge. (Janet Wilkes)

Ashenground & Bolnore Woods, Haywards Heath: Hoping to see the Marbled White that flew by me the other day but no such luck. However, there were Small and Large Skippers, a Brimstone, Comma, Speckled Wood and saw my first Gatekeepers of the year. (Kim Berry)

tue 03/07/2018. I went back to Shermanreed Wood, Snatts Road, Uckfield. to try and see if I could find a Purple Emperor territory, after seeing a female egg laying there on Sunday the 30th. I arrived on site at 11.20am, saw 4x Silver washed Fritillaries, 30+ Meadow Browns, 30+ Marbled Whites, 10+ Ringlets, 4x Commas, 5x Large Whites, 2x Small Whites, 1x Green veined White, 6x Purple Hairstreaks, 4x Speckled Woods, 4x Holly Blues, 4x Large Skippers and 1x Brimstone. then at 12.44pm 1x Purple Emperor (m) flying around crown of an oak, and again at 12.50pm. then I went for a wander around looking for other possible territory sites, but none found, so back to oaks, 1.44pm/1.46pm/1.49pm/1.51pm male flying in area. then at 1.53pm 2x Purple Emperors chasing over trees, and again at 1.54pm. I saw twos at 2.08pm/2.11pm/2.13pm, and more just the territory holder flying in his domain and settling at times, but he never settled long enough for me to get a photo though, I last saw him sortie over territory at 2.28pm & 2.32pm then I left at 2.35pm. the breeze was from the NE, the territory oaks were blowing about at times but the PE soared in his kingdom. (Peter Farrant)

A wander round Lancing Ring and Steep Down accounted for my first Dark Green Fritillary of this year, but no Chalk Hill Blue yet. Other highlights among the sixteen butterfly species seen were 152 Marbled White, 32 Gatekeeper, 16 Peacock, 10 Red Admiral, 6 Comma, 5 Small Tortoiseshell. Is this unremitting northeasterly wind going to blow the World Cup from Russia to England? (Lindsay Morris)

I took this picture two days ago in Wild Park and I was sure that it was a Small Skipper but the more I look at it the less certain I am... Could it be an Essex Skipper? It has black enough antennae... Thank you.
I also visited Ditchling Common for the first time and I got to see my first ever Purple Hairstreak (around 15 of them), also a first was the White Admiral (4 of them), lots of Meadow Brown, Small Heath, Large and Small Skippers, Ringlets, Commas, Brimstone, Large White, Marbled White, Gatekeepers and a fritillary. I have to come back for the Purple Emperor as I did not see one today. (Istvan Radi)
I think you can call that an Essex Skipper, Istvan. (Ed jnr)

My third visit to Markstakes Common early this morning and I was delighted when a Purple Emperor landed nearby in an oak tree as I photographed some of the plentiful Purple Hairstreaks in Heather Glade (see the Friends of Markstakes Common website for maps). Also 10+ Silver-washed Fritillary and 3 White Admiral seen; plus Meadow Browns, Ringlets, Large and Small Whites, Large Skipper and Speckled Woods. (Polly Mair)

Today (2nd July) in very hot sunshine, the temperature reaching 28°C, I visited Stansted Forest (SU7410). I walked most of the mian tracks completing a Figure of Eight circuit. Ivisit this site usually early or late in the season, but found it to be abound with butterflies, with 14 different species recorded. I was pleased to see 7 White Admirals, the most I have seen in total here before, along with fresh Silver Washed Fritillarys and Marbled Whites.
Totals: Brimstone 2M 2F, Large White 8, Small White 20, Green-veined White 1, Holly Blue 1, Marbled White 17, Meadow Brown 20, Small Heath 3, Speckled Wood 5, Comma 1, Red Admiral 1, Silver-washed Fritillary 26, White Admiral 7, Small Skipper 3. (Roy Symonds)

A thorough survey of the entire Knepp Wildland Southern Block has achieved our highest count yet; a massive 388 Purple Emperors. 66 were counted on the Green Lane transect and a total of 16 females were seen. I watched 11 'tumble downs' (when already-mated Empresses spiral down to the ground, trying to shake off amorous males), which mostly occurred in the vicinity of 'feeder trees' (those oaks hosting multiple sap bleeds, encouraging large, boisterous drinking parties). At one such tree ('Rosemary's Tree') I enjoyed a chase of nine males, spiraling tightly around my head (at c.7pm). Earlier, beside a small wooden bridge on Green Lane, I watched six dogfights occurring simultaneously, two of which comprised three males; that's 14 emperors in view at the same time! I ran out of unsearched areas of the Southern Block long before the butterflies became less active at 8pm. Had I not taken a significant break earlier in the day, to chase White-letter Hairstreaks, I would undoubtedly have had time to move into the Middle and Northern Blocks, probably enabling a count in excess of 400 Purple Emperors. However, the route I took allowed me to observe something I've never seen before; just before 8pm I found a mating pair of hutchinsoni (summer brood) Comma. Knepp continues to amaze. (Neil Hulme)

Matthew Oates and I have started our 2018 Knepp Purple Emperor Safari campaign in good form, which is hardly surprising given the excellent weather and unprecedented numbers of the butterfly. A full-day outing on Saturday 30 June gave us a count of 87, followed by a half-day tally of 56 on Sunday 1 July. Numbers are now at peak and although more females will emerge, the males are probably all out now. It's great to see so many people enjoying the Spectacle. There are plenty of other species showing well too, including more White Admirals than usual. In the last few days we've also seen large increases in the numbers of Comma and Purple Hairstreak, the latter best viewed in the evenings. (Neil Hulme)

Yesterday (2nd July) we had our Knepp moment - 6 butterflies in our Hove back garden at the same time. In 30 years I can't recall ever having so many all at once. OK, so the were whites, but excitingly they were 2 Large Whites, 3 Small Whites and a very fresh Green-veined White. We'd just bought a rather small flower that butterflies are supposed to like and one actually nectared on it. Result! Between 11am and 12.30pm we also had a White-letter Hairstreak visiting our brambles and lawn, although it was very tricky to get a good picture - I had to do a lot of grovelling. Only one out of 22 was really clear. (John & Val Heys)

Monday 02 July

An early morning visit to Markstakes Common on Sunday was notable for the hundreds of Purple Hairstreaks present across the site. At around 7am, many were warming themselves low down on the bracken - becoming more frisky as the day (rapidly) warmed up. Also seen were 3+ Silver-washed Fritillary, 1 White Admiral, 1 Red Admiral, 2+ Speckled Wood, numerous Meadow Browns, 2 Gatekeeper, 1 Ringlet, 2 Marbled White, 1+ Large White and 1+ Small White. (Chris Bird)

Stopped at Ditchling Common to, hopefully, get my first photo of a Purple Hairstreak. Saw plenty up in the tops of the oaks, but none close enough for me to get my photo, so I had to make do with this Purple Emperor that accosted me along the woodland pathway :) (Vincent Oates)

Purple Emperors are clearly like buses you wait for years to see one on the ground at Knepp and then you get two. A pair made three spiralling chases from the canopy down to ground level and both touch down for perhaps a fifth of a second. (Bob North)

Westhampnett,Nr Chichester: Saw a Purple Emperor(?) in our garden which used to be a woodland but they have left oak trees at the rear and around the estate. It was beautiful.
(Miranda Davis)

Walking from Jack & Jill Windmills at Clayton across the South Downs Way towards Ditchling Beacon, as far as the first dew pond: Multitudes of Meadow Browns, Large White, Marbled White, Small and Large Skippers, Comma, Small Tortoiseshell, Painted Lady and Small Heath (Kim Berry)

After visiting Levin Down I walked Inham's Lane, West Stoke (SU835089) where the large hedgerows provide a good place to watch butterflies. The tempertare here reaced 27°C where the following were recorded: Large White 4, Small White 9, Green-veined White 1, Meadow Brown 3. (Roy Symonds)

Today in the hot conditions I visited Levin Down (SU886133), where the temperature reached 26°C. I walked the main paths around the site where many Meadow Browns were flying as well as Marbled Whites. A total of ten species were recorded. Totals: Large White 4, Small White 7, Marbled White 16, Meadow Brown 43, Small Heath 6, Speckled Wood 2, Red Admiral 1, Silver-washed Fritillary 1, Large Skipper 1, Small Skipper 1. (Roy Symonds)

I saw 17 species during a 2 hour visit to Friston Gallops this morning: Comma, Small Tortoiseshell, Dark Green Fritillary, Meadow Brown, Ringlet, Marbled White, Small Heath, Small Blue, Small Copper, Large White, Small White, Green-veined White, Large Skipper, Small Skipper, Essex Skipper and my first of the year of both Gatekeeper and Chalk Hill Blue. (Andy Wilson)

Yesterday I enjoyed a visit Martin Kalahar's open garden event. I was impressed by his famous butterfly meadow, I can now imagine it when he gives his regular reports on this page. There were many Six-spot Burnets and some Marbled Whites and others. Thanks for your hospitality Martin. The warm evenings continue to bring moths to our balcony light: a Scopariinae species micro, Small Dusty Wave (Idaea seriata), two Swallow-tailed Moths (Ourapteryx sambucaria) and a White Satin (Leucoma salicis). (Colin Knight)

100s of Meadow Brown, dozens of Marbled Whites, plus Gatekeepers, Small Skippers (I think), along footpath between Howick Farm and Tisman's, TQ075309 (Quentin Given)

Thank you to Martin Kalaher for opening his wildlife garden to BC yesterday. I drove down from Surrey and was not disappointed. Martin spent lots of time showing people his wildflower garden which hopefully will be an inspiration to others to provide some wildflower habitat.
(Richard Stephens)

sun 01/07/2018. UCKFIELD TURNS PURPLE. Shermanreed Wood, Snatts Road. I've looked in this field before when visiting the cemetery at this time of year and not seen anything but its always looked promising, we entered the field at 12.11pm and had a wander around, then at 12.21pm I saw a largish butterfly in Sallow, not a very good sighting but I thought that's a Purple Emperor? it flew out over open area and it was, I couldn't believe it, it went behind oak and out of sight. wow that was good. then at 12.25pm a female flying in same Sallows and settling, I got my binoculars on her as she settled on one of the leaves, after a moment she flew up the leaf bounced back up and I could see a pale green egg on upper surface of leaf, she continued to settle on leaves, I recon she may have layed about 4x eggs, she gradually made her way northwestwards down the slope and out of sight, crickey that was even better, I was getting quite excited now. then at 12.34pm a Purple Emperor flew from same oak as earlier over clearing to same area of Sallow but soon was out of sight. these could have been two different emperors but I'm not sure. I was thinking that Uckfield is not to far away from Rowland Wood? (Peter Farrant)

Hargate Forest, Nr Tunbridge Wells.
A White Admiral showed well on an oak leaf, 2 Comma on Bramble and Nettle, and 2 Small Skippers in the Grass. Also several Large White and Meadow Browns. All species seen on the main path before the first green waymarker during a 40 minute late morning visit. (Janet Wilkes)

Sunday 01 July

I went for an early jog in Wish Park at 6.50 am this morning and wondered whether any butterflies would also be up as it was very warm. I didn't see any until 7.02am when a Meadow Brown crossed my path over the very short grass. At 7.08am a Small Tortoiseshell appeared by the Friends of the Park's garden where I'd seen one a couple of days ago (plenty of nettles and other cover round the fenced off area). At 7.18am, on my way home, a Small White was sunning itself on east facing shrubbery. We were off to Hampshire for the day after that, so no chance to see if anything interesting turned up in our garden. When we were returning, I noted that the car temperature gauge was saying 29C as late as 7.30pm. (John Heys)

I enjoyed my BC walk at Stedham and Iping Commons yesterday with David, Ian and Julie. Before they arrived I did a recce was privileged to meet Robin Crane CBE of Midhurst who did the long-term studies on the Silver-studded Blues on Lower Greensand Heathlands (see The Butterflies of Sussex, Blencowe and Hulme 2017, p281). There were plenty of male SSBs at my usual place on Stedham Common (SU85692191). When my group arrived I was able to show them a pristine mating pair of SSBs - job done! We continued our walk and saw more, mainly males, then walked along the main path at Iping Common where the fire had burnt much vegetation. There was a strip of live vegetation by the path where we saw many SSBs. We saw plenty of others on our walk round the common, mostly males. We also saw many Large Skippers, also Common Heath moths, but not as many as usual. We were intrigued by wasps which disappeared down holes in the sandy path. A large one was the Ornate Tailed Digger Wasp (Cerceris rybyensis). I also saw a Brown Silver-line moth and Ian spotted a Wasp Beetle. (Colin Knight)

I went for a short litter-picking walk in Wild Park in Brighton so I didn't have my camera with me what was a huge mistake! Not a great variety of butterfly species but really good numbers. 20+ Marbled White, lots of Meadow Browns, plenty of Gatekeepers (first ones for me this year), Ringlets, at least 10 Small (?) Skippers, Small Heaths, 4-5 Comma, Brimstones, Large Whites and one fritillary what was too far for me to identify. Also lots of moths including the one on the picture. (Istvan Radi)

The White-letter Hairstreak came back yesterday to the buddlea in my garden and I was able to get a better picture. (Ruth Street)

This was in my moth trap this morning. Is it a Kent Black Arches?
I live in Portslade near West Hove Sainsbury’s
(Sally Milne)

Thanks to Martin Kalaher where I spent an enjoyable hour viewing the extensive insect life in his meadow garden. It demonstrated that however small your garden there is always enough space for plants that support our native butterflies and moths.

Then on to Pullborough Brooks where there was no shortage of butterflies all zooming about in the heat of the afternoon. Peacock, Red Admiral, Comma, Silver Washed Fritillary, 2 Holly Blues, several Gatekeepers, all 3 skippers and all 3 whites, Marbled Whites and plenty of Ringlets and Meadow Brown's. Dragonflies and damselflies were in abundance too. (Martin Buck)

Tottington Wood Small Dole. Highlights were 8 Silver-washed Fritillary, 4 White Admiral, 3 Comma, 2 Purple Hairstreak down on bramble leaf (plus many in the canopy), Small Tortoiseshell, Peacock. Purple Emperor evaded me, but I did have a couple of "possibles", one by the footpath crossroads and one at the southern end. Oh well... (Lindsay Morris)

On my way elsewhere, I stopped briefly in The Street Shoreham to look at the elms. 2 White-letter Hairstreak seen. There must be more I'm sure! (Lindsay Morris)

I just want to say a huge thank you to all the people who have been sending in sightings of the Silver Studded Blue as part of the Ashdown Forest 2018 survey. The response has been overwhelming and it would be wonderful to keep up the effort for another two or three weeks. For the moment I have not been publishing your indivudual sightings but will do towards the end of the month. (Jonathan Crawford)

For a numbers years I looked at local elm trees and wonder if they had any White-letter Hairstreaks living on them and never found any until this morning. There are two separate groups of Elms, one at TQ327353 on private land and I spotted two White-letter Hairstreaks high in the canopy of an English Elm. The group includes 3 trees of 30ft plus and two are Wych Elm plus a shrubby English Elm. The trees are very close to other trees and it is difficult to view the canopy with the extensive bramble underneath.
I didn't spot any Hairstreaks on the other group of Elm which are a short distance away, next to the Withypitts Dahlia Nursery. The Elms are much bigger and largest is probably 60ft and is very healthy. I suspect the White -letter Hairstreaks are hear too but the site is much more exposed to the steady breeze. (Tom Parker)

A great couple of hours getting lost on The Downs, some good orchids, plus: Large Skippers, Essex Skipper, Small Tortoiseshell, Comma, many large fritillaries presumed to be silver-washed, Marbled Whites, Ringlets, 1 White Admiral, 1 Red Admiral, Meadow Browns, Large Whites, Speckled Wood and this beautiful Purple Emperor which was good enough to hang out with us for 10 minutes or so, making its way along the chalk path from about TQ 37407 12694. (Harry Mole http://www.backgardensafari.com)

This morning I visited Abbots Wood in the hope of seeing and photographing butterflies that weren't too active. I arrived at about 06.45 hrs however as the sky was partially overcast nothing was seen for at least an hour. When the sun fully emerged I saw Ringlets, White Admirals, Meadow Browns, Large Skippers and Silver-washed Fritillaries. As I was leaving I noticed a large patch of thistles where several Silver-washed Fritillaries were nectaring and later came across a patch of brambles where more Silver-washed Fritillaries and White Admirals were nectaring together with a dragonfly, which I photographed but have yet to identify. (Douglas Neve)

Yesterday (30 June) was only the second outing I've had since the event in Seaford, back on the Tuesday. Thank you to everyone who came along. That day I was too sun happy and as a result I suffered from dehydration, this lowered my immune system and as a result I caught a cold, I've now recovered from dehydration but I'm still left with a slight cold. Whilst recovering at home, I had the perfect opportunity to sit down and write new content for the White-letter Hairstreak, Species page. I've written a new section, very much relevant to the event in Seaford, covering information on how to survey for White-letter Hairstreak colonies on elm, this will be added to our website, keep an eye out for the notification during this coming week or the next.

Now back to yesterday (30 June), in my madness I went to Hollingbury Park to conduct a White-letter Hairstreak survey, keeping my visit to around half an hour so not to over do it. I started my first count at 5.04pm, walking from the top of the park down to the bottom by the playground, looking at my tally I had 5 males and 9 females by the time I finished the survey at 5.19pm, the sightings were on Bramble and Creeping Thistle, systematically searching flower heads, the heat completely suppressed activity in the canopy of the trees. I then did another 15 minute reverse walk from the bottom of the park back up to the top - the golf course end. During this survey I also made note of what flower were being used, I had a total of 11 males on Creeping Thistle and 2 males on Bramble (13) and 3 females on Creeping Thistle and 2 females on Bramble (5). Comparing the highest count of males (13) and females (9), I had a grand total of 22 White-letter Hairstreaks. No stopping for photos, though very tempting when you see groupings of the butterfly in close proximity.

My advice - stay hydrated! (Jamie Burston https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/JamieBurstonArt)

At least five White-letter Hairstreaks seen on the eastern edge of Horseshoe Plantation (TV562957) nectaring on bramble flowers in full sunshine between 10 and 11am. Also, seen in TV5695 were a Comma, Small Skipper, and a Small Copper, 2 Dark Green Fritillary, 3 Large Skipper, a handful of Common Blue and Gatekeeper, plus numerous Marbled White, Meadow Brown, Large White,and Small Heath.
There were Cinnabar larva on two Common Ragwort plants but none on any others. Also a handful of Six-spot Burnet.
Some poor record shots attached! (David & Carole Jode)

Saturday 30 June

A short stroll around New England Wood in Cuckfield and spotted silver washed fritillary, both red and White Admirals, a large and Small White and plenty of Meadow Browns. And my first Gatekeeper of the year. (Martin Buck)

Either a Large or a Yellow - Legged Tortoiseshell seen first at the roundabout and then over the road in the recently cleared pond area next to McDonald`s at The Drove, A259 Newhaven, late this morning. Eventually disappeared into a regenerating Willow. (Sue Cross & Dave Harris )

This morning my sister and I went to Chiddingfold forest. We shortly after had the fortune to bump into and join forces with Andrew and later Mark Colvin. My sister surprisingly found several Purple Hairstreaks in the grass. Other highlights included mating Silver Washed Fritillarys not sure if 2 pairs or the same pair twice, mating Ringlets and a Toad, as well as Purple Emperors.
Later we went to Knepp where highlights were more Purple Emperors and Purple Hairstreak all flying , and a still Comma. (Katrina Watson)

Open Day: I should have mentioned regarding car parking that we have space for 4-5 cars on the driveway, but of course you may get boxed in! As for the butterflies I spent an hour watching over the meadow this evening hoping yesterday's Small Blue would return (it didn't). However there was a Silver-washed Fritillary in the garden today, which takes the garden annual total to 28 butterfly species. We are not yet in July! What amazing weather! This evening butterflies have been in abundance, including an egg-laying Small Skipper. (Martin Kalaher)

At 10.30am I was sitting in our back garden in Hove under the apple tree unpicking a name tag on a scarf destined for a charity shop when I looked up and there 5 feet from me, nectaring on a rather tall daisy in the lawn, was our first White-letter Hairstreak of the year. That's 5 days earlier than last year. It then spent a minute or so just out of the sun on bramble. After I'd rushed in for the camera with Val guarding it, it spent another minute on several grass stems on the lawn. As I poised to take a shot my camera battery gave out. I just had time to change it and grab a quick shot from a bad angle before it left and did not return. Apart from that we had roaming whites in the garden from 9am and at 6.15pm a slightly battered Meadow Brown. (John & Val Heys)

Ashenground & Bolnore Woods, Haywards Heath: Plenty of 6-spot burnets, large and Small Whites, Brimstone, Meadow Browns, Speckled Woods and my first Marbled White sighting of the year. (Kim Berry)

On a short Walk around Friston we found four Scarlet Tiger Moths. On the gallops the usual suspects battled with the wind. (Jonathan Crawford)

On Tuesday I took my daughter to Knepp, where the central footpath proved accessible - just - for her wheelchair. We saw numerous Purple Emperors, including one that spent about 5 minutes flying in loops around us, but none settled.

I returned today armed with a bottle of water with some smelly rotten fish in it: again lots of Emperors but they declined to settle. One came and sat briefly on a bush but at the wrong angle to see the purple iridescence. But the day had its consolation prizes: the oak trees were swarming with Purple Hairstreaks and I had my closest encounter yet when one sat briefly on a bush, just within camera range. Also large numbers of bright orange Commas, and a broad-bodied chaser. (Nigel Symington)

The water works in Dankton Lane Sompting at midday. At least 2 White-letter Hairstreak dogfighting. Searched a few hedgerows containing small elms around about, but no further luck with the target species.
(Lindsay Morris)

Loads more photo's from this walk on 29 June 2018 with opera singer and keen naturalist Francois Piolino on his day off from Glyndebourne. (Peter Lovett https://sussexrambler.blogspot.com/)

Silver-washed Surprise
We were surprised to discover a male Silver-washed Fritillary in our conservatory this afternoon, as we are some distance from any butterfly-rich woodland. Pleased to report that it regained its freedom without any apparent ill-effects. For the record, our conservatory is at TQ022 162. (Chris Skinner)

A very early morning visit to Abbots wood was to prove very fruitful.
My target was the Purple Hairstreak, with four found basking.
The prize of the morning was a White Admiral ab. With no white on
the upper side whatsoever. All found between 06.15 and 07.30. (Trevor Rapley)

After the strong wind on the coast we headed back to Hollingbury to show my brothers wife the white letter H Hairstreaks. Plus to check our visit a few days ago wasn’t a fluke! Sure enough we saw about 30+ in about 20mins from 3:45 to 4:05 also 8 Commas and numerous browns (Michael Church)

Out around Tide Mills near Seaford, it was fairly breezy but saw a Red Admiral on the ground , 6 Small Tortoiseshells over various large areas of stinging nettles, 2 Marbled Whites in the long grass above the water inlet where there’s a large anchoring point in the water. Dozens of Large Whites and Small Whites , Small Heaths were plentiful too. The wind was probably 5-10 mph simply to strong . I tried to take a photo, but it was hopeless! (Michael Church)

Friday 29 June

1. This morning in our back garden in Hove there were several brief flashes of a Comma, a few Small Whites and at lunch time a Holly Blue. It came down from the bushes and visited several selfheal flowers (we've got a lot of selfheal in the lawn). It seemed unusual behaviour for a Holly Blue and I wondered if it might have been laying eggs. It then visited flower buds on our low growing buddleia where I could see that it was egg laying and I managed to get a picture. I checked several books none of which mentioned selfheal and buddleia but in my "Butterflies of Sussex" bible I found the observation that "this species has a habit of occasionally laying eggs on a wide range of unrelated and seemingly unsuitable plants." In the early evening a Small White and then a Large White looked like settling down into the undergrowth for the night but didn't like me being interested and left for next-door's garden. 2. At about 1pm I walked round Wish Park paying particular attention to the elms but saw nothing except a few more Small Whites and a Small Tortoiseshell. 3. In mid afternoon I was in Worthing and saw a Holly Blue and Small Whites in Beach House Park, a Meadow Brown and an Essex Skipper on a grassy bank in the north west grounds of Worthing Hospital and 2 Speckled Woods in Homefield Park. (John & Val Heys)

Attached is a photo of what I think is a white letter hairstreak which I saw on my buddlea this morning. My garden backs onto a cemetery in Bognor and I have elm trees at the bottom of my garden which are about 20 feet tall. Please could you let me know if that is correct. (Ruth Street)
Yep, that's the one. (Ed jnr)

OPEN DAY, CHERRY HOUSE. Just a few words about Sunday. Cherry House is the second dwelling on the left in Kithurst Lane, Storrington. Please park on the left by the laurel hedge (just past the house) or wherever there is a space. I have e-mailed all my neighbours and they are aware of the situation. Come up the driveway as it is safer than the steps. I will be around and in the garden from 10.0am until 4.0pm. I will be taking groups round the garden and will try and answer any questions you might have. If people just want to wander that's fine. It's impossible to know what we will be around as far as the butterflies. I've recorded 18 species in the past 12 days and so there has been plenty of variety. The wildflowers are looking pretty good. As far as health and safety is concerned there is a road (dangerous for children and dogs), a small pond, the odd nettle but nothing else of note. If you have any concerns then ask me. The paths around the meadow are fairly narrow. Please keep to them as I don't want the meadow trampled unduly (there are eggs and caterpillars getting ready for the next generation!). Just enjoy yourselves and feel free to ask anything you want. I have been asked if there is an admission charge, and no there isn't. (Martin Kalaher)

When ?@BCSussex? pays for 52 Elm trees to be planted ?@DorothyStringer? School as part of your management for the White-letter Hairstreak, it’s delightful to report your first female butterfly of the year. (Dr Dan Danahar)

in an hour and a half in the middle of the day at Abbots Wood I counted 24 Silver-washed Fritillaries, 8 White Admirals, 5 Comma, 1 Red Admiral and uncountable Ringlets.

On the previous evening at Knepp state I was hailed by two young photographers who'd been there all day and had just passed 312 Purple Emperors! Is that a record?

Delighted to have bought the wonderful butterflies of Sussex congratulations to all concerned and also for the fascinating introduction to the White Hairstreaks of Seaford. (Sharifin Gardiner)

Now that I know where and when they go to bed, photographing sleeping Essex Skippers is an entire delight (on the meadow in front of my house, in Brighton - between 19.15 to 19.45hrs). (Dr Dan Danahar)

I had brief sighting of the Purple Emperor in the Turners Hill garden where I work today around 12.30. We have wild area with a number of shrubby willows and lots mature Oaks . It is first male PE in garden for a few years but we have a did female searching around the willow last year. In the afternoon I disturbed a Purple Hairstreak on the ground . (Tom Parker)

I visited Ditchling Common this morning and watched the Purple Hairstreaks flitting around the oaks. One came down as soon as I arrived at 9:45 but later they stayed high. There were also Large and Small Skippers, Silver-washed Fritillaries and Meadow Browns around. I saw the Purple Emperor at the oak tree by the lake that David Cook described. It soared around several times at 11am. I'm looking forward to my Silver-studded Blues walk at Iping and Stedham Commons tomorrow, should be good! (Colin Knight https://www.sussex-butterflies.org.uk/events/#68)

I had "a life-time first" today when I watched a Humming-bird Hawk-moth egg-laying on Lady's Bedstraw. I was just three feet away but without my camera I wasn't able to capture the moment. At the time I was in the middle combe at Chantry Hill trying to count Dark Green Fritillaries. I managed a count of 31 DGFs and a total count of 16 butterfly species. There are still first-brood Common Blues and Brown Argus on Chantry Hill and two Silver-washed Fritillaries were nice to see. At home I took an interesting photo of a Gatekeeper perched on Kidney vetch. Otherwise lots of skippers and Marbled White. The Gatekeeper was the 27th butterfly species for the garden this year and 18 species in the past 12 days or so. (Martin Kalaher)

After fruitless searching last year and three blanks this, I finally discovered the area on Ashdown Forest where the Silver-studded Blues could be found. One male spotted and photographed on Monday evening, then two males and a female on Weds evening. My camera sensor appears to have fried out a bit, but I managed to salvage around seven photo's from over 200 taken. Back to Ebay soon, i fear. (Vincent Oates)

Please see https://sussexrambler.blogspot.com/ for full account.. (Peter Lovett https://sussexrambler.blogspot.co.uk/)

Yesterday afternoon I checked out the Littlehampton Golf course path and found 2 White-letter Hairstreaks on one Wych Elm at TQ0191401351. They were often airborne and one rested low down on the leaves, easily seen from the path. Also seen - Meadow Browns, Gatekeepers, a female Ruddy Darter, a buzzard and swifts. (Colin Knight)

I never tire of watching skippers in the garden meadow and I am very fortunate in having all three meadow skippers. They don't stay in the meadow but wander throughout the garden and adjacent fields. Judging by the few Large Skippers I am seeing this year in the garden I'm not convinced they are having a good season. I am off to Chantry Hill later on today and will see if there are many up there. I don't often manage to photograph all three Meadow Skippers in the same day but did manage it yesterday. The Small Copper seen the previous day put in another appearance and I also managed a reasonable photo of a Marbled White. This year my maximum daily count for this species is five but there are always 2-3 in the garden whenever I take a stroll. (Martin Kalaher)

Thursday 28 June

As well as the large number of Purple Emperors, up to six at once over one of the many oaks they are flying from, higher numbers of White Admirals than previous years there was a young Tawny Owl close to one of the platforms. Not quite a butterfly but very nice to see. (Bob North)

I visited Nymans today with my brother , the meadows had so many browns, Ringlets, Small Heaths, gate keepers there were to many to count 100s
When we took the woodland walk , we found Speckled Woods (12) along the trail, many Silver Washed Fritillaries on the wing , (14) several fighting each other and browns that were getting in their way. We were very fortunate to see the only White Admiral fly across the path right in front of us. 1 Small Skipper which I managed to photograph. There was a scattering of large and Small Whites probably a dozen or so. 1 blue which I wasn’t sure which one it was. Several Commas ,
I live in West Hove and still haven’t ever seen a Purple Emperor or Hairstreak . Could anyone tell me a place that’s quite handy worth a shout and time if possible.
Thanks Mike (Michael Church)
For White-letter Hairstreaks your best bet is Hollingbury park in Brighton TQ 31444 07600. For Purple Hairstreaks and Purple Emperors you can't go wrong by visiting Knepp. Neil Hulme has written much about that below (Ed jnr)

Visited the Torfield area of Hastings after noting that Sharon had reported a White Letter Hairstreak there earlier this week. Although we were unable to obtain any close-up photos, we did watch 4 or 5 repeatedly chasing high above the trees there. Also seen Large Skipper, Essex Skipper, Small Skipper, Meadow Brown, Comma, Small White. (Terry Wood)

It was hard work in the heat this afternoon at Southwater woods - nothing was settling for more than a nano-second. These snatched shots of Silver-washed Fritillary and a Meadow Brown were the best I could get. Unfortunately I think the habitat at Southwater woods has deteriorated since its heyday 6 or 7 years ago, with the rides having become overgrown and more shaded. (John Williams)

I should have checked with Val before I put in yesterday's return as she saw 2 Small Whites in our Hove back garden. Today she saw a Meadow Brown in central Worthing - Shakespeare Road at the junction with Tarring Road. Later in Portslade by Benfield School she saw 2 more Small Whites. (John & Val Heys )

First day back at work and I mitched off early to go butterfly hunting with Marion at Spithandle (TQ 16837 15320). There were 20 plus Silver-washed Fritillaries all in excellent condition as well as more than a dozen White Admirals. Marion found a White Letter Hairstreak and then later a dead Purple Hairstreak lying on the path. They appear to be doing a lot of timber clearance so it should be interesting to see how this site develops. We found more White Admirals deeper into the Wiston estate. (Jonathan Crawford)

9male + 3 females seen 1hr 20 mins. (John Linney)

Was intent on seeking White Letter Hairstreaks in the Victoria Drive area of Eastbourne this week, but when my youngest daughter, Rosie, came in from the garden before school this morning and announced "Dad, there's a hairstreak in the garden", I found one of my target species on my back wall (YaY!). Managed to grab some pictures with it in the shade before coaxing it onto my finger for a shot. (Vincent Oates)

Photo of a white letter hairstreak in our Seaford garden today, on the smooth leaved elm tree. We were very interested to read that people were in Seaford (Belgrave Road) this week, looking at white letter hairstreaks on the elm trees, and are also concerned about the spread of Dutch Elm Disease which is very much in evidence on Belgrave Road (we live just off Belgrave Road). The white letter hairstreaks breed reliably on the smooth leaved elm in our garden every year, and it would be very sad if the tree succumbed. We also have a mature wych elm tree in the garden. (Simon, Fran and Amy Fletcher)

This afternoon in our garden first of the 2nd brood Holly Blues seen,(Crawley.) (Alastair Gray)

It's been just over a year since our book 'The Butterflies of Sussex' was published by Pisces Publications. The book sales have been amazing and almost all 2000 copies of the book have been sold and we are discussing a reprint. Pretty impressive for a local butterfly atlas. Yesterday I gave a talk in the Norfolk Broads about the Sussex Swallowtail invasion of 2014 /2014. I gave the book a bit of promotion but also dedicated a few choice words and images to the one person who has given us a lowly 4-star review on Amazon (amongst a sea of 5-star reviews). "If anyone knows this gentleman I would like to have a word with him" I said, only to discover he was sitting in the second row. Awkward and hilarious. Thanks again to everyone who has purchased a copy. It has generated some wonderful income for the branch to spend on future conservation projects. (Michael Blencowe)

Thank you to Jamie Burston for leading leading a great walk to look for White-letter Hairstreaks in Seaford on Tuesday. Jamie shared his knowledhge of this elusive, urban species with 35 Hairstreak Hunters while we searched trees in Westdown, Carlton and Belgrave Road. The elms (and oak) on the junction of Belgrave and Kedale Road provided everyone with great views of this species as they flew and fought around the trees. Jamie plans to conduct more searches in Seaford with the hope of informing the planting of disease-free elms which is being already being undertaken here to help this lovely butterfly. Thanks again to everyone who came along and to Jamie for leading this event. (Michael Blencowe)

Again today I was frustrated and sad that I couldn't find any White-letter Hairstreaks around McIntyre's Field, Lancing. After nearly an hour however I struck gold with a pair in cop from 13.30. They were on a shaded leaf about ten feet below the top of a thirty five feet tall elm. They hardly moved for an hour and a quarter, when I left them to it. At least 2 other White-letter Hairstreak present dogfighting in the canopy, maybe 4. A Red-letter day for me! (Lindsay Morris)

I finally caught up with one of the Purple Emperor at a lower level than my previous sightings. It seems to like the oak by the pond at TQ 33497 18165. The Purple Hairstreak are numerous and can be found at low levels, even at midday, at TQ 33480 18127. Considering it was hot but windy the Purple Hairstreak were abundant in this Oak tree and easily seen. At one point, after I shook the tree, at least 10 in the air, that I didn’t know were there. Several Silver-washed Fritillary were seen charging about the place and only stopping briefly on bramble flower.
Also seen was probably the last of the Black Hairstreak of this season judging its tired appearance. And a few Comma often being chased by the bigger Frits! (David Cook)

Over the last two years I have been working on a tiny (2 acre) site on the edge of Broadbridge Heath to improve the habitat, especially for butterflies. This site is known locally as Top Common and is adjacent to the local cricket pitch in Byfleets Lane. Previously there was virtually no butterfly interest but today my patch list increased to 17 species with Marbled White and Small Copper being sighted there. I should add that Broadbridge Heath Parish Council who own the land have been incredibly supportive and helpful with this project. (David Bridges)

I led an informal butterfly walk around the Warnham Butterfly Fields today and we were rewarded with excellent sightings of at least 4 Purple Emperors, often at head height. The butterflies were seen at different locations around the two fields and the annual habitat management, which Sussex branch has kindly contributed towards in the past, seems to be bearing fruit. Masses of Meadow Browns and reasonable numbers of Ringlet. Other sightings included Marbled White, Small Heath, Silver-washed Fritillary, Comma, Large Skipper and huge numbers of Purple Hairstreak, many of which were coming down to 'our level', presumably because of the heat!

Some us then moved on to visit the nearby woods and found more Silver-washed Fritillaries and an obliging White Admiral. (David Bridges)

Yesterday afternoon I visited Knepp and my inital walk down the path at 4:30 was rewarded by White Admirals, Skippers and a Marbled White. From the tree hide I enjoyed a lovely view across the pond to three Red Deer resting by the water. At 5pm the action started and PEs rose up from the oaks in ones, twos, threes and fours, swooping around high and low, some passnig me just a few metres away. Plenty of Purple Hairstreaks were also seen. On the way back I spotted a Clouded Border (Lomaspilis marginata) by the path. I came across Richard Roebuck and David enjoying the PE show. Every oak seemed to be buzzing. Just 30 meters from the road a stand of three huge oaks provided amazing views of the PEs swooping around. Last night a single moth, a Marbled Beauty (Bryophila domestica) visited our balcony. I think the cool sea breeze kept the moths away, whereas the previous night's aggregation came during a warm, still evening. (Colin Knight)

Before sending in a posting I usually have a look at what others have sent. I congratulate Dan on his excellent photos of Essex Skipper. As it happens I was also watching Skippers going into roost yesterday evening and as I have a garden meadow I don't have to travel far! Around 6.30pm two Marbled White settled down and didn't move thereafter. I went out again at 7.30pm to see if there numbers had swelled (they hadn't) and realised that just a few feet away the skippers were settling down. I counted six skippers and since I didn't go too close (or could be bothered to get my binoculars) I think most were Small Skippers. During the early evening I had attempted to photograph skippers nectaring on flower heads and as I wanted to watch the T20 cricket I didn't fetch my camera. I have recorded 17 butterfly species in the garden in the past 10 days, with Painted Lady and a second-brood Small Copper added yesterday. (Martin Kalaher)

Purple Emperor spotted on wolstonbury hill Sussex June 24th 2018 (Ruth Gaskell)

Wednesday 27 June

(continuation of previous report) (Colin Knight)

The recent warm evenings have brought a good variety of moths to our LIttlehampton balcony light during the past few days: Brimstone Moth (Opisthograptis luteolata), Common Emerald (Hemithea aestivaria), Dark Arches, (Apamea monoglypha), Diamond-back Moth (Plutella xylostella), Garden Carpet (Xanthorhoe fluctuata), Garden Grass-veneer (Chrysoteuchia culmella), Heart and Dart (Agrotis exclamationis), London Dowd (Blastobasis lacticolella), Marbled Minor agg. (Oligia strigilis agg.), Riband Wave (Idaea aversata ab remutata), Swallow-tailed Moth (Ourapteryx- sambucaria), The Coronet (Craniophora ligustri), White Satin (Leucoma salicis), Willow Beauty (Peribatodes rhomboidaria). (Colin Knight)

I felt I should try to get a photo of an Essex Skipper as it went to roost on the meadow in front of my house in Brighton.
Much to my delight I found that 19:30 hrs was the ideal time to photograph them. I say them because as the sun dipped behind Coldean Woods so I found the whole colony, of between 10 to 15 individuals, tracked the last patches of the sunshine as they rapidly diminished in size. It made for a delightful experience and some lovely photos. (Dr Dan Danahar)

I went with my Brother Ray down from Cambridgeshire. We walked from 4:30 to 5:45
We saw 40+ White letter hairstreaks on blackberry flowers and purple thistles .
We saw 6 Red Admirals on higher tree leaves, 4 Small Tortoiseshells , 4 Speckled Woods, 2 skippers, 8 Large Whites, 1 green veined white, 5 Commas, many Ringlets,gate keepers,Meadow Browns, Small Heaths to many to mention. The Commas we saw are distinct in their flying , then we saw some that flew like Fritillaries but not like any we could I d . (Mike Church)

A sunny four hour romp around the Litlington-Jevington-Folkington area with lovely cooling breezes was particularly notable for the large number of Dark Green Fritillaries. Probably about forty seen over the course of the walk as they whizzed about and occasionally landed on greater knapweed flowers. Lots of Meadow Browns, Marbled Whites, skippers etc.
Sadly there was also discarded picnic plastic by the bench at Winchester's pond. The pond water level was very low but still plenty of dragonflies about. Two lots of people came came in to the pond enclosure with the intention of swimming in it but I did the Head Girl thing of telling them that as the notice clearly stated that it was a wildlife pond that people were requested not to let their dogs go into that the wildlife probably would'nt appreciate them going in either. However it was probably the lack of water rather than my bossyness that put them off. (tessa pawsey)

No sightings in central Hove today, but maybe that's because I spent most of the day at Bookham Common where I saw plenty. Sadly they don't count for Sussex. On 3rd July, Val & I are planning to look for white letter hairstreaks in Hove's parks with Jamie, starting with Wish Park. To satisfy ed jnr's tennis curiosity, we didn't see Andy Murray play at Eastbourne as we were on court 1, but Val by chance found herself in front of him after he'd won and got his autograph. Our best match was Cibulkova beating Makarova in two hard fought sets while we were still in the shade. Boy did it get hot when the sun came round. (John & Val Heys)
That's better (Ed jnr)

A visit to Worth Forest mid afternoon found 2 White Admirals (TQ313347) and 5 Silver-washed Fritillarys scattered around the rides. (Alastair Gray)

Rowland Wood. I've never seen so many Ringlets. Almost as many Meadow Browns. Lots of Small Skippers, a few Large Whites, 3 Silver-washed Fritillaries, 1 Painted Lady and 1 White Admiral. Spent most of the morning photographing Dragonflies at the big pond. (Graeme Rolf https://www.flickr.com/photos/128321708@N03/albums/72157649396241380)

I had a wonderful morning at Botany Bay. On arrival I met Andrew, then later Trevor and several other like-minded enthusiasts.
I saw at least 7 Emperors on the ground although not all stayed long. Thanks to my companions for pointing out one of the Emperors had reduced markings. (Katrina Watson)

The elms by the footpath west of Applesham Farm Lancing had 12 White-letter Hairstreak in the canopy and 7 on bramble flowers between 13.00 and14.20. I adjourned to McIntyre's Field, but was unable to find any hairstreaks. Too hot for them by then? I hope there is still a colony here despite the poor condition of the elms, of which there are only a few remnants. (Lindsay Morris)

I visited Knepp this morning for the third time this season, this time with my wife providing a second pair of eyes. We saw a total of about 40 Emperors up at tree-top level, and one that buzzed us at head height. Eventually, we found a female that posed nicely in a Sallow. Right at the end of our walk, I spotted a male on the ground among some horse poo. He flew up but eventually he settled right between my feet, and I got my first ever double-purple wing shot from directly above him. He then flew up and landed on my wife, who proceeded to get a trousering. I'm told this is only the second such event ever witnessed at Knepp! (Andy Wilson)

A late morning visit to Birling Gap walking East to Horseshoe Plantation via The Lookout produced 1 Male Chalk Hill Blue, 2 Dark Green Fritillary on the Knapweed, 2 Small Skipper, Marbled White. Meadow Brown in double figures. Cinnabar also feeding on Knapweed. 1 Speckled Wood in the plantation. I have double checked Chalk Hill Blue ID. It landed on a bare patch on the path in front of me enabling a good view of the folded wings grey brown colour with dark spots (Janet Wilkes)

butterflies taking minerals (continued from previous report) (Colin Knight)

Yesterday I visited Houghton Forest and Southwater woods where I met Steve and Maggie East who had seen the colour Purple, which was missing from my day. Plenty of butterfly activity at both places - Silver-washed Fritillaries zooming around at 100mph, White Admirals flying tantalisingly around and settling for just a few seconds, Red Admirals, Skippers, Whites, Commas galore, a Marbled White, Meadow Browns, Ringlets and Speckled Woods. I saw 3 species feasting on horse and dog faeces: Commas, a Red Admiral and a White Admiral. On a bramble clump a female SWF was joined by a male who stood on her flattened wings and proceeded to couple with her. Another male joined them, followed by another. The weight of 4 SWFs was too much for the leaf and they tumbled down, then flew up as a group, the coupled pair continuing their business in flight, pursued by the other two, flying high up from tree to tree. (Colin Knight)

Tuesday 26 June

At last, a couple of butterflies in our back garden in Hove this morning: a Red Admiral and a Holly Blue. No sign of any white letter hairstreaks either in Wish park or our garden, although it is still a bit early for sightings around here. Coming back on the bus from the tennis at Eastbourne yesterday we saw a Meadow Brown still flying at Exceat at 20.13. We noticed a few whites in central Eastbourne, but nothing else. (John & Val Heys)
No review of the tennis? (Ed jnr)/p>

Great to meet so many friendly & enthusiastic butterfly hunters at Seaford on Jamie Burston & Michael Blencowe’s Walk today - we learned SO much about the elms, and sadly saw several looking the worse for wear. Happily we were a delighted audience for some excellent White Letter Hairstreak action - plenty of dashing butterflies to try & focus the binoculars on.
After this, I met Jamie in Hollingbury Park, Brighton (where I first met him a few years ago when he donned the hat of species champion) where 2 fine gents from London & Bucks also joined us to get some fantastic close-up views of both male & female White-letter Hairstreaks that were appreciating the creeping thistle at the edge of the open (mown) area. Also seen, Comma & Meadow Browns & Ringlets in same area.
Huge thanks to Jamie & Michael for your patience & knowledge today - I have been richly rewarded because of you. Congrats to Dick & Jonathan of London/Bucks for completing their quest to see every UK butterfly with this grand finale in Brighton! (Andrea Gibbs)

Following Alastair Gray's recent report from Ashdown Forest, this morning, I decided to walk from Bushy Willow Car Park along to Ellison's Pond, and return, in the warm, sunny conditions with a light breeze from the north-east. In total, I saw 16 male and 1 female Silver-studded Blues in much the same places as reported by Alastair though two of the males were about 100m west-south-west of Camp Hill Clump. (Simon Linington)

A trip to Levin Down produced 30+ Ringlets,40+ Meadow Browns, 6 Small Heaths, 10+ Speckled Woods, 15+ Marbled Whites, Large and Small Skippers, 1 Brimstone, 20+ Large Whites, 1 Blue (not sure which variety), 8 Commas, 1 Red Admiral, 3 Fritillaries (suspect Silver Washed) and 1 Wood White in little over an hour. (John H)

Just five days before my garden Open Day! Today there was more-or-less non-stop activity in the meadow with Meadow Brown, Ringlet, Marbled White and Small Skipper all very active. The highlight of the day was a mating pair of Marbled White. As regards the Open Day and I will mention a few things regarding health and safety. This is a legal/insurance requirement I hasten to add as there is nothing too fierce in the garden. Kithurst Lane can be hazardous if you have children, so please be aware. Some of the paths through the meadow are a bit uneven. There is a small pond. There are stinging/biting insects but other than Horsefly (which seem common this year) nothing will attack you if you do not attack them. 25 years in the garden at Cherry House and I have yet to stung by anything! There are no ticks in the garden but should you acquire one then remember Lyme Disease. As I am a retired GP I should be able to answer any medical concerns, if you have any. (Martin Kalaher)

Hastings, TQ82805, Tuesday 26th June from 07.30 this morning, at least two, maybe three White-letter Hairstreak seen in canopy of small beech tree in garden, from elms nearby, settling on ivy and bramble flowers. Always exiting to see each year! (Sharon Bigg)

After the Seaford White Letter Hairstreak walk a Lunchtime visit to the North West Corner wild flower meadow at Arlington Reservoir. Target Species Marbled White quickly seen together with Ringlet, Small Skipper, Comma, Speckled Wood and Meadow Browns too numerous to count. No Silver Washed fritillary. (Janet Wilkes)

My first Gatekeepers of the year this morning and good numbers of Marbled White. The totals on my transect at Hollingdean (part of the Wild Park LNR) were: 98 Marbled White, 89 Meadow Brown, 40 Ringlet, 14 Small Heath, 10 Small/Essex Skipper, 4 Gatekeeper and a couple of Large White. (Peter Whitcomb)

My first ever White Letter Hairstreak, seen on a guided walk in Seaford today, 26th. This one in Belgrave Road. (Mike Kerry)

And here are images of the newly emerged female Purple Emperor, which fell to earth after 7.30pm at Knepp. (Neil Hulme)

Following the previous day's exhausting count of Purple Emperors over a large area of the Knepp Wildland, today (25 June) was all about the more relaxed enjoyment of the current glut of this magnificent butterfly. I spent a few happy hours with my father, during which we enjoyed plenty of action, including a fresh male emperor on one of my shrimp lures. At one point this butterfly flew in through the open door of my car and fluttered around the dashboard.
After a short break, I returned to Knepp, but then didn't escape again until after 8pm, when the emperors were still flying. I watched empresses gliding around the canopy with up to four and once five males in pursuit, and observed one pairing (which lasted 3 hours 17 minutes) at the top of an oak. Many emperors were seen visiting sap bleeds; one at head-height. A grounded male (on an organic cowpat; these days, most are plastic) demonstrated an unusual marbling pattern, which I've seen before and suspect is caused by still-soft wings. This theory was supported when it raised its abdomen and ejected a stream of meconium while feeding.
On a couple of occasions I watched classic rejection drops, when an already-mated female tumbles down to avoid unwanted male attention. A male/female chase at 7.30pm initially appeared to be similar, until the female finally shook off her suitor and landed in low scrub; it turned out that she had only just emerged and was not quite ready to copulate, as her wings appeared to still be damp, and she too squirted meconium.
It was great to spend some time with Purple Emperor aficionado Dennis Dell (visiting from Sheffield) and wildlife photographer David Woodfall, among many others. (Neil Hulme)

Monday 25 June

I returned to Southwater woods this afternoon to try my luck again with Purple Emperor groundings, however I was side-lined by the appearance of what I think may be a White Admiral aberrant possibly obliterate in Marl Post Wood. S/he kept returning to the same clump of bramble to nectar along with at least 7 or 8 other non ab White Admirals. There were also plenty of other species to watch in the same area including Purple Emperor and a friendly or more likely angry Comma who returned several times to sit in my binoculars and attack most other flying insects. (Patrick Moore)

Gazing idly into my Brighton garden near Elm Grove at 8 o'clock this evening there was a flash of red fluttering around a large pittosporum bush. Oh good, I thought, it's my once a year sighting of a Scarlet Tiger moth in my garden. Then there were two bright red blobs whizzing wobbily around the bush and when I got my papillio binoculars to have a good look there was another moth resting on a leaf showing it's crisp metallic sheen and pale orange spots. So that's three Scarlet Tiger moths keeping up their population in this area, such handsome creatures. Lovely. (tessa pawsey)

A walk in the heat on Ashdown Forest today only yielded about 8 butterfly species but included 4 to 5 Male Silver-studded Blues in what seems to be slightly different area to where most previous reports have been. They were by the main track about 1/2 mile North East of the Friends Clump, approximate grid ref. TQ462295. Nearby on the heath Dragonflies included Keeled Skimmer and Golden-ringed Dragonfly. (Anthony Bennett)

A Purple Emperor ab. was discovered by Jan Wilczur at Chiddingfold forest this morning.
Jan only had a video camera, so we agreed for me to post images from my camera. (Trevor Rapley)

Yesterday (24 June) I dedicated the whole day (10:30am - 6:20pm) to counting and surveying White-letter Hairstreak numbers in my local Hollingbury area of Brighton. My total for the day was 64 individuals, here I give a breakdown of my sightings: 35 seen within a few minutes (assumed all male, every close encounter proved to be the case), the total was collectively seen on a grouping of four Wheatley elms, secondary non-elm territory trees and Bramble flowers. 3 males seen on a friends garden hedge of Privet and Bramble. 2 (assumed) males seen at my study site on Huntingdon elm. 2 males seen on the Wheatley elm (the only elm) - along my road. 9 males seen collectively on five elms I hadn't previously surveyed. 5 males seen in the canopy of various elms at Hollingbury Park. 8 males feeding low down on Creeping Thistle at Hollingbury Park in the afternoon, where I met Gary Faulkner and John Williams. Also seen at Hollingbury Park were: 3 Small Heath, 3 Comma, 1 Essex Skipper, 1 Marbled White, 1 Large White and a couple of Meadow Browns.

My White-letter Hairstreak highlights of the day (not of the hairdressing kind) were: Simultaneously counting 8 flying around a single Wheatley elm, in groups of chasing males, the video captures just some of the action I saw:

In addition to observing male White-letter Hairstreaks descending to the lower branches of a Wheatley elm tree to take a break from fighting, seeking to regain their energy by dramatically angling their wings completely flat to absorb as much warmth, to engage their flight muscles, pictured. My favourite photo is of a silhouetted male, he was resting directly above my head, angling his wings to such a degree to catch the sun, that it looks as if he is sitting upright, but instead I had my camera pointing directly upwards towards the sky! I also include a photo taken back on the 22 June when I photographed a group of four males feeding on a small area of Bramble, growing out of a garden hedge. (Jamie Burston https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/JamieBurstonArt)

We had 6 Gatekeepers our first for the year at Thorney Island today. Other species of note included Marbled White 100+, Small Heath 30, Peacock 3 summer brood and Comma 4 summer brood. (Barry and Margaret Collins )

The garden is hotting up both literally and figuratively with 12 species today and a daily count of around 38 butterflies. Species and numbers as follows: Small Skipper (1), Essex Skipper (1), Large Skipper (1), Large White (1), Small White (1), Green-veined White (1), Purple Hairstreak (1), Red Admiral (1), Comma (2), Marbled White (3), Meadow Brown (20) and Ringlet (3). I am pleased that all three meadow Skippers are back and the Purple Hairstreak was a bonus. I watched a Small Skipper laying eggs on Yorkshire-fog. I haven't seen that too often. The total count for the garden this year is now 26 species. (Martin Kalaher)

A good number (30+) of Purple Emperors at Knepp today, despite the very warm weather. Also pleased to see one Purple Hairstreak on a nettle plant, as well as many more up in the Oak canopies. At nearby Marlpost Woods I counted over 20 Silver-washed Fritillaries as well as four White Admirals, a Comma and two Marbled Whites (Bill Brooks)

I went looking for Silver Studded Blues on kiAshdown Forest today finding 69 which is by far my best ever count on Ashdown.At Hollies 2 males and 2 females seen at TQ461284.Then on to Ellison Ponds where 1 Female and 12 Males were found between TQ62288-TQ463287.On the main ride below Smugglers 1 Female seen along with 10 males.On the main ride at Poundgate TQ481286 1 Female and 9 males seen.Then finished on the 3 rides which run down hill between Crows nest clump and Poundgate TQ479285-TQ478287-TQ477288-TQ477289 in these areas 3 Females and 22 males seen.A few more males were in the police compound area. (Alastair Gray)

Playing catch-up yet again!
Back on 21 June I was pleased to discover that a Small Blue had made it's way into my Hollingbury, Brighton, back garden, upon approaching closer I realised it was a female, she soon wondered over to the patch of six Kidney Vetch plants, having planted them earlier in the year. It wasn't long before she started to lay her eggs, I observed her lay at least three eggs, between work to put up a new garden fence. She was seen in the garden between 12:17pm and 4:14pm. When I have the time I hope to search for how many she laid.

Back on 20 June I visited Southwater Woods with Steve East where I had many firsts, providing incredible and joyful moments, which included seeing: Speckled Wood 25+ (conservative estimate), Meadow Brown 25+ (conservative estimate), Ringlet 6, Marbled White 3, Common Blue 3, Purple Hairstreak 2, Comma 2, White Admiral 14, including one grounded individual, which is a first for me, easily approachable and at one point landed at my meet (personal highlight) and my first ever grounded Purple Emperor, which settled for a few minutes on the pathway, after several attempts to land. Not far from Southwater Woods, on the way back to Brighton, we had a sighting of a single Large White seen from the car. Thank you Steve!

(Jamie Burston https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/JamieBurstonArt)

A male White Admiral today at Rathlin Road pond, Crawley (TQ25870 35352). A first for this site. (Vince Massimo)

Two White-letter Hairstreak seen above tree canopy, then restingbriefly on ivy and bramble, in garden of Torfield Cottage, opposite All Saints Wood, Hastings on Saturday 23rd June at 1.30pm (Sharon Bigg)

East Sussex RSPB Broadwater Warren. A White Admiral seen near the Car Park. Small Skippers around the Heathland. Meadow Browns too numerous to count. Speckled Wood near Decoy Pond. Sadly no Silver-washed Fritillary (Janet Wilkes)

Almost in East Sussex-an update from Tunbridge Wells Garden Centre ,Eridge Road, Tunbridge Wells.
9+. Meadow Brown on the bank from the Car Wash to the Beehive area. Male and female Common Blue and 2 Small Skippers near the Beehives. (Janet Wilkes)

Sunday 24 June

Yesterday (23 June) Mark Aldridge (Head Forester at the Norfolk Estate) was fortunate enough to receive a very special visitor to his garden near Whiteways (Bury Hill). Mark phoned me for an ID while still looking at this unusual butterfly; his description left me in little doubt! Unfortunately, the Camberwell Beauty failed to reappear today. (Neil Hulme)

Between 9.15 am and 7.07 pm on 24 June I counted precisely 300 Purple Emperors (only six of which were female) on the Knepp Wildland, spending a fabulous day in the company of Matthew Oates and Paul Fosterjohn. Many thanks to Matthew for helping tease out the remaining two (which took the final hour), when he would probably have rather had his feet in a bath of warm salty water; it had to be done.
Why were we so determined to make 300, when 298 is enough for anyone? The achievement of such a ridiculously large total demonstrates very clearly that a species which many would consider as rare can in fact be rather common, if only we were to treat at least larger areas of our countryside in a more sympathetic manner.
The Purple Emperor is, in fact, widespread in West Sussex, but its numbers are so heavily suppressed by tidiness that we perceive it as a habitat specialist of mature, healthy woodlands. Knepp is teaching us a great deal, not least that this is a species which thrives in Sallow scrub and flies freely along unflailed hedgerows. Our skewed perception is based on a landscape which has become so degraded that we now set the bar very low.
The Purple Emperor is just one of many high profile species which tell a similar tale, but these represent just the tip of the iceberg. It is already easy to forget that this was traditionally farmed land fewer than 20 years ago. Mother Nature can heal very quickly when allowed; we need more Knepps, as soon as possible. (Neil Hulme)

On a visit to Knepp today I saw an astonishing numbers of Purple Emperors flying. I only found one briefly on the ground though. Also seen were Purple Hairstreaks, Commas, White Admirals, Meadow Browns, and Large Skippers. (katrina watson)

I set out late this afternoon to the Southwater Woods area to look for Purple Emperor. I found one in Madgeland Wood sitting on some dog plop in the middle of the path. I managed one poor photo before he cleared off and sat in an oak tree and watched. To get him back down I broke up the plop with a stick and splashed some of my drinking water on it. The smell was appalling, but enough to attract a return to the ground, where he stayed for at least half an hour allowing me to get very close.
Also seen were White Admiral, Red Admiral, Silver-washed Fritillary, Meadow Brown, highly active Purple Hairstreak in the tree tops, Comma and Speckled Wood. (Patrick Moore)

A late afternoon visit to Botany Bay, Surrey produced a rather poignant experience.
A barely moving black object on one of the main paths proved not to be a beetle (my initial reaction), but a male Purple Emperor.
It was immediately evident that he was in trouble - he was still attached to his chrysalis and his wings were very crumpled. I assumed that he had fallen whilst emerging and was now struggling to inflate his wings.
Having not yet taken my apatura iris first aid course, I pondered what to do.
First things first - he was in obvious danger on the path, so I moved him into direct sunlight (I'd found him in the shade) and sat him on a Fern.
I then tried feeding him, but he only took sips. He could walk quite well, but his wings were limp - he raised them very feebly a few times. It was a sad sight to see such a magnificent creature so weak, with crooked wings and dragging his chrysalis behind him.
My final throw of the dice was to carefully remove as much of the chrysalis as I could. I was able to free him of all but one piece, but he didn't respond.
By the time I left him, his wings were no more inflated than when I'd found him almost an hour earlier. I took him off the path and sat him on a Fern in one of the few remaining shafts of sunlight. If nothing else, it was a more dignified death bed than a gravel path. (Paul Cox)

3 Purple Hairstreaks this morning (before the football) at Ditchling Common, and then after the football (on cloud 9) I went to Hollingbury Park and saw 3 or 4 White-letter Hairstreaks. (John Williams)

On a weekend down from Manchester, where we live, decided to spend Saturday and Sunday looking for butterflies in the Beachy Head - Horseshoe Plantation - Seven Sisters - Friston Forest - Abbots Wood circuit. Here are some of the highlights of what we saw in the glorious sunshine.

Beachy Head: Adonis Blue (1), Marbled White (many), Painted Lady (1), Gatekeeper (1), Small Heath (many), Small Skipper (2), Brown Argus (1), Common Blue (3), Large Skipper (few).

Horseshoe Plantation: Green Hairstreak (1), Purple Hairstreak (1), Marbled White (several), Common Blue (few).

Seven Sisters: Dark Green Fritillary (3), Adonis Blue (1), Large Skipper (several), Marbled White (many).

Friston Forest: Ringlet (several), Silver-washed Fritillary (1), Red Admiral (3), Adonis Blue (2), Marbled White (several).

Abbots Wood: Silver-washed Fritillary (4), White Admiral (3), Comma (1), Large Skipper (several). (Nicholas Turner)

Made an early morning visit to Chapel Common today in the hope, again, of witnessing black ants tending a newly emerged Silver-studded Blue. I did see one ant, but it was nowhere near a butterfly. The blues were there in abundance again, with probably more females than males. The latter were definitely coming to the end of the flight season, many with very lived-in bodies with bits missing, though this didn't seem to sap their enthusiasm for finding the females.

A Six-spot Burnet moth put in an appearance, and while I was crawling through the heather photographing butterflies, I put my head up to see I was only a few yards away from 2 roe deer. I'm not sure who was most surprised, but eventually they disappeared soundlessly into the bracken, where they rested until they were disturbed by an out-of-control dog some 15 minutes later. (Nigel Symington)

This morning I visited the Knepp Castle Estate in the hope of seeing and photographing Purple Emperors and other butterfly species. I arrived at 08.00 hrs and had the place to myself for sometime. Many Purple Emperors were in flight but I saw only one on the ground, close to the Countryman Lane entrance. I observed this for about 40-minutes, despite being disturbed several times by horses and dog walkers. Attached are some of my images. (Douglas Neve)

It was an early show at Ditching Common yesterdaywith a single Black Hairstreak at eye height within minutes of arriving and then no more after nearly three miles of walking and looking. Plenty else to see though, including a brief glimpse of a White Admiral just before leaving. (Sue Cross )

Yesterday (23 June) I gave Theresa Turner and Gary Norman a personal tour of the Knepp Wildland, to thank them for all their brilliant work on the BC Fritillaries for the Future project. I was keen to show them both Knepp and the Purple Emperor at their best. Emperor sightings gradually became more regular and a nice male eventually succumbed to one of my shrimp baits. Then the fireworks started; we turned a corner to find a low-level swarm of butterflies, comprising two females and five males, forming tight twisting bundles and linear chases at head-height and sometimes lower. Occasionally they would land in the grass, as the females attempted to shake off the amorous males. The females also repeatedly chased the males at high speed; something I've never seen before. All seven of the emperors regularly perched in the hedgerow, at or just above head-height. This frantic game of kiss chase went on for the best part of an hour, before the butterflies finally dispersed. During this part of the day we saw 40 Purple Emperors, all viewed from the main tracks and paths.
I later rejoined others in a systematic search (although we covered different routes) of the Sallow scrublands, where activity was at times quite incredible, although I never matched the chase of eight reported by Darcia Gingell and her mother. The tallies at the end of the day read like a late 1970s West Indies cricket team scoresheet; Oates 177, Fosterjohn 158, Hulme 144 (Tutton batted to the end, but the scorer lost count). A Knepp double-century must surely be possible, as the Wildland project continues to demonstrate that 'rare' wildlife need not be rare.
Most visitors had left before 6.00 pm, but I stayed on to enjoy the swarms of Purple Hairstreak which become active in the oak canopy on sunny evenings, the purring of nearby Turtle Doves, and the commotion caused by a family of Tamworth Pigs digging up mussels from the bottom of a small pond. (Neil Hulme)

Saturday 23 June

I found 5 male Silver studded Blue and I female on the West of the wide track near Smugglers Car Park on the Ashdown Forest. All were in excellent condition but none of males managed to locate the female . One of the males was separated from the others by about 80 metres. I did find a further 2 males on the East of the track but it wasn't clear if they were the same Silver studded Blues I had already seen or new specimems. (Tom Parker)

A very early morning visit to Abbots wood revealed at least nine White Admirals, and several, male, Silver-washed Fritillaries, all these were found in a very small area. From my observations, White Admirals seem to be having a very good year. (Trevor Rapley)

I am just looking at a White-letter Hairstreak in Preston Park. It is on the top of one of the Preston Twins (the one further from the road) chasing away bumblebees and then settling back onto a leaf. But should have brought my bigger binoculars for a really good view. (Istvan Radi)

Friday 22 June

Talking with member Gill Shepherd when male Purple Emperor alighted next to us at about 14.00 hrs. Subsequently saw another male. Two White Admirals (M,F), loads of Silver-washed Fritillary solitary,Comma, solitary Marbled White, Browns some unidentified, Honeysucke at one clearing covered in emerging small moths with distinctive upturned wings ? (Greg Burgess)

I walked up the bostal in a zig-zag fashion then into Ashcombe Bottom where I walked most of the rides before heading back down across the scarp. A 4 hour walk in glorious weather amongst the fine chalk grassland with 1000's of orchids including a few bee orchids.

On to the butterflies, 690 individuals of 21 species counted including 1 Purple Hairstreak, 11 White Admiral, 9 Silver-washed Fritillaries, 8 Dark Green Fritillaries including 2 mating pairs. In the grassland 382 Meadow Brown were supported by 124 Small Heath and 1 Small Blue. Ever hopeful of a Purple Emperor but no joy on that front. (Lee Walther)
And this is supposed to be the June Gap! (Ed jnr)

Just after Sussex finished off Durham in the match at Arundel, a celebratory Purple Emperor was flying around the covers at the Park End for a few minutes. A good day on two fronts, then. (Dave Sadler)

An Essex Skipper just south of Knowlands Wood, Barcombe this evening. Also about 15 Purple Hairstreaks in the wood. (Simon Linington)

Today I visited Kingley Vale (SU8211) where the temperature reached 20°C. I walked most of the paths in and around the wooded areas and scrub, where I saw two new species for the year - a Silver Washed Fritillary and a Gatekeeper, both of which I managed to get photographs. Totals: Large White 3, Small White 16, Common Blue 2M, Gatekeeper 1, Marbled White 22, Meadow Brown 24, Small Heath 4, Comma 2, Red Admiral 5, Silver Washed Fritillary 1. (Roy Symonds)

Chantry Hill was very productive today with 16 butterfly species, as follows: Small Skipper (1m), Large Skipper (4), Grizzled Skipper (2), Brimstone (1m), Large White (1), Small White (1), Brown Argus (10), Common Blue (15), Red Admiral (1), Painted Lady (6), Dark Green Fritillary (14), Speckled Wood (1), Marbled White (7), Meadow Brown (300), Ringlet (22) and Small Heath (50). I went to do a Dark Green Fritillary count but for much of the time the sun was hidden and that didn't help my cause. I suspect 20-30 the actual number. One of the Grizzled Skippers was in mint condition. The Painted Lady numbers suggests a recent cross-channel passage. When I got home I had a Ringlet in the garden, making 22 species for the season. Earlier there was a Marbled White and a faded first-brood female Holly Blue (this seems a late date?). Also a flock of 22 non-breeding Ravens at Chantry Hill. (Martin Kalaher)

Today I walked Inham's Lane, West Stoke (SU835089) beforea visited to nearby Kingley Vale. Here in the lane leading to the old quarry I recorded the following: Brimstone 1M, Large White 1, Small White 3, Meadow Brown 1, Speckled Wood 1, Red Admiral 3, Small Tortoiseshell 1. (Roy Symonds)

The last few days have seen an explosion of Purple Emperor activity on the Knepp Wildland, although the action is punctuated by long periods when the butterflies remain motionless in the canopy, and one could be forgiven for thinking that there are none present! Much depends upon the weather, and other factors which we don't always understand. Matthew Oates and I have been monitoring the numbers closely, often over the large areas with restricted access, which we visit as members of the Wildland advisory and survey groups (please keep to the public rights of way and permissive footpaths). However, the emperors can easily be seen from these paths, especially from the bridleway which runs approximately south-north across the Southern Block; many male emperors are coming to ground here (and occasionally to my trousers).

Maximum day counts remained on a plateau on 20 June (61) and 21 June (56), but there was clearly a huge hatch during the generally quiet morning period today. We stopped at 5.30 pm, as Matthew was beginning to melt, by which time we'd counted 121,120 of which were males. This indicates that we are still in the early build phase, and that we are likely to see a significant further increase, once the females get going.

The bridleway (green lane) is also a great place to watch Purple Hairstreak, particularly after 6.30 pm. Yesterday I counted 100 in the oaks during a relatively short period. A handful of White Admirals and the occasional Silver-washed Fritillary are also being seen. (Neil Hulme)

more pictures (Istvan Radi)

I went for a walk today at Malling Down, Lewes and saw 1 Ringlet, 1 Small Skipper, 2 Large Skipper, 4-5 Marbled White, 2 Brimstone, 2 Speckled Wood, 2 Holly Blue, 1 Comma, dozens of Small Heath and even more Meadow Brown, a few unidentified white butterflies and around 10 Cinnabar Moth and its caterpillar in high numbers. Several Meadow Browns were carrying those red eggs of some kind of a parasite. (Istvan Radi)

Visited Rowland Wood today to carry out another set of fixed point photographs to support our grant application. No SPBF seen which suggests this flight season has finished. But plenty of the usual suspects - Meadow Brown, Ringlet, Large Skipper, and one Common Blue. Also two lovely White Admirals. (nigel Symington)

Purple Hairstreak spotted at Ditchling Common resting around 4pm below waist height on grass near bramble next to pathway into reserve. Rested for at least 20mins before stretching its wings a few times then took to flight. (Kirsty Gibbs)

I saw two White-letter Hairstreaks today on a lunch-time visit to Hollingbury Park, Brighton - one was very fresh and the other quite tatty.
(John Williams)

A walk from the Devil's Dyke pub along the north facing slope began with a few Meadow Brown, a lovely Comma and several Small Heath. The Meadow Browns and Small Heath increased in number as I headed east until they were everywhere I looked. Following the path to Saddlescombe farm (the lower path, not the south downs way) I saw my first Dark Green Fritillary as I was approaching the road past Saddlescombe farm. I continued around the lower slopes of Newtimber hill, where butterfly chaos was in full flow. Meadow Brown, Marbled Whites, Large Skippers, and Small Heath all fighting with each other or dancing around - and would any of them stop for photos - no. There was also the occasional flash of blue, at least one of which was a very tired looking Adonis Blue. Saw several more Dark Green Fritillary, which would stop momentarily, but never long enough for a photo. Despite, the lack of models for my photo shoot, it was lovely to be surrounded by so very many butterflies. (ok I did get a few photos - just no Marbled White or Dark Green Fritillary) (Sylvia Davidson)

After several years absence from our local woods, I was delighted to see at least three White Admirals in the woods west of Warnham village today. (David Bridges)

At the Warnham Butterfly Fields off Tilletts Lane, two or three Purple Emperors were in action today in the midday heat. Masses of Purple Hairstreaks too. (David Bridges)

Several White Admiral and Silver-washed Fritillaries seen in the Roman Woods near Slinfold this morning. (David Bridges)

Purple Emperor spotted at Ditchling Common 10.30am , flew to the waters edge for a drink on rotting wood. Rested for a couple of minutes before taking flight back into tree top. 22/6/18 (Kirsty Gibbs)

I saw this very recently emerged Gatekeeper at the University of Sussex's Falmer campus. Also present was a female Common Blue and several Meadow Browns. (Chris Bird)

Ditchling Common this morning producing the first Purple Emperor for this location patrolling high in the oaks. Also Purple Hairstreaks and Silver-washed Fritillary numbers building nicely. Sadly no Black Hairstreak seen but plenty of visitors still looking. (David Cook)

Thursday 21 June

A midsummers evening amongst roosting Marbled Whites - in the hay meadow adjacent to Madgeland (Southwater) Woods. I also saw Meadow Browns, Small and Large Skippers, Common Blues, a White Admiral and a battered Comma that looked like a survivor from 2017! (John Williams)

High Beeches Garden: There are Marbled Whites, Ringlets, Meadow Browns and many Skippers on the wildflower meadow and in the garden. (Sarah Bray https://www.highbeeches.com)

I wandered around my garden a few times today and recorded eight butterfly species, including Marbled White which is my 21st garden species for this year. Also of note I had two second-brood Holly Blue. On the wing they both appeared to be males. Species and numbers as follows: Large Skipper (1m), Small White (2), Green-veined White (1), Holly Blue (2), Speckled Wood (2), Marbled White (1), Meadow Brown (8) and Small Heath (1). (Martin Kalaher)

A change of scenery was in order today so I headed to West Sussex and the Knepp Estate where the action was all Purple with Purple Emperor easily in double figures. What made this year different was the number that were coming to ground after their aerial dog fights to refuel—fantastic experience! (David Cook)

St Leonards on Sea. 1 Small Tortoiseshell on the untidy bank in my front garden. My first for this species in 2018. (Janet Wilkes)

With the local Elms really suffering over the past few years every year gets harder to find White-letter Hairstreaks at my local sites. It was therefore a relief to find a superb female in my most local site which is only around 200 yards away from my house as the butterfly flies. I was searching a large bush of flowering Bramble when it suddenly appeared in front of me. A little earlier I had also seen my first Small Skippers of the year. On the stroll I was also surprised to see a very fresh Grizzled Skipper on Cradle Valley. (Bob Eade http://bobsbutterflies.blogspot.co.uk)

Picture taken on my sony mobile phone at 10.28, we were talking to a keen butterfly man who was showing us a picture when I saw it land in the bracken. (Tracey Farrage)

I spent this morning in the Arundel area around the river and spotted a Small White and a Small Tortoiseshell along with a Comma. (Graham Hicks)

At Tottington Wood this morning, 3 fresh Silver-washed Fritillaries and a White Admiral, along with dozens of Meadow Browns. (Pete Varkala)

This morning I visited Rowland wood specifically for the White Admiral. Three were seen. The surprise of the morning was a tiny, male, Small Pearl Bordered Fritillary, in good condition. The small size of this Butterfly can be scaled by comparison with the Bramble flower it is perched on. One of the White Admirals seen, although fresh, had extensive wing loss.
(Trevor Rapley)

Brighton: Scarlet Tiger Moth,9.00 am morning. (Neil Breeden)

Wednesday 20 June

As the Ditchling Common Black Hairstreak decline in number the other species of interest are beginning to make an appearance. 3 White Admiral, a Silver-washed Fritillary, several Ringlet and a couple of Purple Hairstreak were the highlight today. (David Cook)

Absolutely no butterflies in our home area of Hove for the past week, not even the occasional roving white. However, Val & I were at the cricket ground in Arundel today. It was overcast until the afternoon, but even in the gloom a few Meadow Browns were about. When the sun came out there were plenty of them, particularly on the grassy and flowery bank under the main scoreboard. We saw one with distinctly white markings on the hind wings and dark black areas nearer the body. Smaller numbers of Marbled Whites appeared on the bank, along with 3 burnet moths. A single (possibly large) white flew from east to west and away over the trees. To round off a good day, Sussex did well against Durham with youngsters Salt & Haines (he's not 20 yet) getting maiden first class centuries. It's been a long time since I've left a match with Sussex having over 400 in their first innings and 5 wickets in hand. (John & Val Heys)

Week 12 of the transect at the Gatwick North-West zone today produced 300 butterflies. There were 197 Meadow Brown, 28 Ringlet, 26 Small Heath, 3 Marbled White, 3 Speckled Wood, 14 Common Blue, 15 Large Skipper, 12 Small Skipper, 1 Red Admiral and 1 Green-veined White. (Vince Massimo)

I saw this butterfly by the side of the path of the South Downs way on Harting Down. I think it is a Fritillary but I’ve no real idea. Could you identify it precisely? (Kelvin Barber)
Dark green fritillary (Ed jnr)

I spent from 2.30 til 4 at Chantry Hill. The weather was was warm with a blustery wind. Seen from the main path were 12 highly active Dark Green Fritillaries, 2 Marbled Whites, many Small Heaths many many Meadow Browns including 3 pairs, some Brown Argus and one Red Admiral. (katrina watson)

Today at about 9.30am I found this Lime Hawkmoth being eaten/attacked by hornet or similar insect , on a pavement by the road opposite the local woods. There was a huge struggle going on as the hornet had attached itself to the moth’s head and wouldn’t let go despite me attempting a rescue with a stick. Apologies for poor quality picture. I have a video but it won’t uoload. (Laura Farmer)

My first visit to Knepp in June and it certainly delivered. My first Purple Emperor, thanks to Trevor, was followed by at least a further 5. 6 White Admirals and a similar number of Red Admirals. Loads of Meadow Browns, plenty of Speckled Woods and dozens of Small Heaths. Skippers and whites were in good supply too. At least 6 Marbled Whites freshly emerged as were 3 Commas. Purple Hairstreaks in late afternoon were spotted in several oaks. Also spotted were Painted Lady, Common Blue and probably others I have forgotten. What s day! (Martin Buck)

Just 11 days before my Storrington Wildlife garden Open Day and I have to confess that there are not a lot of butterflies around! I managed to spend an hour or two in the garden this evening and recorded just Meadow Brown and Large Skipper. This is a garden that I have had 19 species in a single day and well over 100 butterflies as a daily count. It will get better! On the plus side, I think that many of my garden wildflowers will be in peak condition on July 1st. Ultimately, that is what matters. Establish the habitat and the rest should follow. Ed Jnr mentioned awhile back that collectively we tend to neglect Meadow Brown when it comes to photos, and I am pleased to see that quite a few photos of this species have been sent in since his comments. I happen to think that Meadow Brown is rather photogenic when nectaring on certain wild flowers, of which Greater Knapweed is a good example. (Martin Kalaher)

Knepp Castle safari today with Chailey Commons Society meeting Butterfly royalty: Matthew Oates and Neil Hulme. Now what is good for bees is good for butterflies -- take a look at
https://www.bumblebeeconservation.org/evolution-of-a-bee-friendly-garden/#more-9591
(Peter Lovett https://sussexrambler.blogspot.co.uk/)

This Painted Lady was spotted flying around near to our house on 10/06/18, it took a liking to the valerian bush in our garage compound. (Graham Hicks)

I managed to escape from domestic duties for an hour yesterday afternoon and went to Knowlands Wood in Barcombe, which is just down the road from me. There were several White Admirals, including this nice fresh one which posed beautifully. (Andy Wilson)

Yesterday during a walk by Littlehampton golf course I saw a Five-spot Burnet (Zygaena trifolii) and two other enthusiasts looking for White-letter Hairstreaks. At Ditchling Common on 18th I found a new micro moth for my gallery - Speckled Fanner (Glyphipterix thrasonella). (Colin Knight)

I visited Hollingbury Park in Brighton on Tuesday lunch time hoping to spot a White-letter Hairstreak. The weather was cloudy but quite warm and bright. But sadly I didn't see any, just a few Meadow Browns. I think it's still quite early in the flight season, last year I didn't get any photos till early July. (John Williams)

Tuesday 19 June

Found an eyepiece from a pair of binoculars. Someone hunting Black Hairstreaks must have lost it. Contact me if you want it back (Tim Squire)

A mid to late afternoon walk in St Leonards Forest, Horsham produced the first Small Skipper of the year in the area. There were also Speckled Wood, Meadow Brown, Ringlet and Large Skipper in most clearings and grass verges on the paths and tracks. Less frequent were Common Blue and White Admiral. (Patrick Moore)

South of Smugglers car park on the wide ride Ashdown Forest (Tom Lee)

Ashdown Forest, south of Smugglers car park, on the wide ride (Tom Lee)

Loads of Dark Green Fritillary. Good numbers of Marbled White. Some freshly emerged with wings still expanding. Small Skipper, Large Skipper and Meadow Brown. Couple of blues I didn't get a good look at. (Tim Squire)

During the winter clearance work at Rowland wood I noticed a Bramble thicket on a sunny corner
that looked just right for White Admirals, and so it proved. Doug Neve and myself spotted two WA. on the very same Brambles. Also, Ringlet numbers are building at Rowland wood along with Meadow Browns. Many Large Skippers were also seen. (Trevor Rapley)

Yesterday afternoon during a visit to Ditchling Common I saw only 3 Black Hairstreaks under a blue sky. I also saw my first Ringlet of the season plus Meadow Browns mating, a Large Skipper, a Straw Dot (Rivula sericealis) and a Comma, hutchinsoni form. A Silver-washed Fritillary zoomed past. (Colin Knight)

Monday 18 June

I spent about 6 hours at Knepp today. Conditions were cool and cloudy at first, but improved rapidly... apart from the wind, which was still gusting badly at times. My first few hours were fruitless, Emperor-wise, but I did get a little over-excited about some White Admirals, of which I saw about 6.

At about 3 pm, I met up with a certain Mr Oates, and, would you believe it, almost immediately we saw a shadow pass along the ground. We looked up and there was an Emperor up in the canopy. Matthew then showed me a few other favoured spots, but no one was in residence. Finally, however, we saw a couple of males in combat on the lee side of a line of tall oaks.

A lovely day out, but I have a lot to learn. Thank you to Matthew for his company and knowledge. (Andy Wilson)

Such a beautiful butterfly. They used to be a common sight but hardly see them now. I saw a couple at the beginning of the season in March or April but nothing since until the other day I saw this one on a farmland bird survey on Bevendean Farm. Sad (Tim Squire)

Willingdon Lane, Jevington. On the pavement, 17.30BST, 17th June 2018.
(can't log in to the moth group so posted here) (Chris Pellett)

Belated report from Saturday. I did an early morning search for Silver-studdied Blue butterflies on Ashdown Forest from Roman Road Car Park via Camp Hill to the Hollies Car Park. Eventually found a female still roosting just south of The Hollies (TQ461284) and then a male on the path going back up to Camp Hill (TQ462287). (Chris Bird)
Vince Massimo writes "Chris Bird's photo of a female Silver-studded Blue in Ashdown Forest looks like a Common Blue to me". I should have spotted this but I am 5000 feet up in the Sierra Nevada mountains of Spain managing sightings with my phone. Normal service willbe resumed the weekend after next (Ed jnr)

Visited Ditchling Common 18/06/2018 and after a lot of searching found what we were looking for. My forty fifth species of Sussex Butterfly! I'm not including the Monarch in Pavilion Gardens but this one is a tick! As well as a single Black Hairstreak also saw quite a few Meadow Brown, a couple of Common Blue, a Silver-washed Fritillary and a Large Skipper. It was great to bump into the man himself, the hairstreak hero and his hounds, David Cook, who kindly gave me a whistlestop tour of the site and imparted some of his great hairstreak knowledge. Unfortunately no purples today.18/06/2018 (Tim Squire)

This afternoon I went to Hollingbury Park. When I arrived I noticed my good friend Steve East, who was scanning the Creeping Thistles, prior to my arrival he was successful in locating a male White-letter Hairstreak, upon meeting we both clocked eyes on the individual who had now moved to a further flower head. Steve being courteous, wanted me to post the photos I've taken to cover the occasion. By this weekend more Creeping Thistles should have flowered, offering the opportunity for close-up views of the males. If visiting Hollingbury Park please be respectful of work that the volunteers have done in managing the Creeping Thistle, the result of their work now provides the greatest abundance of the plant, please refrain from trampling, as every one damaged, is one less plant available for later emerging individuals to visit, notably the females. Thank you! (Jamie Burston https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/JamieBurstonArt)

16 June: Me and the family headed over to Eastbourne for the day. Every outing is an opportunity and so whilst on the move in the car (Dad driving), leaning my head to the window, I scanned the roadside Wheatley elms as we drove along, it was late morning and I was delighted to have a sighting of 1 male White-letter Hairstreak seen on Wheatley elm at (TQ5911900040 - Beechy Avenue) corner junction to Victoria Drive, Eastbourne. I had a further sighting, again of a single male White-letter Hairstreak, seen on Wheatley elm at (TQ5909900173 - Victoria Drive), tree just prior to The Avenue turn off from Victoria Drive, Eastbourne. Both valuable sightings, as there is a lack of records from this area. We stopped off at Eastbourne's tallest tree - a Wheatley elm (pictured), with records last measuring a height of 35.60 meters back in 2014. Despite stopping for 15 minutes I wasn't able to achieve a sighting, the tree located along Paradise Drive at (TV5945198312), it's yet to be confirmed as a host tree to the butterfly, parking was both awkward and dangerous, due to the only available space being a small lay-by on the opposite side of the road.
(Jamie Burston https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/JamieBurstonArt)

Loder Valley and above Ardingly Reservoir No Purple or White butterfly spp seen. Plenty of Meadow Browns though.
35 Greylag Geese, 4 Reed warblers (heard only), 1 Tufted Duck, 1 Cormorant and 1 Great Crested Grebe. (Peter Lovett https://sussexrambler.blogspot.co.uk/)

Sunday 17 June

At Blackbrook Wood, south of Ditchling Common today, me and my dad found 7 Purple Hairstreaks low down in a small area of coppiced hazel. Just the briefest moment of sunshine and they disappeared into the oaks above. (Mark Cadey)

At our workday today our ranger Emma ,Brig, Istvan, Peter, myself and Sarah cleared some of the brash from the bottom path and then we had a walk into Hog Trough,
Not too many butterflies about but we did see a few Ringlets, Meadow Browns ,
Small Heaths, Common Blues, Speckled Woods and a nice fresh Marbled White and a Small Skipper.
(Geoff Stevens http://bevendeandown.wordpress.comp)

Fortunately it was not quite dull enough in St Leonards Forest, Horsham to stop the Ringlet flying this morning. There were also Meadow Brown, Large Skipper and Speckled Wood when the weather occasionally brightened. (Patrick Moore)

Large Skippers, a very fresh Dark Green Fritillary, and a newly emerged Small(?) Elephant Hawk moth in breezy and cool conditions at Friston Gallops this afternoon. (John Williams)

I joined the work party at Bevendean Downs, Brighton for the first time today for what I was rewarded with my first sightings of a Ringlet, two Marbled White and a Small Skipper. There was plenty of Small Heath, Brown Meadow and different blues and whites too. It was nice to meet the others who came along and I definitely will be back on a less windy day to explore the reserve in more details. (Istvan Radi)

Today (17 June) I saw my first Purple Emperor of the season, in the oaks at the northern end of Green Lane (Knepp Southern Block). A male was observed flying rapidly around the canopy in unsuitably strong wind at 12.15 pm. A second male flew over my shoulder from the Sallow scrub behind at 12.25 pm and climbed up to join the first. By 12.35 pm they were dogfighting at breakneck speed; this was silly, as someone could have been hurt. Earlier in the morning I'd seen 8 Black Hairstreak (the flight is now declining rapidly) at Ditchling Common. I never thought I'd record pruni and iris on the same day in Sussex! (Neil Hulme)

Saturday 16 June

This morning I saw 3 Black Hairstreaks at Ditchling Common, in a brighter spell of weather between 12 and 1pm. Then I went onto Kithurst flower meadow, where under leaden Grey skies I saw a nice fresh Marbled White, and a few Meadow Browns. (John Williams)

With very little wind, in fact for once, no wind, I headed up to High and Over very early to see the Marbled Whites waking up. I had spotted 9 the evening before roosting so I knew there were some about. A great morning was had with the unusual event of a Small Heath posing being the highlight!!
Today, 16th, a walk around Friston Forest produced my first Ringlet of the season. There was a total lack though of Dark Green Fritillaries and Marbled White though. (Bob Eade http://bobsbutterflies.blogspot.co.uk)

Yesterday (15 June) I revisited Chapel Common to spend some more time with the Silver-studded Blues. There were even more there than earlier in the week. Weather was perfect, with no wind and the sun coming in and out from behind clouds. When the sun was out, the heather was shimmering with butterflies. Many females are now evident, though still heavily outnumbered by males. I saw many newly emerged insects climbing stems of vegetation to dry out and pump their wings: though not one case of ants in attendance. Males were fighting fiercely over the females: one was mating even though her wings had not finished drying, and in many cases a number of males were tussling fiercely over a female - even to the point of persisting long after it was evident that the game was already up. I saw two females crawl down the stem of heather as soon as they had finished mating, curling their abdomens round and depositing something that didn't look like the egg as depicted by Richard Lewington. I have always imagined that females have to go into hiding for a couple of days after mating to let the eggs ripen: can anyone shed light on what was happening here? (see attached picture 3).

Just in case anyone imagines my blue period is going on too long, I attach a picture of a 5-spot burnet moth nectaring on bird's-foot trefoil. (Nigel Symington)

I visited Markstakes Common (new Atlas site) this morning, mostly Meadow Brown and Small Heath plus a couple of White Admiral and then a Purple Hairstreak at ground level which made my day. (Ian Seccombe)

Some still fresh looking Black Hairstreak to be found on the Ditchling Common this afternoon taking shelter from the wind and lack of sun. Also fresh Comma doing the same alongside a Red Admiral I disturbed whilst taking the pic of the Comma. (David Cook)

Following a single report of a Purple Emperor at Knepp yesterday evening, I spent a couple of hours wandering around there today. Conditions weren't good, being rather cool and cloudy, and worst of all, windy. I am definitely crazy or a wild optimist (probably both). No Emperors were seen, but during the occasional sunny interludes I saw 3 Admirals (2 white, 1 red) and there were lots of ordinary seamen (Meadow Brown and Speckled Wood). (Andy Wilson)

Yesterday (15 June) I spent a few hours in Charlton Forest, planning follow-up habitat work for the Fritillaries for the Future project. It's been encouraging to see that many species have already invaded what was once an enclosed and shady area of woodland, including Grizzled Skippers and Dingy Skippers, Common Blue, Brown Argus and Marbled White. Numbers of the rare Drab Looper moth have also increased spectacularly. During my visit I saw my first Silver-washed Fritillary of the year. On the way home I stopped off to photograph the magnificent display of poppies at Bury Hill. (Neil Hulme)

Thursday night was warm and windless so I had a good number of moths on our balcony: Brown House Moth (Hofmannophila pseudospretella), Heart and Dart (Agrotis exclamationis), L-album Wainscot (Mythimna l-album), Light Arches (Apamea lithoxylaea), Marbled Minor agg. (Oligia strigilis agg.) and Vine's Rustic (Hoplodrina ambigua). (Colin Knight https://www.colinknightimages.com/Nature-Photography-UK/Moths)

Friday 15 June

I had an enjoyable day at Ditchling Common with Jamie and met up with Katrina and Ian. The Black Hairstreaks did not appear in the numbers I saw on Wednesday, but enough posed for the most of the visitors to take photos. I also saw a Large Skipper male, an Azure Damselfly male, a female Broad-bodied Chaser, a sawfly larva and a Spotted Longhorn Beetle. We then headed to Hollingbury Park and were rewarded with a White-letter Hairstreak which came down briefly where the only patch of creeping thistle was in flower. (Colin Knight)

Videoed the Black Hairstreak in Ditchling Common this morning. I wonder if anybody can let us know how this species has just landed in Sussex!!??

(Danny McEvoy)

A brief lunch time visit to the newly discovered colony of Black Hairstreak at Ditchling Common. (John Williams)

Knowlands Wood, Barcombe. in past days I have been looking out for some more firsts but today butterflies had to take second place - a work-in-the-wood day, bringing out the winter's coppice product. On the way in this morning, our first Silver-washed Fritillary of the year wafted past. After lunch, a Speckled Wood and a couple of White Admirals were no surprise but a male Purple Hairstreak was! It sat quietly in the ground foliage while i poked my phone towards it (no camera, of course), presumably newly emerged. Purple Hairstreaks are abundant here most years but normally seen in the evening at the top of the oaks. Years go by without me seeing one up close. A real bonus. (Nick Lear)

Beacon Hill LNR Rottingdean -Today's excellent count included my first Marbled Whites of the year (3) and the highest ever day count of Small Heath (67). Putting this in to perspective in 2010 the overall year total was only 66, and the totals before that much lower. This species has done extremely well here and follows on from last year's record total. Other counts were 55 Meadow Brown, 17 Common Blue and a Large White. (Peter Whitcomb)

We visited our local White-letter Hairstreaks near Littlehampton this morning and examined most elms between the golf course & Climping and found just 1 male. Many suitable elms and other vegetation on Climping Street had herbicide damage.
There were many Speckled Woods,4/5 Red Admirals and a Drinker moth larvae. (Barry Sketchley)

If anyone was going to see a tatty example it had to be me, seen early evening yesterday at Ditchling, the only one I saw close up in two hours (David Long)
I know the feeling. It looks like it might be a bird strike as the chunk is taken out of both wings at the same spot. (Ed jnr)

Thursday 14 June

I went for a quick explore around the Abbot's Amble path at Abbot's wood after collecting my son from school. We saw 1+ Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary (TQ561079), 1 White Admiral, 3+ Meadow Browns, 2 Speckled Wood and 1 Painted Lady. (Chris Bird)

This afternoon I took my dad to Fairmile Bottom to find Bee Orchids following a tip-off from a gentleman I met out butterflying last Tuesday. Apparently they don't go into hiding when it rains! It was sunny when we arrived and there were plenty of butterflies around. The most common were Meadow Brown, Large Skipper and Small Heath as well as Burnet moths. Common Blue were less abundant as well as Brimstone. There were also Marbled White and more surprisingly a Dark Green Fritillary which stopped for a short time within binocular range to aid identification. We did indeed manage to find two Bee Orchids, lovely. (Patrick Moore)

Two male and one female Small Skipper seen late afternoon at Ditchling Common. (Mark Colvin)

Arthur Greenwood,who walks the transect on Chapel Common in the far west of the County kindly took me on a tour yesterday to see Silver-studded Blues. He had said there were many more there than at Iping Common, but I wasn't prepared for the feast that awaited me. Butterflies were flying up out of the heather with every step we took: we didn't count them but Arthur has day counts of the order of 300 or more. Many were males, but females are starting to emerge too, every one surrounded by 2 or 3 males anxious to secure her favours. He outlined to me the conservation work that has been done over the years, and particularly the mowing of the heather, which has resulted in ideal habitat. A spectacular site.

We moved on afterwards to Bramshott common, only a few miles away but with completely different habitat: nevertheless a very rich and fruitful site to visit. I can't report more as it's in H***shire! (Nigel Symington)

I set out for a lovely sunset walk through the fields and woodland between Coldean and Hollingbury, finishing off with a circuit of Hollingbury golf course. Paying more attention to the sunset than where my feet were going, I very nearly stepped on this lovely Painted Lady - my first sighting of the year - in the middle of the path, still soaking up the last rays of the sun at 8:15pm! (Claire Harkin)

St Leonards on Sea-Butterflying very close to home 3 Meadow Browns in my small untidy rear garden in West St Leonards on 13th June at 9.30a.m..My first for this year. (Janet Wilkes)

Wednesday 13 June

Thanks to Mark and the others who helped me find the right spot for the Black Hairstreaks this morning. So wonderful to see this rare species here in Sussex! (Bill Brooks)

I have to say, the number of visitors to Ditchling Common today took me by surprise. The car park was FULL! A quick walk around, meeting many familiar and some unfamiliar faces. Many enjoying Black Hairstreak for the first time. Other sightings included Painted Lady, Large Skipper Meadow Brown.
I met up with Neil later in the day for a search further afield at Batchelors Farm but whilst we didn’t find any Hairstreaks, a very smart Comma Hutchinsoni was seen at one likely location. (David Cook)

I spent a lovely morning enjoying the peace and quiet of our Park Corner Heath & Rowland Wood reserves today (13 June); I suspect that most butterfly watchers were at Ditchling Common! It was encouraging to find 15 Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary still on the wing (7m, 8f), a month after they first emerged. Most are now faded, but the females were still laying plenty of eggs. With the early emergence, good numbers and warm weather, I'm expecting a partial second brood in late July. Plenty of other butterflies were seen, with the best of the supporting cast being 3 White Admiral. (Neil Hulme)

some more pictures (Istvan Radi)

From Seaford I walked across to Friston Forest and Gallops. Didn't see anything along the Cuckmere River but found quite a few butterflies in the forest. Once again lots of Small Heath, probably in a hundred of them, a dozen or so Large Skipper, at least 40 Meadow Brown, different "blues" in high numbers, a few Speckled Wood, a Painted Lady, a Green Hairstreak, 2 very new looking Small Tortoiseshell, and I got to see my first fritty of the year what I believe to be a Dark Green Fritillary. Again lots of moths, including 4 Cinnabar, a Common Plume, a Mint moth and lots of others. And a caterpillar enjoying an Ox-eye daisy. (Istvan Radi)

I started my walk from Seaford golf course and then Seaford Head LNR. I counted 10 Large Skipper, 6 Speckled Wood, 2 Painted Lady, 1 Small White, dozens of Small Heath, at least 25 Meadow Brown, lots of Common Blue and Adonis Blue and plenty of moths including 2 Cinnabar. (Istvan Radi)

We've had 10 days away in Scotland, mostly on Skye, Harris & Lewis. It's nearly all whites up there, Green-veined Whites especially. Very different here. Since arriving back in Sussex on Sunday we haven't seen a single white. No butterflies in our Hove garden on Monday despite the sunshine, although I did disturb a Silver Y and a heart & dart moth when I mowed the lawns. Today we couldn't resist the pull of Ditchling Common and saw maybe a dozen Black Hairstreaks, more Meadow Browns, half a dozen Speckled Woods, a Large Skipper, a Red Admiral, 2 Painted Ladies and 2 Common Blues. In the late afternoon, in our back garden in Hove, a Holly Blue was around for 10 minutes or so. It ignored the bramble flowers in the sun but had a snack on the snowberry in the shade which suits our little camera so I got a better pic of it than the Black Hairstreak. (John and Val Heys)

Todays trip to Ditchling Common was all about the female Black Hairstreaks who had plenty of two-legged admirers. A Painted Lady feasted on bramble flowers and I spotted a Large Skipper and a new micro moth for my gallery, a Variegated Golden Tortrix (Archips xylosteana). It was good to see old friends and meet new enthusiasts.
(Colin Knight)

Visit today to Botany Bay on the Surrey border - in addition to 2 or 3 Wood Whites and numerous Speckled Wood my first White Admiral of the year constantly landing on the path just 100 yards from the parking area. (Jim Joyce)

Circular morning walk to Mount Caburn via Southerham lots of Meadow Brown, Small Heath, Common Blue plus a few Marbled White, Large Skippers, Speckled Wood and one very feisty Dark Green Fritillary (Ian Seccombe)

I visited Ditchling Common after work, arriving at about 5.30. I found the "blackthorn corridor' successfully (judging by the amount of trampling in the vicinity!) but sadly I didn't see any Black Hairstreaks. The weather was quite cool and only hazy sun so I presume they had gone to bed for the night. I had to make do with a single roosting Common Blue. (John Williams)

A quick march through St Leonards Forest, Horsham in the sunshine this afternoon revealed my first White Admiral sighting of the year. Hopefully they will have an even better year than last. They were joined by Speckled Wood, Meadow Brown and Large Skipper. Also visiting were two Painted Lady, single Red Admiral and a Brimstone. (Patrick Moore)

First White Admiral of the year on one of the UKBMS transects at RSPB Broadwater Warren today (13 June). Other species recorded were Small White, Small Heath, Painted Lady, Speckled Wood, Common Blue and Meadow Brown. (Alan Loweth https://www.rspb.org.uk/reserves-and-events/reserves-a-z/broadwater-warren/)

I joined the party at Ditchling Common today. It was a pleasure to spend the afternoon with Trevor, Dave, Dave, Colin, Mark, James and many other familiar faces and some new. The Black Hairstreaks were coming down and posing for us regularly and there were many happy enthusiasts in the sun.
Also seen were Meadow Browns, Speckled Woods and Large Skippers. (Katrina Watson)

Joined the throng at Ditchling Common this afternoon and spotted a dozen Black Hairstreaks. Also seen were a Comma, Painted Lady, Large Skipper, Common Blue, Speckled Wood and numerous Meadow Browns. (Martin Buck)

sun 10/06/2018. on a walk from Belle Tout to Birling Gap, at Horseshoe Plantation saw and photographed 1x Small Blue (m) at 1.01pm ( I haven't seen this species here before) flying and settling in a sheltered territory of long grass, on way back at 3.11pm he was still there, the only kidney vetch I could find was several metres away to the east. no other Small Blues were seen. (Peter Farrant)

Visited the Black Hairstreaks today saw several also many Meadow Browns and a Large Skipper.
Eartham Wood yesterday had plenty of Speckled Wood ,Meadow Browns, Peppered Moth,nemophora deegerella and a club-tailed dragonfly. (Barry Sketchley)

A Silver-washed Fritillary seen along a woodland ride in a private woodland at Ringmer. (Irene and Phil Winter)

During a morning visit to Kithurst meadow yesterday I saw many Speckled Woods along the hedgerow plus Cinnabar (Tyria jacobaeae), Common Grey (Scoparia ambigualis), Satin Grass-veneer (Crambus perlella f. warringtonellus). The afternoon was spent with the Black Hairstreaks at Ditchling Common with Meadow Browns and Brown Silver-lines distracting the increasing number of visitors. (Colin Knight)

Yesterday (12 June) I caught up with butterfly buddies Bob Eade and James Arnott, who I hadn't seen all season. Unsurprisingly, we started off at Ditchling Common, where, despite the rather cool and overcast weather, it was still raining Black Hairstreaks. We then moved on to the Downs near Seaford, primarily to look at late-flowering Burnt-tip Orchids. The orchid search provided the bonus discovery of a very fresh Dark Green Fritillary. (Neil Hulme)

Tuesday 12 June

I've been very busy mapping the distribution of the now famous Black Hairstreak population of Ditchling Common, finding the species in all suitable habitat as far north as Janes Lane, about 1.3km north of where David Cook first discovered it. Here are some of my favourite images collected along the way (6 - 11 June). (Neil Hulme)

You can never have too many pictures of Black Hairstreaks on bracken in Sussex so here are some more. It's almost more about the composition of the bracken than the Hairstreak. Anyway, fun day with plenty of afternoon Hairstreak action and plenty of chat with Sussex stalwarts of lepidoptery! Nice to put faces to names and bump into combinations of the two (hello Trevor, Neil again!)Thanks to Dave of course - both for the Hairstreaks and his contribution to the environment; think of all the petrol that won't be burned on trips to Oxfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Northants for ever more or at least as long as this magnificent colony lasts! (Rolf Farrell)

My apologies for the delay in getting this sighting in! However, on 10 June on Seaford seafront, at about 14:30, I saw a very small greyish butterfly with pale underwings come in/off the sea and disappear northwards; about the size of a Common Blue and a similar although more delicate and erratic style of flight. It looked very much like a Long-tailed Blue from my brief view, but hard to say for certain. Thought it would be worth letting people know, just in case it's a harbinger of another good year for this species! It was a gentle southerly airflow on Seaford Beach on Sunday, ideal for immigration. (Liam Curson)

Broad-bordered Bee Hawk-moth fluttering around a wild honeysuckle plant in my Brighton garden last night. (Caroline Clarke)
Great spelling of the moth name. However Bob Eade points out that it is in fact a Privet Hawk-moth! (Ed jnr)

Day two at Ditchling common saw fewer Black Hairstreaks today, owing to constant cloud cover.
In spite of the cloud some very fine specimens were found, and quite a few old faces turned up
to enjoy the latest Sussex species.
One image, with wings part open, the orange spots on the upper side of the hind wing can just be made out. (Trevor Rapley)

Just a small collection of photos to follow up report of sightings from Iping and Stedham Commons on 11 June 2018. (Anthony Bennett)

During a recent visit to Ditchling Common I saw many Black Hairstreaks. There were also Brown Silver-lines (Petrophora chlorosata), Garden Grass-veneers (Chrysoteuchia culmella) and a Variable Damselfly. At Littlehampton I found a Small Dusty Wave (Idaea seriata) on our outer door. (Colin Knight https://www.sussex-butterflies.org.uk/news/#76)

Monday 11 June

Here are some of my own images of a morning with the Black Hairstreak.
A massive thank you to Dave Cook for the tip off (but not for keeping me in suspense ! ). Dave's discovery must one of the most significant in Sussex, for many years.
(Trevor Rapley)

I visited Iping Common for the Silver-studded Blues and saw good numbers. The highest density was around the triangulation pillar and the crossroads of paths here. In this area there were at least 65. Just East of here from the main track there were another 20. Finally over the brow of the hill further West of the pillar along the main track were at least 30. So in total a minimum of 115 and probably quite a few more. There were not that many females but I did see four mating pairs.

Few other butterflies around but there was a Large Skipper by the car park. I also visited Stedham Common but only walked the main track, but I did not see any Silver-studded Blues but there was a nice Golden-ringed Dragonfly here. Will post a few pictures in due course. (Anthony Bennett)

Today (10th June) I visited Iping Common (SU8422) to see the Silver Studded Blues. The temperature was sunny 22°C. I walked much of the areas where I have recorded the butterfly before and saw good early numbers including a mating pair. Totals: Silver Studded Blue 72M 2F, Speckled Wood 1.
I also visited Stedham Common but failed to see anything! (Roy Symonds)

Thanks Neil for the newsflash. Still plenty of action today with literally dozens of Black Hairstreak to be seen. (David Cook)

What is this mystery butterfly?

Today (11 June) at 4:43pm - My first two White-letter Hairstreaks of 2018, dog-fighting in the canopy of a Wheatley elm, Hollingbury, Brighton!! Finally the wind and sun direction worked with each other this afternoon to provide adequate conditions for activity in the elm canopy. Please note that the first White-letter Hairstreak sighting in Sussex was by Paolo Oprandi on 7 June, also in Brighton, of a freshly emerged male. This ties in with their emergence elsewhere in the UK. It begins for Sussex - 2 days earlier than 2017, 17 days earlier than 2016 - slipping into a main June flight period at this rate. No "June Gap" this year! It's still very early in their flight period, it's unlikely that females have emerged yet. It's probably going to take Hollingbury Park two more weeks to really perform, especially as the Creeping Thistle needs more time to flower - very abundant due to the management of Friends of Hollingbury and Burstead Woods volunteer group, possibly it's best showing. White-letter Hairstreaks should already be out at Littlehampton Golf Course or by the end of next week, though if windy and the Hogweed isn't in flower it might make them more elusive. The event on the 26th June should tie in perfectly for this years flight period, hope to see you there! (White-letter Hairstreak Species Champion) (Jamie Burston https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/JamieBurstonArt)

Our first White Admiral sighting at Knowlands Wood, Spithurst late on Sunday afternoon followed by five separate sightings today. it looks as though this may be a good year for the species. (Nick Lear)

St Leonards Forest, Horsham this afternoon played host to a very large caterpillar of the Drinker moth,(I think) it was approx. 5cm in length. There were also Meadow Brown, pleasing numbers of Common Blue in several areas where last year I saw none, tatty Holly Blue and pristine Grizzled Skipper. Also Speckled Wood, Large Skipper, Brimstone, a Small Heath and Red Admiral. I have included a couple of non butterfly pictures for interest. (Patrick Moore)

I was fortunate to find a pair of mating Large Skippers this morning. (Trevor Rapley)

On the tenth of June I managed to see My first Painted Lady's of the year at Ashdown Forest and Weir Wood Reservoir. (Alastair Gray)

My survey of Steyning Coombe this morning was enlivened by a Dark Green Fritillary, plus my first Ringlet, an encouraging flurry of Adonis Blues, and a very tatty Green Hairstreak. I also found three bee orchids. (John Woodward)

Sunday 10 June

Some Silver-studded Blues at Iping Common this afternoon. Does anyone know if the fires were lit deliberately for habitat management or accidental? There were nowhere near as many SSB along the main path as in previous years. But I found a good number just past the fire-brooms. (John Williams)
It was an accident. A fire started by a conservation work party got out of control in February. (Ed jnr)

Thanks to Neil and Gary for a great visit to Rowland Wood and Park Corner Heath on Saturday though with more than twice as many attendees as Small Pearl Bordered Fritillaries (SPBFs) it got a bit busy at times! The aberrant female mentioned by Neil was a particular pleasure becoming increasingly friendly after the formal end of the meeting. Eventually we were trying to shoe her away so she could concentrate on her egg laying but she kept coming back and landing in front of us for more photos. I promised Neil that I wouldn't duplicate his shots and so here are my best different efforts - including the elusive underwing shot (also showing slight aberration) that largely escaped the organised part of the walk. (Rolf Farrell)

Ashenground & Bolnore Woods, Haywards Heath (Kim Berry)

At least 55 Silver-studded Blues counted on a stroll round Iping Common. This was a very incomplete and unsystematic count so the the real total will be many more.. I hadnt realised there had been a big accidental fire across part of the site so wonder what impact this will have on the butterflies (and birds!) (Chris Corrigan)

A walk round Lancing Ring and Steep Down in warm sunny calm weather. 39 Large Skipper, 29 Meadow Brown, 28 Small Heath, 21 Common Blue, 16 Holly Blue, 9 Speckled Wood, 10 Adonis Blue, 4 Large White, 2 Painted Lady, 2 Red Admiral, 2 Small White. (Lindsay Morris)

A bit late with this but spent morning of Fri 8 th on Iping Common, silver studded-blues 30+Common Heath moths, Grass Waves, Common Wave ? and Marbled White spot moths. (Barry Sketchley)

A short walk this morning to the Liz Williams BH produced a Painted Lady feeding on Bramble, a Red Admiral, 4 Meadow Brown and plenty of different "blues". Then a quick visit to Hollingbury Parks' Elm trees but no luck with spotting a WLHS. I did see around 8 Speckled Wood and found 7 caterpillars (I think they are Peacock caterpillars) in the nettle. (Istvan Radi)

Iping Common: Tens of Silver-studded Blues in the heather this morning. I don't have a lot of experience with this species (or any other!) but this one with a broken wing looked to be a very different colour. Is this a known aberration or just normal variation? (Harry Mole https://www.instagram.com/wannabephotoguy)

At Warnham butterfly fields (off Tilletts Lane) yesterday, three Grizzled Skippers were still buzzing around, whilst our first Ringlet of the season seemed to be pondering life early this morning, presumably freshly emerged. (David Bridges)

Yesterday afternoon I visited Stedham Common (3 to 4pm) to check on the Silver-stuffed Blues. I saw 5 males and 1 female in one area. One male tried to interest a fresh female that was having nothing to do with him. I also saw a Clouded Buff and many Common Heaths. It's looking good for my BC walk on Saturday 30th June! (Colin Knight https://www.sussex-butterflies.org.uk/events/)

Saturday 09 June

I was slightly apprehensive about today's (9 June) 'Return of the Small Pearls' walk at the BC Park Corner Heath & Rowland Wood reserves, as my reconnaissance visit of yesterday suggested that the Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary (SPBF) flight season was in its late stages, and that we were unlikely to see any freshly emerged butterflies. How wrong I was; this turned out to be one of the most enjoyable walks I've ever led, perhaps because of the unexpected delights on offer, and also because the results confirmed my long-held belief that this reintroduction has gone very well indeed. It certainly helped that we had an unusually large crowd (48) of very appreciative people. They were very generous too and we received a fantastic £84 of donations at the end of the walk, which will go straight into our conservation pot. Success came quickly and our guests were soon calling out "another one here" as we discovered plenty of SPBF in the first area (rush meadow) we searched, including some recently hatched females. We saw many other species too, the highlights of which were early examples of Ringlet and White Admiral. But the walk was really about the Small Pearls, which put on a fabulous show for us as we wandered around the rides and glades of Rowland Wood. The tally increased further when we visited Park Corner Heath, seeing more SPBF, both females and males, in excellent condition. The star of the show was a dark aberrant female fritillary, which provided a wonderful grand finale as she posed beautifully between frenetic bouts of egg-laying. A quick look at my score sheet initially suggested we had seen 18 individuals, but closer scrutiny of my notes later gave me a total of 20. A few more were seen after the walk, in previously unvisited areas. There is clearly life left in the SPBF season. Thanks to everyone who came along; it was great to see so many smiling faces of all ages. (Neil Hulme)

Spotted these Mullein moth larvae feeding on my verbascum in my garden in Farington in Lancashire - first time I have seen them. (Michael Clitheroe)
Now I am becoming intrigued. Two mullein moth sightings in one day, both from up north. When did we become the national mullein moth hotline? Still they are mighty fine caterpillars so thank you for sharing them with us Michael. (Ed jnr)

A huge thank you to Neil Hulme for guiding a well-attended walk around Park Corner Heath and Rowland Wood today. We were fortunate with numerous sightings of both patrolling male and egg-laying female Small Pearl-bordered Fritillaries, as well as views of Common Blues, Small Heaths, a Ringlet, several Painted Ladies, a White Admiral, Silver-Y and a Cream-spot Tiger. A dark ab proved popular with the butterfly paparazzi! Many thanks for allowing us to cross county border lines to join Sussex BC for the day - we'll be back! (Sonya Miller-Smith)

A mid afternoon visit to the Cuckoo trail was rewarded with about twelve Speckled Woods, a single Meadow Brown and a Large Skipper. (Trevor Rapley)

A bi breezy but nevertheless the slope on the east side of the wood contained a good number of new Common Blues, as well as a few really tatty ones, a Speckled Wood, 6 Large Whites, 4 Large Skippers, 3 Small Blues, 5 Small Heaths, 2 Small Coppers, one barely had any wings left, and 2 Dingy Skippers. (Kerry Baldwin)

Managed to see my first Meadow Brown of the year today. It is amazing how big they appear when you have been looking at small butterflies. (Jonathan Crawford)

2 Mullein moth caterpillars under buddleia leaves in Lutterworth, Leicestershire (Michelle White)

I went to Iping Common early and found 78 roosting Silver-studded Blues and 2 more on the way out. (76 males and 4 females). I also saw one Meadow Brown. I had a wander inStedham Common but did not see any there. (Katrina Watson)

I’ve just seen my first Marbled White of the year at High and Over. Summer really has begun! (James)

Yesterday (8 June) I visited one area of Abbot's Wood to see how the Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary is doing. They're quite difficult to spot now that the vegetation has become very lush, due to the combination of heat and damp, but I saw five including an egg-laying female. I also enjoyed a fly-past by my first White Admiral of the year. A later search of the Park Corner Heath and Rowland Wood reserves produced a total of only 12 Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary, with females making up most of the count (8). This species is now entering the final quarter of its 2018 flight. (Neil Hulme)

Friday 08 June

A couple of pictures from The Chanctonbury Hill area this afternoon. There were also Common Blue, Small Blue, Dingy Skipper, Small Heath and Meadow Brown amongst others and many orchids. (Patrick Moore)

Mailing Down at 3pm. Cloudy and warm but not the masses of butterflies I usually see. Plenty of Small Heath and several Brown Argus and Common Blue. 2 Adonis, a Painted Lady and a Speckled Wood. (Martin Buck)

As I have a wildlife garden I am happy to send in sightings and photos of other insect species. The three highlights were, a butterfly, a hover-fly and a Demoiselle. The butterfly was a very blue female Common Blue, the hover-fly was Volucella bombylas var. plumata, female (now that's quite a mouthful) and the demoiselle, a male Beautiful Demoiselle. Having sent in what I thought was a mating pair of cuckoo bumblebees recently but then pointed in the right direction by Vince and colleague, I spent ten minutes on the internet having a read about bumblebee hover-flies. I now realise that I have both the red-tailed (var. bombylans) and the white-tailed (var. bombylans) varieties in the garden. Interestingly, they do lay their eggs in the nests of both social wasps and bumblebees. As for the beautiful Demoiselle, since it could barely fly when first discovered I have to believe that it emerged from the garden pond (although the books mention fast-flowing water). I have seen five Beautiful Demoiselles in the garden this year, so far. (Martin Kalaher)

The Peacock eggs that James and I saw being laid a while ago have hatched and growing well!! (Bob Eade http://bobsbutterflies.blogspot.co.uk)

A calm warm overcast evening on the Heath showed a number of Small Pearl-bordered Fritillaries, some of them beginning to fade but others still in perfect condition. A Large Skipper posed patiently for the camera, while a Clouded Yellow - rather a battered old specimen - nectar on bramble next to a Black Striped Longhorn Beetle, then on to some speedwell where it made a pleasant colour contrast. Under the refugia I saw 2 large grass snakes, 2 slow worms and a small adder. On the footpath towards the Heath a roe deer appeared ahead of me: we stared at each other for a few seconds before it disappeared silently into the woods. (Nigel Symington)

A walk from Glynde up and around Caburn and on to Lewes in early sun turning mostly cloudy. 127 Small Heath, 77 Common Blue, 55 Meadow Brown, 35 Adonis Blue, 4 Painted Lady, 6 Brown Argus, 3 Wall Brown, 2 Small Blue, 2 Large Skipper, Small Copper, Small White, Large White. 3 Bee Orchids near Lewes and 6 bottles of Harveys to take home. (Lindsay Morris)

Two Painted Lady in Crawley this morning. Both flying purposefully without stopping. One heading NNW and the other Westward. (Vince Massimo)

An early morning visit to Park Corner Heath and Rowland wood, revealed five, widely scattered SPBF,
five Large Skippers and a very fresh male Meadow Brown.
(Trevor Rapley)

Thursday 07 June

Quiet at Bevendean yesterday evening. Just 4 Common Blues spotted roosting and my first Meadow Brown of the year (Harry Mole https://www.instagram.com/wannabephotoguy/)

There were at least three different female Common Blues in my garden today. I never cease to be amazed at the colour variations. A Small Copper was laying eggs on Common Sorrel. Two Painted Ladies flew through garden but didn't stop. Otherwise fairly quiet. (Martin Kalaher)

Park Corner Heath: A walk round the plateau revealed only 2 Small Pearl-bordered Fritillaries on this rather overcast evening. Other species were slightly less shy, with several Common Blue - including 2 males having a furious fight over a female - and good numbers of Speckled Wood and Small Heath. Also two Large Skipper nectaring. And this very fine Four-banded Longhorn Beetle. (Nigel Symington)

A walk in the four Meadows this afternoon found 5 Common Blues,4 Large Skippers and my first Meadow Brown of the summer.Moths included 7 Burnet Companions,2 Mother Shipton and 3 Silver Y.Also Plenty of Peacock caterpillars
(Alastair Gray)

In my Crawley garden today, the 3rd instar Brimstone larvae on my potted Alder Buckthorn were doing their best to keep their heads out the water (although this is also a regular posture for them when it's dry as well). (Vince Massimo)

As the Wall Brown fade away with only around 6 seen, the Speckled Wood come back with several fresh individuals seen along The Comp path. As often seems to happen with newly emerged individuals, behaviour is a little different, with one fresh male often landing on the tops of grass, as well as the more normal behaviour of perching on bushes. A Lackey larva was also found. Several Large Skipper seen and a single Small Blue were other species of note. (Bob Eade http://bobsbutterflies.blogspot.co.uk)

One Painted Lady on the banks of the Adur north of the Toll bridge at Shoreham plus three Bee Orchids. (Jonathan Crawford)

East Sussex, Sedlescombe Churchyard.mid morning visit, 1 female Common Blue and 2 Speckled Wood seen whilst watching Swifts. The Common Spotted Orchids are beautiful at the entrance (Janet Wilkes)

Wednesday 06 June

I was going to send in today's record of a female Holly Blue in my Storrington wildlife garden but having checked the website realised that Lindsay had eight at Cissbury Ring, so maybe not? But then had a Glow Worm in the wildflower meadow, my first for the year. And several bats and two Stag Beetles. (Martin Kalaher)

This afternoon I had a good look at Cardboard Hill, the steep south facing bank behind the Heath Hill Avenue bungalows Bevendean. It used to have good numbers of Adonis but over the last few years there have been none. However today I saw 6 and although the site is very overgrown there is still a good amount of horseshoe vetch surviving. (Geoff Stevens)

Cissbury Ring in permanent sun showed off 20 butterfly species. 92 Small Heath, 75 Common Blue, 26 Speckled Wood, 18 Brimstone, 15 Meadow Brown, 8 Holly Blue, 7 Large White, 7 Small White, 7 Dingy Skipper, 5 Grizzled Skipper, 3 Painted Lady, 3 Red Admiral, 2 Large Skipper, 2 Brown Argus, 2 Peacock, Adonis Blue, Green Hairstreak, Small Blue, Small Copper, Green-veined White. Wall Brown in my garden yesterday. (Lindsay Morris)

A walk in Houghton Forest this afternoon gave me several male Yellow-barred Longhorns (Nemophora degeerella) on nettles (the females have short antennae), Silver Ys (Autographa gamma) and Common Nettle-taps (Anthophila fabriciana), Cinnabars, Dark Strawberry Tortrix and Brimstones. (Colin Knight)

Silver-studded Blues are bursting out here in West Sussex . Saw 53 on Bramshott, 50 on Chapel, 18 on Iping and 5 on Broxhead today. (Arthur Greenwood)

Walk from Kithurst to Medley Bottom this a.m. tracks there & back a few large & Small Whites a lot of Silver Y moths.Medley Bottom was buzzing with life, Adonis Blues were only rivalled in numbers by the common spotted orchids, Small Blues were everywhere attacking any adonis that came too close also Meadow Browns, Small Heath, Common Blues, female Brimstone and a late male Orange-tip. (Barry Sketchley)

Sunshine and Skippers in St Leonards Forest, Horsham today, mainly Large Skipper and a few Grizzled Skipper. Also Meadow Brown, Brimstone, Speckled Wood, more Common Blue than I expected flying through the grass and flowers, a Small Heath and a Holly Blue. I also woke a Clouded Border moth which I managed to photo. (Patrick Moore)

some more pictures (Istvan Radi)

Thanks to the Atlas, today I visited a place where I have never been before: Blunts Wood and Paige's Meadow. I arrived around 12:30 and stayed a couple of hours and spent most of my time on the 4-5 meadows (starting at TQ316246) and just checking the edge of the woods. The main species today seemed to be the Meadow Brown with 20+ individuals (male and female) but I also saw 1 Large Skipper, 1 Dingy Skipper, a mix of around 10 Adonis Blue and Common Blue, 1 Speckled Wood, 1 Small Heath and 1 white butterfly what was too far for me to identify. Plenty of different moths too. (Istvan Radi)

Not sure what kind of blue this butterfly is. The best match I can come up with from my butterfly guide is a long tailed blue which apparently sometimes reaches southern England. Unfortunately the photo is not clear enough to make out the presence of tails or not. Any other suggestions? (Matt D)
Thanks Matt, I am fairly sure that this is a female Common Blue. They come in a variety of shades from mostly blue to mostly brown which is why you can't always find them in your guide. (Ed jnr)

A 3 hour walk round Buchan Park, Crawley today only produced 5 species of butterfly, mainly Speckled Woods. Highlight was a surprise Clouded Yellow flying purposefully through an open area near top of park giving great views but unfortunately it did not hang around long. On flower covered verges in nearby Broadfield saw first Meadow Brown of the year, along with several Common Blue.
On main lake at Buchan there were numerous Red-eyed Damselflies. (Anthony Bennett)

Beacon Hill LNR :Today's transect count continued the run of high numbers of Small Heath at this site. The counts were 45 Small Heath, 20 Common Blue, 4 Meadow Brown and single Small White and a pristine Red Admiral. Also I attempted to photograph this Forester moth in windy conditions and this was the best I could do out of six attempts! Is there enough detail to differentiate between Forester and Scarce Forester please? (Peter Whitcomb)

Looks like a Small Square-spot moth, Diarsia rubi sharing my bathroom this week in Cuckfield, West Sussex.
This ubiquitous moth flies May-September and its caterpillars eat many wild and cultivated plants providing good food for our garden birds no doubt. (Peter Lovett https://sussexrambler.blogspot.co.uk/)

An evening visit to Rewell Wood gave me my first Meadow Brown of the year. Moths seen: Brown Plume (Stenoptilia pterodactyla), my first Dotted Ermel (Ethmia dodecea), Marsh Grey (Eudonia pallida), and many Red Piercers (Lathronympha strigana), Cinerous Pearls (Anania fuscalis) & Dark Strawberry Tortrix (Celypha lacunana). Also a Dusky Cockroach (Ectobius lapponicus). (Colin Knight)

On Sunday 3rd July, Martin Kalahar posted a picture of what he thought might be a pair of mating Cuckoo Bees seen the day before in his garden. A couple of days later I got an email from Vince Massimio, who whilst not an expert on such matters knows someone who is. Vince's correspondent reported that "Those are actually hoverflies, not bees! (Note the small, hair-like antennae, large eyes and single pair of wings). I believe the species might be Volucella bombylans, which can be highly variable in colour and mimics different types of bumblebee". That is very interesting, so thank you Vince. (Ed jnr)

Tuesday 05 June

Beachy Head: Since this site seems not to be regularly covered I would like to record the following seen on a very sunny and warm day on 3rd June: Adonis Blue (several), Dingy Skipper (several); Small Copper; Small Blue; Large Skipper; Small Heath (many); Common Blue (many); Red Admiral (3); Peacock (1); Meadow Brown (1) plus a a couple of lovely Burnt Orchids. (Nicholas Turner)
Thanks Nicholas, that's another Atlas site I can tick off (Ed jnr)

Shoreham beach near the fort. 5 June. (John Holt)

Monday 04 June

Our first Painted Lady of 2018 seen this morning in our East Dean garden (TV562984).

Our garden sightings of the last few days Silver Y, Red Admiral, Painted Lady, and Humming-bird Hawk-moth would suggest some movement over the channel. (Carole & David Jode)
Thanks Carole and David. A+ for spelling. (Ed jnr)

More on the Humming-bird Hawk-moth:
Bob Eade writes:
"With your comments about the Hummingbird Hawk Moth, or Humming-bird Hawk-moth I had a little look in my moth books to see if there is a consistency. Our own Colin Pratt says Humming-bird Hawk. 2 other up to date books spell it Hummingbird Hawkmoth and Hummingbird Hawk-moth. The internet also varies between the 3 different spellings. Maybe that's why we all should all go Latin and call it Macroglossum stellaratum."

My copy of "Waring and Townsend" spells it "Hummingbird Hawkmoth" so I understand Bob's point. However I get my spelling from the BC head office and if I cross them I'll get a visit from the Butterfly Police, and you really don't want to mess with them. (Ed jnr)

Nigel's mystery object is a dead slug. Cause of predicament unknown.
(Vince Massimo)

Tuesday 05 June

I photographed these two Purple Emperor pupae at Southwater yesterday (4 June); I suspect that we have one of each sex, hanging just 1.5 metres apart. Matthew Oates had watched the probable female actually pupating, just 45 minutes before I arrived. At the moment I'm predicting a flight season start on 18 June, although Matthew has his money on 16 June. The weather between now and then will be the deciding factor. (Neil Hulme)

Monday 04 June

There was a Comma and female Brimstone in the garden yesterday, making 14 species for the weekend. I was a bit surprised to see the Brimstone egg-laying on Alder Buckthorn. It seems to me rather a late date? Today was quiet but there was, at last, a female Common Blue in the wildflower meadow. A while back I watched and photographed an Orange-tip laying eggs on Garlic Mustard. Today there was a single caterpillar on one of the plants. (Martin Kalaher)

When I left from Brighton this morning it was warm and sunny but by the time I got to Abbott's Wood it was overcast and the temperature had dropped so I was not hoping to find anything and I was quite right. Unfortunately I could not locate any (Small) Pearl Bordered Fritillary but I did find a few caterpillars climbing up and down using their silk rope. The little white ball on the pictures is a silk-ball sort of. As the wind was blowing them around I couldn't get a fully focused picture of the tiny things but you can still see the silk line they are hanging on to. (Istvan Radi)

A most interesting afternoon at our reserve. Several Small Pearl-bordered Fritillaries to be seen, but flying rather erratically in the cooler weather and then disappearing out of sight. Several looked fresh but these were flying the fastest, and this rather battered Old Lady (I think) was keen to show off her charms.

Going round Rowland Wood I found this strange object suspended from a thistle leaf. Is it a slug? Is it a pupa? Glad if anyone can enlighten me.
(Nigel Symington)

Five Small Pearl-bordered Fritillaries at Park Corner Heath this morning. Later, at Kithurst Meadow, one very tired looking Duke of Burgundy, one Small Copper, one Red Admiral, three Brown Argus and a large number of Common Blues. (Bill Brooks)

(continuation of previous report) (Colin Knight)

Another trip to Rewell Wood yesterday gave me Common Blues plus a variety of moths: Black Piercer (Payment germmana), Burnet Companion (Euclidia glyphica), Cinnabar (Tyria jacobaeae), Common Carpet, (Epirrhoe alternata), Common Yellow Conch (Agapeta hamana), Dark Strawberry Tortrx, Green Carpet (Colostygia pectinataria), Meadow Grey (Scoparia pyralella), Red Piercer (Lathronympha strigana), Red Twin-spot Carpet (Xanthorhoe spadicearia) and Straw Dot (Rivula sericealis). Wild Strawberries were ripening. A Heart and Dart (Agrotis exclamationis) visited our balcony the previous evening. (Colin Knight)

Humming-bird Hawk-moth on back garden honeysuckle (Kerry Baldwin)
Of all the butterflies and moths sent in, the Humming-bird Hawk-moth is the one people have most trouble spelling correctly. Nine out of ten get it wrong and to be honest I don't blame them. The person who always gets it right is Martin Kalaher. (Ed jnr)

Sunday 03 June

Our first Humming-bird Hawk-moth of 2018 seen this afternoon in our East Dean garden (TV562984) (Carole & David Jode)

I went this afternoon to see if we still had any Adonis on the western end of Bevendean LNR and was pleased to see several males and a couple of females also seen Common Blues, Small Heath and Dingy Skippers and some day flying moths. (Geoff Stevens http://bevendeandown.wordpress.com)

After a long time I today returned to Mill Hill in Shoreham and oh my what a transformation! Lush green and butterflies everywhere... I arrived at 15:45-ish and the ground was alive with hundreds of "blues" of all kind and plenty of Small Heath flying as well. It was heartbreaking to see the "blue" butterflies being so worn down but they are still giving their best when a lady is in sight! I also saw a Wall Brown, 2 Dingy Skipper, a Large Skipper, 3 Brimstone and a few unidentified "white" butterflies. Lots of moth-present, including 4 Cinnabar moth. On top of that a Buzzard was hunting and a fox walked past just a few meters behind me. Spent an hour watching the little blue ones finding their roosting place and after 4 hours up on the hill I left for home a very happy man. (Istvan Radi)

On a walk from Malling Down SWT reserve to Southerham SWT reserve and back this morning, there were good numbers of Common Blues and Small Heaths, smaller numbers of Adonis Blues, a few Speckled Woods and Meadow Browns, and singles of Wall Brown, Brimstone, Dingy Skipper, Red Admiral, Brown Argus and Painted Lady. A rather worn male Adonis Blue at Southerham had considerably reduced under-wing markings (see photo). (Simon Linington)

Working in Halnaker, West Sussex, today I could not fail to notice a fair number of Painted Ladies flying around for most of the day. All flying at very high speed. No photo's, just an observation. (Trevor Rapley)

Not exactly an abundance of butterflies on the lower scarp slopes of Ditchling Beacon today. A handful of Common Blues, a bunch of Small Heaths a couple of Brimstone, some Speckled Woods in the woods and a lively Green Hairstreak in a small glade (where there is a simple bench). (Tim Squire)

Yesterday I visited Iping Common and found several moths: Common Heath (Ematurga atomaria), Common Wave (Cabera exanthemata) and Peacock Moth (Macaria notata), plus Beautiful Demoiselles, an Azure Damselfly and a Large Red Damselfly. Round-leaved Sundews and a Cottongrass species were also seen. (Colin Knight)

Abbott's Wood this morning. At least 4 Small Pearl Bordered fritilliaries, including this freshly emerged individual.
I may have mis-identified, as I was surprised to find them here, so would appreciate any correction or further information. (Harry Mole https://instagram.com/wannabephotoguy)

Our first Red Admiral of 2018 in our East Dean garden (TV562984). Remarkably our only other sighting of an RA this year was in East Dean village on the 10th of January. (Carole & David Jode)

There were 12 butterfly species in the garden yesterday, which is a garden record for the first week in June. The overall numbers were low but the variety was excellent. A Painted Lady on June 1st and a male Meadow Brown on the 2nd brings the annual total to 20 butterfly species. Its interesting to compare this year with 2017. Last year April was very mild and that brought the spring emergence forward by around two weeks, and my 20th species was recorded on June 1st. This year April was cold but May more than made up for it and the 20th species count was recorded a day later on June 2nd. The species and numbers as follows: Large Skipper (1), Dingy Skipper (2), Large White (1), Small White (1), Small Copper (1), Brown Argus (1), Common Blue (2m), Red Admiral (1), Painted Lady (2), Speckled Wood (1), Meadow Brown (1m) and Small Heath (1). The annual Painted Lady migration has begun with one seen on the 1st and two more on the 2nd. The first of the day nectared on Dog Rose, then Ox-eye Daisy and then a Clematis, all in quick succession before heading north. One of the Dingy Skippers was in excellent condition and was intent on feeding on a hybrid Geranium. Judging by its short, rounded
abdomen it must have been a female. The day finished with some interest as I managed to photograph a mating pair of bees. I presume they were a cuckoo species and most likely Bombus barbutellas, which takes over the nest of the Garden Bumblebee. If I have got this wrong, perhaps some "wise one" will make the correction, please. (Martin Kalaher)
Thanks Martin, particularly for the photo of the Meadow Brown. So many are seen but so few are photographed. (Ed jnr)

Upper Beeding: Dozen Common Blue 2 weeks ago. Still seeing 3 or 4 a day when the sun is out (Robert Moyie )

Tunbridge Wells Garden Centre.
3 Common Blues, 2 Large Skippers and 2 Dingy Skippers all seen in the Grassy Wildflower area near the Beehives. I understand this area has been developed using damaged seed packets.
Also Green Hairsteak recorded on Bilberry in Sharnberry Gill, Teesdale, Co Durham on 14th May by James Anderson whilst checking Ring Ouzel breeding. (Janet Wilkes)

A visit to Castle Hill National Nature Reserve was beautiful in the sunshine although the new fencing walking to the site has spoilt the landscape. I hope the grazing that the fencing will help manage brings the surrounding SSSI areas back into good condition. Lots of Adonis Blue on the NNR and some outside the nature reserve spreading into the surrounding poorer habitat. I found only one Brown Argus. A few beautiful green/blue moths. Wall Brown, Common Blue, lots of fragrant orchids, Small Copper, Small Heath, Meadow Brown. I walked from the western end as far as the bridleway only and back up. The sward seemed rather long and not ideal for adonis although they seemed fairly numerous. The place looks in severe need of a bit of grazing with tor grass pretty dominant in areas and thick bramble encroaching from the scrub. (Tim Squire)

Saturday 02 June

A well behaved Painted Lady this afternoon in my Cuckfield garden. Some pic's of other insects yesterday in the Loader valley including mayflies at my link (Peter Lovett https://sussexrambler.blogspot.co.uk/)

After several days of gloomy weather, I could not resist a visit to Park Corner Heath
this evening in what can only be described as idyllic conditions.
Considering the late hour, five Small Bordered Fritillaries were easily found. Four by
myself and one by Dick, who was visiting from Seaford. In all one female and four males were found.
(Trevor Rapley)

A brief circular walk from the car park at Bo-Peep Bostal after lunch yielded 8+ Adonis Blue, 1 Small Blue, 5+ Common Blue, 2 Small Heath, 1 Wall, 1 Green Hairstreak, 3 Speckled Wood, 1 Red Admiral, 2 Small White, 1 Large Skipper, 3+ Dingy Skipper. A visit at the end of the day on Wednesday included several of the same and also 2 Brown Argus. If visiting, the main places of interest are the slopes by the the road down from the car park to the layby at TQ4978205045 and the path that goes from here up the hill. (Chris Bird)

More from Anchor Bottom this evening (Jonathan Crawford)

Sadly, it's that time of year again, when I say farewell to the Duke of Burgundy. It's been a good season for the species in Sussex, but not the very best; I'd give it 7 out of 10. With so much of my time in May now spent working on Pearl-bordered Fritillary, I can't give the Duke the same time I once did, but with 800 counts on the spreadsheet I can't complain. Today (2 June) I counted only 19 across the entire Storrington metapopulation, and I suspect the very last will die well before next weekend. As always, he went down fighting. The last faded and tatty male I saw was still beating up freshly emerged Large Skippers as I left him for another year. (Neil Hulme)

Today I visited Medley Bottom, described in the Butterflies of Sussex as 'some of the best quality chalk grassland in Sussex.' First up was a Peacock on the way down, then numerous Common and Adonis Blue. 4 of the latter were 'nectaring' on a dead rabbit carcass and others on even more unmentionable things. There was a Painted Lady on the thistles, then a couple of Brimstone flying fast round the higher part of the hill. A Large White and a Small Heath completed the butterflies, and a Cinnabar was the only moth that I'm able to identify. A Common Blue Damselfly and a female Broad-bodied Chaser were at the bottom of the slope. But the prize for the day has to go to the Common Spotted-orchids: these filled the meadows on both sides of the path going from the Burgh to the Bottom. It was impossible to count them individually, but the Hulme-Watson method led me to estimate that there must have been tens, if not hundreds, of thousands of spikes. (Nigel Symington)

A visit to Park Corner Heath and Rowland Wood this afternoon. I counted 17 Small Pearls, 5 Large Skippers, 3 Common Blue and 1 Dingy Skipper (Ian Seccombe)

Female Common Blue spotted in Northwood Slindon on 2 June 2018 (Graham Hicks)

Castle Hill circular walk in breezy sunshine with my Brother Paul. c.200 Adonis Blue, c.100 Common Blue, 63 Small Heath, 9 Brown Argus, 8 Large Skipper, 8 Wall Brown, 6 Dingy Skipper, 5 Small Blue, 5 Small White, 4 Meadow Brown, 3 Green Hairstreak, 2 Painted Lady, Small Copper, Large White, c.50 Silver Y, 3 Forester, 3 Yellow Shell, 3 Burnet Companion, 3 Mother Shipton. Thousands of orchids of course! Glorious!
(Lindsay Morris)

I went to Friston Gallops for the second time this year. Small Heath were still the most numerous species with well over 100 seen, but they have been joined now by the blues. There are good numbers of Common Blue all over the site, and I saw one unusually blue female. However, at the higher northern end of the site where there is a lot of Horseshoe Vetch, Common Blue are outnumbered by Adonis Blue. I must have seen over 50 in a relatively small area, mostly males but a few females, including a mating pair. I also saw Dingy Skipper (2), Grizzled Skipper (2), and my first sightings this year of both Meadow Brown (2) and Large Skipper (5). (Andy Wilson)

One of my missions this year is to try and explore more sites closer to home. With this in mind I began this morning at Anchor Bottom which was quite windy and cloudy which kept the Adonis Blues and Common Blues low to the ground. I met a chap from Billericay who was hoping for something spectacular. My plan was to go to Benfield LNR and perhaps return via Edburton Hill, both Atlas sights. On the way to Benfield I thought I would spend 5 minutes checking out the lay by on the east bound lane of the A27, east of the Southwick Tunnel. As soon as i got out of the car the first thing that I noticed was an aged Small Blue. looking at the bank I could see large amounts of kidney vetch. I wondered if I had perhaps missed the boat with this site, given the age of the individual. However i soon began to see more. I stopped counting at a dozen, upped it to twenty and finally decided on "more than thirty". There were also Common Blues and my first Large Skipper of the year. I spent so long on the A27 that I could only spend a few minutes at Benfield and missed Edburton altogether. (Jonathan Crawford)

Lovely Painted Lady on the Red Valerian in the garden this morning in Three Bridges Crawley. First for the year and we are close to the town centre! (Jane Hambling)

Further evidence that wildlife gardening can really pay off - Green Hairstreak today in my Broadbridge Heath garden. It was nectaring on the flowers of Ground Elder so does this mean I no longer need to get rid of this invasive weed? (David Bridges)

Yesterday (1 June) I broke off from walking my spring butterfly transect on the Knepp Wildland Southern Block, to meet owners Charlie and Issy (author of the brilliant book 'Wilding'). I was accompanied by my brother and we had already logged several species of interest, including my first Large Skippers and Meadow Browns of the year, the latter marking the official start of summer. Time didn't permit completion of the survey route (I'll return), but we were drawn to look at a recording compartment ahead of schedule, by a very loud Cuckoo. As I was making some notes my brother casually called out "Dingy Skipper", a species as yet unrecorded at Knepp. I had been waiting for this species to arrive for several years. As I was photographing it he called "Green Hairstreak", another new species for the site! I could scarcely believe my eyes and have never been so pleased at seeing such knackered old butterflies.These days I seldom photograph butterflies unless they’re in perfect condition, or are genuine rarities. However, these old warriors are very important, so I’ve recorded their modest looks for posterity. This is what dispersing, colonising individuals typically look like; tired, late season adventurers. They may have one foot in the grave, but I suspect they’ve done their job. They’ve probably come from my beloved Chantry Hill, where numbers have been very high this spring. We intercepted another Dingy Skipper on the way out. That’s now 36 species of butterfly seen on the Wildland since 2005. Here’s to Knepp! (Neil Hulme https://knepp.co.uk/)

Friday 01 June

The Large Skipper today seemed to have had a large emergence today in the High and Over area with around 10 seen including a posing female. (Bob Eade http://bobsbutterflies.blogspot.co.uk)

This afternoon I visited Park Heath Corner between 13.15 and 16.00 hrs. The air temperature was 17 deg C. the sky was overcast and a light wind was blowing. I was surprised and pleased to see between 35 and 40 Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary present despite the overcast sky. I also saw 3 Large Skippers and a single Large White. (Douglas Neve)

In very cool misty conditions a walk around Cissbury Ring from Findon Valley uncovered about a dozen Common Blues, 30+ Small Heaths, 6 Speckled Woods a Small Copper and a Green Hairstreak. (Martin Buck)

(continuation of previous post) (Colin Knight)

I made 2 visits to Kithurst meadow recently: on 25th I saw a Duke of Burgundy, a Mint Moth, a Swan-feather Dwarf (Elachista argentella) and an Epiblema moth. On 30th I saw my first Small Blue of the season, a Common Blue, Small Tortoiseshell larvae, Emperor Moth 3rd instar larvae on bramble (Saturnia pavonia) and an Azure Damselfly female. On our balcony we had a Willow Beauty (Peribatodes rhomboidaria) on 30th and a Heart and Dart (Agrotis exclamationis) on 31st. (Colin Knight http://www.seapic.com)

I just came back from my litter-picking walk in Stanmer Park, Brighton and although I was not looking for butterflies in this Grey weather I still got to see my first Painted Lady of the year, a dozen or so Speckled Wood, a few Small Heath and a couple of bigger moths. And I think I found a few Yellow-tail moth caterpillars. (Istvan Radi)

Went today to review The Living Churchyard, the area of Fletching churchyard that is being managed for Biodiversity. Saw 2 Meadow Brown in pristine condition. (Nigel symington)

Thursday 31 May

I went to Anchor Bottom again last night and this evening to enjoy the experience of so many Adonis Blues. Also seen were a few Common Blues and Small Heaths. (Katrina Watson)

The figures for Mill Hill transect for this week are
Adonis Blue= 336 ; Brimstone = 3 ; Brown Argus = 1 ; Common Blue = 37 ; Dingy Skipper = 13 ; Grizzled Skipper = 10 ; Green Hairstreak = 1 ; Green-veined White = 8 ; Large White = 1 ; Small Heath = 39 ; Small White = 4 ; Speckled Wood = 2 ; Wall Brown = 2.
(John Gilbert)

A Sunday afternoon visit revealed c20 Common Blues, c20 Dingy Skippers, c10 Small Heaths, 6 Small Blues, 1 Holly Blue and a Large White (Chris Corrigan)

I managed to dodge the showers today to complete week 9 of the Gatwick north-west zone transect. Despite the mainly cloudy conditions, totals recorded were:
36 Common Blue,1 Brown Argus, 4 Large Skipper, 1 Dingy Skipper, 1 Green-veined White, 5 Small Heath, 3 Meadow Brown and 1 Speckled Wood. (Vince Massimo)

Wednesday 30 May

This evening I visited Anchor Bottom with my father and brother, who is visiting from Antwerp. I promised them large numbers of Adonis Blue, based on Jonathan Crawford's recent reports, but we saw more than that. Over a relatively small part of the site I had counted 75 pairings before my family left and Katrina Watson arrived. Moving further up the valley this total soon rose to 100. I took a different route back to the car, much higher up the slope, and finally stopped counting at 150 mating pairs. As the butterflies finally settled down to roost there were five or six in a metre square in some areas. At one point the light wind dropped off completely and I was surrounded by hundreds of beautiful sapphire-blue and chocolate-brown Adonis, hanging from the grasses. Katrina arrived from the top of the valley and confirmed the extent of their distribution. Estimating numbers under these circumstances is difficult, but some simple mathematics suggested that a conservative total of 5000 must have been present; I have never seen so many Adonis Blues in my life. If visiting in the evening or under overcast and cool conditions, please tread with extreme care, as it is very difficult to avoid stepping on them, particularly the mating pairs. This has already been a spring to remember and this evening was unforgettable. (Neil Hulme)

Took a walk along the Ouse River footpath from Southease to Lewes. Small Heath was frequently encountered along with about 10 Common Blue along the whole walk. In the moth department I counted about 10 Silver Y, 2 Burnet Companion and a full grown Garden Tiger caterpillar sunning itself on the path and which I moved to a safer spot away from imminent danger of being run over by cyclists. Don't know how unusual it is to see this archetypal hairy caterpillar these days, but along with the distant sound of a cuckoo coming from near Rodmell I was transported back to richer pickings in my '70s childhood. (Ray Pyne)

I was out all day, but then back home I disturbed a male Common Blue in my garden meadow that, obligingly, stayed perched for awhile. Later, I had my second garden record this year of a Red Admiral, which was nice. (Martin Kalaher)

Roedean Old 9-Hole Site. Accompanied by the metronomic pharping of the Brighton Marina fog horn, I had the most enjoyable couple of hours in and out of the mist here. Well over 50 each of Small Blues, Common Blues, and Small Heaths. Also, 7 Green-veined Whites, 1 Small White, 2 Large Whites, 1 Painted Lady, 1 Small Copper and 1 Large Skipper.
Moths included a good 20 Silver Y's, 3 Cinnabars and 2 Yellow Shells.
I was pleased to see that the Small Blues as well as the other species were all over the site, not just on and around the constructed butterfly bank area.
I would love to see other butterfly enthusiasts at this site. It really is a good one, as long as it isn't windy. Free 24-hour parking, as long as you can squeeze your vehicle through a gap of 2.2 metres! (Graeme Rolf https://www.flickr.com/photos/128321708@N03/albums/72157649396241380)

This image, taken today by Tony Gould, is the fifth female Adonis Blue recorded from the Liz Williams butterfly haven in the last week and a half. I'm now wondering if the Adonis Blues observed by Jamie Burston, on the Roedale allotment, may have originated at the Liz Williams Butterfly Haven? (Dr Dan Danahar)

yesterday I was walking south from Lewes on the ouse valley way map ref 42465/08792 and saw this Wall butterfly . A male and it was nectaring on buttercups. (Ian Bartlett)

Found this little fare evader on my train today. He got off at Eastbourne :) (Istvan Radi)

I went to Iping Common late morning but no sign of Silver-studded Blues yet. I stopped off at Anchor Bottom on the way back for half an hour. Still plenty of Adonis Blues around. (Katrina Watson)

Spotted this moth on a tree's bark at Adur Rec. Ground in Shoreham by Sea along the A259. Not sure what it is. (Istvan Radi)

Tuesday 29 May

The Meadow Brown, Britain's commonest butterfly but what do we know about it's private life? Dave Goulson and I went looking last night, for it's caterpillars after dark, at Malling Down LNR - to film part of another episode in uk butterflies series on the British Butterflies. (Dr Dan Danahar)

Seven days since David Cook first recorded the Adonis Blue from the Liz Williams butterfly haven and so I found I could not resist an early evening walk around the reserve, given the extra species sighted there over the last week. Amidst the Small Blues, Brown Argus, Common Blues etc. I did also photograph another female Adonis Blue, a very fresh individual and after comparing it with the previous three images, I'm convinced this is a fourth female, see image four. (Dr Dan Danahar)

Monday 28 May

Today (28/05/18) Val & I started our walk in Friston Forest at about 11.30am at the forestry car park between Exceat & Charleston Manor (TQ517003 I think). It was hot & sunny from start to finish, although on our eastward treck through the forest towards Jevington we were in shade quite a bit. We saw 15 Speckled Woods, 3 whites, a lizard and (the highlight of this part) lots of white helleborines on the right hand side of the path below Snap Hill. At TQ554009 we came out into the open but instead of following the path down into Jevington we took a left fork which followed the east edge of the Forest.Here we saw 4 Wall Browns butterflies, 20 Small Heaths, 1 Small Copper and several whites. This path went into a thin strip of woodland before meeting the South Downs Way (also wooded), which we turned left onto to go back west. In these wooded areas we saw 3 Brimstones, all male one of them very keen on the red Campion flowers, 3 Speckled Woods and several more whites. We turned left off the South Downs Way as we emerged from the woods and headed west through much more open country to Lullington Heath. As we left the trees, there appeared to be a Holly Blue quite high up in them. On the heath we saw at least 30 Common Blues, a Small Copper, 3 whites, 2 wall butterflies, a few Small Heaths and a Dingy Skipper. Back on the main path west to Litlington, near Winchester Pond, we disturbed 2 small dark butterflies which shot off too quickly for identification but the third gave us a flash of metallic green, so I'm confident they were all Green Hairstreaks. We saw in this area 2 more Brimstone, one male & one female, several whites, 5 Common Blues, 5 Small Heaths and 2 Wall Brown butterflies. After this there was nothing for well over half a mile until an Orange Tip met us as we neared Litlington at about 4pm. After a pause at the Plough & Harrow, we headed south back to the Forest car park along the South Downs Way. We saw no butterflies in the fields (it was after 5 pm but still hot & sunny), but were greeted by a Red Admiral in a sunny patch of the woods. (John & Val Heys)

This evening I went back to Park Corner Heath to see if the SPBFs would roost in the same patch of grass. It was a pleasure to meet Tim and Joanne from Kent again (I hope I have remembered your names correctly) and Trevor and James.
The answer was only one roosted in the same small patch of grass tonight. A good evening was had by all. The butterflies seemed to like the shed with a Red Admiral and then a SBPF landing on it. (Katrina Watson)

On a short visit to Hogtrough Bottom Bevendean I saw Common Blues Dingy Skippers Small Heath 6 Adonis Blue males and 4 females. Back in my garden Holly Blues Speckled Woods a green veined white and a Small Magpie moth. On the purging buckthorn there are Brimstone caterpillars of various sizes
and new eggs being laid most days. (Geoff Stevens)

While swigging mugs of tea and licking ice cream in Newhaven Fort first a female Wall Brown and then a male Meadow Brown came to say hello. The latter was the first sighting of this butterfly on the transect this year, and a very early one at that. A most tasty 125 butterflies of 14 species for the day. (Sue Cross)
Bang on time with the Meadow Brown. Thank you. (ed jnr)

I returned to Anchor Bottom this evening and had just as much fun as last night.

(Jonathan Crawford)

This morning (28 May) I visited the BC Park Corner Heath (PCH) & Rowland Wood reserves. The first thing I noticed was the new signage at the entrance; many thanks to Ian Hampshire and Bob Foreman for doing such a great job. Thanks also to Michael and Clare Blencowe for finishing the painting of the PCH hut, and to Jonathan Crawford for mounting the banner and display units. The reserves are now looking very smart. All of the habitat work done over the last couple of years is really paying off and butterfly numbers are clearly on the increase. Unsurprisingly, it was the reintroduced Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary (SPBF) which was the focus of my attention, and I was delighted by what I saw. A thorough survey of almost every ride and open space produced a total of 21 SPBF (16 male, 4 female, 1 indeterminate). Two of the females were freshly emerged, and two were already laying eggs. The species was well distributed across both reserves, with 6 males seen on PCH. There is now every reason to believe that this reintroduction has gone well. (Neil Hulme)

A walk along the bottom of Castle Hill, near Woodingdean, this afternoon was full of Adonis Blue, Common Blue and a smaller number of Small Blue. Also Small Heath, Small White and several Wall Browns (Nigel Symington)

There were at least 18 butterfly species on Chantry Hill today and quite possibly 20. Species and numbers as follows: Grizzled Skipper (26), Dingy Skipper (85), Brimstone (4), Large White (2), Small White (2), Green-veined White (2), Orange-tip (3), Green Hairstreak (1), Small Copper (1), Small Blue (10), Brown Argus (85), Common Blue (112), Duke of Burgundy (32), Red Admiral (2), Painted Lady (1), Comma (1), Wall Brown (1m) and Small Heath (105). The two that got "away" were Clouded Yellow (too distant and too brief a view to be certain) and female Adonis Blue. The Small Blue were in three different colonies. The Wall Brown and Painted Lady were my first for this year. Also female Peregrine Falcon, Red Kite, Common Buzzard, Kestrel and at least five different Ravens. I didn't take my camera but will send another couple of Brown Argus photos that I took yesterday. (Martin Kalaher)

Mount Caburn on the path from Ranscombe Lane TQ445087. Adonis Blue more than 200, Small Heath more than 100, Common Blue 2. Wall 1, (Roy P Wells)

Having read Neil’s plea for Duke of Burgundy data from Harting Hill and also spotting that there were no reports from here as one of the atlas sites, I thought I would gather my passport and cross over the border from my Hampshire home. What a stunning site it is with fabulous 180 degree views across to the North Downs and I could even see home turf in the shape of Butser Hill to the west. I managed to get down into all of the coombes and although butterfly numbers were low in the heat I managed to track down five Dukes and one Duchess - all in quite good condition. Back up butterflies included a dozen or so Common Blues and six Dingy Skippers. Being quite late in the season for Duke of Burgundy this was probably an ok count and being only 25 minutes from home I will return next year to see what else I can find . (Mark Tutton)
Thanks Mark, you could always move to Sussex and then you would be able to experience our butterflies every day! (Ed jnr)

I went Wolstonbury this morning with aim of find Small Blue's . I found 34 including a mating pair and an egg laying female, mostly in the old chalk pits near the top of the Hill . Other highlights included 4 Wall Brown , 3 Green Hairstreak , 2 Adonis Blue and 1 Brown Argus . Common Blue and Small Heath were both numerous and there were reasonable numbers of Dingy Skipper , the only thing missing was a Small Copper. (Tom Parker)

A walk around Newmarket Bottom (next to castle Hill NNR) late afternoon, Adonis Blue >20, Common Blue >20, Wall 9, Brown Argus 8, Small Heath 7, Dingy Skipper 5, Small White 6, Large Whites 3 and a Small Copper (Ian Seccombe)

A circuit of Highdown this fine morning - 63 Small Heath, 33 Common Blue, 10 Holly Blue, 4 Speckled Wood, Dingy Skipper, Large Skipper, Small Copper, Comma, Silver Y, Mother Shipton, Small & Large Whites, a cream tea. (Lindsay Morris)
Cream tea sounds nice. Scones? (Ed jnr)

Over at Park Heath Corner I found Neil Hulme on his hands and knees plotting the the seduction of a newly emerged Small Pearl Bordered Fritillary. A walk around the reserve with him revealed about a dozen Small Pearl Bordered Fritillaries though he had seen a few more earlier. I think I lost my watch in the reserve so if anyone finds it.... (Jonathan Crawford)

After seeing Jonathon's report I went to Anchor Bottom this morning for about half an hour from 9.30. Lots of butterflies already active. Also about 50 crows - I hope they don't eat Adonis Blues! (Katrina Watson)

Following on from yesterday's Dingy Skipper, this morning a Painted Lady visited our garden near Broadbridge Heath. (David Bridges)

sun 27/05/2018. we walked from Exceat to Seaford, along the way counted 18x Small Heath, 20x Common Blue one of which was female, 2x Small White, and 1x female Red Admiral which laid an egg. at Seaford had a look at an large grassy area called The Old Brickworks 1.15 -2.08pm. saw the following:- 6x Common Blue, 5x Small White, and a surprise 1x male Small Blue seen at area TV47217 99667 at 1.34pm not to far from a small pond. i was watching a Common Blue when he had a tussle with a smaller butterfly this settled i couldn't believe it, tried to get a photo but he kept flying up and settling farther ahead, then i lost sight of him, i couldn't find any Kidney Vetch though. on way back at Seaford Head area counted 1x Wall, 3x Small Heath, 2x Speckled Wood, 4x Common Blue, 1x Dingy Skipper at TV49827 97841 and 1x Holly Blue. and near Hope Gap saw 1x Small Copper, 3x Small White,9x Common Blue, 1x Large White and 1x Small White. (Peter Farrant)

Yesterday (27 May) I monitored Duke of Burgundy numbers across multiple sites in the Storrington landscape. Although a composite total count of 91 is not to be sniffed at, it was quite clear that the Duke season is now in its last stages; they're burning out fast in the prolonged heat and only one male and two females were in anything like fresh condition. My visit also produced my first Golden-ringed Dragonfly of the year. (Neil Hulme)

Sunday 27 May

Really exciting news!! Today (27th) I visited the Butterfly Plot which I manage in Brighton for Butterfly Conservation - Sussex Branch, only to find a female Adonis Blue, followed shortly after by a male! With some luck the female will stick around to lay her eggs on the Horseshoe Vetch! Elsewhere on the allotment I saw Small Whites, Orange-tip, Red Admiral and Small Blues. A nice reward for planting 86 Kidney Vetch on the Wildlife Community Plot, which I grew from seed. (Jamie Burston)

I found a late season, female Orange Tip at Halnaker this afternoon.
On the way home I called at Mill Hill, when I left just after 8pm, many Butterflies were still active.
The evening highlight was 9 male Adonis Blues enjoying something nasty. (Trevor Rapley)

I pressed "Enter" before finishing my photos, so here they are. (Graeme Rolf https://www.flickr.com/photos/128321708@N03/albums/72157649396241380)

Roedean Butterfly Bank. 7.00 pm - 8.00 pm. On the east Nettle bank adjoining Roedean School, 1 tatty Small White and 1 tatty Green-veined White. Nothing on the Kidney Vetch covered banks, but in the rank grass immediately to the east and west of them, 5 Small Heaths, 6 Common Blues and a good 50 or more Small Blues. I assume the Small Blues prefer the long grass stalks to roost on, rather than the carpet of ground covering Kidney Vetch. (Graeme Rolf https://www.flickr.com/photos/128321708@N03/albums/72157649396241380)

This evening I went to Park Corner Heath and saw very active SPBFs. When I was leaving at 8pm I found 4 thinking about communally roosting but not quite ready. They were all on a very small patch of long grass. I didn't venture into Rowland Wood. (katrina watson)

Several Pearl-bordered Fritillaries and Small Pearl-bordered Fritillaries seen nectaring on Bugle at Abbot's Wood this afternoon. Many thanks to Mike and Theresa for pointing us in the right direction when we bumped into them late the previous day. (Donal McCarthy and Ellie Burke)

‪I’m just blown away, today Sylvia Davidson photographed a Small Heath on the Liz Williams Butterfly Haven. This is the 30th species seen there, that’s 81% of the Brighton & Hove butterfly fauna.‬ (Dr Dan Danahar)

A wonderful reward today for my efforts at 'wildlife gardening'. A Dingy Skipper, flying to and fro across my garden (near Broadbridge Heath) inspecting the Birdsfoot Trefoil, plus several Brimstone, a Holly Blue and a Speckled Wood, not to mention a large Grass Snake on the compost heap! (David Bridges)

After this mornings transect, I began to wonder where the Adonis Blues roost on Anchor Bottom, as unlike Mill Hill it is has little cover. So at six pm I set forth and encountered an amazing spectacle. The sun slowly sets down the hill as as it does so the Adonis Blues began to roost in what was almost certainly their thousands. It is best viewed at ground level, so the trick I perfected was to slide down the hill on my bottom at the same speed as the sun was setting. They were everywhere. Mostly they were roosting on the grass but a few were content with sitting on the bare ground. Some roosted individually but many roosted communally in often quite large groups. At one point I counted a hundred and forty directly in front of me. You get some idea from the photos but they are a pale shadow of what there was to be seen. I left feeling quite intoxicated by the experience.

I checked the records because I know that Jim Steedman saw 3500 second brood Adonis Blues on his August 2008 transect. At the beginning of June 2008 Jim saw just over 700 first brood Adonis Blues on Anchor Bottom. Whilst I only saw 450 this morning I don't think their numbers have peaked. So I am hoping that if we have a good summer we might see something quite stupendous in August.



(Jonathan Crawford)

The forecast showers were missing in action today and our walk up on Graffham Down - one of my favourite sites in the county - was held under blue skies. Early on in the walk we were treated to a number of Pearl-bordered Fritillary sightings. These butterflies have been released into this part of Sussex as part of BC's 'Fritillaries for the Future' project and it was good seeing them making themselves at home in the beautiful, flower-rich rides of Graffham Down. Also seen today Grizzled Skipper, Dingy Skipper, Common Blue and the tattiest, oldest Brimstone in Sussex. Plenty of other interesting wildlife too - including an impressive Variable Longhorn Beetle. Thanks to everyone who came along (Michael Blencowe)

I have seen several Holly Blues in my Seaford garden lately but throughout today at least 30 passed through with some taking short rests before moving on. It seems to be a good year for these butterflies. A number of Small Whites were about and 1 Large White and my first garden Common Blue was feeding on a perennial Salvia. I also spotted a Silver Y moth whizzing about before resting among some dianthus plants. (Stuart Ridley)

A walk round Lancing Ring and Steep Down in glorious sunshine was notable for 16 Wall Brown and a couple of personal "firsts". My first Large Skipper this year and my first ever Dingy Skipper on Steep Down, which also had 8 Adonis Blue males. Plenty of Common Blue, Holly Blue and Small Heath, 3 Brimstone, 2 Red Admiral, Brown Argus, Peacock, not many Whites plus 12 Silver Y, 2 Burnet Companion, Garden Carpet. (Lindsay Morris)

At Bo Peep bostal a Wall Brown count today was a little disappointing with only 24 spotted on a circuit of around 2 miles. This circuit normally does very well with the first brood before the grasses take over the site. The 2nd brood count is much smaller normally. Today, the grasses had already grown too much covering the paths that the Wall Brown are normally seen. I guess it was a combination of the warm damp conditions as well as fewer Rabbits around at the moment. All but one of the Wall Brown were in very good condition and at least 5 females were seen. Other species seen were several Green Hairstreak, probably females mainly on egg laying missions, lots of Dingy Skippers and Small Heath, Common Blues and a single Adonis Blue and Small Blue. (Bob Eade http://bobsbutterflies.blogspot.co.uk)

I just drove back from doing the transect at Anchor Bottom with a broad grin on my face. The site is covered in buttercups and is looking very attractive. I saw low numbers of Brown Argus, Small White, Small Heath and slightly more Common Blues. I had taken a tally counter and by the end of the transect I had notched up 453 Adonis Blues on the northern slope (TQ 20562 09379) and valley floor (TQ 20599 09351). There were so many that it was hard to count them. At the eastern end of the bottom of the valley they were gathering on cowpats and dog shit in large numbers. Curiously at some points they seemed to be gathering in groups where no excrement was visible at all. (Jonathan Crawford)

Saturday 26 May

The Sm. Pearl Bordered Fritillary mentioned in previous post (Arthur Greenslade)

Today I walked form Amberley to Medley Bottom (site 11). I visited both coombes, the more northern twisted upwards towards Rackham Banks. I decided to count butterflies as this site seems to be rarely visited. However once I got to 27 Dingy Skipper, 18 Adonis Blue and 11 Small Blue I gave up, I wanted to enjoy the butterflies rather than have my head in my notebook. There were also Brimstone, Common Blue, Green Hairstreak and Red Admiral.
The narrower adjacent coombe to the south east was absolutely stunning, I have never seen so many Adonis Blue, they were everywhere on the southern slope. There were also Common Blue, Brown Argus, Orange Tip, Small Heath, Grizzled Skipper and Small Blue. At the bottom of the valley was the amazing site of large numbers of Adonis Blue feeding on cattle dung. I counted 25 in an area of around I meter square as well as 7 Small Blue and a Grizzled Skipper.
On the walk back to Amberley via North Stoke there were also Comma, Peacock and many Whites. (But no Wall B) (Patrick Moore)
Thanks Patrick, Medley Bottom is one of my favourite sites and one I would not have known about were it not for the Atlas. I can cross it off the list now.(Ed jnr)

We headed up to Mount Caburn from the Wind Turbine and came back via Oxteddle Bottom . 29 Adonis Blue , 21 Common Blue , 18 Small Heath , 4 Small Copper , 2 Holly Blue , 1 Red Admiral and Large White . (Tom Parker)

An evening visit Rowland Wood and Park Corner revealed at least 5 roosting Common Blues,
and a possible 3 SPBF, I have doubt as one Small Pearl may have been seen twice.
All SPBF were males. (Trevor Rapley)

Yesterday (25 May) I paid a brief visit to the Knepp Wildland, to photograph one of the Purple Emperor caterpillars being studied by Matthew Oates. As the skies cleared, I headed to the BC Park Corner Heath & Rowland Wood reserves, to see how the Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary (SPBF) is doing, following its reintroduction last year as part of the BC Fritillaries for the Future project. I spent several hours with Peter Farrant, trying to determine their number as accurately as possible, given that they are highly mobile and move from ride to ride. We determined the certain presence of six males and a (egg-laying) female in Rowland Wood, although it is likely that eight SPBF were flying. We drew a blank on Park Corner Heath, but I believe that Bob Eade saw three there, one of which apparently fell foul of a Crab Spider (photographed by Arthur Greenslade). These numbers are encouraging so early in the flight season, but please report any SPBF sightings to the BC Sussex website; it is vital that we monitor their progress closely, both here and at Abbot's Wood. (Neil Hulme)

There were a couple of Speckled Woods at Mill Hill this evening playing by the steps. A few Small Heath were still flying as was a single Wall Brown and the odd Common Blue. Unremarkable, were it not for the hundreds of roosting Adonis Blues. One of the pictures shows eight roosting together. This scene was played out in countless locations above and below the path on the lower slopes. (Jonathan Crawford)

Today there was a Large Skipper in the garden (for about 10 seconds), hence the very low quality of the photograph submitted. It was very windy in the garden all day, so it was always going to be a challenge. The odd lull in the gusts of wind allowed me to take some pics of a male Brown Argus. Over the past nine years I have kept good records of butterflies in the garden and for the first seven years the average number of species before the end of May was in the range 11-13. Last year there were 18 species and and so far this year there have also been 18 species. (Martin Kalaher)

Alongside an astronomical number of Small Blues, some Common & Adonis Blues, this Dingy Skipper (about midday today) is a first for the site according to Dan Danahar. (Harry Mole)
"Dantastic".
I have been waiting for this sighting as it marks the 4000th sighting upload since I took over from Bob (aka Ed) in April 2016. As your reward Harry, you can post as many sightings on this site as you like free of charge for the rest of your life - [terms and conditions apply]. Dave Cook was the first to use the form, Chris Corrigan was number 1000, Neil Hulme came in with number 2000, whilst a chap called Adrian Fox marked his only ever sighting with number 3000. (Ed jnr).

A wander around Frog Firle and High and Over produced a lovely fresh male Adonis Blue. It did however, fail to have its antennae which I would guess was left behind in the pupa. (Bob Eade http://bobsbutterflies.blogspot.co.uk)

Spent much of the day on Ashdown Forest looking at potential transect sites with Paul Johnson. At every place w stopped to look for Green Hairstreaks we found them. There were also a few Brimstones and whites and a couple of Small Heaths, plus an awful lot of moths that looked annoyingly like skippers. Ashdown seems to be a couple of weeks behind everywhere else I have visited this year. (Jonathan Crawford)

An early morning walk from Southease railway station to Lewes. Three male Wall Browns using the bare patches of soil made this winter by those tough little ponies grazing the north slope overlooking Little Dene TQ456063. Between Glynde and Lewes there were numerous Small Heath, Common Blue and adonis, especially on the flowery west slope of Bible Bottom and on the south facing slope of the track up to Lewes golf club. The best was also the last, a tiny male Small Blue on the lower slope of the track up to the golf course TQ424101. I nearly fell off the steep bank in my delight. (Tessa Pawsey)

This appeared in my garden this morning. (Common Blue)

Hot off the press, my first Large Skipper this year (in my Storrington garden). A poor-quality photograph taken at 12.31pm. I am sending it in now, as of this moment it is the first this year for Sussex. (Martin Kalaher)
I was chatting with County Butterfly Recorder paul Johnson this morning and said that someone was going to send in sightings for both Large Skipper and Meadow Brown this weekend. One down. (Ed jnr)

Female Common Blue in my wildflower garden (Peter Lovett https://sussexrambler.blogspot.co.uk/)

Yestersay on the permissive path between Wakehurst Gardens and the Gardeners Arms spotted 5 Common Blues and a Small Copper. (Martin Buck)

Yesterday afternoon it was sunny and still (which is rare for my Storrington garden) and I spent a couple of hours wandering around the garden to see what was on offer, which was not a lot! I checked the Brimstone caterpillars on the Alder Buckthorn and they seem to be doing OK, but otherwise I mostly watched a male Common Blue to see what it was doing. It has been in the garden since the 22nd and yesterday there were two, and inevitably they couldn't get on and squabbled all the time. The Common Blue nectared on more-or-less all the meadow flowers available. It seemed to have no particular preference, although it probably did visit Common Vetch more often than Ox-eye Daisy, Common Sorrel, Red Campion and Red Clover. When busy nectaring, Common Blue (as with most other butterflies) makes itself more amenable for the camera. Late in the afternoon a Small Heath came visiting but I couldn't spend too much time with it as I had chores to do. The Small Heath makes 17 species in the garden this year. As a nice finish to the afternoon there were three Peregrine Falcons high up in the clouds, over the garden. (Martin Kalaher)

Friday 25 May

I popped into St Leonards Forest, Horsham this afternoon to see if the Grizzled Skipper numbers had risen, they had. I counted at least 9 in the small area of meadow which they seem to favour. There were also several Dingy Skipper, the first Common Blue I've seen in the forest this year as well as Brimstone, Speckled Wood and a Peacock. Plenty of Speckled Yellow moths and a Burnet Companion were also flying. (Patrick Moore)

Mill Hill. 7.15 am to 11.00 am. Very damp, very still and 14 degrees C.. Countless Adonis Blues. 1 Small Heath. 3 Dingy Skippers. 3 Cinnabar moths. (Graeme Rolf https://www.flickr.com/photos/128321708@N03/albums/72157649396241380)

More from Wild Park (Istvan Radi)

I went for a walk in the afternoon to Wild Park, Brighton and I was treated to a most pleasant surprise. While trying to take a picture of a blue, I found a group of 6 Dingy Skippers in the high grass. Some of them looking brand new some of them quite worn down. I am not sure what they were doing but these two were sort of playing and then they would settle on this grass facing each other. I also found a Brown Argus, a Small Copper, 6 Common Blue, 2 Speckled Wood, 1 Red Admiral, 15-20 Small Heath and a few white butterflies. Plenty of moths too. And I heard a cuckoo. (Istvan Radi)

I was delighted to be awarded the H H Bloomer silver medal at the Linnean Society of London last night, for my butterfly habitat restoration work and films on @ukbutterflies. Then I saw Linnaeus' own holotype for the Two-tailed Pasha (Charaxes jasius) in the society's vault! (Dr Dan Danahar)
Congratulations Dr D. Though I expect you were disappointed that you didn't get to wear a pointy hat. I would have been. (Ed jnr)

Cissbury Ring was mostly overcast but warm and calm. 36 Common Blue, 26 Small Heath, 25 Brimstone, 22 Dingy Skipper, 6 Small Copper, 6 Holly Blue, 4 Wall Brown, 3 Grizzled Skipper, Adonis Blue (male and female), 2 Green Hairstreak, 2 Red Admiral, Brown Argus, Speckled Wood, a few Small and Large Whites. Also a few Cinnabar, a Common Carpet, Speckled Yellow (dozens), 2 Cardinal Beetle. (Lindsay Morris)
Really good to see Adonis Blues at Cissbury. I know that the National Trust has been working hard to improve the habitat for them on the site, and hopefully it is beginning to pay dividends. (Ed jnr)

On the Mill hill transect today with conditions overcast and damp, there was a solitary Small Heath at the top. Things were a bit better on the lower half where the tally for Adonis Blues was 184. (Jonathan Crawford)

This afternoon at Site 1 in Abbots Wood, I managed to achieve my ambition of seeing Pearl-bordered Fritillary and Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary flying together in Sussex. Conditions were warm but rather overcast, so they were reluctant to fly, but I saw several Pearls. One very fresh Small Pearl was also seen, which stood out because of its much brighter background colour. (Andy Wilson)

Today (23rd May) I visited Stansted Forest (SU7410) walking a circular route around one of the main tracks. The temperature was around 16°C with a strong breeze, which may be the reason for the Brimstone to be unusually absent . Totals: Small White 7, Green Veined White 4, Orange-tip 1M, Speckled Wood 2. (Roy Symonds)

A trip to Kithurst meadow before the rain started yesterday gave me 2 moths: Silver-ground Carpet (Xanthorhoe montanata) and Yellow-faced Bell (Epiblema cynosbatella). At Rustington's Brookfield Park I found many tiny Yellow-spot Twists (Pseudargyrotoza conwagana) and a Long-horned moth (Adelid) eluded a photo, but I know where it lives... On our balcony we had Shuttle Shaped Dart (Agrotis puta), Silver Y (Autographa gamma) and Yellow-backed Clothes Moth, (Monopis obviella). (Colin Knight http://www.seapic.com)

Trip to Rowland's Wood on Wednesday from Surrey. Great to see all the hard work is paying off with lots of new habitat for butterflies.
We found at least 6 Small Pearls which stopped long enough on Bugle for some pictures. On the way back we called in at Abbott's Wood and found some Pearls busy egg laying - Great day out and a tribute to Neil and his team from Sussex! (Richard Stephens)

Thursday 24 May

(continuation of previous report) (Colin Knight)

Another trip to Rewell Wood yesterday showed me Grizzled Skippers, Dingy Skippers and male Common Blues. moths seen: Common Carpet (Epirrhoe alternata), Cream Wave (Scopula floslactata), Hemp-agrimony Plume (Adaina microdactyla), Light Brown Apple Moth (Epiphyas postvittana), Muslin Moth (Diaphora mendica), Small Purple and Gold aka Mint Moth (Pyrausta aurata) and Treble-bar (Aplocera plagiata). A Red-and-black Froghopper stood out on a stalk. (Colin Knight http://www.seapic.com)

Rewell Wood on 22nd provided me with another rare moth, the Little Thorn (Cepphis advenaria). I also saw Orange Footman (Eilema sororcula), Small Heath, Grizzled Skipper nectaring on its foodplant, the wild strawberry, Dark Strawberry Tortrix and Common Carpet. (Colin Knight http://www.seapic.com)

Rowland Wood. From 9.00 am to 3.00 pm. 3 Small Pearl-bordered Fritillaries. 5 Brimstones which didn't appear until after 1.00 pm. 5 Small Heaths. 1 Grizzled Skipper. Lots of Speckled Yellow moths. 1 Silver Y, and an Adder. Not a huge count as I spent most of my time by the big pond unsuccessfully trying to photograph Dragonflies in flight. However, I've posted my best effort. (Graeme Rolf https://www.flickr.com/photos/128321708@N03/albums/72157649396241380)

A circular walk from Litlington via Jevington and Folkington was full of butterflies. Wall, Small Heath, Green Hairstreak, Common Blue, Adonis Blue, Brown Argus, Brimstone, Dingy Skipper. The little flowery bank at the top of Cranedown bottom was rich with the warm scent of horseshoe vetch. This winter the slope below this has been cleared of scrub so hopefully the adonis here will get more territory back, though at the moment the nettles seem to be winning.
The deep chalk track up Windover Hill was edged with horse shoe vetch and sheltered from the breeze, though I was a bit worried to see cotoneaster in a couple of spots. (Tessa Pawsey)

Istvan's photo of the Clubtail is an immature male. So along with the 2 females we saw, there are at least 3 and doubtless more there. (John Luck)

Wednesday 23 May

I lead a walk for Support Services staff from the South Downs National Park Authority who had requested a butterfly walk. They are based at Midhurst so the obvious place to go was Heyshott Down to see Duke of Burgundy. We were not disappointed. Also saw numerous whites on the tracks up there, Speckled Wood, Green Hairstreak, Dingy Skipper, Grizzled Skipper, Common Blue, Orange Tip, Cinnabar moth and Holly Blue. The Butterflies of Sussex was invaluable background info for the walk. What a wealth of knowledge contained in that marvellous tome. (Timothy Squire)

Walked from Lewes to Ashcombe Bottom in Blackcap NT. A few Small Blue by footpath alongside racehorse track just before Blackcap entrance but very little else.
Walking across the south facing grassland within Blackcap spirits were raised a little by a good smattering of Small Heath and Common Blue.
Within the wooded Ashcombe Bottom had continued good numbers of Common Blue, half a dozen Brown Argus, a couple more Small Blue and, most plentifully, Dingy Skipper. Other butterflies seen in ones and twos: Small Copper, Green-veined White, Small White, Peacock, Comma, Orange Tip, Brimstone and Speckled Wood. (Ray Pyne)

I just realized that I forgot to attach the picture of the the Common Clubtail although others have confirmed that they saw it too. (Istvan Radi)

Some more from Kithurst and Pulborough. (Istvan Radi)

I was pleased to see that Paul Day recorded two male Duke of Burgundy in Washington chalk pits yesterday (22 May). I also visited this site, after leading a large group of Natural England ecologists around Chantry Hill, so arrived much later. I also saw two Duke of Burgundy, but mine were both female, suggesting that the species may be gaining a firmer foothold here. (Neil Hulme)

A few years ago when I first visited the Kithurst area I was looking for the wreck of the Churchill MkII tank but today I was in search of something smaller and yet in certain ways a more grandiose creature, the Duke of Burgundy. And I did not have to wait long before I found 3 of them sunbathing on the path. I arrived at 10:30 and instead of the intended one hour I stayed for almost three as I kept finding more and more interesting butterflies: 2 Green Hairstreak, 3 Small Blue, 2 Orange-tip, a few Brimstone, 1 Large White, 3 Small White, plenty of mixed "blues", 1 Red Admiral and I counted 4 Dingy Skipper. There was a few moths too - chatting to another butterfly-watcher I know that they were Mint moth (just like the one from yesterday at Malling Down). Also, I might be wrong but I think there was a Common Clubtail, do correct me if I am wrong about this.
Then I walked down to Pulborough Brooks where I saw disappointingly few butterflies: 2 Speckled Wood, 1 Brimstone, 4 Green-veined White, 2 Small Heath and 2 white moths. At least they had one female Adder as a compensation. (Istvan Radi)
More about the tank here. (Ed jnr)

Week 8 of the transect at the Gatwick NW zone got some good results today with 11 species seen. 1 Large White, 5 Small White, 3 Green-veined White, 10 Dingy Skipper, 19 Common Blue, 1 Small Copper, 1 Brown Argus, 1 Green Hairstreak, 6 Small Heath, 1 Peacock and 1 Red Admiral. Sadly no Grizzled Skippers yet this year, so there is some concern about this. (Vince Massimo)

I've been to sites with better dragonflies and I've doubtless been to sites with better butterflies, but I cannot recall visiting a site with such a stunning combination of both orders. Today, my wife and I visited Kithurst Meadow with the prime purpose of seeing the Duke of Burgundy in Sussex. We had been to Noar Hill in Hampshire many years ago, but now we had the opportunity to see it in Sussex. This we did, accompanied by 2 Small Blues and Dingy Skippers. But then, the magic started when Hilary spotted a Clubtail perched just a couple of feet from the ground. Then a second one appeared....both females. I had been alerted to its presence by Alison Playle, who had spotted and photographed an immature male, way up in the trees on May 17th. We, however, were being treated to awesome views at eye level. Clubtails are one of the country's rarest species. In Sussex, it stays firmly put on the Arun and Western Rother, seemingly having no desire to head further east to the prime part of the county. After emerging, they head off to a suitable woodland to mature before returning to the river to mate. It appears that Kithurst Meadow is just such a woodland and the likelihood is that they could be around for another week before heading off. We also saw a female Hairy Dragonfly and a Broad-bodied Chaser so our cup was full. (John Luck)

This afternoon I visited the south facing north side of the Devils Dyke valley. Possibly due to the wind there was a large concentration of Brown Argus to the lee of low lying bushes all charging round at a huge pace. I have never seen quite so many in such a small area, wonderful. There were also Wall Brown, Green Hairstreak, Dingy Skipper, Brimstone, several Whites and a single Adonis Blue.(and Common Twayblade) I then walked to Benfield Hill LNR (site 19) spotting several Small Blue on the way, where there were also Brown Argus, Common Blue, Red Admiral, Speckled Wood and Green Hairstreak. The weather then collapsed so I headed back to the Dyke and watched three Painted Lady charging around for cover as the rain came in. (Patrick Moore)
Thanks for the site Patrick. (Ed jnr)

I wonder if the fact that some populations seem to be having a very good spring accounts for the fact I saw two unusual ( for me!) species at Lancing Ring? First a Dingy Skipper, which I have never before encountered between Cissbury and Mill Hill, and secondly an Adonis Blue (female). The latter is not usually on the Ring (for me!), but I have encountered them on one or two occasions over the last 5 years. The nearest colony is Steep Down, a leisurely flight away, but there is not a huge amount of horseshoe vetch on the Ring. You can see Mill Hill in the far pdistance looking completely yellow on the lower slopes. Hence our one to their hundreds! I wonder if anyone else has noticed such dispersal (if that is what it is) this spring? (Lindsay Morris)
The obvious place that springs to mind is Dr. Dan's butterfly haven which has seen a small influx of Adonis Blues this year . It is curious because Crispin Holloway mentioned on saturday that he had only seen two Adonis Blues on Malling Down on his transect this year which was unusually low.(Ed jnr)

Whilst looking for butterflies in Kithurst Meadow today, we spotted a Common Clubtail perched 4m up in a Hazel Bush. Apologies for the partial views, but it wouldn't come down any closer! This is the second time we have seen a Clubtail up on the Downs; the first sighting was a kilometre away, not far from The Chantry. Perhaps Clubtails also search for butterflies?

Two Dukes were also seen, with a couple of Small Blues and a few Dingy Skippers. (Chris SKinner & Jim Glover)

(continuation of previous report) (Colin Knight)

The recent good weather has given me great moth sightings, including some rarities. Our Littlehampton balcony had Rusty Dot Pearl (Udea ferrugalis) and Diamond-back Moth (Plutella xylostella) which I also saw in Rewell Wood. We had a great invasion of the latter from the continent a couple of years back. Rewell Wood on 21st had Thistle Bell (Epiblema scutulana), Silver-ground Carpet (Xanthorhoe montanata) , Drinker larva (Euthrix potatoria) and the rare Spurge Marble (Lobesia occidentis): http://bit.ly/2KNCHFp. Afterwards I visited Kithurst meadow and found a Duke of Burgundy flying at 4:40pm. Also lovely specimens of Brown Argus and Common Blue. Moths at the site were Dark Strawberry Tortrix (Celypha lacunana) and Plum Tortrix (Hedya pruniana). Cinerous Pearls were everywhere and as usual were very flighty and landed upside under leaves making photography impossible. (Colin Knight http://www.seapic.com)

Visiting Mill Hill 15-00- 18-00 yesterday it was just how the countryside was supposed to be in 'the good old days' Adonis Blues were there in hundreds in perfect condition sunny and cloudy intervals you could watch all their behaviours mating flights, egg laying, group feeding on noxious substances fighting basking. With a back cast of numbers of Small Heaths 5 Grizzled Skippers 8 Dingy Skippers Small Copper Brimstone a Mother Shipton Moth etc. Definitely a place to visit now. (Bob North)

Old Lodge NR Difficult to photograph a fast-moving melee and great to see a few fights yesterday! (Peter Lovett)

Old Lodge NR yesterday. Dargonflies included Blue Emperor, Broad-bodied Chaser, Downy Emerald, Large Red Damselflies. A weekly work party was clearing bracken following up on chemical treatment.
(Peter Lovett https://sussexrambler.blogspot.co.uk/)

I watched a female Holly Blue laying on Sanguisorba minor (Salad Burnet) on Monday, in the Liz Williams butterfly haven. (Dr Dan Danahar)

I like to observe things, see what the natural world gets up to. Yesterday, for me it was all rather special as I was able to watch the antics of three different meadow butterfly species and see what, if any, inter-actions there were. In my wildflower meadow there was single Dingy Skipper, Brown Argus and Small Copper and they were using "spacing" as a means to avoid unnecessary conflict. In other words they each had their own patch and provided they did not infringe on their neighbours patch, all was well with the world. It was interesting to watch and for the record it is the first year I have been able to record the males of these three species in the meadow, on the same day. Another first, when I captured a Speckled Wood feeding on honeydew. It was clearly feeding but there was no flower head, so I had a closer look and sure enough there were lots of sticky secretions and indeed 2-3 green aphids.To cap it all, a male Common Blue emerged late in the afternoon but soon retired to bed. To really cap it all I watched my "favourite" pair of Honey Buzzards (somewhere in Sussex) as they revealed to me their nesting wood for this year. It really was a very special day! (Martin Kalaher)

Tuesday 22 May

Small Pearl Bordered Fritillary at Rowland Wood, East Sussex, this evening. I first spotted it basking in the sun at 6.30pm, so in the company of Andrew from Crawley we waited patiently for it to close its wings. Unfortunately Andrew had to leave at about 7pm but I carried on the vigil to be rewarded by it finally shutting its wings at 7.30! (John Williams)

Rowlands Wood was blessed with my first ever visit today. I was blessed with my first ever Small Pearl-bordered Fritillaries (minimum of 5). 13 Small Heath, 8 Brimstone, 2 Grizzled Skipper, 2 Dingy Skipper, Orange Tip, Common Blue, Holly Blue, Peacock. Many day-flying moths including Speckled Yellow, Brown Silverline, Silver-ground Carpet and other interesting looking insects of many kinds, sadly beyond my ken! Finished the day at Mount Caburn where we added many Adonis Blue, male & female, 4 Wall Brown, 2 Small Copper, Painted Lady. Alas no Swallowtail or Burnt Orchid. Anna Bulbrook and Olga were kind enough to get me there and back, for which I thank them heartily! (Lindsay Morris)

Park Corner Heath & Rowland Wood. From 1.00 pm to 4.00 pm. Numerous Brimstones and Speckled Yellow Moths. 5 Small Pearl-bordered Fritillaries. 5 Small Heaths. 1 Large White. 1 Common Blue. 2 Brown Silver Line moths. (Graeme Rolf https://www.flickr.com/photos/128321708@N03/albums/72157649396241380/with/42283907171/)

Some more pictures from Malling Down. If anyone knows what these moths are, information is much appreciated. (Istvan Radi)

I went for a walk at Malling Down NR around 2pm today and the slope was buzzing with blue butterflies. As they were speeding around I couldn't identify them but the place would be a great location if someone wanted to make a new movie called "50 shade of Blue". Dozens of Common Blue, Holly Blue and I dare to risk to say Adonis Blue. Besides the "blues" there were plenty of Brown Argus, Small Heath, Small Copper, a few Brimstone, a couple of Orange-tip, a few Speckled Wood and some white butterflies. I also saw 2 Cinnabar Moth and a number of moths I could not find in my field guide. Quite a few damselflies, chasers, demoiselles. I met a gentleman who sounded more experienced than myself and he said he saw a Dingy Skipper but I didn't find any and then the thunder and rain came... (Istvan Radi)
Yes, the last picture is definitely an Adonis. (Ed jnr)

My first trip to Fairmile Bottom yielded numerous Small Heaths, a Grizzled Skipper or two and a bonus Duke of Burgundy. I then blundered around Rewell Wood (I think it was Rewell Wood, anyway!) for a bit and encountered yet more Grizzled Skippers and a couple of Pearl-bordered Fritillaries. (Michael Jones)

STOP PRESS: I asked David Cook to send me the images he took of the Adonis Blue, at the Liz Williams butterfly haven, yesterday, because I had left my camera at home and wanted to be able to tweet about the event.
Later, I returned with my camera and took photos of my own. This evening I took a look at all the female Adonis Blue images and I'm convinced that we have between the two of us, taken images of three separate female Adonis Blues! (Dr Dan Danahar)

At least 3 SPBF in Rowlands Wood and 1 at Park Corner at lunchtime today. Also present were numerous Brimstones and several mating pairs, several Small Heath, a Holly Blue and a Small Copper.
Later when it was much warmer relocated to Malling Down where there were masses of both Common Blues and Brown Argus, plenty of Small Heaths and Brimstones, a couple of Orange Tips and Small Coppers and a Grizzled Skipper. (Martin Buck)

At the weekend I lead two private "Butterfly Walks" in Brighton for allotment holders, on behalf of Butterfly Conservation - Sussex Branch, Saturday 19th at Roedale Valley Allotments with 17 attendees and Sunday 20th at Lower Roedale Allotments with 6 attendees. It was a joy to do, especially to have been asked many brilliant questions from the younger attendance! Though butterflies were lacking, I was delighted by the feedback on all accounts that the importance of knowing what caterpillar foodplants and nectar sources to plant, to support our butterflies (and other pollinators) makes all the difference. I received donations, the money of which will be invested back into the allotments to buy or go towards the propagation of caterpillar foodplants and nectar sources to further habitat creation. The star of the show on both walks I feel was the Small Blue butterfly, seen both on our Butterfly Conservation - Sussex Branch "Butterfly Plot" which I manage at Roedale Valley Allotments (high of 4 seen during post-walk survey) and the following day at Hollingdean Park butterfly bank (high of 12 seen during post-walk survey). Other species seen were Small White, Large White and Orange-tip. If you are not already aware, I've contributed a page full of tips and advice on conservation on allotmentsa as part of my Allotment Manager role. (Jamie Burston)

Today 22nd I returned to Washington Chalk Pits where the blues have begun to emerge. Dingy Skippers 40+, Common Blue 5, Brimstone 4, Green Hairstreak 2, Small Blue 4 including a mating pair, Duke of Burgundy 2 both male, Brown Argus 2, Small Heath 1. (Paul Day)

Monday 21 May

After spending this morning (21 May) in the beautiful New Forest, it was after 4 pm before I reached our Park Corner Heath & Rowland Wood reserves, where I was keen to monitor the initial stages of the Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary emergence. I was later joined by Theresa Turner, Gary Norman and Mike Mullis, who all played key parts in last year's Fritillaries For The Future reintroduction programme. Early signs are encouraging, with six different males seen; four in Rowland Wood and two on Park Corner Heath. I may be biased, but I think that the habitat for this species, over both reserves, looks spot-on. Theresa and Mike had earlier been to Abbot's Wood, where two Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary were flying. (Neil Hulme)

Can lightning strike twice in the same place? It would seem so. The last time the Adonis Blue was sighted on the Liz Williams butterfly haven was August 2010 (I told Dave Cook 2009 but on checking found it to be 2010). After a redesigned landscape and new management practices, today we got it back, with three or four males and one female sighted. Thanks go to Dave who first sighted these gems (see his account below). (Dr Dan Danahar)

In less than ideal conditions hundreds of Adonis Blue Butterflies flew over the yellow carpet of Horseshoe Vetch, Hippocrepis comosa, on the lower slopes of Mill Hill. Over two hundred were seen in an hour in an unprecedented count. (Andy Horton http://www.glaucus.org.uk/MillHill2018.html#21May)

please add to last (Tim Squire)

I chose Black Cap near Lewes to search for my second species that has evaded me previously - Grizzled Skipper. I think I may have seen them before but not a decent sighting. Certainly got a decent one today. An amazing little creature was very obliging on the lower slopes. Also seen were Small Blue, Small Heath, Common Blue, green veined white, Dingy Skipper and some pretty moths that I don't know. (Tim Squire)

Mill Hill. I was tempted to mirror Jonathan Crawford's escapade after being encapsulated by the poetic description of his session there last week. I arrived at 7.30 am, and the morning unfolded exactly as Jonathan described.
Literally hundreds of Adonis Blues. A few Common Blues. 7 Small Heaths. 5 Dingy Skippers. 1 Grizzled Skipper. 1 Peacock. 1 very tatty Painted Lady. 2 Green Hairstreaks. 2 Cinnabar moths plus another couple of moths I can't name. (Graeme Rolf https://www.flickr.com/photos/128321708@N03/albums/72157649396241380)

I left home just after lunch and after a rain shower and headed to Brighton in the hope it would be a bit brighter—it wasn’t! On arrival at the Dorothy Stringer Butterfly Haven, although very warm, it was overcast and threatening rain. On opening the gate and entering I was greeted by several Small Blue on the wing. Box ticked! I continued looking around and it became blatantly obvious that Blues don’t mind grey skies as there were dozens flying and pairing with 2 pairs seen. 3 Male Common Blue were seen. The big surprise though was a female Adonis Blue!! I fired off a text message to Dr Dan Danahar informing him of this. About 30 seconds after the school end of day bell rang out, he was standing next to me. To say he was excited at this sighting is a bit of an understatement. Apparently the last time one was seen here was back in August 2009. When I added that I’d seen her ovipositing, he decided we should look for males and sure enough we found at least 4. This, we agreed, was a new colony in the making, before our very eyes. (David Cook)

Having heard that the Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary is out at Park Corner Heath, I spent 2 hours at Site 1 at Abbots Wood this afternoon, where I saw them last year after being reintroduced. There were plenty of Pearl-bordered Fritillaries and I must have seen at least 20 (even allowing for double counting), but no Small Pearls as far as I could see. (Andy Wilson)

I popped into St Leonards Forest, Horsham this afternoon despite the lack of sunshine to see if the local population of Grizzled Skipper and Dingy Skipper had emerged yet. I am pleased to report that they have, always it seems, around 3 weeks later than on the Downs. There were also Brimstone, Speckled Wood and a very aggressive Peacock in the area. (Patrick Moore)

We had a very foggy morning in Storrington yesterday but it brightened up nicely in the afternoon, with the bonus that there was very little wind. It won't surprise anyone that I was in pursuit of the Dingy Skipper that was around yesterday and sure enough one made an appearance early afternoon, and by its behaviour I thought it was a territorial male. The male Small Copper continued to wait patiently, occupying an area no more than a few square metres with a Betony plant as its favourite perch location. It was apparent that its patience was eventually rewarded as I inadvertently disturbed a mating pair on the lawn. Although butterflies appear to be delicate little things it is interesting to watch a mating pair in flight as generally only one is flying and carrying the other. Even in my prime (which sadly is a very long time ago) I would have found it very difficult carrying my own body weight. Perhaps they are not such delicate little things after all. I enclose a couple of photos of Brown Argus and Small Copper nectaring on Meadow Buttercup and Creeping Buttercup, respectively, just to remind myself (and others) just how small they are. I also had a Red Kite carrying food back to its nesting wood, so that was a nice little bonus! (Martin Kalaher)

Sunday 20 May

Small Pearl Bordered Fritillary and Small Heath at Rowland Wood, East Sussex, this afternoon. Followed by a trip to Mill Hill in Shoreham to see the Adonis Blues basking in the evening sunlight (pursued by myself, Trevor, Jonathan et al!). (John Williams)

Fifteen intrepid explorers turned up for today's (20 May) BC Sussex 'Rare Species Landscape Walk', involving the ascent of Mount Heyshott (good views were had by all), a dip into Charlton Forest, and a circuit of the beautiful Graffham Down Trust reserves. We were out from 10.30 am until 4.30 pm and probably lost a few pounds, but the effort was well worthwhile. I know that others enjoyed it immensely, and for me this was the third in a sequence of truly memorable days out butterflying; already this is a May I'll cherish for a very long time. My thanks to all who attended, and to Will Langdon for keeping the tally (which once listed will go into our database), and for giving up his lunch break to help with the frenetic counting of Dukes! The highlights were undoubtedly 86 Duke of Burgundy and 19 Pearl-bordered Fritillary (we saw both species laying eggs). Other species included Dingy Skipper (very many), Grizzled Skipper (many), Orange-tip, Large White, Small White, Green-veined White, Brimstone, Speckled Wood, Small Heath, Red Admiral, Peacock, Comma, Green Hairstreak, Holly Blue, Brown Argus and Common Blue; a total of 18 species. The impressive flora included Fly Orchid (several dozen), White Helleborine (including a whopper) and a few Greater Butterfly Orchid. Will and I later returned to the slopes, to drink in the magic that Heyshott Escarpment provides at this time of year. Most of the Dukes had turned in for the night, but the Duchesses were now out in force. (Neil Hulme)

On Monday last week 14th May I attempted my 1st brood Wall Brown count on my 4 mile circuit of Frog Firle. Unfortunately the strong wind meant it was a waste of time, although I was fortunate to have a fresh male take off from under my feet and land on a Gorse bush. It was quite an unusual sight, and even more unusual was the fact it stayed there for several photos. 22 Wall Brown were seen.
With lighter winds yesterday, Saturday 19th May, and with nothing of interest on the telly, I had another go. Despite the wind once again picking up before the end of the survey I managed 43 butterflies, only one female was seen in that total. In the 10 years since I started doing these counts this was the 2nd highest 1st brood count. Only 2013 was higher with 60 seen. (Bob Eade http://bobsbutterflies.blogspot.co.uk)

First visit to the meadow at Kithurst Hill on Friday 18th May and won't be our last! A Small Blue was the warm up , numerous Dingy Skippers, 1 male Common Blue, 1Brown Argus, numerous Brimstones and Orange Tip, broad bodied chaser, 1 mint moth and 1 definite Duke of Burgundy and a possible second not as showy. (Jane Hambling)

Roedean Old 9-Hole Site. Visited today between 5.00 pm and 7.00 pm. Just two species of butterfly. 24 Small Heaths and 15 Small Blues. Also, 1 Burnet Companion moth. On the constructed butterfly banks, there was nothing. The Small Heaths were everywhere but, and the Small Blues were all in a hump of rank grass immediately to the east of the banks just beyond the mown path. (Graeme Rolf https://www.flickr.com/photos/128321708@N03/albums/72157649396241380)

Today at Rowland Wood I saw my first Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary of the year and a lot of people from Kent.We may have to upgrade the visitors facilities and introduce controlled parking. I also bumped into Theresa who was doing the transect and had recorded 2 Small Pearl-bordered Fritillaries. Later at Mill Hill I met two chaps from Essex and London as well as Trevor and John. One of the northerners spotted a Small Blue. I have checked the transect records and the last time a Small Blue was recorded at this site was in 2011. (Jonathan Crawford)

Mill Hill horror show: you don't see this in the guide books. (Jonathan Crawford)

Although I was not on a "butterfly-walk" while crossing Wild Park in Brighton I did see plenty of whites, blues and Speckled Woods but there was one butterfly what caught my eye and so I decided to submit the sighting. I believe that I saw my first Brown Argus for this year (although I might be told that it was a female Common Blue - I didn't see any white dots). Apologies for the bad quality but it was taken with my phone. (Istvan Radi)
And of course you are right. The next thing to look out for is the Large Skipper which will be out soon. (Ed jnr)

A late afternoon walk from Lancing Ring to Coombes and back via Steep Down was notable for 25 Wall Brown and a Painted Lady. (Lindsay Morris)

Our posse of 18 went after the Malling Down Magnificent Seven and came back with a marvellous seventeen species of butterflies plus three moths, one damselfly and one demoiselle.

The sun came out early on and we spotted male and female Beautiful Demoiselles, a Large Red Damselfly and several Speckled Woods as we walked into the Sussex Wildlife Trust reserve at Malling Down - it was a good omen of things to come...

As our group headed east into the Coombe we saw Brimstones, Small Heath and Holly Blue patrolling the slopes near the allotments. We spent a happy half hour in the sheltered scrubby area at the base of the Snout, watching Common Blue, Brown Argus, Small Copper, Green Veined White, Small White, Large White, Grizzled Skipper and Orange Tip. Our butterfly species count had reached a dozen and we'd only just got started!

We started the climb up the Snout (measured by one of our party as a 26 degree incline, but feeling considerably steeper) and were quickly rewarded with several Green Hairstreaks basking on the ground and an overhead view of a Peacock flying below us. As we paused for breath and a discussion of the reserve grazing management we caught sight of long-term Malling Down transect walker Crispin Holloway heading for the south-facing slopes of the Coombe. We continued our climb up and around the north-east fork of the valley, pausing to watch a Burnet Companion moth along the way.

As we waited for everyone to gather together before heading to the top of the down, Crispin popped out from the scrub, having completed his transect. He very kindly gave us an overview of the changes he has seen over the years, answered questions from the group and told us about the 7-year cycle he has identified in the Small Heath population. He also told us the potential whereabouts of the last two as yet elusive, members of our magnificent seven.

We left Crispin and headed north to enjoy a magnificent panoramic view across Sussex from the top of the down. While there, we spotted a Wall Brown and saw several more as we descended into the chalk pits to continue our hunt. In the sheltered green pit we found a Small Purple and Gold or Mint moth and a Cinnabar moth that landed on one of our group and hitched a ride for a few minutes. We also saw Dingy Skipper before heading back south over the top of the down and onto the south-facing, warm slopes of the Coombe.

We were closing in on the last of our seven, and we were determined not to let it evade us! Nearing the bottom of the slope, we spotted first, one male, then a mating pair of Adonis Blue butterflies. It was the last species seen but what a way to finish - the freshly emerged males were a dazzling blue that capped off a brilliant day out on the South Downs.

Thanks to all that attended. In all, a cool 20 species of Lepidoptera and 2 Odonata were seen. (Colin Gibbs)

An afternoon trip to Park Corner produced 8 Brimestones 7 Sm. Heath 4 Dingy Skippers 2 Grizzled Skippers 1 Sm.White 6 Speckled Yellow and my target a beautiful Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary. (Arthur Greenslade)

A bumper day on Mill Hill yesterday. The slope is ablaze with Horseshoe Vetch, filling the senses with colour and scent. For about 2 hours I had the slope entirely to myself, and was then joined by Trevor Rapley and Katrina Watson. As I walked down the track, Adonis Blue arose at every footstep, and although I didn't keep a total count, there was hardly a moment when there were fewer than 6 in my field of vision. Females are starting to appear now and we witnessed a mating pair. Common Blue were also there, as were both Dingy and Grizzled Skippers, many Brimstone and Small White. A Cinnabar moth looked very garish against the vetch, while Green Hairstreak completed the colour palette. Numbers of Small Heath were about, and I caught sight of a Clouded Yellow hastening across the slope. (Nigel Symington)

Saturday 19 May

It is after midnight and I have just got back from the BC Rowland Wood reserve where I spent four hours this evening with a very pleasant bunch of herpetologists, who were surveying the two ponds in the BC reserve. We found all three British newts including the rare Great Crested Newts in both ponds. There were also areas which were so full of tadpoles that the water bubbled and fizzed. (Jonathan Crawford)

I went on one of my very rare evening expeditions, to Mill Hill (Partially Ed juniors fault),
Having seen such fabulous images from this site, I had to see for myself. Glorious is an understatement. It was also a pleasure to meet Nigel Symington and Katrina Watson with whom I spent several pleasurable hours. (Trevor Rapley)

I visited Kithurst flower meadow and Rewell Wood this afternoon. At the former there seemed to be more people than butterflies. I did see a Brown Argus, Green Hairstreak, a couple of Common Blues, lots of Dingy Skipper and a fairly tatty Duke. At Rewell Wood I met Neil Hulme, Matthew Oakes and William from UKB. We saw a few basking Pearls, and then after they had gone I had the pleasure of finding a roosting Pearl, without Neil's assistance for once! (John Williams)

I went to Castle Hill for an hour this afternoon. It was very lively but not good for photography. I stayed on the main path at the bottom and think I saw 12 Walls (unless they were doubling back on me) Also seen were about 30 Dingy Skippers, 3 Peacocks, 8 Small Coppers, one Red Admiral , many Common Blues about 5 Adonis Blue, one Small Blue, one Grizzled Skipper, one Brown Argus, some Small Heaths and Whites.
I then went on to Mill Hill where I met Nigel and Trevor. As previously reported by Neil and Jonathan there were a lot of Adonis Blue as well as Common Blue , Dingy Skippers and some Grizzled Skippers and Small Heaths. Trevor also saw a Green Hairstreak too. Thanks to Trevor who was particularly good at finding butterflies basking in photogenic spots. (katrina watson)

Today (19 May) I was joined by Will Langdon (who I know through the fabulous UK Butterflies website), to help Matthew Oates celebrate the 50th anniversary of him first seeing both the Duke of Burgundy and Pearl-bordered Fritillary. I had promised that Sussex would deliver, and it did in style. Before meeting Matthew, Will and I headed to the Steyning Downland Scheme, where we opened the score-sheet with Grizzled and Dingy Skippers, Green Hairstreak and 3 Scarce Chaser dragonflies. The three of us then set off on a long walk across the Downs at Storrington, visiting a number of sites. We didn't cover every colony before targeting Pearls at 3pm, but we managed an impressive total of 142 Dukes. We then moved to Rewell Wood, where we counted 57 Pearl-bordered Fritillary and a further 8 Grizzled Skipper. Matthew went home happy, as did Will and I; a truly memorable day. (Neil Hulme)

In 2017 I had my first record for Dingy Skipper in my Storrington garden. I had three different individuals altogether and hoped that a colony might become established. Today there was the first this year, of what I hope might be many more. Also, male Small Copper on territory and a different Brown Argus to the one already reported. (Martin Kalaher)

Stopped off at Falmer A27 so many Adonis Blues 209 they seemed to be all over the bank along with 6 Small Blue 2 Brown Argus Orange Tip and Small Heath (Steve DAWSON)

Early start at Park Corner Heath. Small Heath were first on the air st 8:30. Small Pearl Bordered Fritillary at 9. Ironic as driving back I heard there is a new Duke and Duchess of Sussex and it’s not the Burgundy kind. (Mark Jones)

A visit to Rewell Wood this morning was rewarded with more Pearl-bordered Fritillaries plus female Brimstones. A Deer Tick sat on a nettle by a path waiting to pounce - at just 3mm long, this is the main vector for Lyme Disease. A Cream Wave (Scopula floslactata) and a Speckled Yellow (Pseudopanthera macularia) landed and stayed still for a change. Afterwards I walked along a path in Houghton Forest, stopped at the first garlic mustard plant I saw and found an Orange-tip egg. I also saw a Red-headed Cardinal Beetle and a Red-and-black Froghopper. (Colin Knight http://www.seapic.com)
Thanks for the Atlas site Houghton Forest. That's another one I cancross off. (Ed jnr)

Kerry Baldwin. Had a short walk in Abbots wood at lunchtime today. Parked in the bumpy lay-by on the road 500 yards before the Old Oak pub, pathway through the wood and over a stream to a ride. Saw a Large White and at least a dozen Pearl-bordered Fritillaries including a mating pair. Heard my second cuckoo of the year, nightingale and a garden warbler. Also a broad bodied chaser. (Kerry Baldwin)

Enjoyed the "Malling Down Magnificent Seven" walk on Malling down this morning. Thanks Colin and Andrea. After that I did the transect at Anchor Bottom. Last time I did it there was just one Peacock. Things were much better today with alost 40 Common Blue being the predominent species. there were six Adonis Blues as well as a couple of Small Heath and Brown Argus. After walking the transect i went back and counted about thirty Adonis Blues. (Jonathan Crawford)

Had a walk around Friston Gallops across the middle of the day today and found 15 species. Small Heath were the most abundant closely followed by Dingy Skipper. 4 Green Hairstreaks and 4 fresh Grizzled Skippers and a Small Blue were perhaps the highlights for me. Also seen were singles or small numbers of Small White, Green-veined White, Large White, Orange Tip, Brimstone, Peacock, Small Copper, Common Blue, Brown Argus and Speckled Wood. A few Wall Brown had also been seen but not by me. (Chris Hooker)

Having read Neil’s report last night I knew that the opposite would happen first thing in the morning. So just after 7:30am I found myself on Mill as the sun crept over the top of the hill and slowly warmed the bank. First of all you see the roosting butterflies, then one by one they open their wings and after a short while they seem to be everywhere. At one point I counted 27 sapphire dots in a three-metre circle around me. By eight o’clock I had seen Adonis Blue, Common Blue (both male and female), Small Heath, Dingy Skipper and Grizzled Skipper. When I left the hill at 9am There were Wall Browns at the top and I saw my first Painted Lady of the year. (Jonathan Crawford)

Friday 18 May

I spent the earlier part of the day (18 May) with my father, looking at Pearl-bordered Fritillary in Rewell Wood and Duke of Burgundy at Springhead Hill. With very little wind and only hazy sunshine, I then decided that the place to be was Mill Hill, as it is under these conditions that the fabulous Adonis Blue sometimes forms large communal roosts, after sunbathing for a while on grasses and other taller vegetation. When I arrived they were still active, but what surprised me was how many there were; there had clearly been a very substantial hatch. Numbers are difficult to estimate while they are so active, but I guessed that there were in the region of 80 on the wing. However, as the air cooled, many started to drop down the slope to join those which had been active on the lower level, and a large congregation rapidly formed. The sight of so many in close proximity, all with wings open, was simply breathtaking. I stopped counting at 125, but that was probably the majority. There were a few females in the mix, but they are yet to really get going. Among them were small clusters of Common Blue, in groups of about half-a-dozen, good numbers of Grizzled and Dingy Skipper, Small Heath and a few Small Copper. This is a really good showing for the spring brood of Adonis at Mill Hill and bodes well for the late summer flight. I'll be going back, very soon! (Neil Hulme)

An early morning visit to Park Corner Heath produced 4 Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary, 2 Grizzled Skippers, 6 Small Heath, 2 Large White, Small White and several egg laying Brimstone. (David Cook)

Another walk in Rewell Wood today gave me some more moths: Common Plume (Emmelina monodactyla), Green Longhorn male (Adela reaumurella), Treble-bar (Aplocera plagiata) and 6 Pearl-bordered Fritillaries. There male and female Broad-bodied Chasers, a Rose Chafer and a very attractive Rufous-shouldered Longhorn Beetle caught by a Crab Spider. (Colin Knight http://www.seapic.com)

I had a look at the Duchess Lodge area of Rewell Wood, where there was a nice little Duke of Burgundy colony in days gone by. I didn't see any today. There were a few Dingy Skippers but not a lot else. When I got home my spirits were lifted immediately when I spotted a Brown Argus in my wildflower meadow. Shortly after there was a Holly Blue laying eggs on Dogwood and then a male Small Copper holding down a territory of a few square metres. In fact there were two Small Coppers at one point and although they were only three feet apart there was no inter-action (or perhaps there had been but I saw them after the event?). (Martin Kalaher)

13 Wall Brown was the loudest thing among 13 butterfly species seen on a rather low volume walk round Lancing Ring and Steep Down. Plus 2 Burnet Companion. (Lindsay Morris)

Roedean Butterfly Bank & Surrounding Grass Area. Between 9.30 am and 11.30 am, 26 Small Heaths, 28 Small Blues, 4 Common Blues, 2 Large Whites, 2 Green-veined Whites, 1 Small White, 1 tatty Small Copper and 2 Burnet Companion moths. (Graeme Rolf https://www.flickr.com/photos/128321708@N03/albums/72157649396241380)

(continuation of previous sighting report) (Colin Knight)

Yesterday afternoon I visited local 3 sites and found 9 micro moths. In a Climping wood I found a Sulphur Tubic (Esperia sulphurella). At Worms Wood there were Common Nettle-taps (Anthophila fabriciana) on the nettles plus a Red Admiral and several Orange-tips flying along a track. At Rewell Wood late afternoon I saw 3 Pearl-bordered Fritillaries, a Dark Strawberry Tortrix (Celypha lacunana), a Common Sweep larval case (Psyche casta) and a Brassy Twist (Eulia ministrana). I also found 4 unidentified micro moths. (Colin Knight http://www.seapic.com)

Rewell Wood 15th May

Up to 70+ Pearl Bordered Fritillarys.

Kithurst Hill 15th May

Duke of Burgundy 4+/Small Blue 1/Green Hairstreak 1/Dingy Skipper 6+/Orange Tip 5/ Brimstone 2 (Ewan Urquhart http://blackaudibirding.blogspot.co.uk)

Paul's mystery caterpillar on 17th May is an Oak Eggar.
(Vince Massimo)
Thanks Vince. (Ed jnr)

I spent most of yesterday (17 May) monitoring Pearl-bordered Fritillary (PBF) numbers away from the main centres at Rewell and Abbot's. One of these sites was Stansted Forest, where I found 11 PBF, including a mating pair. I also saw my first Grizzled Skipper at this location. On the way home I stopped off at Springhead Hill, to watch several Common Blue and Brown Argus going to bed. (Neil Hulme)

Woods Mill. I spent most of the day by the small dipping-pond targeting dragonflies. During my endeavours, I spotted numerous Orange Tips of both sexes. A few Green-veined Whites, a couple of Large Whites, 1 Speckled Wood and 1 Comma. (Graeme Rolf https://www.flickr.com/photos/128321708@N03/albums/72157649396241380)

Thursday 17 May

My friend and I were gardening and found this 3” and fairly chunky caterpillar. We have tried to identify it but are unsure can you help? (Paul)

Morning visit to Markstakes Common (Atlas site) yielded small numbers of the usual suspects - Brimstone, Small Heath, Small Copper, Common Blue, Large White, Green-veined White, Speckled Wood; late afternoon trip to Rewell Wood - 9 PBFs, 16 Brimstone, 3 Grizzled Skipper, 4 Speckled Wood (Ian Seccombe)

Today I walked the Canada Bottom area and circled Cissbury Ring several times both on footpaths and around the ancient earthworks. Highlights included Green Hairstreak, Red Admiral, plenty of Brimstone, Speckled Wood, Small Copper, Small Heath, Small Tortoiseshell and Small White. There were also Wall Brown in areas where I've not seen them before (TQ 157082 slightly west of a crossroads of paths and along the path eastwards towards the car park on the Bostle Road). Also Common Blue, Holly Blue and Dingy Skipper. (Patrick Moore)

Seen at Kingley Vale NNR today 17th May. Numerous large and Small Whites, green veined whites ,Orange Tip, Speckled Woods and Brimstones including a pair displaying. 2Red Admirals, 1tatty tortoiseshell, 1 mint moth, 1 Holly Blue, 1Comma and 1 Small Blue (Jane Hambling)

Earlier this week I had a look at the eastern side of Chantry Hill and today I checked out the western side. It was quite windy but at Chantry Hill there are always some sheltered spots. The highlight for me was re-connecting with one of the Small Blue colonies. The species and numbers as follows: Dingy Skipper (35), Grizzled Skipper (10), Brimstone (8), Green Hairstreak (5), Small Copper (1), Small Blue (1), Red Admiral (1), Peacock (1), Small Heath (1), all the whites and Orange-tip. I made no attempt to do a "proper" count of Green Hairstreak. At home there was a welcome Small Copper in the wildflower meadow. That's 13 species for the garden this year. (Martin Kalaher)

A short walk from Lancing Chalk Pit half way to Coombes in glorious sunshine. 11 Holly Blue, 6 Wall Brown, 4 Peacock, 3 Common Blue, 3 Brimstone, 2 Red Admiral, 2 Small Heath, Orange Tip, Green-veined White, Speckled Wood, a few Small and Large Whites, Green Carpet. (Lindsay Morris)

thurs 17/05/2018. 2x Small Pearl Bordered Fritillary's seen. it took a long time, I arrived at Park Corner site at 1.13pm, I had a wander round, then into Rowland Wood another wander, with all the clearing work that's been done the wood is looking really good. back into Park Corner and at 2.47pm there he was flying up the lower slope behind Peter's chair, ye ha!. it was awhile before I saw him again, I was starting to doubt my earlier sighting. ide seen in the sightings book that Gary Norman had seen one on the 15th, then at 3.30pm there he was flying in area in front of hut, then the 2nd male SPBF came into view at 3.50pm they met and had a little tussle but nothing to serious. the weather was sunny and warm. lovely. (Peter Farrant)

A walk this morning Fairmile Bottom/Rewel Wood returning via Yew Tree Gate,6/8 PBF 1 female well away from the main areas almost to Sherwood Rough ,about 6 Dingy Skipper on Fairmile Bottom and1 Green Carpet Moth. (Barry Sketchley)

A nice fresh Waved Umber decided to attend school today at Seahaven Academy Newhaven. Have not seen one around here before. (Steve Dawson)

A rather disappointing morning show in Withdean Woods, Brighton with 4x Holly Blue, 2x Speckled Wood and one Large White. Finding a Broad-bodied chaser and a Slow worm were the highlights of the morning. (Istvan Radi)

Three Pearl-bordered Fritillaries (one already quite worn, see photo), one Grizzled Skipper and a couple of Speckled Yellow moths at Rewell Wood this morning. (Bill Brooks)

My thanks to Andrea Gibbs for helping host a private event on the Downs yesterday. After saying goodbye to our guests we visited Springhead Hill to see a few Duke of Burgundy, Small Blue and our first Brown Argus of the year. (Neil Hulme)

Wednesday 16 May

I went to Rewell Wood late afternoon (3-4.30). I found three Pearl-bordered Fritillaries in cool and windy conditions. (Katrina Watson)

Pavilion Gardens, Brighton, East Sussex yesterday
Holly Blue - in flight
Large White - settling briefly on...? (Timothy Roberts)

Caught overnight at Coldwaltham (Lodge Hill). I believe it to be some variety of Mocha and would be grateful for accurate identification. (Roger Tyler)
I am going to stick my neck out once again and suggest it is a pale verions of Maiden's Blush - Cyclophora punctaria. I am sure someone will put me right. (Ed jnr)

Abbots Wood. 20 or so Pearl-bordered Fritillaries at the Triangle. 10 on the western edge of the huge cleared area nearby and 3 on the ride beyond the metal gate to the west of the lake. 6 Large Whites attracted to the Bluebells. 2 male Broad-bodied Chasers by the wooden bridge at the lake. Park Corner Heath. Lots and lots of Brimstones all around the site and some Damselflies around the pond behind the shed. (Graeme Rolf https://www.flickr.com/photos/128321708@N03/albums/72157649396241380)

It is definitive, the controversial Varndean College butterfly haven supports a healthy, viable population of the Small Blue butterfly. Possibly one of the most scientifically important butterfly haven sites in Brighton & Hove, we continue to learn so much from this reserve. Meanwhile, the Liz Williams butterfly haven supports the parent colony, within this three site meta-population dynamic. (Dr Dan Danahar)

Tuesday 15 May

I spent a hugely enjoyable day today (15 May), initially with Matt Twydell of the RSPB, looking at the Pearl-bordered Fritillary (PBF) and its habitat at Rewell Wood. This species is now showing its appreciation of all the work which has been done over the last few years; numerous females are already dispersing into recently cut areas, which bodes well for next year. We also saw higher than normal numbers (for Rewell) of Green Hairstreak and Grizzled Skipper. A later visit to Springhead Hill produced good numbers of Duke of Burgundy and Dingy Skipper, a few Green Hairstreak, and my first Small Blue (2) of the year. I then returned to Rewell Wood, to watch the PBF going to roost. It was clear that they are still emerging in force and I even found a mating pair at 6.30 pm. Throughout the day I kept meeting a couple of visitors from Oxfordshire; I was delighted to fulfill my promise of finding a roosting PBF for them ... and me! Every month should be May, or July. (Neil Hulme)

An afternoon visit to Rewell Wood in sunshine made Pearl-bordered Fritillary photography quite difficult as the males seemed to be charging around at great pace looking for females. Occasionally one would stop to refuel but you had to be quick as this only took a few seconds. These photos are the best I managed. Also seen were Grizzled Skipper, Brimstone, a Red Admiral and Large White. (Patrick Moore)

A wonderful few hours this morning saw Adonis Blue numbers almost explode before our eye's, Just 2 or 3 flying upon arriving at 9am but by 1pm when I left there were dozens of electric blue gems flitting low over the yellow sea of vetch, many expelling meconium as they took what was probably their maiden flights. The first females have also started emerging.

Also seen were a small number of Common Blues (including one female) countless Skippers and Small Heath, a single Small Copper and (after I left) a single Brown Argus. Male Walls were 'enjoying' each others company around the scrubby paths near the top car park and Green Hairstreaks seemed to pop up all over the place! (Paul Atkin)

On Tuesday I returned to Washington Chalk Pits, butterfly numbers had increased, Dingy Skippers 35, Green Hairstreak 2, Brimstone 8 four egg lying females, Grizzled Skipper still just 1, Large White 2.
I then moved on to Kithurst meadow where the Duke of Burgundy put on a good show with 9 seen, also Small Blue 2, Green Hairsteak 6, Holly Blue 2, Common Blue 1, Orange Tip 1, Grizzled Skipper 1, Peacock 1, Red Admiral 1, Dingy Skippers in healthy numbers.
Last Friday I visited Houghton Forest (Atlas Site) Orange Tip 1, Brimstone 3, Green-veined White 1, and Large White 2. (Paul Day)

On this week's transect, 5 very fresh Grizzled Skipper and 2 Dingy Skipper were recorded today at the Warnham Butterfly Fields off Tilletts Lane. It is great to see these species making a recovery here after a couple of dire years! Plenty of Speckled Wood and Large Whites, and a couple each of Orange Tip and Peacock. (David Bridges)

A pair of Brimstones dancing among the bluebells in Vert Woods near Laughton (Nick Crabtree)

100% sun on a walk from Lyons Farm up and around Cissbury, but a brisk northerly breeze. 33 Brimstone, 15 Dingy Skipper, 15 Speckled Wood, 8 Wall Brown, 8 Small Heath, 7 Grizzled Skipper, 6 Green Hairstreak, 5 Red Admiral, 4 Green-veined White, 4 Small Copper, 4 Common Blue, 3 Peacock, 2 Brown Argus, 2 Holly Blue, Orange Tip, Small Tortoiseshell, Small White. 3 Silver Y, 3 Common Carpet, 3 Cinnabar, Small Yellow Underwing. (Lindsay Morris)

I spent a couple of hours on Chantry Hill today and covered a good part of the eastern side (the western side will have to wait foe another Day). There was a nice variety of butterflies as follows: Dingy Skipper (25), Grizzled Skipper (13), Brimstone (11), Brown Argus (8), Small Heath (5), Small Copper (3), all the "whites" and Orange-tip. At home in my Storrington garden there was a small brown butterfly that got away but otherwise Holly Blue nectaring on Berberis and Orange-tip laying eggs on Garlic Mustard.

(Martin Kalaher)

tue 15/05/2018. Abbot's Wood, E.Sx. 11x PBFs seen today, 4x at the Triangle, 5x at eastern area of site , and 2x seen along track to east of lake, all males. also 2x Grizzled Skippers in Folkington Wood, TQ 578 080. I was hoping to see PBF in areas of Folkington Wood, but no luck. Gillridge Wood also checked, no luck there either. (Peter Farrant)

The moth season is gathering pace on our Littlehampton balcony. Last night I had 5 species: another Narrow-winged Grey (Eudonia angustea) plus Brown House Moth, (Hofmannophila pseudospretella), Garden Midget (Phyllonorycter messaniella), Knot Grass (Acronicta rumicis) and Light Brown Apple Moth (Epiphyas postvittana). (Colin Knight http://www.seapic.com)

Monday 14 May

While monitoring the Pearl-bordered Fritillary reintroduction at Stansted Forest (another Atlas site), I photographed this newly emerged and rather beautiful male. I only counted nine, but it was very late in the day. (Neil Hulme)

I had a visit to the my old Bevendean C Transect to the east of the main site to look to see what was there and found Brown Argus Speckled Woods Small Heath Orange Tips Holly Blues Clouded Yellowing a damselfly and various whites none of the butterflies stayed still to take pictures but i did manage to get photo of the damselfly a female azure I believe. (Geoff Stevens)

A Holly Blue visited me in my Horsham garden today and stuck around for a photo. (Patrick Moore)

I made my second butterfly trip of the year this afternoon, to Kithurst meadow. Plenty of Brimstones, Green-veined Whites & Orange-tips plus a Holly Blue, a Red Admiral, 3 Duke of Burgundies, some Dingy Skippers and some moths: Cinerous Pearls (Anania fuscalis) & Common Carpets (Epirrhoe alternata). A Kestrel hovered overhead. (Colin Knight http://www.seapic.com)

Took my brother Paul to Mill Hill today. It will be his last ever visit due to his failing health, but what a last visit to this beautiful spot. We saw Large White, Small White, Green-Veined White, Peacock, Painted Lady, Small Tortoiseshell, Brimstone, Red Admiral, Green Hairstreak, Common Blue, Adonis Blue, Wall , Small Heath, Grizzled Skipper, Dingy Skipper and Cinnabar Moth. (Steve Morgan)
I am glad you had a day to remember, and wish you both all the best during what must be a difficult time. (Ed jnr)

Fairmile Bottom 13/05/18. (Chris Janman)

2 Small Heath and 25+ Brimstones seen late morning. (Alastair Gray)

Three Green Hairstreak this morning on the clump at the RSPB site Pulbrough (Barrie Atkinson)

After a long weekend in the Far East (of the county) during which I saw only one Small White, I returned just now to find things still rather quiet in Lancing Chalk Pit and MacIntyre's Field. Apart from quite a few supercharged Whites (2 Large White the only positive identification) there were 12 Holly Blue, 2 Wall Brown, 2 Red Admiral, 2 Brimstone, Small Heath, Burnet Companion, Garden Carpet, Common Carpet. (Lindsay Morris)

There are plenty of all three "whites" in the garden but the wildflower meadow is still very empty. I spotted just one butterfly in the meadow today but as it was flying awkwardly I assumed it was rather world-weary and as it landed briefly it turned out to be a very worn Green Hairstreak, but hopefully laying a few eggs. This year I am hoping to manage more photos of egg-laying and today I got lucky as I watched a Holly Blue laying eggs on Dogwood. I have never seen this before, although I do recognise that Dogwood is sometimes chosen. As we have a large fruiting Holly and lots of Portuguese Laurel, the first brood are rather spoilt for choice. I have posted a couple of pics of caterpillars, one of Brimstone but the other I do not recognise. It is on Nettle and I did see Comma laying eggs on the Nettles a few weeks ago. If anyone recognises this caterpillar I would be grateful for a name. (Martin Kalaher)
Vince Massimo writes to inform us that the mystery caterpillar is a Nettle-tap moth. Thanks Vince (Ed jnr)

Great walk with Chris Corrigan to try to spot his Mill Hill 5.Got three , amongst others and the bonus of a big female adder and an obliging lesser whitethroat singing in a tree . (Bill Gemmell)

It was fantastic to have so many attend the tour of the Liz Williams Butterfly Haven yesterday. We saw Whites, Red Admirals, Small Coppers and the most abundant species, the Small Blue. (Dr Dan Danahar)

Last night a Narrow-winged Grey moth (Eudonia angustea) appeared on our balcony, hopefully a sign of more species to come. (Colin Knight http://www.seapic.com)

Sunday 13 May

I visited Abbots Wood this afternoon. When i set out from the car at about 2pm it was quite cool so I was hoping the Pearls might be quite docile. But by 3 the sun had come out fully and they were whizzing around at top-speed as usual! I also saw a few Green Hairstreaks at the "Triangle". (John Williams)

A good time was had by all at Rewell Wood today (13 May). My thanks to Tom Parker for helping me complete my count of Pearl-bordered Fritillary over the entire southern half of the site, with five areas producing a total count of 68. In the evening I watched the butterflies going to roost with Garry Philpott and Nigel Symington. A couple of Grizzled Skipper were seen in the first coppice coupe I looked at, and Tom spotted a Green Hairstreak during our tour. (Neil Hulme)

Had to beat the rain to see my first ever Pearl-bordered Fritillary. As a visiting Kent birder I would like to take the opportunity to thank you all at Sussex BC for maintaining such an excellent website. (Mathew Bournat)

An enjoyable morning on Mill Hill with Chris Corrigan. Thanks very much for that Chris. In the afternoon I joined Dan Danahar at the Liz Williams Butterfly Haven which I had not visited before. Dan gave a short talk about the history of the haven and showed us round. There were good numbers of Small Blues, which are fast becoming one of my favourite butterflies. I also saw a couple of Small Coppers. Thanks Dan. (Jonathan Crawford)

Thanks to the Butterfly A Team of Tim, David, Bill and Jonathan who joined me on our Mill Hill BC walk today. Thanks to the team of enthusiastic spotters, by my counting we ended up with 17 Dingy Skippers, 10 Grizzled Skippers, 8 Adonis Blues, 7 Common Blues, 9 Small Heaths and a patrolling Large White. Sadly we couldn't conjure up a Green Hairstreak or Wall and the walk leader clearly has to take the blame! To make up for it, a couple of buzzards overhead, a lesser whitethroat singing out in the open (they are normally super skulking) and an enormous adder....

I don't have any photos so if any fellow team members have some please post away on the website!


(Here you are Chris: JC)

Hope the counts are about right and thanks team for coming along! (Chris Corrigan)

Saturday 12 May

A reasonable (and welcome) turnout of 9 for our High Weald Springtime Skippers Walk at Hargate Forest on the edge of Sussex, despite the pessimistic weather forecast, including 2 non-members who donated £5. This seemed particularly generous in light of the total butterflies seen being zero.
We strode up to the place where the skippers were seen only last week, but to no avail, as the ominous drops of rain increased in size and frequency. Despite it being perfect weather, no ducks were seen. A yellowhammer was heard, blackcaps and warblers were in evidence, plus a green woodpecker and a nesting pair of blackbirds within centimetres of our noses! Mark spotted a weasel (he confirmed it was weasily identified and stoatily different to a stoat) Invertebrate highlights included 4 crane-flies, an unidentified slug and some tenacious bumblebees.
We did, however, share the delights of the night's moth-trapping exploits, so a few oohs and aahs were heard, as we released them (Species list: Brimstone moth, FlameShoulder , Purple Thorn, Brindled Pug, Waved Umber , Peppered, Scalloped Hazel, Lesser Swallow Prominent, Pebble Prominent, Iron Prominent, Pale Tussock, Early Grey, Engrailed, Pine Beauty and Grey Pine Carpet).
Many thanks to those that came - we kept calm and carried our umbrellas. (Colin Gibbs)

Circular walk of Wellcome bottom and Wolstonbury Hill showed fabulous displays of Early-purple orchids. And one moth!
Highlight was a cold (12C ambient temperature at lower levels) bee with pollinia stuck to its head. (Peter Lovett https://sussexrambler.blogspot.co.uk/)

On a visit to Kithurst flower meadow this morning in cool and cloudy conditions, I managed to spot 3 roosting Duke of Burgundy and one Dingy Skipper well camouflaged on a seed-head. (John Williams)

This morning I'd promised to take my father out on a Duke of Burgundy and Pearl-bordered Fritillary hunt, but the weather clearly wasn't up to the job. We decided that the only option was Mill Hill, where roosting butterflies are relatively easy to find; others had the same idea. A less-than-thorough group hunt quickly produced 10 Grizzled Skipper, 3 Dingy Skipper, 4 Small Heath, 2 Common Blue and an Adonis Blue, the latter two being 2018 'firsts' for me. I'd like to thank Chris Corrigan, Jonathan Crawford and the passerby for their invaluable help getting my father back on his feet when his knee gave way. He's now fine; many thanks from him too. Any siblings reading this - silent routine. (Neil Hulme)

On Thursday (10 May) I led my annual walk for Steyning U3A. This year we visited Springhead Hill which, given at least reasonable weather, never disappoints. We saw Duke of Burgundy, Green Hairstreak, Dingy Skipper, Brimstone (plus numerous eggs on Purging Buckthorn), Orange-tip, Green-veined White, Large White, Small White, Holly Blue, Peacock, Speckled Wood and a fabulous display of Cowslips. Thanks to all who came along for such an enjoyable morning. In the afternoon I monitored the Pearl-bordered Fritillary population at Rewell Wood. I was too late to get around all of the potentially productive areas, so was pleased with a count of 37. (Neil Hulme)

With the sky grey as pavement, I went to Mill Hill before the rain started. On the hill I found Eric Hulme and his young and enthusiastic son, Neil, as well as Chris Corrigan who was scouting for his event tomorrow. We were able to find a good number of Grizzled Skippers plus ones and twos of Common Blue, Adonis Blue, Dingy Skipper and Small Heath. Young Neil was particularly adept at this! (Jonathan Crawford)

Friday 11 May

Just a few more pictures from today's walk.
Grid reference for the Skippers: TV498980
Grid reference for the caterpillar bushes: TV515980 (Istvan Radi)

It will be long just like my walk today... :)
I started my walk from Seaford and once up at Seaford Head NR I was checking all the dead plants looking for Skippers when I almost stepped on one. Then I found an other and then an other one. So I can report 3 Grizzled Skipper and 4 Dingy Skipper from the bushes next to the golf course. There was a few Speckled Wood, 3 Small Heath and some white butterflies as well.
Then walked down to Cuckmere Valley where I did not see any butterflies on wings BUT dozens of caterpillars can be found in the small bushes at the Atlas site all living in . Although I think they will turn into moths one day.
On to Friston Forest what is an Atlas site again: 2 Red Admiral, a Comma, 2 Orange Tip,1 blue butterfly, a few white butterflies and a Wall (wasn't too cooperative with the picture).
Up to Lullington Heath where I saw 3 Small Copper, 4 Speckled Yellow (moth) and an Adela Cuprella with very long antennae.
All in all it was a nice day but a little bit disappointed by the low number of butterflies. (Istvan Radi)
Bob Foreman writes, I’m pretty certain that Istvan Radi's long-horn moth is Adela reaumurella not cuprella… cuprella is much scarcer and restricted to a few localities in West Sussex. ....Oh, and his larval webs are Brown-tail moth. (Ed jnr)

Brown Argus was plentiful on Malling Down this morning - above the allotments and in the fields further east. Also seen were several Brimstone, a Small Heath, Large White, Small White, Speckled Wood, 4 Dingy Skippers a couple of Adonis Blues and a Green Hairstreak hanging on in a strong breeze. Most were found low down in sheltered spots. And a Small Copper too. (Martin Buck)

I haven’t had a chance to get to Mill Hill for awhile so with the prospect of vading sunlight I headed there at lunchtime. What a difference a couple of weeks makes. The place was alive with Dingy Skipper, Grizzled Skipper, Small Heath. A single Green Hairstreak was seen and about 6 male Common Blue and 6 male Adonis Blue and 1 female. (David Cook)
That will please Chris Corrigan who has his "Big Five" walk there on sunday (Ed jnr)

Atlas Sighting Fairmile Bottom. While we were walking back from Rewell Wood we found 4 Grizzled Skippers near the path down the hill. A very successfull day, Pearls at Rewell Wood, Grizzled Skippers at fairmile Bottom then Duke of Burgundy at Kithurst (Richard Stephens)

Thursday 10 May

wed 09/05/2018 Abbot's Wood, E.Sx. went around most of the PBF sites, nothing at site 5 or 6, 4x seen at site 2 the Triangle, 6x at the far eastern area of site 2, the PBF photo shows one where just a few seconds earlier their were two side by side, (but I was a bit slow with the pressing of the shutter)and 3x at site 1. 1x female Wall seen at site 5 in Nate Wood. I also came across a female Stoat carrying her young to another area of brush wood, she didn't mind me at all, as I was quite close, I recorded her on video going back and forth three times. you never know what you're going to see when out and about. (Peter Farrant)

Heyshott Down had plenty of sun, but a nagging cool breeze kept the number of butterflies rather low I thought. 9 Dingy Skipper, 8 Duke of Burgundy, 7 Brimstone, 6 Green-veined White, 3 Grizzled Skipper, 3 Green Hairstreak, 3 Speckled Wood, 2 Orange Tip, Holly Blue. Also Mother Shipton and Wavy-barred Sable. Met a nice fella from Redhill who was photographing his first Dukes. No problem with skittish behaviour as they never really warmed up! (Lindsay Morris)

All sorts of things I would like to be happening in the garden are not quite happening, but I have to be patient! I wasn't around yesterday and so whether my regular garden Green Hairstreak was "alive and kicking", I do not know, but it wasn't here today. Even so, it was present for six consecutive days - so that is a new garden record, as the previous garden record was just three days. Today I cut the grass and did some pruning. I took a few photos of Orange-tips and I invite you to look at the images and decide which is a female and which is a male. For those who participated in the Christmas Quiz in 2017, have a look at the photos for 20 seconds or so and see what you think. There is a tiny clue. (Martin Kalaher)

Today at home the weather looked ideal for Butterflies, and a trip further afield. I chose Kithurst hill where I hoped to find some ' firsts ' of the season. And so it proved, with Duke of Burgundy, Dingy Skipper and Green Hairstreak, performing well. I later went onto Chiddingfold forest for the Wood White, only one was seen in a hurried visit because of parking difficulties. This is because the entrances to the forest need to be kept clear for timber extraction plant. (Trevor Rapley)

I spent a most enjoyable afternoon in the company of both Neil and Colin at Kithurst Meadow. I saw, for the first time, a Duke of Burgundy egg laying as well as a Green Hairstreak up to the same thing. There were also Dingy Skipper, Brimstone, Large White, Speckled Wood, a Holly Blue and Small White. At the car park were Orange Tip and Green-veined White. Hopefully further pictures of the Green Hairstreak will be posted soon.
(incidentally the Duke has been omitted from the first sighting list) (Patrick Moore)

As I was in the area I popped into Abbots Wood this morning to see how the Pearl-bordered Fritillaries were doing. Numbers are still very low so I would advise anyone looking to go there to wait until numbers have built up to avoid trampling sensitive areas. I was very lucky to find one Pearl that posed nicely for a photo. (James)

I've seen Orange-tips every time I've driven into the countryside recently. Moths are finally being attracted to our balcony light. A Brimstone Moth (Opisthograptis luteolata) visited on 6 & 8th and a Yellow-backed Clothes Moth (Monopis obviella) on 8th. (Colin Knight http://www.seapic.com)

Wednesday 09 May

I've been follow the developing of Hairstreak caterpillars in the wild in Brighton, today I went to check on the White-letter Hairstreak, Purple Hairstreak and Brown Hairstreak caterpillars, all of which are doing well. I only hope to observe a local egg laying Green Hairstreak firsthand, as I've wanted to document the life-cycle of this species for the past five years, without success, fingers-crossed I still can this year. I hope this is appropriate to share: A percentage from each sale of my artwork, both originals and prints, will go towards the purchase of disease-resistant elm trees to conserve the White-letter Hairstreak butterfly, please visit my shop here: https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/JamieBurstonArt (Jamie Burston)

Today I was in the company of two enthusiasts from the London area, Both have personal diaries on the UK Butterflies website. The reason for their visit was to see the Pearl Bordered Fritillary, and Wall Brown. In the former we were successful, in the latter we failed. We also found several Orange Tips at rest, and our first Small Heath of the year. (Trevor Rapley)

This morning I went to Heyshott and saw 15 Duke of Burgundys, 3 Green Hairstreaks, 1 Holly Blue , 1 Speckled Wood, 1 Dingy Skipper, 1 Grizzled Skipper and about 6 Brimstones. I then stopped off at Kithurst for about half an hour on the way back and saw 1 Duke of Burgundy and 2 Dingy Skippers it was a pleasure to bump into Francis Kelly and then Nigel Symington. (Katrina Watson)

9th May, I walked to Chanctonbury Ring calling in at Washington Chalk Pits on the way, this site has only just started with very low numbers seen, Brimstone 3, Dingy Skipper 10, Peacock 1, Duke of Burgundy 1,Small Copper 1, Grizzled Skipper 1, Green Hairstreak 1, On the way up to Chanctonbury there were, Speckled Wood 2, Brimstone 3, and a Green-veined White. (Paul Day)

We took an evening stroll at Hargate Forest near Tunbridge Wells to check out the skipper action. No Dingy Skippers seen but we did find a couple of freshly emerged Grizzled Skippers. Also sighted were Speckled Wood, Orange-tip, Large White, Brimstone & Peacock. It looks promising for our High Weald Springtime Skippers walk next weekend. (Colin & Andrea Gibbs)

Following Friday's first sighting, I saw several more Pearl Bordered Fritillaries at Abbots Wood this afternoon, including one individual that seemed to have excessive dark markings, especially on the hind wings. (Andy Wilson)

On a return at lunchtime, I watched at least four Small Blues, today. This could be a bumper year for the Small Blue at the Liz Williams butterfly haven, Stringer Way, Brighton, East Sussex, BN1 6QG. So, I'm giving a guided tour at 14:00hrs on Sunday, 13th May, 2018. A full history of the site will be given, with opportunities for photography. (Dr Dan )

Lancing Ring in breezy sunshine 18 Holly Blue, 8 Speckled Wood, 4 Orange Tip, 3 Peacock, 2 Brimstone. Still no Swallowtail... (Lindsay Morris)

Rewel Wood pearl bordered fritillaries about 9. Moved on to another site hoping to confirm presence of Duke of Burgundy found 3 (Barry Sketchley)

Dr Dan Danahar - the first male Small Blue was seen at the Liz Williams butterfly haven, Brighton, today. Pictures to follow. (Dr Dan Danahar)

Tuesday 08 May

After work today I went to Mill Hill with the hope of finding some roosting Dingy Skipper. There were basking Grizzled Skippers everywhere, I even managed to get a second "Two Grizzlies in the same frame" shot but it took me a while to find a basking Dingy Skipper. I also saw a Common Blue and a few Small Heath. (John Williams)

mon 07/05/2018. Belle Tout to Birling Gap, E, Sx. my first of the year butterflies:- 1x Grizzled Skipper, 2x Dingy Skippers, 1x Clouded Yellow, all at Horseshoe Plantation. 1x Small Heath at Went Hill. also counted 45x Early Spider Orchids. other butterflies seen 3x Small Coppers, 2x Small Whites, 1x Large White, 1x Green veined White, 1x Green Hairstreak, 1x Peacock and 1x Brimstone. I'm wondering if this is Ash dieback. I've never seen so many cars parked along roads leading to Birling Gap. (Peter Farrant)

I enjoyed a late afternoon stroll around the back of Seaford today where I saw two Grizzled Skippers, eight Dingy Skippers and my first Small Copper of the year. Two Green Hairstreaks were seen in the long grass. Loads of Peacocks were still about. A very fresh Red Admiral put in an appearance along with the usual Small and Large Whites, finally a lone Orange Tip rounded things off. (James)

A single male Wood White observed in local West Sussex woodland. Due to rarity of this species in Sussex and the delicate nature of this small colony the exact location details have been withheld. (Mark Colvin)
And that's the twelfth national first.
Update: We just lost Dingy Skipper to Surrey so we are beck to eleven. Can today get any worse? (Ed jnr)

I arrived at Kithurst for a late afternoon walkabout to find that a few enthusiasts had the same idea and thinking they may not appreciate my 2 dogs getting in their way, went for stroll along the South Downs Way. By the time I got back I had the meadow to myself. Brimstone 6, Holly Blue 2, Green-veined White 8, Small White 3, Red Admiral 1, Peacock 1, Dingy Skipper 1, Green Hairstreak 2, Orange-tip 2 and Duke of Burgundy 1, were seen. (David Cook)

News has just come in that the Brown Argus and Common Blues seen over the weekend were both national firsts. This brings our seasons tally up to eleven so far, which is four more than during the whole of last year. No other county has had more than two yet. (Ed jnr)

A wander round Cissbury was rewarded with 21 Brimstone, 12 Speckled Wood, 7 Holly Blue, 6 Grizzled Skipper, 5 Green Hairstreak, 4 Orange Tip, 3 Peacock, Small Tortoiseshell, Small Copper, Dingy Skipper, Red Admiral, Green-veined White, 4 Cinnabar Moth, Silver Y, Common Purple & Gold. I dutifully spent half an hour at the top waiting for a no-show Swallowtail! (Lindsay Morris)

After reading about it in the Atlas I went for a walk to Malling Down reserve outside Lewes. As I took the train my walk started from the bottom of the reserve where the allotments are but as it turned out this was the best part of the walk as upon entering the reserve at least 20 butterflies of different species were flying around! The rest of the walk was a little boring after this but the wind was picking up and the sun hid behind clouds what could explain the drop of activity I guess. Non the less I got to see my first Green Hairstreak (1) what I was really happy about and then I saw 4 Small White, 1 Large White, 2 Green-veined White, 5 Orange-tip, 4 Holly Blue, 2 Peacock, 1 Comma, 1 Speckled Wood and about 10 small butterflies what I believe to be Small Heath. And these are just what came close enough and settled down for long enough to identify. I roughly followed the transect map from this website but next time I might just take a seat next to the allotments and enjoy the show! (Istvan Radi)

Took my first trip to Heyshott Down today - I'm a newcomer to Sussex and very much finding my feet - and very pleased to find a dozen or so Duke of Burgundy inc a very co-operative pair, plus 3 Green Hairstreaks. Also good to bump into Steve Morgan! (Ray Baker)

At least 3 Pearl-bordered Fritillaries at Rewell Wood this morning (8th May) - two of them speed-dating for the future of the species; also several female Broad-bodied Chaser dragonflies. (David Tomlinson http://www.davidtomlinsonphotos.co.uk)

On what was primarily an expedition to get a haircut, I was fortunate enough
to encounter a pair of Beautiful Demoiselles, on the way.
Later at High and Over I counted eight male Wall Browns. (Trevor Rapley)

These are from my managed wild garden on the outskirts of Brighton (Philip Booker)

After a very disappointing trip to Heyshott on the 4th, today was the opposite. Several Large,,Small and Green Veined Whites almost as soon as I got out of car at 9.00am. On the track up to the site I saw several Orange Tips and a couple of Speckled Wood. I attempted a fairly thorough search of the Escarpment and found 24 Duke of Burgundy's, 4 Grizzled Skippers. 5 Holly Blues and 3 Green Hairstreak. Numerous Brimstone were flying about as well. (Steven Morgan)

Yesterday (7th May) in the high temperature of 25°C, I visited Stansted Forest (SU7410), where I walked most of the main tracks. Totals: Brimstone 3M 3F, Small White 6, Green Veined White 1, Orange-tip 4M, Speckled Wood 1, Peacock 1. (Roy Symonds)

One my favourite sites is Ditchling Down, not least because it’s right on my door step! Brimstone, Holly Blue, Small White, Green-veined White, Comma, Peacock, Speckled Wood and in particular numerous Green Hairstreak were seen on bank holiday Monday. (David Cook)

Congratulations to Keith Wilson on his sighting of a gorganus Swallowtail at Mount Caburn on 7 May. I have to disagree with some of Ed Jnr’s comments; gorganus Swallowtails have been seen in Sussex in May and early June (occasionally as early as late April) since at least 1769, and with some regularity during the 21st century. Their timing depends upon the weather on The Continent, prevailing warm airstreams, and whether they represent first, second, or even third brood individuals. The good condition of this butterfly certainly does not preclude it having made a cross-Channel journey. Wing damage is usually inflicted by passerine strikes and contact with vegetation, neither of which is likely at sea. Over the years I have seen many hundreds of Clouded Yellow, and many thousands of ‘Cabbage White’, which have made the crossing in perfect condition. In the very recent warm spells we have seen the arrival of a few Clouded Yellow and significant numbers of ‘Whites’ from the south (see Lee Walther’s report from East Head 6 May). Keith’s Swallowtail is displaying classic ‘hill-topping’ behaviour and similar places (e.g. Firle Beacon, Frog Firle) are worth keeping an eye on; we may get more. Sources: Pratt 2011; Pratt 2015; Blencowe & Hulme 2017. (Neil Hulme)
Thank Neil, I'll get my coat. (Ed jnr)

At the side of a field at Lagness on Sunday I saw a Common Blue settling on a manure pile, plus Orange-tips, Brimstones & Whites. (Colin Knight http://www.seapic.com)

Yesterday (7 May) I enjoyed the Bank Holiday peace and quiet, sweltering heat and magnificent views from Heyshott Escarpment. Only Katrina Watson, and later Gary Norman, were there to enjoy the wealth of butterflies; the approach lanes and slopes were dripping in Orange-tip, Green-veined White and Brimstone, while the open grassland area supported 19 male Duke of Burgundy and a few Green Hairstreak, Grizzled and Dingy Skipper. A late afternoon visit to Rewell Wood produced 8 Pearl-bordered Fritillary (including the first female). (Neil Hulme)

Monday 07 May

Walked an Alfriston loop today in the heat. Saw Wall Brown in the High and Over area, Green-veined White, Large White, Orange Tip, Small Heath and a very warn Small Tortoiseshell on Firle Beacon. Also Speckled Wood and Holly Blue. (Patrick Moore)

I visited High and Over this afternoon, seeing a few Speckled Woods, Holly Blue, and a Wall sitting at the usual place on the steps. Then on to Abbots Wood, where I bumped into Mike Mullis at the "Triangle". There were 2 or 3 PBB flying there, and then Mike and I went along to another site where there were rather more (10-15?). Mike is rather concerned about people tramping this site so if you know where it is please stick to the narrow paths and don't go "off piste". My photos were all taken at the Triangle. (John Williams)

As we waited at the Old Shoreham Road / Boundary Road / Hangleton Road traffic lights on our way to Hampshire this morning, we were surprised to see a Holly Blue crossing the the road in front of us as it was only 7.26am. (John & Val Heys)

Nothing exciting in Withdean Park, Brighton today late afternoon: 6 Speckled Wood, 10+ white butterflies, 2 Holly Blue, 2 Comma, 1 Peacock. (Istvan Radi)

Late afternoon apparently means 5pm, however for Pearls in Rewell Wood on the hottest early May bank holiday on record, it meant more like six thirty. Neil Hulme, Katrina Watson and I spent a pleasant couple of hours carefully studying the roosting behaviour and distribution of Pearl-bordered Fritillaries. My tally was four though others in the group saw more. (Jonathan Crawford)

A visit to Castle Hill for Early Spider Orchids (I stopped counting at 300 when I realised I hadn't even reached the mother load!) also blessed me with 16 Peacock, 11 Dingy Skipper, 4 Small Copper, 3 Green Hairstreak, 3 Wall Brown, 2 Grizzled Skipper. Yesterday was notable for 9 Green Hairstreak in the Mill Hill area, but only 2 on the lower slopes. Anchor Bottom held thousands of Green-winged Orchids and one Orange Tip! (Lindsay Morris)

At Southerham, Lewes, 3 Common Blues: 2 Males, 1 Female. Also Dingy Skipper, Green Hairstreaks, and a few Small Heath. (Mark Cadey)

Mill Hill, Shoreham: Small Tortoiseshells, Large Whites, Brimstones, male Orange-tip, Green-veined Whites, Small Heaths and a "blue". (Kim Berry)

Single Continental Swallowtail (Papilio machaon gorganus) on the very top of Mt Caburn (TQ444089), Lewes, 13:00 to 13:30, 7 May 2018. (Keith Wilson https://photos.app.goo.gl/QSbUR4Vp9Ecv5ODU2)
I have marked this as a first for the moment but have some serious doubts about this butterfly. It is much earlier than our usual immigrant Swallowtails and it just looks in much to good condition to have flown across the channel. My feeling is that it is a release.(Ed jnr)
Update: see post from Neil Hulme 08/05/2018

I found at least four Pearl bordered Fritillaries, in Abbots wood, very early this morning. They were found in two locations within the wood. Also I spotted a mating pair of Speckle Yellow Moths, and a nicfemale Speckled Wood. It was all over by 9am with the Butterflies warmed up and supercharged !. (Trevor Rapley)

Three Dukes of Burgundy at Kithurst Hill this morning (7th May). No Small Blues yet. (David Tomlinson http://www.davidtomlinsonphotos.co.uk)
My guess is that we are at least a week away from seeing a Small Blue, perhaps even longer. Hopefully someone will prove me wrong as usual. (Ed jnr)

Mill Hill this morning was buzzing with skippers and Small Heaths. The Grizzled Skippers seem to be everywhere and are easy to photograph. The are many Dingy Skippers but these less inclined to pose whilst the Small Heaths were having none of it. An enormous butterfly glided down in front of me and I presumed it was a Comma. However having looked at Skippers for an hour, my perspective had altered and it was in fact my first Wall Brown of the year. As well as all three whites there was a Holly Blue at the top of the hill and also met Jogn Gilbert doing the transect.
After that I went to Bostal Chalk pits outside Steyning where I saw another couple of Wall Browns, two Dingy Skippers and a Green Hairstreak. (Jonathan Crawford)

Brief visit to rewell wood this morning was rewarded with a sighting of a single Pearl-bordered Fritillary in a different location to yesterday's sighting. (Mark Aldridge )

We were fortunate to see two Painted Ladies on top of Mount Caburn and a Small Copper on Cowslip when coming down through the reserve. (Sarah Stevens )

Took a walk through Ashcombe Bottom in Blackcap NT near Lewes yesterday. Quite a few Brimstone and a handful of Peacock and Orange Tip but no Grizzled Skipper, which I have seen in previous years. A couple of fresh Dingy Skippers seen patrolling territories, hopefully there are more yet to emerge because they've always been quite plentiful here. (Ray Pyne)
Thanks Ray, that's another Atlas site I can cross off. (Ed jnr)

Sunday 06 May

My first ever Duke of Burgundy (alas, I'm no photographer!) on my first ever trip to Kithurst Hill, on the offchance! How this happened, I will never know (it was 5.30pm!) but spotting Neil Hulme in the meadow was a good omen (Neil thought this may have been the third individual on this first day of hatching). As he/she was newly hatched, they were very motionless and extremely obliging. What a jewel: stunning! The stars aligned! (Kelly Westlake)

First Dukes of the year at Kithurst flower meadow this afternoon! Plus a heart-warming sighting of Neil Hulme enthusing the next generation of butterfly watchers! (John Williams)

We have had a Speckled Wood colony in our garden for several years but only spotted our first butterfly of the year yesterday. We also have a Holly Blue colony which also had its first butterfly yesterday. We have had them as early as March in the past . We have a lot of garlic mustard in our garden but yesterday and today had our first Orange Tip. We have lived here for 27 years! (David Macdonald )

It was through the garlic scented woods near Southwater (site 43) that I walked today. Plenty of mud under the canopy but also good numbers of butterflies in the fields and verges, as well as Early Purple Orchid. Orange Tip, Large White and especially Green-veined White seemed to be everywhere. There were also Peacock, Comma and Speckled Wood enjoying the dappled sunlight as well as a single Holly Blue. (Patrick Moore)

Yesterday (5 May) I arrived at Heyshott Escarpment to find Mark Colvin and Colin Knight already photographing a Green Hairstreak; not just any Green Hairstreak, but one of the most beautiful examples I've ever seen - well found Mr Colvin! The Duke of Burgundy is just starting here, with 3 males and a female seen. Today (6 May) I started at Chantry Hill, where the Green Hairstreak is doing very well. I counted 47 over just one third of the site. I then moved on to Springhead Hill, to lead a walk for Storm Ministries (Worthing), during which we saw Duke of Burgundy, Green Hairstreak, Grizzled Skipper, Dingy Skipper (spotted by my daughter, Mia), Orange-tip, Brimstone (including many eggs), Green-veined and Large White. (Neil Hulme)

A single Pearl-bordered Fritillary on the main ride in rewell Wood this afternoon. Always lovely to see and an incredible amount of coppicing work by the Norfolk estate will hopefully pay dividends over the next year or two (Chris and Helen Corrigan)

Having moved from the chalk grassland of Birling Gap to the sand dunes of East Head work wise, butterfly sightings have been rather sparse. But interestingly there has been a steady stream of white species (small and Large White identified) coming in of the sea from a south and south easterly direction at the rate of 1 every few minutes. (Lee Walther)

During a re-potting session in my Seaford garden this morning several Small Whites and Holly Blues, singles of Large White, Peacock, Orange Tip appeared,some occasionally feeding before flying off. (Stuart Ridley)

Began the day at Rewell Wood in a small clearing I had helped coppice back in the Autumn. Unsurprisingly I bumped into Paul Day who had been on the same conservation work party. It is wonderful to see rare butterflies but there is an extra special thrill when you have played an active hand conservation back in October. Both Paul and I were driven by that same desire to experience the fruits of our work. Sadly there were no pearls this time for me, but there is always another time.
After that it was Kithurst/Springhead to see the Duke of Burgundy and then on to Chantry Hill where Mr Hulme was counting zillions of Green Hairstreaks. Later back at Kithurst I managed to fluke a picture of a Brimstone in the middle of laying an egg. (Jonathan Crawford)

A lovely day at Knowlands Farm, Barcombe in which I recorded Small, Large and Green-veined Whites, Brimstone, Orange Tip, Peacock, Speckled Wood, Holly Blue and my first Small Copper of the year. Unaccountably, no Comma, so nine species of butterfly. By way of bonus, Broad-bodied Chaser, Large Red damselfly and the first (here) Blue-tailed and Azure damselflies as well as my first Beautiful Demoiselle. (Nick Lear)

As I was wandering towards my wildflower meadow two small dark butterflies flew rapidly past my head, and I assumed they were Green Hairstreak. I followed them as best as I could and then saw a single flying towards the pond area. It landed on the Alder and I confirmed that it was a Green Hairstreak. I then checked to see if the male by the driveway was still there and indeed it was. Later on there were two males by the driveway and on one occasion there was the inevitable dogfight. So, I think two males and probably one female. I spent 2-3 hours trying to follow the fortunes of these Green Hairstreak. One of the males flew down to Choisya to nectar. Also around 8-10 Holly Blue including one laying eggs on Portuguese Laurel. 10 butterfly species in my Storrington garden today. (Martin Kalaher)

A lovely sunny morning on Chantry Hill , 16 Green Hairstreak with a Female laying eggs on the rockroses. 5 Grizzled Skippers and 1 Dingy Skipper + lots of Brimstones. At the top of hill was a young couple with the chap on one knee and marry me sign written in sticks. At Kithurst meadow were 2 Duke of Burgundy with nothing to chase. (Tom Parker)
Well, as there is no finer place to be than in Sussex in May, and as you will struggle to find a better place in Sussex than the top of Chantry Hill as it was today, I guess he picked a good spot. Let's hope she said yes and that they then tidied up after themselves. (Ed jnr)

Went for a walk around the Jack and Jill windmills (TQ303134) at lunchtime and saw one Orange-tip, 2 Holly Blue and a mixture of white butterflies in good numbers. On the way back I saw plenty of other butterflies flying over the fields. (Istvan Radi)

A beautiful male Brown Argus performed well today at Frog Firle. In the vicinity yesterday a Grizzled Skipper that looked as if it had a bit of a 'GRIZZLY TALE' to tell. All it kept doing was flying around in a circle!! Actually, it still managed to fly amazingly well considering its predicament, landing with ease on tiny perches!! (Bob Eade http://bobsbutterflies.blogspot.co.uk)

So hot yesterday at the cricket that I thought it might be worth a trip to Springhead today (6/5/18). When we arrived at about 11.15am there were 2 Dukes of Burgundy already flying. We didn't see any more than that and they had gone into hiding before we left at 12.30pm. Also around were Small Whites (plus one probably Large White), an Orange Tip, a Peacock, a Holly Blue and a fair number of Brimstones. (John & Val Heys)

My favourite eight mile circular walk east of Litlington had lots of male and female Brimstone, male and female Orange Tips, Holly Blues, Speckled Woods. The highlight ( apart from the regular grass snake in Winchester's Pond ) was a Green Hairstreak on the sunny bank over looking Crane Down reservoir which let us get very close. I so love my Papilio binoculars which have opened a whole new world of wonder for me. (tessa pawsey)

Saturday 05 May

I visited Mill Hill early this afternoon but didn't see very much - a couple of Dingy Skippers, Brimstones and assorted whites, but no Green Hairstreaks. I then went on to Kithurst flower meadow, which is looking pretty as a picture but the season hasn't really started here yet. I saw one Holly Blue down in the far corner. (John Williams)
This was the 21st sighting today. The sightings came from 19 different people. This is the most number of daily sightings posted since I took over the website. I guess like me, many of you have been desperate for a warm weekend to finally arrive so you can get out in the field. I meet quite a few novice butterfly enthusiasts, including a few yesterday at the SDNP at Midhurst, and they emphasise how important this page is in telling them what to see and when to see it. So thank you to everyone who posted, both yesterday and over the last couple of years, as it makes running this site feel like a worthwhile thing to do. (Ed jnr)

sat 05/05/2018 saw my first PBF of the year today at site 2 at 3.25pm, and another two at 4.41pm and 4.43pm. also 2x Green Hairstreaks, 5x Large Whites, 3x Small Whites, a few Green veined Whites, 2x Brimstones, 1x Peacock and heard about 4x Nightingales. (Peter Farrant)

This afternoon myself and a friend went to Abbotts Wood. We saw a single Pearl-bordered Fritillary (no good photos though) There was a supporting cast of a Green-veined White, Small Whites, a few Orange-tips, 2 Green Hairstreaks, 2 Peacocks, 1 Comma , 1 Brimstone and 1 Speckled Wood. The only thing keen on posing was a Broad Bodied Chaser Dragonfly.
I then went on myself to Mill Hill for an hour between 6.30 and 7.30 . I was more focussed on photography than searching and counting but saw 8 Grizzled Skippers, 3 Dingy Skippers and 5 Small Heaths. When I left they Dingy and Grizzled Skippers were still nearly all opened winged and not fully roosting (katrina watson)

During the afternoon Holly Blue,Speckled Wood,Large White & Green-veined White were seen in our Poundhill,Crawley garden. (Alastair Gray)

My transect count on 4th May was 9 Small White, 2 Orange-tip, 2 Speckled Wood and 1 Holly Blue. On a Rottingdean village walkabout today for birds, we saw male and female Brimstone, 4 Speckled Wood, at least 6 Holly Blue and numerous Whites. (Peter Whitcomb)

My first ever Green Hairstreak! Pleased to have got this species under my belt. Found two at least on the scarp slope of Ditchling Beacon in the SWT reserve area at the bottom of the chalk pit. I saw a pair of what I think were males in aerial combat for about fifteen minutes. Also saw whites that I couldn't tell the species and several Brimstones and Orange Tips. Speckled Woods too. (Tim Squire)

This morning I spent an enjoyable few hours with Mark Colvin and Neil Hulme at Heyshott escarpment. I was pleased to see Orange-tips, Brimstones, several Whites, Speckled Woods, Red Admiral, a Grizzled Skipper, several Green Hairstreaks, including a stunningly marked specimen, and a male and female Duke of Burgundy. (Colin Knight http://www.seapic.com)

A walk on the warm sunshine from Lancing to Lyons Farm was fairly lightly punctuated by butterflies with 13 Peacock, 11 Speckled Wood, 10 Holly Blue, 6 Brimstone, 5 Orange Tip, 2 Green-veined White, Wall, Small Tortoiseshell, 5 Large White and 3 Small White (amongst various indeterminate whites.) Also an Adder, a Hornet and a Common Carpet. (Lindsay Morris)

I went to a different Duke of Burgundy colony today and Mary came with me. For the first time in six years I took my camera outside the confines of my garden! Anyway, we got lucky and had a single Duke, and this one was photographed. There were at least 5 Grizzled Skippers and 11 species for the day. (Martin Kalaher)

Caburn Bottom two Small Copper on a walk among very few Burnt Orchids.
Malling Down a mix of quiet and excitement, enlivend by a fly past of a Red Kite.
In the pits on the north side, Brimstone (2), Green-veined White (3), Holly Blue (1).
At the foot of the Snout Dingy Skipper (1), Grizzled Skipper (3), Small Copper (2), Red Admiral (1), Orange Tip (2), Green veined white (1). At the top Brimstone (2), Green-veined White (1), Speckled Wood (1). In the woods a solitary sparkling fresh Speckled Wood.
No sign of Common Blue or Green Hairstreak yet but great to see the skippers in warm sun. (Allan Spencer)

Went for a stroll in Friston Forest as spotted, Small Copper, Orange Tip, Peacock, Green-veined White, Brimstone, Speckled Wood, Large White and Small White. (Nick Linazasoro)

Sussex University 3-G Pitch (TQ350092). Whilst playing football this morning and as usual keeping half an eye on any butterflies, I spotted several Green-veined Whites, Large Whites and 1 Holly Blue. (Graeme Rolf https://www.flickr.com/photos/128321708@N03/albums/72157649396241380)

You learn something new every day. We know that an Orange Tip will ( usually ) make for the nearest
Cow Parsley flower head when the sun disappears.. But this morning I saw a male settle on Cow Parsley flower
in full sunshine and remain there for quite sometime. Never seen that before.
Also seen early this morning, many Holly Blues, Speckled Woods, lots of ' Whites ', several Orange Tips
and two Commas. (Trevor Rapley)

Green Hairstreak sighted visiting dandelion flowers on grass verge on residential street in Lewes (Prince Edwards Road).
Hummingbird Hawkmoth seen on Honesty flowers at bottom of my garden at same location. (Ray Pyne)

Clouded Yellow, Colias croceus
Fairlight TQ88470 12541
Fresh arrival (Morroco)
Feeding on Dandelion in old pasture, (NT) (Andy Overall)

Blunts Wood an Paiges Meadow. Atlas number 52. Did just the southern section. Speckled Wood, 2 Green veined whites, Holly Blue, Large White and a Comma. (Martin Buck)

Clouded Yellow At Cliff Edge, Fairlight (Andy Overall)

Yesterday (4th May) my third and final site visit was made at Kingley Vale (SU824110). The temperature here reached 16°C. Several Brimstones were flying along with Small Whites. Another first species sighting for me this year was a Grizzled Skipper. Totals: Brimstone 10M 4F, Small White 7, Peacock 1, Grizzled Skipper 1. (Roy Symonds)

After visiting Inham's Lane, I decided to go to Levin Down (SU886133) a site I see from the list that requires a visit. Several Brimstones were flying and I was pleased to record my first Dingy Skipper this year. I also met a couple who were completing the weekly transect count, who reported to me also seeing a Green Hairstreak. My totals: Brimstone 3M 2F, Orange-tip 1M 1F, Small White 1, Dingy Skipper 1. (Roy Symonds)

Yesterday (4th May) I visited Inham's Lane, West Stoke (SU835089) which always seems a good location for Orange-tip sightings. Sadly today none were seen despite the temperature being 14°C. Totals: Brimstone 5M 1F, Large White 1, Small White 2. (Roy Symonds)

A quick morning visit to Hollingbury Park, Brighton (it is an Atlas site although the grid reference number doesn't seem to work so I used the one from the actual Atlas) failed to produce any White-letter Hairstreak caterpillars what I was hoping to find but I still got to see 2 Speckled Wood, 2 Green-veined White, a Small White and a Holly Blue. (Istvan Radi)

Friday 04 May

A 7pm visit to Mill Hill produced 7 Grizzled Skipper and a communal roost of 6 Small Heath. I had spent most of the day enjoying the Dukes of Noar Hill (Hants.) - details in my UK Butterflies diary. (Neil Hulme http://www.ukbutterflies.co.uk/phpBB/viewtopic.php?p=129991#p129991)

Saturday 05 May

Roedean Old 9-Hole Site (TQ347032). 2 Small Heaths and loads of Green-veined Whites, a pair of which were mating. The constructed Butterfly Bank area is dappled with Cowslips with a virtual carpet of Kidney Vetch, some just showing buds. Should be Small Blue time soon. (Graeme Rolf https://www.flickr.com/photos/128321708@N03/albums/72157649396241380)

Friday 04 May

Devils Dyke this morning and Newtimber Hill early afternoon.. Saw about 6 Green Hairstreaks at the bottom of the Devils Dyke valley. Also saw several Small Tortoisehells, Brimstones, Orange Tips and Peacocks. Plus a few Green Veined whites on Newtimber, a couple of Speckled Woods and a Large White. Hoped to see some Grizzled Skippers but no luck, just a number of day flying moths like the one in the attached photo (can anyone identify it please). (Martin Buck)
Colin Knight informs me that it is a Common Carpet, Epirrhoe alternata (Ed jnr)

After several abortive attempts this month (and also in late-April), I finally tracked down a first Pearl-bordered Fritillary of the year at Abbots Wood at 11am. this morning at one of the known PBF sites around the wood but not quite the expected first location. For the stats, this one is later even than the first PBF of 2013 (coldest March on record) which turned up on 2nd May that year. Only 2005 (7th May) and 2006 (5th May) have seen later first emergence dates locally. Today's was also 16 days later than last year's first sighting (which was equal-earliest on 18th April with the first PBF of 2007). Also on the wing today at Abbots, several Green-veined White, Large White, Orange Tip, Brimstone, Peacock, Comma, Green Hairstreak and our first Small Copper of the year (it escaped the camera unfortunately). Also a Holly Blue, Green-veined White and Orange Tip at Hailsham Country Park on my walk in to Abbots this morning. (Mike Mullis)

I went to Well Bottom (Atlas site 29) this morning looking for Grizzled Skippers. Didn't find any skippers but there were Orange Tip, Brimstone, Peacock, Green-veined White, Small Heath and a Painted Lady. (Ian Seccombe)
Thanks Ian, that is another Atlas site I can cross off the list. (Ed jnr)

April for me was a pretty traumatic month but that’s another story. So I was glad when May arrived and things got back to some sort of normality. I’d already had a couple of failed attempts to find an early PBF so decided that I would first pay Ditchling Down a visit. Here I found Brimstone (2m 1F) a male Orange-tip, a male Holly Blue and several Green Hairstreak holding territorial rights this morning. With conditions looking good and plenty of butterflies on the wing, I headed to Abbot’s Wood. On arrival, I found Mike Mullis and Andy Wilson already on location. Mike reported seeing just one individual. So off we all trotted to see if we could find it plus any others. In the end we found just the one Pearl-bordered Fritillary. Nothing quite like a very fresh specimen to end a perfect Spring day. (David Cook)

In the morning I checked out my Storrington garden Green Hairstreak and sure enough it put in an appearance at 9.30am but it remained high up on the driveway shrubbery and at no point did it come closer than 15 feet. Courtesy of a step ladder, a fair amount of patience and with heavy cropping, I managed a half-decent photo. I was explaining to my brother-in-law why it was called a "hairstreak" when I realised that this particular individual has just a single spot. Later, I decided to check one of my local Duke of Burgundy colonies and sure enough within five minutes of my arrival I almost stepped on a male Duke. That was at 12.56pm. I didn't find any others but there were three Grizzled Skippers and 10 butterfly species in total. (Martin Kalaher)

Finally! My first Pearl Bordered Fritillary of the year at Abbots Wood this morning. I can't really claim the credit, because I bumped into Mike Mullis on site and he showed me the spot where he had seen one earlier. (Andy Wilson)

Thursday 03 May

Today (3/5/18) at 11.15am in our Hove back garden we had a Speckled Wood and a white. In the afternoon, we went to Anchor Bottom near Upper Beeding Cement Works primarily to see the green winged orchids, but we also saw a couple of Peacocks, a few Small Whites, several Holly Blues and an Orange Tip. On the way from there to Bramber we disturbed 4 or 5 butterflies, only a Comma and a Small Tortoiseshell being positively identifiable. We went round St Mary's House which had just re-opened for the new season and in their gardens we only came across whites. Mostly appeared to be Small Whites, plus one definite green veined white and the last probably a Large White. (John & Val Heys)

Today I met up with an old friend, Jack Harrison, who was visiting from Scotland. We started the day at my favourite Wealden meadow near Five Oaks, where we saw Orange-tip, Large White, Green-veined White and Speckled Wood in good numbers, together with a few Holly Blue, Peacock and Comma. This was probably my last visit to the meadow this year, so it was with some reluctance that I left for Chantry Hill. Green Hairstreak numbers are now building here, with a dozen seen. I finished the day on the Angmering Park Estate, in the woods near Blakehurst, where the evening sunshine illuminated the vast carpets of Bluebell. The Bluebell season is far too short and should be declared a national holiday. (Neil Hulme)

Brimstones and Bluebells
There were plenty of Brimstones in St Leonards Forest, Horsham this afternoon, all appearing from seemingly nowhere when the sun appeared then hiding when it went in, including on my arm/hand. I somehow managed to get my camera out of my rucksack and get a photo.There were also Speckled Wood, Green-veined White, a Large White and battling Peacocks.

(Patrick Moore)

Great day at Pulborough Brooks with plenty to see. Butterflies were present as well: 3 Brimstone, 2 Orange Tip, 3 Speckled Wood,1! Small Tortoiseshell, 4 Peacock and about 10 white butterflies including Small and Large White and Green-veined White. Also found two caterpillars in the grass. (Istvan Radi)

It has been 11 days since my first sighting of a Wall Brown at High and Over this year and at last a few more are appearing, although it may still be a few more days before numbers build up to good numbers. Today I saw a total of 3 males with single early in the morning and a further 2 later in the day. The 2 were flying together with a bit of battling, but at one point they sat close together. (Bob Eade http://bobsbutterflies.blogspot.co.uk)

Cuckoo Trail (Hailsham). Between 10.45 am and 12.00 pm, 25 or more Speckled Woods. 3 Orange Tips. 2 Large Whites. 3 Green-veined Whites. 1 Holly Blue.
Abbots Wood. Between 1.15 pm and 3.15 pm, 1 Speckled Wood. 2 Large Whites. 2 Green-veined Whites. (Graeme Rolf https://www.flickr.com/photos/128321708@N03/albums/72157649396241380)

Despite the chilly temperatures at the back of Seaford this morning I was pleased to find a beautifully marked (double spotted) male Wall Brown. Other than that things were generally quiet with a few Speckled Wood, quite a few Green Veined and Small Whites, two Red Admirals, several Peacocks, and one each of Grizzled Skipper and a Green Hairstreak. (James)

Despite the cold spring I recorded my second earliest garden record for Green Hairstreak today. The earliest was on 24/04/2010 and typically I see them 12th-14th May, but it is not a given. Last year for the second time only I had one laying eggs on Birdsfoot Trefoil, so hopefully the one I saw today was "one of mine". The other nice record was for a female Holly Blue that was drying out and clearly emerged in the garden. Once it started to fly it flew straight to a Greater Celandine and began to nectar. Earlier, another Holly Blue nectared on Purple Honesty. (Martin Kalaher)

Sorry - additionally, Green Hairstreak, Dingy Skipper, Burnet Companion, Comma.
Assuming I prematurely sent the first part of this! (Lindsay Morris)
No, I got nothing. Try again (Ed jnr)

A very quiet day today considering the fine weather.
At High and Over, although it was early on, a Red Admiral and a fresh female Speckled Wood
was all that was seen. Abbots wood was also quiet, with only a few Speckle Yellow Moths, a Green Hairstreak,
and some ' whites '. Back at the car a female Orange Tip ( my first this year ) was flying by the roadside, she
finally landed on the tip of a Garlic Mustard flower after several short flights.
(Trevor Rapley)

My survey of part of the Steyning Downland Scheme this morning was pretty unproductive on the lower slopes. But higher up Steyning Coombe there was a good deal of Brimstone activity, and ultimately right at the top, in the area recently cleared by Neil and others, this glorious Green Hairstreak. (John Woodward)

Wednesday 02 May

I also managed to find the pupa I posted on the 7th April although it has changed color and now it is more brown than green and you can see the wings! And just one more caterpillar with big "eyes" (Istvan Radi)

Once the rain stopped in the afternoon I walked up to Wild Park, Brighton hoping that all the butterflies would come out but I only saw one small butterfly what I think was a Holly Blue based on the size and the pale blue-ish underside. Yet the walk was far from disappointing! I got lucky finding tiny caterpillars and probably an old pupa. (Istvan Radi)

On 1st May I visited Stansted Forest (SU7410) - a Sussex Atlas Site that I had realised had not yet visited. Although sunny the cold wind kept the temperature to 12°C and despite walking a few main tracks, I only managed two different species - Orange-tip 2M 1F and Small White 2. (Roy Symonds)
Thanks Roy for the Atlas site. I am glad you went to some where new because of the book. (Ed jnr)

St Leonards on Sea, Hollington, Church in the Wood Churchyard. 2 Speckled Wood and 1 Orange Tip flying around in the afternoon sun (Janet Wilkes)

Tuesday 01 May

Hurstwood Lane near Horsted Keynes. Green Veined White, Small White, Orange Tip, Speckled Wood and Red Admiral all spotted between Hurstwood Manor and the Ford. (Martin Buck)

The (modest) upturn in the weather is still insufficient to really get spring underway and all but the warmest sites are steadfastly refusing to produce more than a few hibernators and modest numbers of Whites, Speckled Wood and, locally, the Holly Blue. A search of Rewell Wood today suggested that we are still a few days away from seeing the first Pearl-bordered Fritillary of the season. The site looks great, but the best it could offer was a couple of female Orange-tips. I later returned to the slopes of Mill Hill, currently our only site producing reports of Grizzled Skipper, although they must be out on Levin Down. However, even here, a hiatus between the first wave of skippers and the main course has opened up, with fewer seen (5) than on previous visits, as the early individuals run out of steam; still no Dingy Skipper and the solitary Green Hairstreak has disappeared. The butterfly season is currently running about two weeks behind the 21st century average, but the promised warm and sunny Bank Holiday should finally stir things up. (Neil Hulme)

Horsham Park played host to several Holly Blue, a Large White, Small White and a Speckled Wood this afternoon. Later Waterstones played host to a book signing by Isabella Tree about the Knepp re-wilding; immensely interesting. (Patrick Moore)
I see a certain Mr Hulme is in the index on pages 163, 178, 179 and 272. I wonder what that's about. (Ed Jnr)

After yesterdays battering it was pleasing to see so many Butterflies on the wing today.Among those seen were Large, Small and Green vein Whites, male Orange Tips,male Holly Blues and many Speckled Woods. All seen on the Cuckoo trail in Hailsham. (Trevor Rapley)

To Abbots Wood with Dave Cook. He in the hope of Pearl Bordered Fritillaries, me happy with the promise of Green Hairstreaks. Note that it has been a long winter in Yorkshire. The first butterflies I saw were one Small Tortoiseshell and one Brimstone the week before Easter on a trip to Hawnby to plant Duke Chrysalis's. Since then it's less than two weeks since the Orange Tips came out hence my humble needs. Abbots (and Dave!) delivered! But all we saw were two Green Hairstreaks and two Red Admirals. (Rolf Farrell)

Abbots Wood. Between 12.00 pm and 2.00 pm, 3 Speckled Woods, 6 Green-veined Whites and 2 Large Whites. No PBF's spotted. (Graeme Rolf https://www.flickr.com/photos/128321708@N03/albums/72157649396241380)

Monday 30 April

Grizzled Skipper #5: I returned to Mill Hill this evening after work and was saddened to find the little insect gone. After this morning I had begun to believe that perhaps it was indestructible. I hope it has found a place where the sun always shines. (Jonathan Crawford)

Grizzled Skipper #4: I returned to Mill Hill at 8am. The temperature was 4C. There was a cold wind blowing and an even colder rain falling. I didn't want to be there and not did the dog, but I was keen to see if the Grizzled Skipper had made it through the night. It had and was still in position at the top of the wild privet. I was surprised that it had not sought a more sheltered position. It is now more than 40 hours into the roost. I plan to check again tonight after work. (Jonathan Crawford)

Sunday 29 April

Yesterday (28 April) I took my daughter for a late afternoon wildlife hunt on the lower slopes of Mill Hill. We arrived at c.5 pm, after the other visitors had left, so had the site to ourselves. I soon found 4 Grizzled Skipper roosting on deadheads, Wild Privet and Bramble, then set Mia the challenge of finding more. She found another 4 with very little help, together with a few Pyrausta despicata and P. nigrata. A short burst of warm sunshine encouraged a couple of the skippers to briefly open up and fidget, but none took to the air. Hopefully I'll be training Mia to hunt for roosting Dukes and Pearls later this week. (Neil Hulme)

Grizzled Skipper #3: At 4pm I popped back to Mill Hill and found the same butterfly was still in place at the end of the privet stem. It had changed it's position slightly to snuggle up into the leaves. 24 hours of roosting. I think I will pop back in the morning to see how it is doing. (Jonathan Crawford)

Grizzled Skipper #2: I wake up curious, and this morning I found myself thinking about the Grizzled Skipper I had photographed yesterday evening perched on the top of a wild privet stem. So I headed straight up to Mill Hill to have a look. It was cold with a faint drizzle and I had the site to myself apart from the rabbits. I found the butterfly immediately and was going to write that it was in exactly the same spot as I had left it the evening before. However comparing the privet shows that it has moved over night onto a different branch, as it appears to be the same butterfly. (Jonathan Crawford)

Saturday 28 April

I spotted a roosting Grizzled Skipper at Mill Hill this afternoon, in dull and chilly conditions. I was hoping I might find a Green Hairstreak too but no such luck. (John Williams)

A morning trip to Mill hill drew a blank. However by late afternoon the sky cleared, and with the sun out, temperatures rose rapidly. Heading back to Hill Hill and I found a couple of other butterfly enthusiasts and two roosting Grizzled Skippers. (Jonathan Crawford)

Friday 27 April

Mating pair of Green Hairstreaks near Hailsham, East Sussex on 26.4.18. (Nigel Kemp http://eastsussexwanderer.blogspot.co.uk)

Thursday 26 April

Val & I did a circular walk from north Woodingdean to Castle Hill and back. Despite being sunny all the time, the wind was too strong. The only butterfly we saw was a Small White, back by the houses just as we were about to go home. The actual reason for walking here was so my Brother could to take some pictures of early spider orchids - mission accomplished as they were at the early stages of flowering. We also consoled ourselves with a couple of pairs of wheatears on a ploughed chalky field where I have seen one a few years ago and a red kite which flew down near us. (John & Val Heys)

Cuckoo Trail (Between Polegate & Hailsham). 14 Speckled Woods. 2 Green-veined Whites, 1 Large White.
Abbots Wood. 1 Orange Tip, 1 Speckled Wood, 4 Large Whites. (Graeme Rolf https://www.flickr.com/photos/128321708@N03/albums/72157649396241380)

It was rather cool and windy in my Storrington garden today but the Holly Blues were fairly active as they tend to hold court on the shrubbery by the driveway (where it is fairly sheltered). There were at least three males and one female. The latter entered deep into the flower head of Pink Camellia and either fed on nectar or possibly honeydew within the flower head (I couldn't get a good enough view). On the subject of large flower heads I had a Small White burrow deep into the flower head of a White Rhododendron. I'm not sure I have seen that before. Otherwise it was just too cold and too windy (not to mention the rain!). (Martin Kalaher)

How things can change in a day !. The weather today seemed to me very similar to yesterday
but the Butterflies thought differently. Yesterday there was non-stop action at 09.30, today
not much was seen until just before mid day.
Here is a selection of todays finds along the Cuckoo Trail. (Trevor Rapley)

Wednesday 25 April

Warnham Nature Reserve. Whilst photographing birds from the Woodpecker hide, (TQ 16906 32517) 2 Orange Tips (both males), 1 Brimstone (male) and 1 Large White. (Graeme Rolf https://www.flickr.com/photos/128321708@N03/albums/72157649396241380)

My recent spotting has been hampered recently but inspired by a set of images from Jamie Burston from his Brighton site, I decided I ought to check out the Brown Hairstreak site at Batchelors Farm in Burgess Hill. As previously posted, this site has undergone some pretty extensive habitat management by the local council. The number of eggs laid last year were significant and most have hatched now. So the challenge was to find the caterpillars. Now that the Blackthorn has flowered and leaf buds opened this is easier said than done especially as the ‘cats’ are tiny and I mean tiny!! The clue is to look for leaves that have been partially eaten and have little black pellets of frass close by (blue arrow) as there is a chance the caterpillar is not far (red arrow) away. Have a go, as it’s very rewarding when you find one. (David Cook)

On the way past High and Over I decided to have a quick look to see if any more Wall Brown were on the wing. No luck with that one, but I then struck lucky as I put up a Small Heath. I followed it for a short distance before it vanished up and over a large bush. (Bob Eade http://bobsbutterflies.blogspot.co.uk)
That might even be another National first. For the rest of this month we are looking to add to our collection: Pearl-bordered Fritillary, Duke of Burgundy and then later Brown Argus, Adonis and Common Blues. (Ed jnr)

The weather condition this morning were absolutely ideal for an Orange Tip hunt. Lots of blue sky, and plenty of fluffy white cloud to subdue their activity. Despite a thorough search no female Orange Tips appear to be present on the Cuckoo trail yet.
A female Brimstone added to the variety of Butterflies seen today. (Trevor Rapley)

Tuesday 24 April

I recorded my first female Orange-tip in my Storrington garden today. The males have been plentiful but I haven't knowingly seen a female until this morning. It nectared on Greater Stitchwort before hopping over the hedge and out of view. There was a different Speckled Wood (to the two seen at the weekend) and one of the Holly Blues came within range of my camera. (Martin Kalaher)

I`m a bit late in sending these sightings (computer problem!) but on 21st a nice surprise was a Clouded Yellow that fed briefly on viburnum flowers in my Seaford garden before flying swiftly away. Also seen were 2 Holly Blues, 1 Large, and several Small Whites. (Stuart Ridley)
Never too late Stuart. (Ed jnr)

Monday 23 April

Today (23/4/18) Val & I walked from Southwater Country Park to Warnham Nature Reserve. Although it was mostly cloudy there were some warmer, sunnier intervals. We saw a dozen or so whites, but they didn't hang around to be identified, plus one Speckled Wood, two male Orange Tips and a little cluster of Early Purple orchids. (John & Val Heys)

It was overcast, cool and blustery as I drove past the damp meadow at Wiston this afternoon, but I stopped anyway and am glad that I did. Although nothing was flying, a systematic search of the Cuckooflower and Garlic Mustard in the roadside ditch soon started to produce the goods; I found 4 male and a female Orange-tip at roost. A glimmer of sunshine encouraged a male Speckled Wood to briefly open its beautiful wings. On a sunny day I might have waited for several hours to achieve the same results. (Neil Hulme)

I have recorded eleven butterfly species in my Storrington garden this month, so far. This is a new garden record, exceeding the 2017 April total of ten species. The 11th was a Speckled Wood, which I saw over the weekend. There were two in the garden and both were very small. Today, a Holly Blue was obliging (in the cooler weather) and a Green-veined White found the Purple Honesty to its liking and laid an egg or two. (Martin Kalaher)

A visit to Mill Hill on a breezy, Grey afternoon was rewarded by a fine male Wall Brown and my first-ever Grizzled Skipper. The skipper wasn't hanging around to be photographed, and regretfully I couldn't hang around either as the sun came out and roosting time approached. (John Woodward)

I counted 14 Speckled Wood and one Green-veined White at Adur Recreational Ground (gridref.: TQ 20752 04960).

Then I walked up to Mill Hill but apart from a few Speckled Wood, a Comma and a couple of Small and Large Whites I could not find anything else apart from lots of very annoying black flies (St Marks Fly?). I blame the wind...

I carried on walking towards Anchor Bottom so you could have crossed it off the 2018 list but the public bridleway doesn't seem to go down to the actual grid location but stays on the very top of the hill and leads towards Shoreham Road. So unfortunately no sightings from there. (Istvan Radi)

I can safely say that every run of the mill ( if I may use that term ) Spring species can now be seen along the Cuckoo trail, in Hailsham, some in abundance. Here are just a few of those seen today. (Trevor Rapley)

On Sunday (22 April) afternoon I visited Mill Hill to see how the Grizzled Skipper population is faring, which is rather better than last year. I found the first one on the middle level, before even reaching the steps when approaching from the lower car park. I made a linear count of 8 before reaching the favoured north end of the lower level, by which time they were collecting to roost. Here, I found a further 6 already asleep or preparing for bed. I think my closed-wing shot demonstrates why the underside pattern affords such excellent camouflage in this species. (Neil Hulme)

Sunday 22 April

There were lots of Orange Tips in the lanes near Billingshurst this afternoon, mainly patrolling up and down the hedgerows but as the temperature began to cool one finally settled down for some nectar. I also saw my first Holly Blue of the season. (John Williams)

This evening at Mill Hill with the help of others (thanks) I saw roosting Grizzled Skippers. Also seen were Peacocks and a Small Tortoiseshell. (katrina watson)

On Saturday (21 April) I led a walk for the South Downs Volunteer Ranger Service, to thank them for all the hard work they've performed at 'Pete's Wood' (Small Dole) over the last three winters. Although still to peak, there was a fine display of Bluebells on show, together with an abundance of other spring flowers. Butterflies seen included Orange-tip and Holly Blue. The remnants of an old coppice worker's truck lie among the Bluebells, abandoned in the days when woodlands were more regularly managed, but I'm pleased to say that, here at least, the Hazel is being cut again. (Neil Hulme)

With virtual daily searches, today the first male Wall Brown was found sheltering from the heat at High and Over. (Bob Eade http://bobsbutterflies.blogspot.co.uk)

Orange Tip flying over nettle and bramble scrub at bottom of garden. Seen twice.Amberley BN18 9NS. Sunday 22.4.18. Temp: 18degreesC. (Ruth Stevens)

My Cuckfield garden.... evolving to a nature reserve. See http://www.peterlovetttalks.co.uk/page19.html for details of a NEW talk. (Peter Lovett https://sussexrambler.blogspot.co.uk/)

Saturday 21 April

Here is the Dingy Skipper from Saddlescombe chalkpit this morning. We checked later in the afternoon but couldn't find any, after seeing more Green Hairstreaks at Devil's Dyke and a trip to Mill Hill to see my first Grizzled Skippers of the year. (Mark Cadey)

I had a splendid afternoon's butterflying on Saturday! First I went to the lanes near Billingshurst, where I bumped into Andrew555 from UKB. We managed to get good pictures of roosting Orange Tips and a Speckled Wood, and then we drove down to Mill Hill and were lucky enough to see not one but two Grizzled Skippers basking in the late afternoon sun. (John Williams)

Today in my Bevendean garden there was a Green Hairstreak chasing off holy blues and Brimstones before settling on a raspberry stem. A female Brimstone was laying more eggs on the purging buckthorn.
(Geoff Stevens)

In Ashenground & Bolnore Woods: several Speckled Woods, a male Orange Tip, Peacock, Comma and several whites. (Kim Berry)

The Cuckoo trail in Hailsham was alive with Butterflies this morning,
and even more so late this afternoon. Speckled Woods, Holly Blues
and Orange Tip ( males ) are now common place.
Also many' Whites' were on the wing. (Trevor Rapley)

As noted by Mark, Dingy Skipper (1) at the base of the quarry. Seen with Dave Cook. (Mark Jones)

Spent a few hours in Fore Wood reserve what is also an Atlas site. I saw an Orange Tip, two Small White, a Large White, 4 Speckled Wood,6-7 Peacock and one Comma and 3 Small Blue butterflies but they didn't come close enough. Not a butterfly but I also saw a small red dragon/damselfly what was my first one of the year. (Istvan Radi)
I am sure they would have been Holly Blues as no other Blues are about at this time of the year. (Ed jnr)

West St. Leonard's train station, platform 1: one Orange Tip, one Small White and a blue butterfly what I couldn't see properly due to the train pulling away from the station. (Istvan Radi)

As promised by Ed. Jnr. 1 Dingy Skipper, Saddlescombe chalkpit, picture to follow. (Mark Cadey )
Excellent, and on an Atlas site we haven't heard from this year. I have contacted head office as it might be a national first for this species. Keep up the good work. (Ed jnr)

Neil Hulme writes that Istvan Radi’s small moth from yesterday is Pyrausta despicata. It made me wonder what "despicata" meant.
The species was discovered by an Italian Giovanni Antonio Scopoli working in the Austrian Empire in the mid 18th century. "Despicata" translates from the Romanian as "chopped" so perhaps that is it's origin. "Despicato" however is Latin for "contemptible" so maybe Giovanni did not think much of Istvan's moth. (Ed jnr)

Yesterday (20 April) I visited the lower section of Devil's Dyke, which consistently produces good numbers of Green Hairstreak. It's still early days, but I found a total of 11 males holding territories on low scrub beside the main path. A move to Mill Hill produced a few Grizzled Skipper, but by now butterfly activity was again being suppressed by the heat. On the way home I stopped off at Wiston, where half-a-dozen Orange-tip and a few Green-veined White were patrolling the damp meadows. (Neil Hulme)

Friday 20 April

Today in my Bevendean garden I saw 2 holy blues a Speckled Wood a Small White and a male and female Brimstone that spent about an hour flying round the 2 purging buckthorns settling briefly to lay on the twigs near buds that have yet to open. (Geoff Stevens)

Warnham: Another Atlas sighting for you!
Tuesday 17th 2 Brimstones, 2 Orange Tips, 1 Peacock in the wind and before the real heat arrived. (Richard Stephens)

This afternoon I visited Kithurst Meadow (atlas site) but only saw male Brimstone on the north facing scarp slope, disappointing really unless you happen to be a female Brimstone! I then walked to Burpham and then along to the (in)famous North Stoke swamp, it truly was swampy as previously reported. No Large T but Orange Tips, Green-veined White, Comma, Holly Blue and Peacock. In some places you could not stand still to admire them as the mud was too soft. Also seen were Large White, Small White and Small Tortoiseshell. (Patrick Moore)

Being stuck in an office this week has been torture, especially when rerading all the sightings. I have resorted to patrolling the lower slopes of Mill Hill around 8am when you can watch the first tongues of sunlight coming over the hill from the east touching the north west corner of the lower slope. More in hope than expectation, I only managed a few Peacocks and a solitary Brimstone. Today I managed to get there for 5:30pm. I saw my first Speckled Wood of the year as well as a Small White and a number of Peacocks. I also saw firsts for both swallow and spitfire (it's the unmistakable growl of the Merlin engines that always make me look up). (Jonathan Crawford)

In my Storrington garden today I added Large White and Red Admiral to increase the April total to 10 butterfly species. There were at least two female Brimstone and even whilst I was watching at least 60 eggs were laid on Alder Buckthorn. At this rate there will be 100s of eggs on the three garden shrubs. Both Green-veined White and Small White were reasonably obliging whist they nectared on Purple Honesty. (Martin Kalaher)

Late afternoon visit to Mill Hill produced 2 Grizzled Skippers, and single Speckled Wood, Brimstone, Peacock, Small White and a Clouded Yellow bombing round the lower slope (Chris Corrigan)

Following Mark Cadey's posting yesterday my sister and I decided to go to Devils Dyke this morning. We again, fortunately for us, bumped into Neil who was doing well finding Green Hairstreaks (we had found none at that point) They then started appearing and we spent a pleasurable couple of hours in the heat. (Katrina Watson)
Last year Mark got a national first Dingy Skipper there, less than a week after the first Grizzled skipper. So if anyone goes there this weekend, keep an eye out (Ed jnr)

The lovely weather today has brought forth our first Holly Blue and Speckled Wood, while sorting out our garden and planting some native plants. (Colin Upton & Ann Nutley.)

Its Seems I took up the challenge with Brede High Woods No 56 in the Atlas without knowing..I visited for Nightingales and failed.
The Butterflies made up for them. (Janet Wilkes)
Thanks for letting me know: one more I can cross off the list. (Ed jnr)

One Speckled Wood and one Orange Tip on top of the usual one Brimstone, a Peacock, a Comma, one Large and a Small White at Wild Park, Brighton this afternoon. And also two moths. One was in rather poor shape and no picture. The other one was smaller, new-ish looking and it was willing to pose for a picture. (Istvan Radi)

St Leonards on Sea. A Holly Blue Day. A Holly Blue flying around an Ivy Hedge near the Doctors Surgery,in Seddlescombe Rd South, St Leonards Arriving home another Holly Blue recorded in back garden nr Ivy and Spanish Oak Trees (Janet Wilkes)

Brede High Woods. Eastern Car Park- Walking around the short waymarked trail 4 Brimstone, 2 Peacock flying around and an Orange Tip and a Small White butterfly near the Orange Tip, must have been the female. Also a Brimstone around the field hedgerow Nr Jempsons Supermarket, Peasmarsh. RSPB Dungness a Peacock on the path at Dennis Hide earlier in the day. A Small Tortoiseshell around the Car Park at Hanson Hide Dungeness NNR (Janet Wilkes)

Thursday 19 April

A quick visit to Devil's Dyke gave me 6 Green Hairstreaks. I'm sure there were more, I just checked a small area. Peacocks, Small Tortoiseshells, Brimstones, Speckled Wood and Orange-tip also seen. (Mark Cadey)

Today (19 April) I started at North Stoke, which remains so boggy that it's very difficult to move around without losing a welly; unfortunately the site will remain difficult to access this spring. Orange-tip numbers were disappointing, with only a couple seen. Green-veined White is doing rather better (15m, 1f). I then moved on to Mill Hill, where Katrina and her sister were already scouring the slopes. Grizzled Skipper numbers are now building; I counted 8 during a linear walk along the lower scrub line. Highlight of the visit was a very obliging Green Hairstreak. (Neil Hulme)

My sister and I went to Mill Hill this afternoon in the heat. We were fortunate to bump into Neil who found a very obliging Green Hairstreak (many thanks). Also seen were Speckled Woods, Grizzled Skipper, Peacocks, Tortoiseshells, Commas, Brimstones and a Small and Large White. (Katrina)

Went to the lanes behind Billingshurst yesterday to look for Orange Tips. Lots of cuckoo flower in evidence, and with the help of Katrina who came along we soon found an area with several males patrolling. We were later joined by Neil, then Garry, and Mark paid a flying visit from the road. Because of the extreme heat, the butterflies were very reluctant to pose, but as the sun went down they basked for long enough for us to get some images. Also several Green-veined Whites on the wing, Large Whites, Commas and Brimstone. Paid another visit today which was even hotter. A female flew around and settled on several heads of cuckoo flower, but it appeared she was nectaring rather than laying eggs. After a short time she was spotted by two males, who came close, but she firmly raised her abdomen and, deterred by this sign of resistance, they both flew off. (Nigel Symington)

A visit to Lancing seafront today produced 3 Red Admiral tents containing over-wintering larvae. They were in the same location where I found eggs in October 2016 and larvae in March 2017, which is on nettles in the shelter of south and west facing walls near the main car park. All the tents were fairly modest structures which contained 4th or 5th instar larvae, some of which were visibly active. Other sightings were 4 Brimstones, 4 Small Whites and a Comma. (Vince Massimo)

Between 11am & noon today while I had an extended coffee break watching a silent little warbler (probably a chiff chaff) combing and re-combing our apple tree for insects, our back garden in Hove was also visited by a white, a Comma and a Holly Blue. The Holly Blue sighting was 6 days earlier than last year's first sighting. In the afternoon we went to Wish Park and saw 2 whites (at the same time) plus a rarity in our urban area, a Brimstone (male). (John & Val Heys)

Tried out my new Olympus Macro lens and my recently resurrected moth trap. Some of the fab moths i caught last night, even some of the drab looking ones show in detail , beauty that will give many butterflies a run for their money .
(Richard Roebuck)

Roedean Old 9-hole Site, TQ 34852 03080. 1 Comma and 23 Green-veined Whites between 2.00 pm and 4.00 pm. The butterfly bank is covered in Cowslips which looks quite nice. They haven't started spreading to other parts yet. (Graeme Rolf https://www.flickr.com/photos/128321708@N03/albums/72157649396241380)

Started my walk from Brighton railway station along The Greenway where I saw a Brimstone and 4-5 Small Whites. Then crossed Preston Park where I only saw one small sized white butterfly but then Hollingbury Park and Woods (Atlas site I believe) had more to offer: 4-5 Small White, 2 Large White, one Comma, one Peacock and one Small Tortoiseshell. The most interesting for me due to being the first of the year were the 2 Speckled Wood. I also found a tiny moth but no clue what that might be called. (Istvan Radi)

Only a short time available this morning. The Green veined White sighting completes the list
of Butterfly species one would normally expect to find along the Cuckoo trail, in Hailsham,
at this time of year. The Speckled Woods shut their wings tight on landing because of the heat. (Trevor Rapley)

Yesterday (18 April) I arrived at my favourite Orange-tip site (near Five Oaks) at about 2.00 pm, with my car's thermometer reading 24.5 degrees. Katrina Watson and Nigel Symington were already there, but reported fewer butterflies than I was expecting, and within a few minutes the two Orange-tips in view had disappeared. I soon came to the conclusion that it was just too hot for them, and that they had gone into hiding. This was confirmed when we found one asleep on the woodland edge. It was after 3.00 pm before about half-a-dozen males and one female became more active. Garry Philpott then arrived, and the four of us took turns in trying to achieve the desired open-wing shot. Too hot in April - a nice problem to deal with - and a lovely way to let a few hours drift away in the pursuit of Britain's happiest butterfly. (Neil Hulme)

Wednesday 18 April

Today, 18/04/18, Val & I went first to Michelham Priory where we saw a Brimstone, 3 Orange Tips and 3 whites which wouldn't stay to be identified and then to Abbots Wood. Here we disturbed 10 Peacocks sunning themselves on various of the paths and also saw 2 whites, an Orange Tip and a Brimstone. Later, in our back garden in Hove, a white kept coming & going, tantalising me by never quite settling. My bet would be a Small White. It showed no interest in a small clump of lady's smock which has just come into flower. Finally a plume moth came calling at the front door - the Common Plume maybe? (John & Val Heys)

Whilst working in the meadow opposite the NT barn at Frog Firle Alfriston, a bright Clouded Yellow drifted past a couple of yards in front of us. Gone before I could photograph it. 13.10 Today. (Keith Sutton)

Down in the far corner, on the lower level, this Green Hairstreak showed today at 14:00. Also one Grizzled Skipper, again in the lower area near the hedge. (Mark Jones)

Rowland Wood. Early this afternoon, 27 Brimstones, including 5 females. 8 Peacocks and 1 Orange Tip. (Graeme Rolf https://www.flickr.com/photos/128321708@N03/albums/72157649396241380)

A gloriously sunny eight mile circuit encompassing Litlington and Folkington included 13 male Brimstone, 5 female Brimstone, half a dozen Peacock, two swallows and a good half hour watching a water snake in Winchester's Pond. (Tessa Pawsey)

Although none were seen on Monday or Tuesday this week, the most numerous Butterfly
along the Cuckoo trail today was the Large White, up to about eight were present.
Also I saw my first male Holly Blue from this site today.
About three Orange Tips were seen, and fourth flew through my garden this afternoon.
The only species still missing along the Cuckoo trail is the Green Veined White. (Trevor Rapley)

Green Hairstreak Mill Hill. Photo to follow. (Mark Jones)

Mill Hill was without dogs today, and we saw 4 Grizzled Skippers between 11.00-11.30 along with Brimstone, Large White and Peacocks. (Steve and Maggie East)

OK, I might be totally wrong but I fancy the idea of a very posh moth coming out of this one soon. Any idea anyone? It could be something very different and unrelated to butterflies but I have no better theory for now... I found it yesterday in Withdean Park, Brighton. (Istvan Radi)

Neil Hulme writes
"I can confirm that Istvan Radi’s white is a Small White (plenty around this spring) and that Peter Lovett’s pupae are Large White."
Whilst Vince Massimo confirms this
"In my opinion the pupa photographed by Peter Lovett is that of a Large White. The Istvan white is a Small White."
So I can sleep easy tonight! (Jonathan Crawford)

Spring accelerated rapidly yesterday (17 April), bursting out in all its glory. In the damp meadows and lanes between Billingshurst and Five Oaks, Orange-tip numbers built throughout the morning, with a total of 9 males seen; at one point, six were in view, together with a couple of Brimstone and both Large and Small White. The banks and ditches in the area are now becoming smothered in Cuckooflower, Lesser Celandine, Primrose, Wood Anemone, Greater Stitchwort and Bluebell. Later, at Mill Hill, I saw 3 Grizzled Skipper and a few Speckled Wood, Peacock and Brimstone, while a recently arrived Hobby performed spectacular aerobatics at remarkably close quarters. An evening walk on the Knepp Wildland produced my first Swallow of the year, with the soundtrack provided by 2 Cuckoo and a snatch of Nightingale song. (Neil Hulme)

As noted by Trevor, the Cuckoo trail was fresh Speckled Wood zone. Also seen: Large White, Comma, Peacock, Holly Blue, Small White, Green-veined White - alas, not Orange Tip. (Mark Jones)

Tuesday 17 April

My first Orange Tip of the year this afternoon at my wildlife plot near Herstmonceux Castle. It ignored the Lady's Smock first time round but came back late afternoon to feed. By contrast, a Peacock spent most of the afternoon nectaring at the same spot where there were also numerous Dark-edged Bee-flies and several species of hoverfly. There were also 3 or 4 Commas and a rather late first Brimstone of the year here today. (Mike Mullis)

Enjoyed a midday walk around Lullington Heath (one of the Atlas Sites) in the sun today, albeit with a strong southerly wind blowing. I saw at least 6 Peacocks, 1 Red Admiral, 5+ Brimstone, 2 Small Tortoiseshell, 1 Comma and a Green-veined White. (Chris Bird)

It was always going to be difficult with wind speeds forecast for today but I did manage to see Brimstone, Peacock, Comma and Small Tortoiseshell in my Storrington garden. The latter was obliging as it nectared on plum blossom. There was also a Bee Fly nectaring on the plum. (Martin Kalaher)

Large White chrysalis ? attached. Can anyone confirm? There are half a dozen at least in my front door porch and my garden has many large (5 feet tall) kale plants, variety "Spis bladene" from Denmark. There was a white butterfly and also an Orange Tip flying in the garden today. (Peter Lovett https://sussexrambler.blogspot.co.uk/)

Met up with Bekkie today and we finished painting the inside of the hut white, following the excellent beginning of Andrea and her family, and of Mike Mullis who has sprayed the outside with green wood preservative. Large numbers of Brimstone, both male and female, on the Heath - we lost count - and also a couple of Peacock. Heard my first cuckoo of the season, and were also regaled by chiffchaff, blackcap, nuthatch, and a green woodpecker. Buzzards and later a sparrow hawk circled overhead. It's encouraging to see the flora on the reserve: the clear fell area which was 'cut and collected' last winter already has primroses and violets in bloom, while on the Heath area itself the carpet of wood anemones was heavily punctuated by violets, surely earning this area 3 stars in any Fritillary's Good Food Guide. (Nigel Symington)
Bekkie is of course one of the wonderful group of volunteers who have resurrected two of the transects at Bevendean this year. (Ed jnr)

Only one Comma in Brighton's Withdean Woods but 4 Peacock and 10 Comma in Withdean Park. And a white one I am not sure about (see picture) (Istvan Radi)
I am going to stick my neck out, because I have been drafting a piece in "confusion species" and really ought to know better. I'd say Small White, but the shadow in the picture is not being helpful. You can look at "similar species" here. (Ed jnr)

A pleasant stroll through the western parts of Wild Park LNR, Brighton, this afternoon produced over a dozen butterflies enjoying the sunshine. I don't think I have ever seen so many in the area covered for the time of the year. I checked out Woodbourne Meadows, Burstead Valley, and Burstead Wood: Brimstone 1, Comma 4, Small Tortoiseshell 3, Speckled Wood 3, Peacock 1, Small White 1. (Peter Whitcomb)

Sunshine, Orange Tips and Commas were the standout theme in the Dragons Green, Marl Post Wood area this afternoon. There was also a Peacock and two Large Whites. This has presented me with the difficult but enjoyable task of choosing which of the far too many photos I took to post. (Patrick Moore)
You can always send it two posts Patrick. No one is going to complain, particularly after the cold start to the Spring. (Ed jnr)

The Cuckoo trail in Hailsham was a little livelier today than yesterday.
The dominant species today was the Speckled Wood, with seven seen,
including a boldly marked female. Also seen three Peacocks and three Commas. (Trevor Rapley)

Last year I planted six hops in my Storrington garden and although I didn't find any caterpillars (in truth I didn't look very hard) there were around 10 pristine Commas in the garden over the course of the summer, so most probably the hops did their job. This year all six hops are growing rapidly and I don't think it will be long before a Comma or two comes calling. Yesterday a Comma flew from one nettle to another and even though I didn't manage to capture the moment of laying its eggs I can't imagine it was doing anything else. Otherwise, there was a male Brimstone that perched on the same Euonymus leaf for 42 hours! Also a Peacock "on territory". (Martin Kalaher)

Monday 16 April

A lovely day out with my daughter, Mia, today, with our target of five species being easily surpassed. The quiet lanes between Billingshurst and Five Oaks produced only a few butterflies in the very patchy weather, but the regular cloud cover made the Orange-tips (2) very easy to photograph. Singles of Comma and Peacock were also seen. We then moved down to the coast, where a walk up Ferring Rife under clear blue skies was more productive. Here we saw 14 Small Tortoiseshell (numbers on the wane as the males burn out), 16 Peacock, 9 Small White, 1 Large White, 1 Brimstone and our first Speckled Wood of the year. (Neil Hulme)

Sunshine in St Leonards Forest, Horsham produced a Peacock, several Comma and a Red Admiral at last. I also heard a Cuckoo, saw a Red Kite and a lizard, but no hovercraft I'm afraid. (Patrick Moore)

The Spring like weather this morning produced my first Orange Tip of the year,
and my second Speckled Wood sighting. Both seen along the Cuckoo trail in Hailsham. (Trevor Rapley)

Good number and selection of butterflies today in Wild Park. A Green-veined White, a Brimstone, at least 10 Peacock, a few Comma and a few Small Tortoiseshell. (Istvan Radi)

p.s. Forgot to mention my first Green-veined White of the year (no photo unfortunately) which stopped all too briefly on blackthorn blossom at my wildlife plot near Herstmonceux Castle on Tuesday 3rd April 2018. A Peacock and two Commas were also basking in the sunshine when it warmed up a bit that afternoon. (Mike Mullis)
This counts as a national first for the Green-veined White. That is our sixth of the year so far, which is four more than any other county and only one less than we got for the whole of 2017. (Ed jnr)

14/04/2018 A first Holly Blue of the year for me at my wildlife plot near Herstmonceux Castle on Saturday morning while I was trying to photo Lesser Redpolls in the larches up in the bluebell wood alongside the castle grounds. The butterfly was far more co-operative than the birds on this occasion ... (Mike Mullis)

Sunday 15 April

in the warm sunshine this afternoon 3 each of Comma and Peacock were noted. (Alastair Gray)

Over the past two weekends Butterfly Conservation has teamed up with Sussex Wildlife Trust to deliver some butterfly transect training. These events have been part of Woods Mill's 50th anniversary celebrations funded by ScottishPower Foundation. 40 people attended the events and after an indoor session on butterfly identification we went onto the reserve to undertake a trial transect. It didn't matter whether the weather was sunny or drizzling the attendees managed to record White Admirals, Orange-tips, Green Hairstreaks and many more species thanks to some laminated butterflies and some interesting interpretive dance. Thanks to everyone who attended and assisted, to Sussex Wildlife Trust for hosting and to ScottishPower Foundation for funding the event. We hope you take your new skills out across the county and strat-up some new transects (Michael Blencowe)

Yesterday I too had a sighting of a male Orange-tip. This one was in Ringmer. In the afternoon I headed back to High and Over to see if the Wall Brown larva that I had found changing into a pupa was still okay. There was no change with it though, but I was really pleased to find another nearby in the same stage. Today, the 15th I headed back again and was met by the sight of a mass of Ants eating the one I found yesterday. To think it had survived the past 6 months to be eaten just as it was preparing to be a butterfly!!
There was better news with the original one though as it had just completed its change to being a pupa. This is the first pupa I have managed to locate since 3 years ago. I just hope this one makes it through!! (Bob Eade http://bobsbutterflies.blogspot.co.uk)

Saturday 14 April

I saw several Brimstone (mainly female), several Peacock and a couple of Comma on a brief visit to Park Corner Heath / Rowland Wood this afternoon. (John Williams)

Comma in a glade
51°6'44.723" N 0°13'12.162" E (Christopher Ashurst)

Holly Blue x1 (Michael Clayton-Harding)

Peacock x1, Small Tortoiseshell x1, Brimstone x2, Small White x1 (Michael Clayton-Harding)

Fifteen people attended my butterfly identification and monitoring refresher course for the Steyning Downland Scheme (SDS) today. During a quick lunch break, following the morning classroom session, I spotted a Small Tortoiseshell on the High Street, which was the first of many butterflies seen. Most of us then headed up to Steyning Coombe, where Brimstone, Small White, Comma and Peacock were added to the list. The habitat over the entire SDS area is now in fantastic shape and a great credit to the volunteers who have worked so hard over the last ten years, ably assisted by the Dexter cattle. The only downside to the entire project is the disgraceful sight of so many dog poo bags adorning the bushes, a sure sign that some owners are less intelligent than their pets. After the event I drove to Billingshurst, but was probably too late in the day to see the hoped-for Orange-tip. However, I did see a couple of Green-veined White patrolling the verges. (Neil Hulme)

After I had attended Neil Hulme's excellent training day for Steyning Downland Scheme butterfly surveyors, I walked towards the target area end of the Rifle Range. This was on the off-chance I might see an Orange Tip, but I didn't. There were lots of Brimstones, a Green-veined White, a Peacock and 2 Commas there. I chased after the Green-veined White to check that's what it was and had a v clear view in my binocs of the veins. My iPhone photo isn't that clear from a short distance so I've not uploaded it here. (Claire Lawrence)

Sussex University 3-G Pitch TQ 35072 09306. Whilst playing football this morning, 2 Large Whites flitted through the small wood behind the pitch.
Slip Road Opposite Amex Stadium TQ 35064 08888. Whilst queuing in traffic on the slip road this afternoon, 2 male Brimstones were flying about on the University edge. (Graeme Rolf https://www.flickr.com/photos/128321708@N03/albums)

Today was week 2 of the new transect that has started in the Gatwick north-west zone nature reserve. The total count for the day was 5 Peacocks and a male Small White, although as I was leaving the airport on the perimeter road, an unmistakable male Orange-tip flew across the front of the car. The route back home to Crawley also presented 2 male Brimstones and a Small White. The temperature was a glorious 18C in sunny conditions and a light wind. (Vince Massimo)

A brief sighting of a single Grizzled Skipper this afternoon at Mill Hill. Peacocks, Brimstones and 2 Small Whites were also seen. (Katrina Watson)

Began with the transect at Mill Hill at midday. There were plenty of Brimstones and Peacocks about but little else. I bumped into Katrina and we had a good look for skippers to no avail. On the spur of the moment I headed over to North Stoke which was hot and humid. Once I had braved the bog and the stream it turns into, I found plenty more Brimstone and Peacocks plus a couple of Small Whites and a Comma. Towards the far end, where the bridle path turns 90 degrees, I saw what I was looking for. Three or four male Orange-tips. They were there for ten minutes or so in the mid afternoon, but were highly active and never settled at all. then they were gone. (Jonathan Crawford)

A walk up and around Cissbury Ring area in bright sun produced 20 male and 1 female Brimstone, 10 Peacock, 2 Small Tortoiseshell, Comma. (Lindsay Morris)

There was a Green-veined White in my Westmeston garden from 4.30pm. I could clearly see the yellowish underside of the hindwing and small yellowish corner of the forewing (Phil)

I have been away and now have lots to do in my Storrington garden. It was no hardship to spend time in the garden today and for most of the day I had 1-2 Brimstone flying around me. They were mostly males but I did have 5-6 sightings of one or more females. There were 1-2 Peacocks in the garden throughout the day but the highlight was two sightings of Holly Blue. The second one was so dark I think it had to be a female. (Martin Kalaher)

Friday 13 April

With the Wall Brown larva becoming much harder to find I have changed tactics a little this week. This included a night time search, this only produced 6 larva although several large moth larva were also spotted. I have also spent far too many hours looking for pupa, the stage that is by far the hardest to find!!
Another shorter search today rewarded me with 2 tiny Marbled White larva, 4 Wall Brown larva and then the holy grail for me, a Wall Brown larva in the stage of turning into a pupa. I just now have to hope that it makes it all the way through to being a butterfly in a little over 2 weeks. (Bob Eade http://bobsbutterflies.blogspot.co.uk)

Wednesday: St Leonards on Sea. A newly emerged Peacock on the grassy bank of my south facing garden in the Wednesday p.m Sun. Also two other Peacocks flying around the grassy area adjacent to the nearby Flats (Janet Wilkes)

Thursday 12 April

A disturbing visit to the lower slopes of Mill Hill, spoilt entirely by 18 dogs and four people all at one time on the lower slopes. The dogs were yapping and running free and leaving their mess over the chalkhill flora. Two dogs were barking repeatedly at me over a distance of 12 metres in seperate incidents. I wish I had not bothered as the steps and paths were muddy and nearly treacherous caused by excessive footfall. In the middle of the day I did spot a handful of Brimstone Butterflies and the same number of Peacock Butterflies. Dog Violets had already taken over from Sweet Violets as the dominant violet over the lower slopes. After the rain there was a mushroom I had not seen before on Mill Hill, and a Common Bee-fly visiting violets. I looked for possible Grizzled Skippers but even the dead remnants of Carline Thistle in which they hide was hardly present. I was so depressed by the state of Mill Hill Nature Reserve and the dogs that I hurried home by the ridge route. There were a few Blackthorn flowers south of the Reservoir but there were no sign of flowers on the main clump next to the road. (Andy Horton http://www.glaucus.org.uk/MillHill2018.html)

Wednesday 11 April

On the sunny south coast today, 40+ Small Tortoiseshell at Ferring Rife , 15+ Peacock, several Small White, a Comma and my first Large White, a female, of the year. Well worth the trip down from Essex! (Mark from Essex)

It was 3 pm before I arrived at Ferring Rife, but it was 6.45 pm before I reluctantly headed home. Today (11 April) was by far the best day this spring and the east bank of the stream was heaving with butterflies. It was great to bump into Mark from Essex, who had traveled some distance to enjoy this brilliant early season venue, guided by 'The Butterflies of Sussex'. Mark helped me finish my standardised count between the car park and first bridge, which produced 47 Small Tortoiseshell, 15 Peacock, 5 Small White (including 2 mating pairs), 1 Brimstone and 1 Comma. Mark also saw a female Large White just before we met. However, on the return journey it was clear that many butterflies had been missed during the first pass and we reckoned that there were probably 8 - 10 Small White flying, and at least 80 butterflies on the wing. Although most of the hibernators were showing their age, we found a few that were almost scale-perfect. (Neil Hulme)

On a short visit to the site of our litterpick next Sunday at Bevendean Down I saw 3 Brimstones and a Peacock (Geoff Stevens http://bevendeandown.wordpress.comp)

3-4 Peacocks, 1 Comma and 4-5 Brimstones at Pagham nature reserve. Quite a few Brimstones in and around Stoughton village (Kingley Vale Forest) (Istvan Radi)

On the recreation ground at Handcross saw a Small White when the sun made a fleeting appearance (Martin Buck)

Coldean Woods.1 Large White.
Top of A27 Cutting on North Side of Footbridge between Coldean and Stanmer Woods. 7 Brimstones (all male). 1 Large White. 1 Comma. 37 Peacocks, flying as singles, twos, and threes. Other items of interest on a Gorse bush! (Graeme Rolf https://www.flickr.com/photos/128321708@N03/albums/72157649396241380)

At last, I saw my first butterflies of the year today, a few Peacock and Small Tortoiseshell, at Stanmer Park, Brighton. Last year I saw my first butterflies a whole month earlier, on March 11th!

(John Williams)

Lancing Ring - increasingly sunny and warm. 9 Peacock, 7 Brimstone, Small Tortoiseshell, Comma, Small White. (Lindsay Morris)

A glorious sunny day on my Whitehawk Hill allotment site in east Brighton. Delighted to see a Small Tortoiseshell, a Peacock, a Comma and a white ( ( large or small! ) and also a Ruby Tiger moth caterpillar. The fine weather also brought out quite a few allotment tenants who hadn't been seen all winter. (Tessa Pawsey)

Driving back from the shops and saw a white butterfly, pulled over to find a very fresh Large White right by the ponds. (Steve DAWSON)

A dozen Peacocks in Worms Wood this afternoon, but no other species seen (Bill Brooks)

Tuesday 10 April

Back gardens between Quebec Street and Toronto Terrace, Brighton. Flying through the back garden corridor of said roads, 1 Small White. (Graeme Rolf https://www.flickr.com/photos/128321708@N03/albums/72157649396241380)

Some late sunshine today was enough to tempt out a few Butterflies,
including my first Speckled Wood of the year. Also seen two Red Admirals, both worn.
All found on the Cuckoo trail in Hailsham.
(Trevor Rapley)

Sunday 08 April

On the subject of the pupa posted on April 7
Everyone has written to tell me that Peacocks hibernate overwinter and so it cannot be a Peacock. So I am wiser, if not much smarter now.
Jeremy Tatum, our regular correspondent from British Columbia, thinks it might be a Small White.
M Pons suggests a Large White.
Neil Hulme informs me that the pupa is a Green-veined White. It will hatch later in April, or May, depending on the weather.
Vince Massimo agrees with Neil that it's a Green-veined White.
Thank you all for your help. (Ed jnr)

Saturday 07 April

Plenty of butterflies around Frog Firle yesterday in the sheltered spots. The Wall Brown larva have now become harder to find with only around 15 today as well as this very smart Speckled Wood larva. (Bob Eade http://bobsbutterflies.co.uk)

With the temperature at 14C and the sun visible through the thinning clouds, I was able to do the first transect at Anchor Bottom since 2014 this morning. Unfortunately no butterflies attended this auspicious occasion.

After that i made a quick dash across the county line to Rowland Wood where I met Doug Neve and we walked the BC reserve transect. The temperature was a little better at 16C and we spotted two Brimstones and two Red Admirals. Only one of each were in our 10m square transect area and went into the records.

I did notice that the shed had received a coat of paint and was looking very smart. I believe we have Mike Mullis to thanks for this. (Jonathan Crawford)

Following on from someone's sighting yesterday of a Comma at Southover Grange, Lewes I was celebrating the opening of their lovely cafe there for the season with a proper cup of tea when a male Brimstone did a couple of circuits of the garden. Heaven. (Tessa Pawsey)

Re-posting this chrysalis from yesterday. Hopefully the picture will go through this time. (Istvan Radi)
Now your post from yesterday makes sense. My guess would be a Peacock. (Ed jnr)

Friday 06 April

A Comma seen in Southover Grange, Lewes yesterday. (Patrick Bonfield )

Nore Wood, Slindon, West Sussex SU 95264 10411 Brimstone male, 4 sightings, probably of a single specimen.
Madehurst, nr.Slindon, West Sussex SU 986 100 Red Admiral (T.Roberts)

More of the same today ( I'm not complaining ! ) four Commas and two Peacocks,
Seen along the Cuckoo trail, in Hailsham this afternoon. (Trevor Rapley)
But I was hoping for an orange-tip! (Ed jnr)

Not sure what butterfly this will be... found it in Wild Park, Brighton. No picture but I also saw a Brimstone there. (Istvan Radi)

A day spent looking for conservation work opportunities in Slindon Woods, with Matthew Oates and the local National Trust team, produced a good number of butterfly sightings, with double-figure counts of Comma and Brimstone, and a few Peacock. Blackthorn blossom and Primrose bursting out everywhere. (Neil Hulme)

Last night (5 May) I teamed up with South Downs National Park Ranger Jasmine Owen and Sussex Branch webmaster Jonathan Crawford, to perform the third 2018 survey of Barred Tooth-striped at Mill Hill. We started seeing them at c.8.30 pm and it didn't take long to rack up our total of a dozen. However, the increasingly cold and strong breeze soon dampened down activity. Many of the moths are now showing a little wear and tear, but a few are still in very fresh condition. (Neil Hulme)

Thursday 05 April

Small Tortoiseshell, Peacock and Comma (rather tatty individual) in a sunny Eastbourne garden. (Michael Clayton-Harding https://www.naturebotherer.blogspot.co.uk )

A pleasant walk near Loxwood and the Wey and Arun Canal this afternoon produced Brimstone, Comma and a Small Tortoiseshell. (Patrick Moore)

First transect walk of the year at Nymans Woods nr Handcross uncovered 2 Commas, 1 Peacock and 1 male and 2 female Brimstones on a perfect sunny lunchtime. (Martin Buck)

Explored Ferring Rife today on the lookout for Small Tortoiseshells. A cold wind set off the warm sunshine. Counted 10 during my walk along the rife and back. All in a very feisty mood - one saw off a Peacock and a second one had a long chase with a queen bumblebee. A third one was clever enough to pick on something its own size: the two settled in a muddy patch for a few moments but then separated without further action. One very bitten Peacock and one very smart one completed the day. Grey heron and Little Egret in attendance. (Nigel Symington)

At last, my first butterflies of the year! The first was a Brimstone flying beside the A22 near Hailsham. This was followed by a Small Tortoiseshell in Hailsham Country Park. A trip to Lewes yielded another Brimstone on the railway land. And finally, back home, another walk in Hailsham Country Park produced 3 Small Tortoiseshells, a Comma and a Peacock. (Chris Hooker)

Rowland Wood. 17 Brimstones (all male), 2 Peacocks. (Graeme Rolf https://www.flickr.com/photos/128321708@N03/albums/72157649396241380)

The bright sunshine this morning tempted out 3 Commas, a Small White and 2 Peacocks.
Unfortunately the Peacocks and the third Comma escaped my camera.
Sightings were along the Cuckoo trail in Hailsham. (Trevor Rapley)

Lancing Ring in full sun. 7 male Brimstone, 6 Peacock, 2 Comma. What I thought on the briefest of glimpses to be a female Brimstone. Plus male and female Homo Sapiens surveying reptiles. (Lindsay Morris)
I think it is the time of the year for it. The reptiles are sluggish and easily found. There was a hovercraft on the Adur this morning taking inter tidal mud samples. Not remotely relevant but this website does not record enough hovercraft sightings for my liking, so I thought I might mention it. (Ed jnr)

I saw this sunbathing Comma this morning in Preston Park, Brighton. (Istvan Radi)

Sunday 01 April

The 2018 transect season is underway

April 1st is the start of the Butterfly Conservation transect year. For the next 26 weeks dozens of volunteers will be walking Transects all over Sussex, from Harting Down in the west to Fore Wood in the East, and from Birling gap in the South to Stumbleholm Farm in the north. Some will be doing walking a transect for the first time whilst a few will have chalked up thirty years or more.

Butterfly Conservation have been collecting transect data for all most 40 years and the data collected has been vital in understanding both the distribution and abundances of butterflies. It underpins our conservation work and without it we would have little hope of understanding the effects of climate change on the butterfly population.

The work of the transect walker is often unheralded. Perhaps because it appears to be a mundane activity carried out by so many people so over many weeks in so many different locations it gets overlooked. We at Butterfly Conservation Sussex would like to express our immense gratitude to those who will walk transects in 2018. Without your efforts our branch would be greatly impoverished.

The national site are reporting a Sussex Small Copper from 14th March. There is also a Sussex Painted Lady from the 6th March. If you know who saw these butterflies, please let us know. We now have four firsts on the national list so far this year which is considerably more than any other county. (Ed jnr)

Saturday 31 March

As soon as I arrived at High and Over today I disturbed a butterfly that flew off quickly down the hill. Fortunately I watched it in the binoculars and saw the area it landed in. On approaching it the butterfly took off and flew back up the hill!! Once again I hadn't managed an id so I followed it back up the hill. This time I spotted it before it flew again, and I was very surprised to see it was a Speckled Wood. High and Over is not known for early sightings of this species, in fact it is normally 2 weeks or so behind inland sites. I'm pretty sure it is also my first ever March sighting of this species.
I also saw 2 Small Tortoiseshell, but the main reason for the visit was another larva search. For the 2nd time this year I hit 40 Wall Brown larva. It seems the eggs and larva from the large 3rd brood have survived very well this winter. I also found a Small Heath larva and 2 tiny Meadow Brown larva. In all a very successful afternoon despite the cool Easter weather. (Bob Eade http://bobsbutterflies.blogspot.co.uk)

Tuesday 27 March

Had a very interesting day at Gatwick organised by our friends from the Surrey branch of Butterfly Conservation. Whilst Gatwick is in now in Sussex, in 1860 it was in Surrey and so for recording purposes it is still in that county.

The highlight of the day was a walk around the nature reserve that lies parallel to the main runway. Being inside the airport, the reserve is not open to the public and a haven of tranquillity (if you don't count the planes taking off every 90 seconds - which you soon stop noticing). The site by and large is a man made terrain, made up of spoil and excavations which has been spectacularly reclaimed by nature.

Unfortunately we did not see any butterflies today but we did find Brown Hairstreak and Purple Hairstreak eggs. The latter was found by Bill Downey of Surrey who said "It is almost impossible to find Purple Hairstreak eggs in the wild but this is where on a oak bud you will find them". And he pulled down the nearest bud and there of course was a Purple Hairstreak egg! So far they have recorded 32 species of butterfly on the reserve. The site is also actively managed for reptiles and I saw more grass snakes today than I had seen up to that point. (Jonathan Crawford)

We were driving along the A27 bypass and had nearly reached the east entrance to the Southwick tunnel when we saw a Brimstone on the south side of the road. Although we saw a couple of butterflies when we were on holiday near Stratford Upon Avon a couple of weeks ago, that's only our second Sussex butterfly this year, the first having been way back in February. If anyone is in the neighbourhood of Stratford Upon Avon, the Butterfly Farm is the best I've ever been to. Some of the butterflies are very friendly too as can be seen from the one which landed on my hand. Bit tricky taking the pic with the other hand! (John & Val Heys)

Yesterday evening I joined Neil and Jonathan for the survey of Barred Tooth-striped Moths at Mill Hill. I was pleased to find two new moths for my galleries - the March Moth (Alsophila aescularia) and the Dotted Border (Agriopis marginaria). (Colin Knight)

Yesterday (26 March) I visited a very wet and boggy North Stoke (wellies essential), where things are taking time to get going; just 3 Brimstone and a Comma seen. I then moved to Ferring Rife, where there was much more action under a cloudless sky. 18 Small Tortoiseshell, 7 Peacock and a Red Admiral were found on the east bank, between the beach car park and first footbridge. (Neil Hulme)

Monday 26 March

Last night (25 March) I performed a reconnaissance trip to Mill Hill at Shoreham, to see if the rare Barred Tooth-striped moth (BTS) had started to emerge. Conditions were perfect, being warm and windless. Between 8.15 pm and 9.30 pm (when rain stopped play) I found 17 BTS in fresh condition. This evening I was joined by Colin Knight and Jonathan Crawford, in an attempt to find the moth over a wider area. It was much harder going this time, with a cold breeze blowing under the clear sky. Although BTS were thinner on the ground, we still managed a healthy combined total of 20, with seven over the previously unsearched southern end of the slope. These are the highest numbers recorded at Mill Hill for some while, and I doubt that the species is at peak yet. (Neil Hulme)

A Small Tortoiseshell on a hyacinth on my east Brighton allotment today. (Tessa Pawsey)

Broadwater Warren Bird Reserve. My first butterfly sighting of the year. Whilst driving, 3 Brimstones between Crowborough and Erridge, but once in the reserve, Brimstones galore. I stopped counting after 30. All males. Sorry, no photos. (Graeme Rolf https://www.flickr.com/photos/128321708@N03/albums/72157649396241380)

A ‘while you wait’ car service gave me the opportunity to explore some new areas and Maidenbower Business Park and Worth Way on the outskirts of Crawley this morning. 5 Male Brimstone, 3 Peacock a Red Admiral and a Comma enjoying gloriously sunny conditions with light wind and 13c. (David Cook)

After lunch the fine weather tempted me out again.
This time to Abbots wood. I was rewarded with two more Peacocks and a Comma. (Trevor Rapley)

From the Toll Bridge and around Mill Hill it seemed the butterflies had heard it was British Summer Time and were out enjoying the sunshine in greater numbers. 7 Brimstone, 5 Peacock, 3 Small Tortoiseshell, 2 Comma. (Lindsay Morris)

At long last after a gap of four months butterflies have finally returned to St Leonards Forest, Horsham. Six Brimstone (possibly more), four Peacock and a Comma appeared in the midday sunshine. I last saw a butterfly (Red Admiral) in the forest on the 25th November last. (Patrick Moore)

An immaculate Peacock and two male Brimstones seen on the Cuckoo trail, in Hailsham this morning. (Trevor Rapley)

On a bright sunny morning a Peacock was nectaring on a hyacinth in my Seaford garden and a few moments later a Brimstone flew over. (Stuart Ridley)

Friday 23 March

Lancing Ring - 2 Peacock, Small Tortoiseshell, 3 Adders, Viviparous Lizard. (Lindsay Morris)

I photographed 19 butterflies during my trip to KwaZulu-Natal last September, plus many moths and other insects. I thought that some might brighten up our sightings page while we wait for our Spring emergence. (Colin Knight http://colinknight.blogspot.co.uk/2017/10/african-butterflies-moths-and-other.html)

Wednesday 21 March

Cissbury Ring - now is the winter of our East Beast made glorious summer by four Brimstone, a Peacock and a Small Tortoiseshell. Despite some snow still lying and only intermittent sun. (Lindsay Morris)

Tuesday 20 March

24/07/2017: This is what is believed to be the last Sussex White-letter Hairstreak sighting of 2017.

We thought we'd try an early evening visit to Hollingbury Woods on the off-chance we might be lucky to get a sighting for the year, having missed all other chances earlier in the season.

As we arrived at a promising clearing where we'd seen the White-letter Hairstreaks previously (with the guidance of Jamie Burston), we spotted a grey something struggling to get free from a cobweb in the brambles. Throwing away the Springwatch style (let nature take its course - all species are equal) approach, I dived into the brambles and nettles in my shorts and rescued this aging female White-letter Hairstreak from the advancing spider, so she could live to fight another day and perhaps lay a few more eggs for 2018.

Her wings were in tatters (as were my legs), but after a short rest on my hand for a photo, she flew off into the trees. (Colin & Andrea Gibbs)
Thank you Colin and Andrea, that's a lovely tale. But you missed the bit about why you decided to wait almost than eight months to share it with everyone. (Ed jnr)

Monday 19 March

I passed Mill Hill today. In two weeks our transect walkers will be looking for butterflies! (Colin Knight)
Yes, we had a national first on Mill Hill for Grizzled Skipper on 2nd April last year. Might be a bit later this year I think. (Ed jnr)

Sunday 18 March

Despite increasingly difficult conditions with the development of a minor snow blizzard, the Friends of Coldean Woods still continued the winter management. Hoping for a return of the Brimstones over the next couple of weeks. (Dan Danahar)

Bevendean Down LNR: Despite the cold and a little covering of snow we had a good turnout clearing hawthorn and privet from the site. (Geoff Stevens http://bevendeandown.wordpress.com/)
Geoff, you have clearly mastered understatement! (Ed jnr)

This morning I scraped 4 inches of snow of the car and headed over to Bevendean where I had an appointment to walk two transects with a group of volunteers. They have agreed to restart the transects there this year. I was amazed to find not only the transect walkers but eight to ten people who had come for the work party. The fortitude of these people is extraordinary. We saw a fox and a buzzard but no butterflies on our peregrinations. It seems strange to think that the transects season begins in just two weeks! (Jonathan Crawford)

I came across a freshly emerged Orange Underwing (Archiearis parthenias) on Pevensey Levels on 14/3/18. It's not often you get to view the underside of this species in the wild. (Nigel Kemp http://eastsussexwanderer.blogspot.co.uk)

Saturday 17 March

A Red Admiral was resting in a sunny patch in my south-facing Seaford garden before fluttering around and moving on. Hopefully it found a safe spot to survive today`s bitter east wind and snow flurries. (Stuart Ridley)

Next to Batchelor's Farm nature reserve, my first butterfly sighting of the year & probably the last for a while! - a fresh looking Small Tortoiseshell. Grid a Ref TQ1748 17649 (Simon Rayburn)

My neighbour has forwarded a snap of a Hummingbird Hawk moth seen at Newhaven cemetery on wednesday. Given the recent cold spell unlikely to be the same one seen inside the Co-op store in Newhaven on New Year`s Eve, but with Red Admiral larvae surviving anything is possible. (Dave Harris)

Friday 16 March

Hummingbird Hawk Moth seen in my Brighton garden (Paul Morris)

Following a blank at North Stoke, where the sun refused to really break through, I moved to Ferring Rife, where 13 Small Tortoiseshell and 4 Peacock were found on the east bank between the car park and first bridge upstream. (Neil Hulme)

Mill Hill frustratingly refused to become nice and sunny while I was there, and yet the slopes were invitingly warm. 2 Peacock, a Comma and a Peregrine helped ease my frustration. As regards yesterday's wonderful find at Woods Mill, I can definitely recommend Mr Lyon's blog as being very interesting. Count everything because everything counts! (Lindsay Morris)

Thursday 15 March

Spotted a Comma this afternoon in "The Greenway" mini park/green corridor in Brighton behind the railway station. Low quality picture as it was taken with my phone's camera from distance. (Istvan Radi)

Woods Mill: Large Tortoiseshell seen briefly at 1.45 pm before flying off very quickly to the south east and it wasn't found again. More details on my blog. (Graeme Lyons http://analternativenaturalhistoryofsussex.blogspot.co.uk/2018/03/large-tortoiseshell-found-on-lunchtime.html)

Lancing Ring. In a southern sunny spot reclined a Peacock. Nearby was a Firecrest. In the chalkpit 2 Adders were basking. Hopefully the bastard son of The Beast from the East (due on Saturday) will not discomfort any of them too much. (Lindsay Morris)

Wednesday 14 March

Crawley Down - 1 Small Tortoiseshell braving the strong wind today, feeding on crocus. (Jon Ruff)

The caterpillar pic of 10th March
Could be Ruby Tiger moth caterpillar as Second broods overwinter as fully grown caterpillars and emerge during early spring.
(Richard Roebuck)

Tuesday 13 March

One Small White in my garden today. (Adrian Thomas)
That would be the first true 2018 butterfly recorded on this site, unless I am mistaken, as all the other species seen this year so far have have been hibernators from 2017. You also missed getting a national first by just one day Adrian. (Ed jnr)

Monday 12 March

I had 4-5 sightings of a male Brimstone in my Storrington garden, yesterday. I suspect that more than one individual was involved. (Martin Kalaher)

An uncommon (to Brighton) Rock Pipit was feasting on caterpillars on the cliff at low tide yesterday above the marina. (Peter Lovett https://sussexrambler.blogspot.co.uk/)

Sunday 11 March

Many thanks to all who attended the BC 50th anniversary Day of Action on the Sussex reserves today, and to Gary Norman and Jonathan Crawford for performing repairs to the Park Corner Heath (PCH) visitor's hut on Saturday. An old shed in Rowland Wood was dismantled and enough rubbish removed to fill a skip. Meanwhile, another small group burned up some previously felled trees on PCH, where a large new clearing has been created. Just after 1pm the warm sunshine woke plenty of butterflies from their slumber and we were suddenly surrounded by male Brimstones; in all nine were seen in different parts of the reserves, together with a single Red Admiral. There can be little better to raise the spirits than the sight of Brimstones flying around Hazel catkins and Pussy Willow flowers. Other signs that winter is over were numerous bumblebees and a slow-worm. (Neil Hulme)

Thank you to all the wonderful volunteers who came along to Rowland Wood and Park Corner Heath today and achieved so much. Thank you to to Mr T of Fletching Village Stores for the delicious spread of cakes, biscuits and sandwiches which he prepared and which were so much appreciated by everyone.

Keeping the best till last... As I was packing up my car, James Gibbs spotted a fine bright yellow male Brimstone patrolling round the area where the skip was. and seconds later Rosie saw two more flying along the track at the far side of the clear section. Then at the very end a Red Admiral flew over the car as I was shutting the door. (Nigel Symington)

At least 3 Brimstones and 1 Peacock at 1.30pm near Sherwood Rough. (Martin Daniel)

Lancing Ring in the afternoon sun was warm enough for 3 male Brimstone and a Red Admiral. My first butterflies of the year! (Lindsay Morris)

Four Brimstones in Ashcombe Bottom during this afternoons surprising but welcome sunshine!
(Chris Corrigan)

Butterfly Conservation 50 Year Anniversary Day of Action took place at our Rowland Wood reserve today with around 35 members of all ages taking part. We managed to fill a skip with rubbish, much of which came from the old shed in Rowland Wood which was dismantled. Meanwhile the shed in Park Corner Heath received a welcome lick of paint. Participants also enjoyed a celebratory feast. A big thank you to all those who took part. (Jonathan Crawford)

Saturday 10 March

Was working on the shed at Park Heath Corner this morning with Gary Norman. Whilst replacing a couple of the roof panels Gary came across this small hairy caterpillar embedded in the moss on the roof. It was about a centimetre long. We have no idea what it is. It was safely relocated to a tree. (Jonathan Crawford)

Friday 09 March

Peacock Butterfly basking in sunshine 1.15pm. St Catherine's College Priory Rd, Eastbourne BN23 7BL (Michael Clayton-Harding)

Wednesday 07 March

A rather tired looking Red Admiral was found in my garden this afternoon, possibly attracted to the perfume from my Daphne Odora. A very welcome sight. (Trevor Rapley)

Friday 02 March

A few more Corfu wonders. (Dan Danahar)

Thursday 01 March

Slowly, step by step, we are developing a Corfu butterfly Survey. A dedicated band of enthusiasts has been contributing to the development of this project. Here are some highlights, to get us through this late winter. Not everything we see are butterflies, Douglas Neve's image of an owl fly prompted me to share. (Dan Danahar)

As sightings are few and far between at the moment members might be interested to see an image of an Ascalaphid taken in the south of France during June 2016. This is not a butterfly! (Douglas Neve)

Sunday 25 February

After finding the 11 Wall Brown larva on Tuesday I have made daily visits to the area, mainly to do lots more scrub clearance, but each time I have looked to see how the larva reacted to the increasing cold conditions. On Thursday all but 5 were still showing and on Friday in very much colder conditions 3 were still hanging on, although only one of these was active. The other 2 seemed to be sleeping and were still in the same position as on the Thursday. With the temperature overnight on Friday I wasn't at all surprised when I couldn't find any at all on Saturday. Hopefully they are all now nicely tucked into the base of their tussocks of grass waiting for the warmer weather to return. (Bob Eade http://bobsbutterflies.blogspot.co.uk)

Wednesday 21 February

Fine weather made for an enjoyable work party at Heyshott escarpment this morning where I joined Murray Downland Trust volunteers and BC members Nigel Symington and Paul Day. A buzzard soared and called above the hill. (Colin Knight http://www.murraydownlandtrust.org.uk/)

Yesterday (20 February) I joined Simon Mockford of the South Downs National Park Authority (SDNPA), to perform the last habitat works of the winter at Kithurst Hill. We cut regrowth in the large scallop created by felling some tall roadside trees in February 2016, and further enlarged last winter. We then reduced the size of some scrub blocks in the meadow, leaving sufficient perches for Duke of Burgundy males to launch their attacks from. Between us (SDNPA, West Sussex County Council and BC) I think we've now squeezed just about every square metre possible out of this flagship site. (Neil Hulme)

Tuesday 20 February

During another scrub clearing session at High and Over today I found 11 Wall Brown larva. Some have grown to around half grown already. (Bob Eade http://bobsbutterflies.co.uk)

Monday 19 February

Frant Parish Church Stables. A Red Admiral seen on the front wall of the Stables enjoying the morning sun at 10.51. (Janet Wilkes)

A big thank you to all who came to the Bevendean Down workday on sunday. It was great to have some new ( and younger! ) workers as we battle to stop the scrub invasion. Nice to think of the summer butterflies which will benefit and hopefully reverse the decline in adonis numbers on the site.
Especially thank you to Jonathan, his support is very heartening as well as effective. (Tessa Pawsey)

Sunday 18 February

A neighbour friend reported to me that he and his wife saw a Small Tortoiseshell in Littlehampton on Friday (16/02/2018): "my wife, insisted on Friday that I take a look at the Crocus display alongside our library. Quite a sight, nearly all purple in colour apart from a few white all opening their petals to enjoy the sun’s warmth. What surprised me was the sudden appearance of a tortoiseshell butterfly. Keeping low with wings opened to bask in the sun every time it landed. I don’t ever remember seeing one so early in the year and wondered whether they do make such an early appearance?" (Colin Knight)

On Thursday 15th Feb. I found this female Brimstone on a wild Rhododendron, near Midhurst. Sorry for late posting, no computer until today. (Trevor Rapley)

Spent the morning clearing scrub on Bevendean Down LNR in Brighton, with the ever cheerful volunteers.
When we arrived three Buzzards were circling the reserve. How nice to see these impressive birds in a city. (Jonathan Crawford)

Saturday 17 February

First sightings of the year: a Red Admiral at Lullington Heath and a Small Tortoiseshell at the the edge of Friston Forest this morning. (Istvan Radi)

This male Brimstone is the first butterfly I have seen this year. The Friends of Coldean Woods did some late winter - early spring management in the woods today. It was a beautiful day, blue skies, mild temperatures and no wind. We have only recently planted 70 Purging Buckthorn, the host plant of this butterfly and so it was delightful to see this male flying through the woods, looking for a mate. Fingers crossed, we may get the species breeding in the woods. It settled for about a minute or two and this allowed me to take a photo of it thermoregulating/basking. (Dan Danahar)

Three Red Admirals and a Small Tortoiseshell in Tilgate Park, Crawley today. The temperature was 10C in sunny conditions and a light wind. Overwintering Red Admiral eggs continue to hatch at the Cemetary Wall site and those that remain are now at least 90 days old. (Vince Massimo)

I have a small black note book. The first page consists of a shopping list written in Dutch, but each page after that records my first sightings for each year. Today I had the pleasure of making my first entry for 2018. A Small Tortoiseshell on the Downs Link Bridge at Streatham Manor. Last years first was a Peacock, whilst a Brimstone was seen first on each of the preceding five years. The photo is a poor one shot with my phone. I was creeping up on the insect when a smirking cyclist deliberately rode between me and the butterfly, sending it fluttering away. (Jonathan Crawford)

Clear blue sky, light breeze and air temperature of about 11c was an inviting combination to pay Mill Hill a visit this morning. Peacock, followed shortly after by a Small Tortoiseshell coming out of hibernation at the end of the central path. (David Cook)

Friday 16 February

I was having lunch outside in our back garden in Hove as it was so sunny and still. I was looking at lots of tiny flies catching the sunlight in a sort of whirl when my first butterfly of the year popped over the fence from next door for about three or four seconds, before heading back. It was too far away to identify with certainty although it looked more orange than a Red Admiral. Comma or Small Tortoiseshell are front runners as last year the earliest butterfly in our garden was the former while the latter turned up in Wish Park just the other side of our back fence on the same day (15th March). (John Heys)

Wednesday 14 February

To remind us that Spring is not far off, here are some butterflies from a trip to Corfu last April. (Colin Knight http://www.colinknightimages.com/Nature-outside-UK/Corfu-Butterflies-and-Moths)

Tuesday 13 February

Members might be interested in seeing this unidentified Fritillary photographed in Japan last year. (Douglas Neve)
I think that might be Argynnis hyperbius, the Indian Fritillary, but I may be wrong. (Ed jnr)

Found Esperia sulphurella in back garden. First moth of the year. (john knight)

Monday 12 February

Beautiful sunny day but cold. Caught a flashing glimpse of a male Brimstone in the field opposite the car park at Tide Mills (TV001463) close to the railway line. Slightly too far away and too quick for a photograph but unmistakable. (Yvonne Dedman)

Sunday 11 February

Nice to see my first Red Admiral of the year basking along the woodland edge down from the Ashdown Forest visitor centre car park today. (Paul Sharman https://paulsharmanoutdoors.com)

Thursday 08 February

On Tuesday (6 February) I spent the day felling trees with volunteers from the Steyning Downland Scheme (SDS) and South Downs National Park Authority (SDNPA) rangers. By doing so, we cleared the vista from the Victorian Viewpoint and removed the shade from an important chalk grassland bank, creating excellent habitat for downland butterflies. Our companions throughout the day were 16 Dexter cows, which have been munching away on all three areas (Rifle Range, Combe and Pepperscombe Bank) of SDS for some years now. The herd has gradually increased in size and is now a grazing force to be reckoned with. Although it's taken a few years for them to recondition such a large area of overgrown and reclaimed chalk grassland, they have now clearly reached the long awaited tipping point; all of a sudden things are looking very good, with anthills visible everywhere. SDNPA has also called in Flailbot to clear large areas of scrub on Pepperscombe Bank. Congratulations to SDS and SDNPA for such sterling work. I suspect that ten years of hard graft is about to start paying major dividends. Images by Pete Varkala. (Neil Hulme)

Tuesday 06 February

Many thanks to the small but very hardy group of South Downs Volunteer Rangers, led by SDNPA Ranger Bekah, and BC stalwart Paul Day, for their work clearing brash from recently created open spaces in Charlton Forest on Sunday. I suspect that this area will become a very comfortable home for the Pearl-bordered Fritillary in the not-too-distant future. Clearing the lying wood and large flints will help pave the way for future maintenance of the wide rides, huge scallops and box-junctions created as part of the Fritillaries for the Future project. (Neil Hulme)

The Friends of Coldean Woods complete their final walk to discuss management of the woodland. Five years in and we have already made so much progress! (Dan Danahar)

Friday 02 February

Many thanks to Portslade Green Gym for clearing the overgrown paths and sun traps on part of the old Bevendean transect. I didn't think to take a picture until they were packing up to leave. (Geoff Stevens http://bevendeandown.wordpress.com)

Many thanks to SDNPA Rangers Bekah and Chloe, local volunteers Barry, Robin, Derek, Tony and Alan, and Nigel and Paul of BC Sussex, for another productive day coppicing Hazel at Church Copse, Clapham. The second coppice coupe of the winter is producing excellent habitat for the Pearl-bordered Fritillary and other wildlife, and a large quantity of material for hedge-laying within the national park. (Neil Hulme)

Thursday 01 February

I have a framed picture with light protective glass of the alphabet on butterfly wings. A to Z. It really is quite unusual. If any other butterfly lovers would like it you can have it for free but you would have to collect it from Angmering (Joel Cosham 07768 551466)

Wednesday 31 January

The Brighton Conservation Volunteers visited our reserves again on Tuesday 30 January and set to work with their trademark enthusiasm and efficiency. A large area below the Rowland Wood dam was cleared of its dense Bracken blanket and wood left lying around after earlier visits with my chainsaw, leaving it looking in perfect condition for Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary. Meanwhile, I continued clearing scrub from around the Park Corner Heath shed, where traces of heather can still be found. I remember the days when SPBF used to fly behind the shed, and they will do again. Thanks to the industrious 17 who did, and have previously done, so much to help the cause. (Neil Hulme)

Tuesday 30 January

A visit to the winter flowerbeds in Tilgate Park, Crawley today produced 3 different Red Admirals at 1pm. The sun had been shining all morning after a slight overnight frost and the temperature reached 9C (with a light southerly wind) before the cloud rolled in. This is the same location where they were seen last winter.
(Vince Massimo)

A somewhat tatty Red Admiral sunning itself on the wall today. (Derek Lee )

A lovely Red Admiral sunning itself this morning among the hellebore's at Haskins Garden Centre. A promise of things to come !!!
(Angela Colyer)

Monday 29 January

Back on Saturday 27th January, I surveyed Roedale Valley Allotments in Hollingbury, Brighton, to address where five disease-resistant elm trees could be planted, then yesterday, Sunday 28th, I visited Lower Roedale Allotments in Hollingdean, Brighton for the same reason. This time for three disease-resistant elms. After leaving Lower Roedale Allotments, on the spur of the moment, I searched nearby at the edge of Hollingdean, on the southern boundary of Wild Park LNR, looking at the Blackthorn/Prunus species I had noted in previous years. Bearing in mind what I previously posted "It's my belief that Brown Hairstreak is far more widespread around Brighton and Hove, probably occurring in small discrete colonies like that found at Patcham, where smaller hedgerows can be found."

My search in this area produced a single sighting of a Brown Hairstreak egg, a first I believe for the Hollingdean area of Brighton! After, I headed north to the dew pond of Wild Park, where I visited the master oak tree to check on the Purple Hairstreak eggs I had previously found. I then continued north heading towards the edge of Ditchling Road, right on the northern boundary of Wild Park LNR by Hollingbury. Here I also searched the Blackthorn, having taken note of the location four years ago, each year failing to spot the adult Brown Hairstreaks, during their flight period, and last year looking for their eggs. My perseverance paid off, I was finally rewarded soon after my arrival, I lifted a downwards facing Blackthorn branch to find two Brown Hairstreak eggs laid at the base of neighbouring forks, searching the same plant I also found a third egg.

Walking a little further on, there was a tangle of Blackthorn that had been torn out of the ground by a tractor, to my amazement I found my last and very lucky egg, on the first Blackthorn plant that had gone unscathed by the edge of the tractors activities. Nearby I joined Friends of Woodbourne Meadow volunteer group back on 24th January, where I coppiced a small section of Prunus, the site now looks to be within reaching distance for the butterfly, to deposit eggs on the new re-growth later this year. Walking home after only intending to visit the allotment, having turned into a five hour walk, I went to check on my White-letter Hairstreak eggs, noting that the development of the elm flowers, look even more advanced than last year, if it stays mild I could see the White-letter Hairstreak caterpillars emerge in around three weeks time! I certainly enjoyed my early Easter egg hunt, though it's done nothing for my hand modelling career! (Jamie Burston)

With much milder conditions on Sunday I had a quick look for Wall Brown larva at High and Over and in around 45 minutes I had found 10 larva, only one of these had been seen on earlier visits. Hopefully this is a good sign as I've never seen that many in January before. All were also a little larger than I would have expected. I just hope the parasitic creatures don't find them too easily. (Bob Eade http://bobsbutterflies.blogspot.co.uk)

Sunday 28 January

Playing catch-up. Back on the 7th January I joined around 25 members of Friends of Hollingbury and Burstead Woods, volunteer group and Brighton and Hove City Council, Cityparks Ranger, Will Furze. I joined the group to continue the work of previous years, to manage the scalloped bays at the edge of the wood, near the playground of Hollingbury Park in Brighton. We cut the vegetation down to the ground to give the developing Creeping Thistle (the White-letter Hairstreaks primary nectar source for the site), the best opportunity to thrive, un-managed, the plant is out competed by Cleavers, hindering their growth. We will return in April/May to complete the management for the year, cutting down any vigorous growth that surrounds the Thistles as their growth starts to take off. The management of the bays, for the Creeping Thistle, was perfected last year, the result of the work having multiplied the amount of flowering Thistle, as pictured, providing more nectar for the White-letter Hairstreaks and a range of insects.

Once we cleared the bays, we headed to the very top of Hollingbury Park, by the recycling point. Friends of Hollingbury and Burstead Woods, volunteer group purchased two 'Ademuz', a disease-resistant Spanish Field elm cultivar, having purchased them alongside our Branch order. I approached the group, as part of my role as White-letter Hairstreak Species Champion, with the suggestion of planting disease-resistant elms back in 2017, the group well ahead of me, having already planned to fill a newly opened space with elm, it all came together perfectly! These will prove a great addition to the park, with Dutch elm disease frequently sighted in the woods within the past few years, they will serve as a future back-up for the butterfly. I also believe that these two 'Ademuz' are the first of their kind to be planted within Brighton and Hove, directly adding to the National Elm Collection. Ranger, Will, is pictured with me at the moment of planting the two elms, thanks to Gill Taylor for the photos. My thanks again go to all the volunteers of Friends of Hollingbury and Burstead Woods and Will, Citypark Ranger, for supporting such habitat conservation. (Jamie Burston)

Dave Cook kindly gave me a tour last week of the meadows at Burgess Hill where there are many metres of blackthorn hedgerow which are being managed, thanks to Dave's initiative and the excellent support of the Burgess Hill Town Council and the West Sussex District Council, in a way that creates excellent habitat for the Brown Hairstreak. The eggs are a challenge to photograph, as they are about 0.9mm diameter, but on an overcast and windless day one has the best chance. (Nigel Symington)

Saturday 27 January

Belated news on behalf of my friend Neil Greenaway of a Red Admiral he saw last Tuesday (23rd Jan) by Dumbrell Court in the St. Pancras Gardens area of Lewes. (Steven Teale)

FREE FIRST AID COURSE: My Fritillaries for the Future project can offer a limited number of participants a free Emergency First Aid at Work + Forestry course on Tuesday 6 March (9.30 - 17.30) at Plumpton College. This will be valuable for anyone that leads or regularly attends conservation work parties. Please email me at nh@nhulme.eclipse.co.uk if you wish to attend, providing your date of birth. (Neil Hulme)

Peacock in Worthing garden on 25 January. (Nick Bond)

Thursday 25 January

Back to the Cemetery Wall site in Crawley for an egg count today, however, before I could start, a Red Admiral flew across my path at 12.20 but did not stop. At the time it was slightly cloudy with a temperature of 9C. A full count along the whole length of the wall produced 20 unhatched Red Admiral eggs, 3 of which were nearing emergence. Many of them are now at least 65 days old. There was also lots of other activity at the base of the wall, including snails, spiders, beetles, weevils, a small parasitic wasp and many tiny 16-Spot Ladybirds. (Vince Massimo)

Seen during a break in the cloud, my first Red Admiral of the year flew past the window. (Sharon Bigg)

Tuesday 23 January

In the sunshine at the Sussex County Cricket ground in Hove was a Hummingbird Hawkmoth, alive, though not too active. (Dave Sadler)

Monday 22 January

My first Red Admiral today sunning itself and nectaring on early blooming vinca major. (Derek Lee )

Sunday 21 January

Only two of us were mad enough go to the Bevendean Down work party on this rather damp morning but armed with a couple of treepoppers and mattocks we managed to remove some more more invasive hawthorn from Cardboard Hill (Geoff Stevens http://bevendeandown.wordpress.com/)

Saturday 20 January

Following my guided walk "Keep the Ridge Green" last summer, at Green Ridge in Brighton & Hove, I was convinced that the Blackthorn hedgerow should host Brown Hairstreaks. The location almost halfway between two known Brown Hairstreak sites, one in Patcham and the other Benfield Valley in Hove. The problem was that Brown Hairstreak had not been recorded on Green Ridge. As a result I collaborated with members of the volunteer group 'Keep the Ridge Green' who manage the site and Neil Doyle, Brighton and Hove City Council, Cityparks Ranger and his group of volunteers to arrange a conservation work party. To find out more about Green Ridge, visit: http://www.keeptheridgegreen.com

Yesterday 19th January, we all meet to carry out the work to manage the Blackthorn hedgerow, in our first year of the management cycle, we cut down a portion of it's length to encourage new re-growth, of which female Brown Hairstreaks have a preference to lay their eggs on.

Before the work started as I was walking along Green Ridge towards the meeting point, I happened to pay more attention to the second Blackthorn plant I looked at, I lent in, and lo and behold, I was looking at a Brown Hairstreak egg! I broke the news to the group that the butterfly we were trying to attract, was indeed already present, this provided the ideal opportunity to show them the egg. During our time on site I managed to locate a second egg. We left a plentiful amount of Blackthorn untouched, in the hope of minimising the overall loss of any eggs. Brighton has gained another Brown Hairstreak site, 2018 just got even more exciting! Thank you to everyone who attended, your time and support is greatly appreciated!

It's my belief that Brown Hairstreak is far more widespread around Brighton and Hove, probably occurring in small discrete colonies like that found at Patcham, where smaller hedgerows can be found. Based on the discovery at Green Ridge, this strongly suggests that they are in nearby Waterhall.

On 18th January I went to Wild Park, Brighton, where I located two Purple Hairstreak eggs on a master Oak tree. One of the eggs does appear to have been from last year, having likely hatched last spring. (Jamie Burston)

While out in Rewell Wood on 17 January with Mark Aldridge, Head Forester on the Norfolk Estate, we saw a Red Admiral sunbathing on a trunk. Having left my camera at home, in order to tempt fate, Mark stepped in with his mobile phone camera. We toured the site looking at recent and future work, some of which will be completed this winter. Rewell Wood has never looked so good, so the fritillaries now need to show their appreciation. (Neil Hulme)

Friday 19 January

Over one hundred Brown Hairstreak eggs were seen by RSPB rangers last Wednesday at Pulborough Brooks. Lots more pic's at https://sussexrambler.blogspot.co.uk/ from this wonderful place. (Peter Lovett https://sussexrambler.blogspot.co.uk/)
Thanks Peter: It is great to know the birders are looking out for the butterflies. We are happy to see anything flying at this time of year so thanks for the pictures of the chickens! (Ed jnr)

Thursday 18 January

A group of eleven, comprising SDNPA Ranger Bekah, the regular coppice group, and BC Sussex volunteers Helen and Paul, made great progress cutting the second Hazel coupe of the winter at Clapham Wood today. The next work party will start here at 10 am on Thursday 1st February, meeting at Clapham Church. All welcome. (Neil Hulme)

thurs 18/01/2018 my first butterfly of the year.1x Red Admiral seen flying in Eastern Avenue, Polegate, E.Sx. at 11.11am, in full sun. (Peter Farrant)

Wednesday 17 January

Another fine day at Heyshott with the Murray Downland Trust work party. New recruit Jamie add value to the work party and Kay joined us for the second week. New workers always welcome! (Colin Knight http://murraydownlandtrust.blogspot.co.uk/)

Nr Lookers Cottage, Horse Eye Level, Pevensey.
A Red Admiral flew out from the hedge and into an Ivy Covered Tree.
Seen by myself and another birder whilst looking for the Male Hen Harrier.Brief sunny period mid afternoon.Total surprise. Apologies for late posting due to software problems (Janet Wilkes)

Tuesday 16 January

Many thanks to the South Downs Volunteer Ranger Service for their work helping to create and maintain habitat for the Pearl-bordered Fritillary on the Cowdray Estate today. Ten of us coppiced an area of Sweet Chestnut and cleared conifer brash from the edge of a recently widened ride. (Neil Hulme)

Sunday 14 January

Many thanks to South Downs Volunteer Rangers Jo, Clare, Sathiampama, Natasha and Eugenia for helping out today at 'Pete's Wood' near Small Dole. Three of us worked with brushcutters to cut bramble and scrub from several small clearings, including two areas that hold the Dutch Elm Disease-resistant cultivars which the Sussex Branch donated in 2010. I'm pleased to report that they're growing very well. Meanwhile the rest of the group cleared and burned-up brash from a recent felling. (Neil Hulme)

Twenty people (and one dog on a lead) attended the conservation work party at Butterfly Conservation's Rowland Wood reserve today where the weather was remarkably pleasant. Thank you everybody for your hard work.(Jonathan Crawford)

Red Admiral seen in Nymans Woods, Handcross just north of the main Lake. (Martin Buck)

I was hoping to be able to get over for the Rowland Wood work party, but as I had to be close to home I decided to do some scrub clearance instead at High and Over. During a short break I had a quick look for Wall Brown larva. One of the 2 I had found on Friday was located climbing a grass blade. This was however, the only one I spotted today. (Bob Eade http://bobsbutterflies.blogspot.co.uk)

Red Admiral spotted flying around and at rest in the Asian Heath garden at Wakehurst Place about 12:15 Sunday 12th January (Judy Hayler)

Saturday 13 January

As not many sightings are being reported at this time of the year, I thought members might like to see an image of Scarce Coppers taken in the French Pyreness last July. (Douglas Neve)

Thursday 11 January

First day work day in 2018 (6th January) and work carries on at a pace, with the Friends of Coldean Woods. (Dr Dan Danahar)

Many thanks to Graeme Rolf and Trevor Rapley for their help at Park Corner Heath today. We cleared trees and scrub from around the hut with several aims in mind, including the creation of more breeding habitat for the Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary and to encourage the spread of heather, which has retreated over the last ten years or so. It will also allow easier access for maintenance of the hut, which we intend giving a little TLC this spring. (Neil Hulme)

Wednesday 10 January

Red Admiral on south-facing wall outside Sussex University campus next to A27 at about 14.00. (David Rose)

A Red Admiral flying purposefully across Ambersham Common this afternoon (Martin Daniel)

A Peacock at work today, soon joined by 2 Red Admirals. Mount Harry, Lewes. (Mark Cadey)
Thanks Mark. I am not calling these "firsts" as they look shed related. (Ed jnr)

Red Admiral spotted in my garden this afternoon. (Peter Lovett)

Surprise sighting of a nice Comma, on a sunny January day. Also a Brimstone in the same area. (Derek and Karen Pritty)
Excellent. I have sent an email off to Head Office to see if they are national first sightings. I hope so.

Update: Head office says yes on both counts. Two national firsts on one day. You're living the dream! (Ed jnr)

Today I found the time to visit a local Elm tree, Brighton. During my visit (12:09pm - 1:25pm) I found two White-letter Hairstreak eggs, relocating an additional third egg in my search, having previously located it back in August, last year. All three eggs were laid on the "scar band", illustrated in my photo above, taken today showing "Egg 2". If you would like to look for White-letter Hairstreak eggs and your confident in identifying Elm trees, now is the time to search for them, the caterpillars begin to emerge around late February or early March. Click on the following link for more information about White-letter Hairstreak eggs, included helpful tips to aid your search: (Jamie Burston)

This morning I resumed work with the Murray Downland Trust at Heyshott escarpment. This was the first work party of the year after last week’s rain prevented the scheduled work party. The slope at the west side of the main hill has been cleared of scrub and looks good for the primulas and violets that we hope will attract the attention of the Duke of Burgundy and Pearl-bordered Fritillary. The weather was excellent but the wet leaves and grass proved a challenge for the fire meisters. Attendees were BC members Paul, Garry and myself, new volunteer Kay and MDT members John, Mike H, Greg, Andy and Alan. We welcome all new volunteers, see this page (top right) for details. (Colin Knight http://murraydownlandtrust.blogspot.co.uk/)

This morning Neil Hulme led a small party ( three of us ) for some clearance work
at Park Corner Heath. Work was concentrated near the visitors hut.
Neil felled three large(ish) trees with his chain saw, whilst we cut the smaller saplings
with hand saws and loppers. The resulting waste was dragged to a nearby heap and
the more substantial logs were sawn up and stacked.
The weather was perfect (for January) with blue sky, sunshine and no breeze. (Trevor Rapley)

Very smart Red Admiral seen in flight and on ivy near Stapefield (TQ295287) this morning (the 10th). (Martyn and Hilary Waller)

Our first butterfly of the year a Red Admiral flying strongly across Summerdown Lane in East Dean (TV562983) in the midday sun. (Carole & David Jode)
And the first for Sussex reported this year too. I was beginning to wonder if it was ever going to happen. (Ed jnr)

Sunday 07 January

No butterflies about at the moment, and none likely any time soon, but there are early stages to find and observe. Today, the nettle plants that I have been monitoring in the shelter of a south-facing cemetery wall in Crawley produced a Red Admiral larva emerging from its egg. There are also still scores of unhatched eggs. The temperature today was 6C in sunny conditions, but with a cold wind. (Vince Massimo)
Thanks Vince, I have been trying to think of a suitable comment but but can't get beyond "Wow!". Keep them coming. (Ed jnr)

Friday 05 January

Many thanks to today's team of cutters, haulers and burners at BC Rowland Wood: Andrea, Colin and James Gibbs, Graeme Rolf, Keith Alexander, Doug Neve and Trevor Rapley. Great progress was made and more habitat for the Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary was created. It's up to Mother Nature now! (Neil Hulme)

Thursday 04 January

Today we finished cutting the first of two Hazel coppice coupes in a wood at Clapham, near Worthing. Many thanks to today's team of Bekah and Chloe (SDNPA rangers), Helen, Ellie and Paul (BC) and Boaz (local hero). (Neil Hulme)

Today Nigel Symington and myself went to the other side - to Fareham to visit Great Fontley Farm. Andrew Brookes conducts field trials at Great Fontley Farm for various disease-resistant elm cultivars and varieties to assess their suitability to our climate. Getting to know his brilliant work and receiving his advice, we as a branch, nominated Andrew Brookes for the Outstanding Volunteer Award which we were delighted for him to have won, presented at the 2017 National Butterfly Conservation AGM. We picked up 28 'Ademuz' today, a disease-resistant, Spanish Field elm (Ulmus minor), selected for it's good form and the high degree of disease-resistance shown during trials. Out of this total, some of the 'Ademuz' are branch funded for our own work, whilst others are for volunteer groups and private individuals which bought them through our outreach. (Jamie Burston)

Tuesday 02 January

Thank you and Happy New Year! Butterfly Conservation - Sussex Branch. (Jamie Burston)

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