Eight species of butterfly at Gaitbarrows NNR, Lancashire

May 22, 2012:
At long last today was ideal butterfly weather and many species were flying. The Duke of Burgundy was very scarce, only one (or possibly a second one) seen. A Pearl-bordered Fritillary flew urgently along the rides but never settled although Dingy Skippers were more approachable when resting on the short turf. A single Green Hairstreak remained well concealed, perched on a similarly-coloured bramble leaf and a Small Copper regularly patrolled one small area. Also flying were Speckled Woods, Orange-tips and Brimstones.

The recently re-introducd Lady's Slipper orchid was in full flower whilst at nearby Leighton Moss Broad-bodied Chasers perched amongst last year's dead Phragmites spikes.

The following day, in equally good weather, two Duke of Burgundy and three Pearl-bordered Fritillaries were seen on Whitbarrow, across the county border in Cumbria

 A Pearl-bordered Fritillary on Whitbarrow (May 23)