Large Blue Butterfly.

[JohnP]

The Large Blue is one of Britains rarest butterflies, I took these shots at Daneway Banks in Gloucestershire in June last year. I also have a couple of shots I took this June, I will post them later.

Camera: Panasonic DMC-FZ2000.

[Ryewolf]

Great shots John, I must admit I'd not heard of this one before.

[JohnP]

For anyone who is interested in learning more about this butterfly.  http://www.ukbutterflies.co.uk/species.php?species=arion

[JohnP]

This is a mating pair of Large Blue butterflies, I took this shot lying on my stomach... I'm not sure that's a good idea at 73 years old....

Camera: Panasonic DMC-FZ2000.

[Clicker]

Lovely to see these shots John ...I've been back to Hough Wood a few times since you directed me there to find some Common  Blue butterflies  a few years ago ..but I have never seen a Large Blue ... A stunning set  of a rare sight ...

 

Do you take part in the big butterfly count that is on now til August 11th?

https://www.bigbutterflycount.org/about

[JohnP]

Thank you Polly!

Did you manage to read the link I posted in this thread? It tells you about how the Large Blue was reintroduced with stock from Sweden after being declared extinct in 1979. It was always a rare butterfly and was and still is only found in a handful of sites in SW Englend.

I am intending to do the butterfly count, I will most likely go to Haugh Wood. Butterfly numbers and sightings are down this year everywhere I've been so far.

[Clicker]

Fascinating reading, that link .... fancy pupating and emerging from that state inside an ants' nest   !!  Yes we have noticed less and less butterflies are around each year .... I shall do the count too.. 

[Kobione]

Lovely shots of lovely subjects John, and that last one was well worth your 'lying down' effort!!

[JohnP]

Thank you all for the nice feedback! 

I have yet to get an open wing shot of a Large Blue, on both visits to Daneway Banks (June 2018 & 2019) it has been extremely hot and sunny which I think could be the reason. The butterflies were extremely active on both occasions and only settled for a very short time.... except for the mating pair of course.

[JohnP]

7 hours ago, JohnP said:

Thank you all for the nice feedback! 

I have yet to get an open wing shot of a Large Blue, on both visits to Daneway Banks (June 2018 & 2019) it has been extremely hot and sunny which I think could be the reason. The butterflies were extremely active on both occasions and only settled for a very short time.... except for the mating pair of course.

I took the photos and then walked a circuit around the reserve for an hour or so, when I got back I was staggered to find they were still at it... BLIMEY!!!