Our visit to Druridge Bay, Northumberland provided a butterfly bonanza. Walking to and from the Druridge Pools Hide & meandering through the dunes I virtually doubled my annual tally of butterflies in one day, outstanding!
First up Painted Ladies (Vanessa cardui) on red clover, a long distance migrant from Africa.
Common Blue (Polyommatus icarus) is the most widespread blue butterfly in UK and found in a variety of grassy habitats. Feeds mainly on Common Bird's-foot-trefoil.
Cinnabar moth (Tyria jacobaeae), a day flying moth, wingspan 32-42 mm. Favours well drained grassland habitats, where the caterpillars feed on ragworts & groundsels.
Latticed Heath moth (Chiasmia claratha) wingspan 20-25mm.
Small Heath, (Coenonympha pamphilus), widespread, flies only in sunshine, generally stays near to the ground & its wings are kept close at rest. Found in grassland habitats where its foodplants are fine grasses.
Lots of Pipits flying to and fro & settling on shrub tops.
Thanks to Nigel K for identifying this as a Meadow Pipit Anthus Pratensis.
Northumberland Diversity have a really useful brochure to help find your way around Druridge.
I'd like to find a Latticed Heath - I haven't seen one yet on the IoW.
ReplyDeleteOur Painted Ladies are looking quite frazzled now.
The Painted Lady are spot on.
ReplyDeleteEllooo your Bunting of some description is Anthus Pratensis - Meadow Pipit.
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Thank you all for your comments.
ReplyDeleteRob, I agree the Painted Lady was looking a little worn & faded. I haven't seen many, in fact I think its only my second Painted Lady this year.
Nigel, thank you that's really helpful & thanks for your comment.
Dad, thanks, I thought it was a great day out.