During the past few weeks, with post breeding birds tending to hide away, the lens has often been focused on our summer flying butterflies so this post is the first of a series dedicated to the various species I have recently encountered.
First up is the Marbled White (Melanargia galathea). I have seen this species at various locations including the chalk downland at Denbies Hillside, Ranmore Common where these images were taken on 19th June 2014.
I followed one mating pair around the hillside for over 20 minutes as they flew, joined together, moving to different perching points deep in the grass after being harassed by other males. [N.B. The female is easily identified by the ochre-brown colouration of her under wing pattern and the front edge (costa) of the forewing.]
On the 30th June I visited another flowery meadow slope on the chalk downland below Juniper Top, near Mickleham and recorded at least 50-60 Marbled Whites on the wing together with a few Dark Green Fritillary that will feature in the next part of this series.
Linking to Nature Notes
Beautiful work capturing these butterflies.
ReplyDeletesharp looking butterflies!
ReplyDeleteFantastic shots of these pretty butterflies Frank. I tried to get some decent photos today but wasn't very successful. I did however see some really neat caterpillars.
ReplyDeleteCongrats on these fabulous captures of this showy Marbled White butterfly, and for having such a steady hand. I think I like the underwing colouration as much as the forewing.
ReplyDeleteHave a good week.
Such gorgeous butterflies. Fantastic images.
ReplyDeleteReally stunning images Frank, excellent captures.
ReplyDeleteThe marbled white is beautiful. Really good captures.
ReplyDeleteI suppose chalk downland is the perfect place to find butterflies.
I have planted red clover in the garden and have found the butterflies rarely use it, which has really surprised me.
Beautiful butterflies. How wonderful to spot and capture the mating pair.
ReplyDeleteAnother nice series Frank.
ReplyDeleteExquisite photos, Frank! I like what I'm seeing from your Canon SX50. Mine is supposed to arrive tomorrow from Amazon.
ReplyDeleteI thoroughly enjoyed viewing your beautiful butterfly images.
ReplyDeleteFlies. When they born as Larva we fear of it. Who can believe that they become a beautiful fly. Gives us food. This is the great gift of Nature.
ReplyDeleteTrees Planet
I am just starting to see some butterflies in the yard now. I love your captures of the mating butterflies Frank. Just amazing.. I do have a peanut feeder I could put some suet nuggets into. That is a great idea because of the squirrels, my suet feeders are upside-down feeders which take some time for the youngsters to learn how to use. I also have sunflower hearts and peanuts which they like too... Michelle
ReplyDeleteStunning shots!
ReplyDeleteVery pretty- love that first shot!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful images of the Marble White butterflies.
ReplyDeleteGorgeous collection of butterfly photos!
ReplyDeleteThis beautiful Marbled. This we have in the Netherlands.
ReplyDeletealso checkerboard mating butterflies have fantasist itself down.
Greetings, Helma
Although they are only black and white, they are really beautiful creatures.
ReplyDeleteHi Everyone.
ReplyDeleteMany thanks for all your visits and thoughtful comments on the black and white 'flutter'. Part 2 of the series is up and running now with more species to follow soon.
Cheers ... FAB.
Many thanks Frank, for sending me this link!! What a gorgeous set of images, presented so beautifully!! It's always so much more rewarding to see them and photograph them in their natural habitat. When I photograph in a butterfly house, I feel like I am cheating a little!! A special encounter, I'm sure. I really enjoyed these!
ReplyDeleteWhat beautiful photographs! I am in awe because I seldom get the camera out and pointed in the right direction before the butterfly is fluttering away! Beautiful creatures!
ReplyDelete