Similar

When we went to the Isle of Wight last week we looked for Glanville’s Fritillary. It’s a butterfly that neither I, nor of course Tani, had seen before. It took us quite a while to find our first. Numbers were not in the realm of those conjured up in my imagination by others. Perhaps they are having a subdued year.

We did the Essex Tour this week to see Heath Fritillary. In the books it appears some consider the Glanville’s and the Heath Fritillary easily confused. I’m not too sure about that but take a look at this composite photo I’ve put together and tell me what you think. I think those dark spots towards the rear of the hindwing on the Glanville’s are quite distinct.

Woodman’s Follower

A trip a little further South as we spread our wings after lockdown was an opportunity to see a few different things, We started with some wonderful Heath Fritillaries. Nice small dark butterflies these with a stained glass window for an underwing and, for once with these scarcer butterflies, a low level flight. No craning of the neck with these jobbies. They were easy to find as they searched out their host plant; Cow Wheat. It’s love for coppiced areas gave it the name ‘Woodman’s follower’. This little speciality is on the agenda for next years tours.