Not for Human Eyes

High in the canopy, on sunny days in early July, there is a dance taking place. A dance of love. A swirling ballet of courtship.

Like all dancers, even these tiny 15mm ones, they must sustain themselves. So down the dark little waifs fall with their straws to sip at the bramble bar. Replenishing spent energy for the next performance. As they do so their livery becomes apparent. Not meant for human eyes, daintily embroidered colours transfix us, stripy stockings, sulphur dipped antennas and small tails edged in frosty copper; finished with stitched chalked lines.

Even when nectaring these dancers still pirouette like music box ballerinas. Evolution can be mind bogglingly beautiful.

Splitting hairs

The White letter Hairstreaks were playing their usual tree top escapades the other day. A couple eventually came a little lower to avail themselves to the camera.

 

White letter Hairstreak

As we waited for Fritillaries this White letter Hairstreak chose the moment to perch opposite us.

Life in the top of an Elm Tree

White letter hairstreak Butterflies are small – a little bigger than your thumbnail. They usually occupy the foliage at the top of Elm trees and are therefore often out of sight or difficult to see. Occasionally, just occasionally however they may come down to feed on brambles. We got a good look at a couple the other day when they did just that and hey! … who could resist a photo or two?