On Sunday a group of 9 RPS Nature Group Members and a young relative visited Sharpenhoe Clappers in Bedfordshire on our annual quest for butterflies. The interesting thing about visiting the same area at approximately the same time of year is the annual variation that it reveals in insect populations in terms of time of emergence and numbers. This year we were treated to a large number of good views of Dark Ggreen Fritillaries both male and female whereas Chalkhill Blues were very limited in numbers and all male suggesting the season is only just starting for them. The highlight of the day was probably the newly emerged Brimstone still clinging to its cocoon. Ben was great at spotting the smaller insects like the Cinnabar caterpillars. The day was bright with sunny intervals but a stiff breeze that made close-up photography a challenge
Photos by Carole Harvey (Skipper), Dave McKay Brimstone), Simon Jenkins (Burnet Moth), Ben Gresham (Cinnabar, Red Admiral) and Ann Miles (Fritillary, Ichneumon)
For more events to attend go to Nature (rps.org)
