Adur Valley Wildlife

Butterflies, Larger Moths and other Arthropods 2014

Dragonflies & other Flying Insects of Note

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All observations by Andy Horton, unless stated otherwise.

It would be tedious to list all sightings on the main pages,  but for flight times purposes the following butterflies and moths include ones not recorded on the main Nature Notes pages:

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BUTTERFLY LISTS   2010

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

Sussex Butterfly Reports (Butterfly Conservation Society)
UK Butterflies: Sightings
Adur Butterfly Species
Adur Moths
Adur Butterfly Flight Times
Adur Butterflies: First Dates
Adur Skippers
Adur Nature Notes 2011
Adur Butterfly List 2010
Adur Butterfly List 2011
Adur Butterfly List 2012
UK Butterflies & Moths (alphabetical order by common name)
Sussex Moth Group Sightings
Diapause (=hibernation)

  British Lepidoptera on  flickr

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WILDLIFE REPORTS
(Narrative):
 

Butterfly List 2015

29 November 2014
A Red Admiral was seen fluttering over Cross Road, Southwick.

Report by Nick Carpmael

4 November 2014
Three Red Admirals were seenfluttering over Worthing, two in the beach area in the morning, before the thunder, lightning and rain in the afternoon.

27 October 2014
A Red Admiral was seen fluttering over Southwick.

20 October 2014
Two Red Admirals were spotted, one over the Downs Link Cyclepath north of Old Shoreham and another over Anchor Bottom.

18 October 2014
Just in case it was the last butterfly seen this year, a Clouded Yellow Butterfly was seen near London Road Station, Brighton.

5 October 2014
A Clouded Yellow Butterfly fluttered in the sunshine over a meadow between the cyclepath and the River Adur north of Old Shoreham on the same latitude as Old Erringham. A few Red Admirals were seen over Shoreham Beach, afterwards.

2 October 2014
Bright Red Admirals, two noted, and one Speckled Wood was seen at the top of Chanctonbury Drive north. Just as I was going to jot down that there were no butterflies seen on the lower slopes of Mill Hill, a tatty blue butterfly was disturbed at the northern end after ten minutes with only Crane-flies and a few grasshoppers moving about. This was the first of two male Common Blues in the late afternoon. Immediately afterwards the first of half a dozen or more Meadow Browns appeared, including a fine condition male. The most impressive butterfly was a good condition Wall Brown that landed briefly on a bare area of chalky earth. Last but not least was a probable Small Tortoiseshell that flew off rapidly.
Six species of butterfly

1 October 2014
Red Admirals and Large Whites were in flight, or blown about, on a cloudy overcast day.

19 September 2014
Butterflies have given way to spiders, crane flies and dragonflies on an Indian Summer day (> 21.4°C). Common Darters were present over streams and patches of water like field drainage, and larger dragonflies were either Southern Hawkers or Migrant Hawkers and probably both. Large Whites, and Red Admirals were still around and Speckled Woods courting in the shadier places. There was a probably a Comma at the top of the southern bank of Anchor Bottom, and a Clouded Yellow by the kissing gate at the bottom.
Five butterfly species

18 September 2014
Two pairs of Speckled Woods were courting over the Waterworks Road, altogether 13 from there via the Pixie Path to Chanctonbury Drive north. A probable Wall Brown settled on the path but flew off before I could be sure. Other than that it was just Large Whites and no butterflies at all seen on Mill Hill Cutting SW.

17 September 2014
Large Whites and a single male Common Blue were seen at Old Shoreham, over the eastern towpath north of the Toll Bridge.

16 September 2014
 

Small Heaths	Brown Argus on Carline Thistle	Adonis Blues	Brown Argus

On a warm (21.7 °C) humid afternoon butterflies were still present on the lower slopes of Mill Hill. Eight species were seen including Clouded Yellows, Meadow Browns, Brown Argus, Adonis Blues and Small Heaths.
Full Mill Hill Report

15 September 2014
A Small Copper Butterfly was seen at Old Shoreham, north of the Toll Bridge.

Report & Images by Gary Levett on Wildlife of Lancing, Sompting & surrounds facebook

Large Whites and at least one each of Small White, Red Admiral and Speckled Wood were seen by the River Adur at Old Shoreham.

13 September 2014
On Saturday I saw several Small Copper Butterflies at Shoreham Beach. One interesting courting pair was observed where the male was following the female as they walked across the pebbles. Eventually I spotted another female at the base of a small Common Sorreldock plant and realised she was egg laying. After a few minutes she departed and I had a look for the eggs. Crikey, talk about small. Like Brown Hairstreaks eggs they looked a bit like small white sea urchins. I checked some other plants nearby and found more eggs on leaf sheaths and leaf petioles. Fascinating September action.

Report by Richard Roebuck onSussex Butterflies

12 September 2014
An immigrant Clouded Yellow Butterfly was spotted fluttering over the Brambles and Fleabane by the towpath north of Old Shoreham but before the stile.

11 September 2014
I visited Steyning Rifle Range but failed to spot any butterflies at all.

8 September 2014
My first sighting this year of a Painted Lady was in my south Lancing garden.

Report by Ray Hamblett on Wildlife of Lancing, Sompting & surrounds facebook

7 September 2014
I cycled to the Shoreham Flyover Boot Sale and it was only then I decided to cycle to Steyning on a pleasant day (>22.6 °C ) with weak sunshine.
 

Speckled Wood	Adonis Blue	Meadow Brown	Meadow Brown

Speckled Wood Butterflies were courting over the Downs Link Cyclepath between Erringham Layby and the Cement Works. Large Whites were common with at least two Red Admirals. On the outskirts of Steyning I spotted a probable Comma and more Speckled Woods. On Anchor Bottom there were at least four male Adonis Blues seen in under a minute, and three Meadow Browns on the north-facing slope by the kissing gate. In Shoreham town there was at least one Small White but mostly Large Whites.
Seven butterfly species

4 September 2014
Two Clouded Yellow Butterflies were seen fluttering over the flowery shingle above the high tide mark on separate occasions, as well as frequent Large Whites amongst the Sea Kale.

2 September 2014
 

Adonis Blue	Adonis Blue	Large White

I was surprised by a few rays of sunshine in the afternoon, so my cycle ride along the path from Old Shoreham to Upper Beeding was extended to Anchor Bottom in shirt-sleeved weather. Hawker dragonflies were seen quickly and at least one of four was identified as a Southern Hawker. Large Whites were frequently seen and size was not a guide as there were small ones and these could be mistaken for Small Whites, which also occurred. In the shady areas there were a few Speckled Woods and one Holly Blue. A patch of Buddleia south of the Cement Works attracted Red Admirals (which were also seen elsewhere), a Comma Butterfly and Brimstones. The Buddleia on the path by the Cement Works attracted a Peacock Butterfly. I made a brief fifteen visit to the south-western north-facing slopes of Anchor Bottom. Small Scabious was very frequently seen over the conservation pasture and proved the main attraction for the eight male Adonis Blues, the first one seen almost immediately. Quickly afterwards about a dozen Meadow Browns also favoured Small Scabious but the less prevalent Bird's Foot Trefoil, Hawkweeds and Dwarf Thistle were also visited for nectar. After ten minutes, I managed to spot two female Adonis Blues. As I left through the kissing gates, two Small Heaths landed.
Ten butterfly species

28 August 2014
Very autumnal weather for a week, and then I trekked up in Mill Hill on cool afternoon with a noticeable breeze, inimical for butterflies. I did manage to spot a probably Large White over the Dovecote Estate, and a Speckled Wood and an active Southern Hawker (dragonfly) at the top of Chanctonbury Drive. Mill Hill was breezy (Force 5) and cool with only a Small Heath seen on the southern upper part of the hill. Because, it was so uncompromising, I did not work the full transect of the lower slopes. I walked the chalky path and ventured down to see if Devils Bit Scabious was flowering. It was in small amounts, overgrown by Privet at the northern end. Carline Thistle provided attractive to the frequent butterflies that were only sent into flight when disturbed. I did not count but estimated the butterfly numbers at 22+ Meadow Browns, 23 (18+5) Common Blues, 18 (15+3) Adonis Blues, 2 (1+1) Chalkhill Blues, and 7+ Small Heaths.
 

Treble-bar Moth	Adonis Blue	Meadow Brown	Common Blues

At least one Treble-bar Moth and one Yellow Shell Moth were disturbed as well as the tiny pyralid moths Pyrausta nigrata and Pyrausta purpuralis.
Seven butterfly species

Brown Hairstreak Locations in Steyning
Report and Photographs by Dawn & Jim

21 August 2014
Just two Speckled Woods and two Common Blues were seen at Buckingham Cutting south verge on an apple scrumping expedition.

19 August 2014
On a cool cloudy day, I still managed a detour to walk around Frampton's Field, Old Shoreham, by the Pixie Path that runs around its perimeter, spotting three Speckled Woods (including a mating pair), a good condition Wall Brown (that landed on the path in front of me), at least five Common Blues, at least five Holly Blues in the hedgerows, more than half a dozen Meadow Browns (with two large females), a worn Gatekeeper, a Small White Butterfly, a Large White, two Azure Damselflies and a pair of Yellow Shell Moths. I climbed over the chestnut fence and visited Mill Hill Cutting (SW) but is was very cool and breezy and no butterflies were in flight. I managed to disturb two worn female Chalkhill Blues.
 

Meadow Brown	Azure Damselfly	Gatekeeper

Too cool for butterflies, I decided to cross the Mill Hill Road Bridge where there were a few Holly Blues in the big hedge and veered off the visit the south west part of Mill Hill Nature Reserve, which was almost totally overgrown when it used to be short turf-like grass like sheep pasture. It was shaded enough for a Speckled Wood and a Red Admiral and a Holly Blue and a Meadow Brown. The southern part of Mill Hill hosted six Meadow Browns, a few Common Blues and three Small Heaths.
 

Chalkhill Blue	Small White Butterfly	Common Blue

I ventured down the southern steps and spotted a brown 'blue" butterfly on the verges (next to the steps). This would could not be positively identified and appears in the photograph on the far left above on a disc of Greater Knapweed. Other pictures showed the female butterfly to be attracted to Bird's Foot Trefoil so it is almost certainly a Common Blue. There was also a small pyralid moth Pyrausta purpuralis*.    (*Unsure of the ID. It looked more like Pyrausta aurata.)
Eleven butterfly species and a macro moth
 

18 August 2014
Very much a late autumn feel to the weather in the late afternoon on a cloudy day, I spotted a Red Admiral and Small White Butterfly over the towpath by the houseboats, Riverbank, Shoreham Beach.

15 August 2014
I expected the gales and heavy rain of the last week to have deprecated the butterflies and there was not a single one to be seen at the mown open space at Chanctonbury Drive (north) on the way to Mill Hill. Numbers and variety were severely diminished on the lower slopes of Mill Hill, almost all of the 10 (7+3) Chalkhill Blues were in a faded, torn and battered condition. Adonis Blues were worn and frayed but not in the same state as the Chalkhill Blues, but only 23 (19+4) were recorded in the transect acre on a cloudy day without sun. The Adonis Blues included a mating pair. There were a six (4+2) Common Blues over the lower slopes with an estimated 50+ Meadow Browns (with many large females), about a dozen Small Heaths, and just the one positive Gatekeeper. A large vanessid was unidentified, probably a Comma and a white butterfly in the distance was most likely a Green-veined White. Small moths flitted in the undergrowth including the pyralid moths Pyrausta nigrata, Pyrausta despicata and the colourful Pyrausta purpuralis. Three Treble-bar Moths were disturbed. Many of the butterflies and moths may have been hiding as after I had completed the transect the sun came out briefly and there many more Adonis Blues and other butterflies in the same proportions. A Common Carpet Moth was disturbed in the scrub.
 

Chalkhill	Blue	Adonis Blue	Chalkhill Blue	Common	Blue

In a pleasant contrast hundreds of fresh Common Blue Butterflies were everywhere in the flowery meadows of the middle slopes and upper meadows of Mill Hill. About three-quarters of these were males, but included plenty of small females and a few large pretty females. I checked the female Common Blues which were clearly most of them, just in case there was Brown Argus, but it was only a possible sighting. A Gatekeeper with a large bite out of its wing landed on Marjoram. Meadow Browns were frequent and on the top meadow plateau a Small Heath Butterfly settled. A really worn male Chalkhill Blue was seen on the middle slopes.

By the time I decided to visit the road verges of the Mill Hill Cutting (SW) it was decidedly cool and a breeze has started. The pathway route was completely overgrown and impassable so I clambered over the chestnut fencing and rusty barbed wire. It was worth it for a dozen Chalkhill Blues simultaneously in flight with fresh males, worn males and a few very faded and worn females, as well as a solitary Common Blue female. This was all in an area scarcely larger than a town back garden. On the Pixie Path there were two Red Admirals rising from the Ivy, a Large White and a Speckled Wood. Also a Robber Fly, Machimus atricapillus, which are easily overlooked, landed on the chestnut fencing, on which it could be seen clearly.
Nine positive butterfly species and three possibles, and two macro moths

14 August 2014
 

	Speckled Wood		Comma

An unplanned trip to Mill Hill was aborted at Chanctonbury Drive (north) because of a rain shower and where there was a Southern Hawker (dragonfly), and few butterflies: Red Admiral, Meadow Brown and Speckled Wood were noted. Later I cycled from Old Shoreham along the path to Erringham Lay-by noting another cruising Southern Hawker, Red Admiral, Meadow Browns, Green-veined White and a Comma Butterfly. In Shoreham there was another Red Admiral and an unconfirmed Holly Blue. It was cloudy, breezy and overcast, inimical for watching butterflies blown about on the wind .
Five butterfly species and a possible

11 August 2014
In a Gale Force 7, three Hummingbird Hawk-moths, Macroglossum stellatarum, were blown over Shoreham Beach at the eastern end with a female Common Blue Butterfly.

8 August 2014 A Silver-spotted Skipper was photographed on Mill Hill for the first time. Report & Image by Claire Sell

7 August 2014
Hundreds of butterflies flew over Mill Hill, but they were thinly spread without any hotspots, Meadow Browns everywhere, mainly Common Blues on the top and middle slopes.  On the lower slopes 43 (39+4) Chalkhill Blues  were counted on the transect acre, with almost as many Common Blues, 25 male Adonis Blues, an estimated 120+ Meadow Browns, 25+ Gatekeepers, occasional Small Heaths, four Marbled Whites, at least one Large White, one Green-veined White, one bright yellow Brimstone, at least four, possibly six Clouded Yellows including one white 'helice' variety, four Wall Browns and faded 6-spotted Burnet Moths and a Treble-bar Moth. On the top part of Mill Hill, there was also two Small Tortoiseshells as well as five male Chalkhill Blues and two Adonis Blues seen. A handful of Holly Blue Butterflies were seen on the huge garden hedge north of the bridge. A Hawker dragonfly flew over the hill.
At the top of Chanctonbury Drive I spotted a Small White Butterfly, a Red Admiral, more Meadow Browns, Holly Blues and a few Speckled Woods.
Seventeen species of butterfly without trying, plus two macro moths

 

There was a pyralid moth Pyrausta despicata on the lower slopes of Mill Hill.

5 August 2014
In the morning I watched the maiden flight of several Adonis Blue males at Mill Hill. They perched on the abundant stems of Yellow Wort while drying their wings, occasionally discharging meconium fluid before heading off to patrol the slopes in search of virgin females, the first few of which are now out. Amongst the many other species present I was pleased to see a Silver-spotted Skipper, this being only the second specimen recorded on the hill. The previous evening my father found a full-grown Privet Hawkmoth caterpillar here.

Report by Neil Hulme on Sussex Butterflies

4 August 2014
I counted six Silver-spotted Skippers on the south facing slope of Anchor Bottom, east of the rabbit warren at TQ 205094. Not a huge number, but most encouraging was the female depositing eggs, hopefully sustaining the colony for the next year.

Report by Dave Potter on Sussex Butterflies

3 August 2014
I almost collided with a Comma Butterfly as I cycled over the first lay-by on the Steyning Road, north of Old Shoreham. About a minute later I spotted a Small White Butterfly and these were both species not seen two days previously. Cloudy, breezy and humid and generally an unsatisfactory day for butterflies with only a Red Admiral and a Gatekeeper seen on a passage trip along the cyclepath from the Erringham Lay-by to Ropetackle.
Four species of butterfly

1 August 2014
An exceptional variety of 20 different species of butterflies in an hour on the lower slopes of Mill Hill made up for a rather dismal number of Chalkhill Blues for what should be their peak time. There were hundreds of the restless Chalkhill Blues but they were thinly spread and the transect acre total was only 47. It appeared that many more were in flight after my count.
 

Chalkhill Blue	Adonis Blue	Dark Green Fritillary	Painted Lady

Hemp Agrimony (next to the southern steps) again proved attractive, and my first Painted Lady of the year was a persistent visitor with Red Admirals, Peacocks and a Small Tortoiseshell. Nearby, there were Speckled Woods and a Holly Blue. Other butterflies over the lower slopes, in the order of prevalence, were an estimated 120+ Meadow Browns, 35+ Gatekeepers, about 15+ Common Blues, about a dozen Small Heaths, about ten Green-Veined Whites, about eight Wall Browns all over the path and some in the long grass, about eight male Adonis Blues, a few Large Whites, a few Brimstones, one or two Marbled Whites, and one each of Clouded Yellow, Small Skipper and Dark Green Fritillary. Later, two pairs of Chalkhill Blues were seen in mating tussles, which were not completed whilst I was there. There were also a few 6-spotted Burnet Moths and a Treble-bar Moth.
I curtailed my visit rather rapidly as the sun went behind a cloud and rain looked imminent.
(NB: I was unable too positively record any Small White Butterflies.)
Twenty (20) butterfly species, most in a day this year. Equal second best for any single day.

31 July 2014
 

Hornet Robber Fly	Garden Tiger Moth	Southern Hawker

On a slightly cooler summer's day, a short detour to the outskirts of north Shoreham (top of The Drive & Buckingham Cutting south verge) was rewarded with a little more than expected: twenty Common Blue Butterflies (including courting couplets), at least one Brown Argus for the first time this year (only discovered after examining the underwing spots on photographs), two Small Blues (not seen yesterday), twenty plus Speckled Woods (including the ones at the north of Buckingham Park), an handful of Holly Blues, one Gatekeeper, one Meadow Brown, one Small Skipper, occasional Large Whites, a Brimstone Butterfly and a 6-spotted Burnet Moth. The second of two Southern Hawkers landed in front of me. This dragonfly is an avid butterfly predator as was a Hornet Robber Fly that looked ominous. The damaged Garden Tiger Moth found on my front path last night was released into my damp front garden. It crawled into the undergrowth rather than flying away.
Ten butterfly species including two not recorded the day before

30 July 2014
An afternoon circular trip over Mill Hill produced 18 different species of butterfly, including a restless 69 male Chalkhill Blues, the first of the second brood Adonis Blues (2), at least three immigrant Clouded Yellows, a few vanessids visiting Hemp Agrimony, ubiquitous Meadow Browns, very frequent Gatekeepers, six Wall Browns, occasional Marbled Whites and other resident species expected on chalk downs in summer.

                         Brown Argus & Common Blue
 

A single Hemp Agrimony bush on the southern steps to the lower slopes hosted 3+ Red Admirals, 3+ Small Tortoiseshells, 2+ Peacocks, 2+ Green-Veined Whites, 2+ Meadow Browns and 2+ Gatekeepers all at the same time.

Hemp Agrimony

The full one acre transect on the lower slopes recorded 69 male Chalkhill Blues, the first of the second brood Adonis Blues, at least three immigrant Clouded Yellows, an estimated 150 Meadow Browns, an estimated 60+ Gatekeepers, six Wall Browns, a counted 19+ Common Blues, 5+ Small Heaths, one Brimstone, about a dozen white butterflies including Large Whites, five Marbled Whites, and 6-spotted Burnet Moths. There were more butterflies over the slopes and I eventually found just one female Chalkhill Blue.

The scrub at the north end of Mill Hill Nature Reserve added 3+ Speckled Wood Butterflies and a Holly Blue.
On the triangle are of the middle slopes a Robber Fly, Machimus atricapillus, landed on a mating pair of Common Blues, which were frequently seen amongst the Marjoram, with more Gatekeepers and Meadow Browns and another Wall Brown. The top meadow added my first Small Skipperwith more Common Blues, Gatekeepers, Meadow Browns, Green-Veined Whites and a fresh Small Tortoiseshell. On the top plateau there were two male Chalkhill Blues, Common Blues and Meadow Browns.
NB: There did not seem to be plentiful nectar flowers for the restless lower slope butterflies on an overcast day, the Carline Thistle had only one flower seen, Wild Basil was not as abundant as usual, Dwarf Thistle was popular for brief visits as was the small numbers of Hardheads (=Lesser Knapweed), and Bramble was visited by Meadow Browns.

A damaged Garden Tiger Moth was discovered on my front path in my garden. It was in a poor condition and may have been attacked by a Cat.

Eighteen (18) butterfly species, most in a day this year
 

27 July 2014 A Holly Blue, Brimstone Butterfly and Speckled Wood Butterfly were seen in a garden in Hammy Close, Shoreham. Large Whites and Meadow Browns were seen earlier.

25 July 2014
My afternoon visit to Mill Hill was interrupted by a thunderstorm and rain deluge that drenched me to the skin. I did not complete the acre transect.
 

Marbled White	Wall Brown	Gatekeeper

With a Red Admiral and Large White by Eastern Avenue Railway Crossing, a Common Blue and a  Meadow Browns seen in Mill Hill Drive and Speckled Woods at the top of Chanctonbury Drive, it was encouraging start.
The southern top part of Mill Hill hosted at least five Small Skippers, a Wall Brown, a Red Admiral, frequent Meadow Browns, a Small Tortoiseshell, a Silver Y Moth. Treble-bar and 6-spotted Burnet Moths. There was a bright flash of blue which was possible Adonis Blue which could not be confirmed and more likely to have been a Common Blue.
The lower slopes of Mill Hill, two-thirds of the acre transect, in 15 minutes, before the rain deluge, hosted just 15 (12+ 3) Chalkhill Blues, an estimated 60+ Meadow Browns, frequent 15+ Gatekeepers, three Wall Browns, counted 16 Marbled Whites, occasional Large Whites, at least one Small White, another Small Tortoiseshell, at least one Common Blue, three Small Heaths, and a few pyralid micro-moths Pyrausta despicata.
Thirteen butterfly species and three macro-moths

23 July 2014
On the warmest day of the year at 28.1°C (so far) I did not venture out to leave the Shoreham town boundaries and by late afternoon (5:00 pm) the breeze had cooled off the sunshine. My first butterfly was a Holly Blue seen in the twitten between Parkside and Buckingham Park, followed by a handful of Speckled Woods in the shade of the trees at the top of Buckingham Park.  The road verge at Buckingham Cutting (south) was empty of any butterflies at first but within five minutes, I saw two Gatekeepers, one Green-veined White, one Small White, one Large White, a few Speckled Woods, another two Holly Blues, a Silver Y Moth, a Red Admiral and I finally disturbed a roosting Small Blue Butterfly. There was a Volucella zonaria hoverfly on Buckingham Cutting (south).
Eight butterfly species, including two not recorded in the previous two days, and a macro-moth

22 July 2014
A cycle ride to Annington Sewer and back, with a detour to Anchor Bottom, brought 15 different species of butterfly, but the highlight of the day was a male Banded Demoiselle over a stream next to the cyclepath halfway between Old Shoreham and Upper Beeding. This blue demoiselle has a butterfly-like wing, but like all damsels landed with its wings closed.
 

Common Blue	Small Tortoiseshell	Chalkhill Blue

The cyclepath verges hosted the following butterflies in order of prevalence: Meadow Browns, Gatekeepers, Large Whites, Red Admirals, Peacocks, Wall Browns, Small Skippers, Speckled Woods, Small Tortoiseshells, Green-veined Whites, Small White and a Comma. I spotted a Southern Hawker (dragonfly) patrolling the flowering Buddleia at the edge of the cyclepath south of the Cement Works. Anchor Bottom hosted hundreds of Meadow Browns, Gatekeepers, Large Whites, and occasional each of Chalkhill Blues, Common Blues, Marbled Whites and 6-spotted Burnet Moths.
Fifteen (15) butterfly species including three not recorded the previous day and a macro-moth

21 July 2014
After the thunder and rain deluges (a weather front from the south), I was curious to see what life was out on the downs and about in the humid sunshine on an overcast muggy afternoon.
 

Dark Green Fritillary	Dingy Skipper	Brimstone Butterfly

Large White Butterflies and at least half a dozen Speckled Woods were seen a top of Chanctonbury Drive on the south-west side of the bridge over the A27 to Mill Hill. Butterflies were seen immediately on entering Mill Hill Nature Reserve from the south, by the cattle grid and gate. Four species were seen in a few seconds, occasional Gatekeepers, frequent Meadow Browns. a few Marbled Whites and two skippers, which turned out to be Small Skippers after waiting five minutes for them to briefly settle. There was a second flux of butterfly varieties going down the steps to the lower slopes with the ubiquitous Gatekeepers and Meadow Browns, more of the plentiful Marbled Whites, and at least two Red Admirals, two Small Tortoiseshells, at least one Peacock Butterfly and a Brimstone Butterfly. That was an encouraging ten species before the lower slopes of Mill Hill, where I immediately spotted a the first of about a hundred male Chalkhill Blues, followed almost simultaneously by the first of the Small Heath Butterflies, frequent 6-spotted Burnet Moths, Gatekeepers and MeadowBrowns everywhere, followed by two large brown/orange butterflies which were not identified at first. One conveniently landed nearby and was identified instantly as a Wall Brown. This gave a total species of thirteen in as many minutes. The other butterfly was more elusive but I tracked it down and identified it as a Dark Green Fritillary, my first of the year and a rare occurrence on Mill Hill. I counted 36 male Chalkhill Blues in half of the acre transect. Because of the alarming over growth of Privet, at the northern end of the lower slopes, the whole acre transect estimate (partially counted) was only fifty. However, as I retraced my steps to go home far more blue butterflies appeared by about twice as many and they included my first female of the year. Gatekeepers and Meadow Browns were just as numerous and I estimate there were over 30 Marbled Whites. I spotted at least three fresh male Common Blues, two first of the year restless patrolling immigrant Clouded Yellows, more Large Whites, a few more Brimstones and frequent 6-spotted Burnet Moths all on the lower slopes. My first of year teneral Common Darter (dragonfly) landed in front of me. Lindsay Morris spotted a Dingy Skipper which I managed to spot. Earlier he had seen a Small Copper, but this species eluded me. As I was about to go home I spotted a blue Southern Hawker patrolling the unruly hedge at the bottom of the lower slopes. This is a powerful dragonfly that regularly catches and consumes butterflies.
Adur Butterflies: First Dates
A few hundred butterflies (250+) of seventeen (17) different species (personal tally only), two dragonfly species and one macro-moth. One other hearsay butterfly. The most butterfly species in a day this year.

20 July 2014
I was surprised to spot a 6-spotted Burnet and a Skipper over the towpath north of Ropetackle. Other than that just Gatekeepers, Red Admirals and Large Whites seen around Shoreham in the humid sunshine.

17 July 2014
Lancing Ring - 1 or 2 Silver-washed Fritillary, 2 Wall, female Brimstone. Steep Down (Sompting): 7 Chalkhill Blue, 5 Dark Green Fritillary, male Brimstone and a Stoat. At both sites: very large numbers of Small & Essex Skippers, less Large Skippers now. Plenty of Marbled White, Gatekeeper, Meadow Brown. Also present, Ringlet, Common Blue, Comma, Red Admiral, Peacock, Small Tortoiseshell, Speckled Wood, Green-veined White, "Whites"...

21+ Species Report by Lindsay Morris on Sussex Butterflies

On a warm day in Steyning, I recorded a few Large Whites, a Red Admiral and a Small Tortoiseshell. One the slopes to the downs to the west of Steyning during the middle of the day, I added frequent Meadow Browns on the grasslands and frequent Gatekeepers in the shade of the hedges. The grasslands also supported occasional Marbled Whites, definite Large Skippers, my first of the year Small Skippers, a few Large Whites, and a few 6-spotted Burnet Moths.  In more shadier shelter of the trees, there were frequent Speckled Woods.
Nine definite butterflies and a macro-moth

13 July 2014
 

Marbled White Stemless Thistle	6-spotted Burnet Moths	6-spotted Burnet Moths	Marbled White Greater Knapweed

A cloudy breezy day after overnight rain is not a prime time to visit Mill Hill. The lower slopes were overgrown with Privet and this was noted by a passing visitor. Purple flowers of the Greater Knapweed and Stemless Thistle were the main attraction for the frequent Marbled White Butterflies the most prominent if not the most numerous butterfly on the lower slopes. The one acre transect count recorded 22 Marbled Whites and only five restless male Chalkhill Blues. The most prevalent butterfly were the Gatekeepers in the scrub with an estimate of exceeding fifty on the transect acre with Meadow Browns  everywhere with twenty plus per acre with three Small Tortoiseshells, one Small Heath Butterfly and on the southern steps at least one Speckled Wood. About ten 6-spotted Burnet Moths were seen by looking at the Greater Knapweed, and if I looked more diligently, I am sure I would have found many more. There was a mating pair amongst the long grass. Large White Butterflies were seen in Shoreham town.
Eight butterfly species and one macro moth
Adur Burnet Moths

7 July 2014
After the paucity of butterflies that often occurs in late June, there were fresh butterflies on the wing were very frequently seen on the downs with Marbled Whites leading the way with at least 71 seen, but there were as many of both Meadow Browns and Gatekeepers of the ten species seen in an hour.
 

Gatekeeper	Marbled White	Comma	Speckled Wood

On the lower slopes of Mill Hill I recorded 33 Marbled Whites before I nearly stumbled into the first of eight male Chalkhill Blues.
Adur Butterflies: First Dates
 

Butterflies	Top of Mill Hill	Lower Slopes	Middle Slopes & Scrub	Elsewhere plus = Total
Speckled Wood	-	1  (southern steps)	-	+1 = 2
Meadow Brown	Est 20	Est 30+	Est 5	+1 = E 56
Marbled White	15	44	9	+3 = 71
Gatekeeper	Occasional	Est 30+	Occasional	E  50+
Red Admiral	1	-	2	= 3
Comma	-	2  (southern steps)	-	= 2
Small Heath	1	1	-	= 2
Small Tortoiseshell	-	1	-	= 1
Chalkhill Blue	-	8	-	= 8
Large White	-	-	1	= 1
Burnet Moth	Occasional	2	-	= E 8
Pyrausta purpuralis	-	1	-	= 1

Ten butterfly species plus one macro moth
 
 

4 July 2014 A cycle trek over the reclaimed land north of the Hasler Estate (south Lancing) (Bristol Avenue to Prince Avenue) revealed Whirligig Beetles on the surface of the drainage ditch/stream separating the two fields, plus frequent butterflies: occasional Small Tortoiseshells and Meadow Browns, a possible Ringlet and a Speckled Wood. A Large White was seen earlier. Four butterfly species + one possible

Meadow Brown

2 July 2014
A Hummingbird Hawk-moth, Macroglossum stellatarum, flew straight into the carnot wall on the south side of Shoreham Fort. It flew off before my camera could find it.

30 June 2014
I cycled the towpath to the Cement Works and back spotting butterflies at regular intervals on the way, with frequent 30+ Ringlets the most prevalent, occasional Meadow Browns, occasional Red Admirals, at least one Small Tortoiseshell and one Large Skipper (both on Tufted Vetch), a few Marbled Whites, a few Large Whites and pretty little moth which I did not recognise.
Seven butterfly species

27 June 2014
Despite the freshly flowering Buddleia, the only butterflies of the day were occasional Large Whites around the Sea Kale on Shoreham Beach and another further inland.

26 June 2014
Road verges can often be productive in wild flora and fauna, and the road verge south of Buckingham Barn is conveniently located within the Shoreham town boundaries. On an overcast afternoon, the butterflies were not very lively, but two Meadow Brown Butterflies were seen immediately followed a minute or so later by a settled Large Skipper and a restless Marbled White. Then nothing for quarter of an hour until I glimpsed a bright Red Admiral over the Brambles to the south of the path. I was pleased to spot the Large Skipper as I only see a handful very year, but more surprised by my earliest ever Gatekeeper in the long grass and dense vegetation. I had to chase it around to confirm its identity as a fresh male specimen. This was a first record of a Gatekeeper in Sussex this year. A Silver Y Moth was similarly elusive in the meadow-like vegetation.
Adur Butterflies: First Dates
Five butterfly species and one macro moth
 

Gatekeeper	Ringlet Butterfly	Large Skipper

23 June 2014
The slow looping flight of a butterfly on the southern bank of the A27 opposite Slonk Hill was characteristic of my first Ringlet Butterfly of the year. Despite its languid flight it fluttered over a lot of the verge meadow, over the last of the Spotted Orchids, and there were at least four seen in this area on a sunny mid-afternoon, with a Red Admiral. I cycled the narrow path through the linear copse up to the road embankment opposite Buckingham Barn where the verge had a more colourful flower display in whites (Ox-eye Daisies, Cleavers, Bramble), yellows (Kidney Vetch, Greater Bird's Foot Trefoil) and purples (Spotted Orchid, Pyramidal Orchid). The flowers attracted two Meadow Brown Butterflies, six more Ringlet Butterflies, a courting pair of Small Blues (there were probably more), two restless Marbled Whites and my first Burnet Moth of the year.
Adur Butterflies: First Dates
Five butterfly species and one macro moth

21 June 2014
A Tiger Moth "Woolly Bear" caterpillar crawled over Corbyn Crescent in Shoreham, where they are seen every year. In Dolphin Road, the small blue butterfly around the wayward hedge, separating the road from the railway line, can only have been a Holly Blue. A Small Tortoiseshell Butterfly fluttered over Adur Recreation Ground, where the car boot sale was on.

19 June 2014
On a hazy day I took a detour up the overgrown Pixie Path (FP 3138) where I spotted a Yellow Shell Moth, followed by a courting pair of Comma Butterflies and a courting pair of Small Tortoiseshells. A Meadow Brown was seen in the long grass of Frampton's Field.
 

Marbled White on Privet	Marbled White	Small Tortoiseshell

In the mid-afternoon, I decided to continue with an unplanned trip to Mill Hill and on the New Erringham pasture on the north-west side of the bridge, the first of a handful of Small Heath Butterflies were seen. The first of the year of at least twenty Marbled Whites were seen on the steps down to the lower slopes. I only walked less than a half transect because as soon as I reached the half-way point I was inundated with Marbled Whites rising from the long grass as I disturbed them. The was also two worn Common Blues. My spell on Mill Hill was much briefer than normal and I departed in less than an hour.
Adur Butterflies: First Dates
Six butterfly species and one macro moth

10 June 2014
A Red Admiral was seen on the towpath by the houseboats in Shoreham. It was the first of seven tattered or worn specimens seen on the Adur Levels on a trip from the Riverbank to Ladywell's Stream. It was accompanied by my first Mint Moth, Pyrausta aurata, of the year. Other butterflies seen on-route were at least one each of Small Whites and Large Whites.
On Ladywell's Stream, on the eastern side of the road I noted an Azure Damselfly, Coenagrion puella, on the streamside vegetation. At Cuckoo's Corner Ladywell's Stream ran rapidly out to the sea: amongst the trees that bordered the bank, two flashes of dark blue were two male Banded Demoiselles, too far away to photograph. A very fresh Speckled Wood Butterfly was seen at Cuckoo's Corner.
Adur Pyralids
Adur Damselflies
Four butterfly species

9 June 2014
On the lower slopes of Mill Hill, I spotted my first Large Skipper and first Meadow Brown Butterfly of the year. The beginning of June is often devoid of butterflies and apart from a dozen Brimstones, about eight Common Blues on the lower slopes, half a dozen Small Heaths  and that was the lot seen around midday.
 

Common Blue	Small Heath	Large Skipper	Cinnabar Moth

On the middle slopes there was another very white Brimstone and my second Meadow Brown, and on the top of hill another Common Blue. South of the Reservoir I spotted my first two Cinnabar Moths of the year.
Adur Butterflies: First Dates

8 June 2014
More Common Blue Butterflies were seen by the Shoreham Fort, at least four amongst the throngs of people at the Military History Day.

7 June 2014
A male Common Blue Butterfly was spotted south of the carnot wall of Shoreham Fort, but it was the unexpected appearance of an early immigrant Hummingbird Hawk-moth, Macroglossum stellatarum, flying just in front of my feet that was most unexpected. I don't think I have seen one so early in the year before.
Adur Moths
 

Common Blue Butterfly	Common Blue Butterfly

2 June 2014 A bit later than in most years, I discovered my first Small Blue Butterflies of the year on my first visit to the southern road bank opposite Buckingham Barn, north Shoreham in the late afternoon. These tiny butterflies were hiding in the tall vegetation in the late afternoon, but after four minutes I spotted the first pair of about ten butterflies basking on some green leaves. Kidney Vetch was beginning to flower nearby (caterpillar plant of the Small Blues). Adur Butterflies: First Dates

27 May 2014
A Painted Lady Butterfly was seen for the first time locally this year at the top of Dancton Lane, below Steep Down, above North Lancing. I chased it for at least 15 minutes but it hid in the nettles and grass.

Report by Brian Rogers on Lancing Wildlife on facebook

Adur Butterflies: First Dates

25 May 2014
It was breezy and cloudy and far from ideal afternoon for butterflies  Two Speckled Woods were seen at the top of Chanctonbury Drive. In the transect acre on the lower slopes of Mill Hill, I recorded one Red Admiral, 21 (15 +6) Adonis Blues, at least one and probably a pair of Common Blues, about nine Brimstone Butterflies of both genders, my first Small Heath of the year, and one late Green Hairstreak landed on a Horseshoe Vetch flower. A Small Purple-barred Moth Phytometra viridaria was seen amongst the short vegetation. As I returned by the pathway the actual number of Adonis Blues seen in an hour was about forty.
 

Brimstone	Small Purple-barred Moth	Green Hairstreak

I had a sortie over the top part of Mill Hill but was late in the afternoon by then and there were no positive butterflies, although there were two possible Dingy Skippers.
Adur Butterflies: First Dates
Seven butterfly species

15 May 2014
Yellow swathes of Horseshoe Vetch, Hippocrepis comosa, were all over the lower slopes of Mill Hill, especially the steeper slopes. The expanse was far from its peak and in each continuing year the flowers seem to be less and the Privet much greater. After the torrential rain of the previous two days, the butterfly population seem to have been less than normal. The first butterfly spotted was a male Common Blue in amongst the Tor Grass, followed by a restless Peacock. The first of nine (three in transect acre) Brimstone Butterflies patrolled the straggly hedgerow with plentiful. In the early afternoon the first of 16 male Adonis Blues (9 on transect) fluttered around in the weak sunshine.
 

Adonis Blue	Adonis Blue	Common Blue	Small Tortoiseshell

Single Dingy Skippers advertised their presence but they did seem inclined to rest for more than a few seconds. About a dozen were spotted (8 on transect). I was surprised to notice a Green Hairstreak on the short sward flora. On the steeper part of the lower slopes, I noted an extremely worn Small Tortoiseshell. The micro-moth Vine Moth, Eupoecilia ambiguella, was spotted on the lower slopes of Mill Hill. No butterflies were seen at the top of Chanctonbury Drive where the Daisies had been mown.
Eight butterfly species

6 May 2014
Just a Green-veined White and Holly Blue over the Waterworks Road (footpath section), Old Shoreham.

5 May 2014
 

Speckled Wood		Dingy Skipper	Adonis Blue

On a hazy slightly humid day, I was surprised by the fluttering of a pale blue butterfly. When it settled on the abundant Horseshoe Vetch, Hippocrepis comosa, on the lower slopes of Mill Hill, I was able to identify it as my first male Common Blue of the year. Less than a minute later another blue butterfly appeared at the northern end of the lower slopes and this settled as well and I could see it was my first male Adonis Blue of the year. Later I was to spot a female Common Blue and another male Adonis Blue. Other butterflies were only occasionally seen with about eight Dingy Skippers, four Brimstones, at least one Small White and a Wall Brown on the lower part of Mill Hill. One tiny pyralid moth settled, and this was identified clearly as Pyrausta despicata. A Treble-bar Moth was disturbed as the butterflies and moths were generally resting.
At the top of Chanctonbury Drive I was able to add a Speckled Wood, two Holly Blues and a Red Admiral to the tally for an hour or so in the afternoon.
The records show this was my earliest ever record for a Common Blue.
Nine butterfly species
Adur Butterflies: First Dates

30 April 2014
My transect at Mill Hill recorded 3 Green Hairstreaks, 12 Dingy Skippers and one each of Grizzled Skipper, Orange-tip, Peacock and Brimstone. I twice saw an orange butterfly rush by which did not look like a Comma. (NB: Probably a Wall Brown AH)

Report by Colin Knight on Sussex Butterflies

27 April 2014
 

Dingy Skipper	Violet Cosmet Moth	Red Admiral	Holly Blue

The lower slopes of Mill Hill were more sheltered tan the breezy top, but it was too cold for butterflies and the only species actively fluttering around was a Small White. I did manage to disturb a few butterflies which were quickly blown about in the breeze. There were at least a dozen Dingy Skippers, at least three Grizzled Skippers, one Wall Brown and a Peacock. A Small Purple-barred Moth Phytometra viridaria was seen amongst the short vegetation, with three Pyrausta nigrata pyralid moths and my first Treble-bar Moth of the year.  I spotted a micro-moth Violet Cosmet Moth, Pancalia leuwenhoekella, looking tiny on a Bulbous Buttercup on the middle slopes.
On the top of the hill, I felt a chill in the breeze (Force 5), and I hurried across the plateau at the top where there was only a fresh Wall Brown blown about.
At the top of Chanctonbury Drive on the way back, I recorded four Speckled Woods, a pair of Red Admirals, two Holly Blues and an unidentified small white butterfly.
Eight butterfly species and four moths

23 April 2014
It was cloudy when I spotted what I thought might be the only butterfly of the day, a Small White over Slonk Hill Farm Road. Impulsively,  I decided to traverse the footpath from Slonk Hill Farm Road to Buckingham Cutting (running parallel with the A27) adding a few Speckled Woods and a Large Red Damselfly. Then, completely unplanned, I cycled through the Dovecote Estate to the top of Chanctonbury Drive. In the weak sunshine a few large yellow Brimstone Butterflies made an instant impression by the straggly hedgerow (north side) ,with one or two Holly Blues and a dozen Speckled Woods, a few Green-veined Whites, and what was possibly a Large White. Daisies covered the artificial grassland with a few Dandelions, which prompted the visit of a bright Peacock Butterfly and my first definite fresh Wall Brown of the year. An Orange-tip Butterfly flew by without stopping.
 

Wall Brown	Brimstone	Dingy Skipper	Pyrausta purpuralis

All this was a prelude to a walk around the lower slopes of Mill Hill with a few rays of sun piercing the clouds. Occasional Brimstone Butterflies were seen instantly, patrolling the bottom (west side) hedgerow and visiting Cowslips. The sun went in before I saw any skippers. There were a handful of both Grizzled Skippers and Dingy Skippers. Dingy Skippers were observed visiting Milkwort and Horseshoe Vetch. I struggled around the transect (under the handicap of a bad cold) noting a flighty Wall Brown, at least one Peacock Butterfly and a Small Tortoiseshell. I failed to locate a reported Green Hairstreak.
Three small pyralid moths were noted. Two were Pyrausta despicata and the other one a Pyrausta purpuralis. A Small Purple-barred Moth Phytometra viridaria was seen amongst the short vegetation.
Eleven butterfly species + one possible

17 April 2014
A Small Tortoiseshell settled on the towpath near Cuckoo's Corner on the Coombes Road. A Brimstone Butterfly fluttered over the verges near Ladywells followed by a pair of Orange-tip Butterflies. A Speckled Wood Butterfly settled on the cyclepath near Botolphs.

16 April 2014
At the top of  Chanctonbury Drive, the expected butterflies appeared: a pair of Red Admirals courting, two Green-veined Whites, at least four Speckled Woods, and two Holly Blues. A Large Red Damselfly settled briefly.
 

Horseshoe Vetch	Dingy Skipper	Grizzled Skipper	Green Hairstreak

A Peacock Butterfly, then first of just a few, was first to show over the lower slopes of Mill Hill, where I spotted my first skippers of the year. The first of half a dozen Grizzled Skippers visited violets, followed by three pairs of courting Dingy Skippers. The best discovery was a Green Hairstreak flitting around the Brambles. Pyralid moths were represented by occasional Pyrausta nigrata and at least one Pyrausta purpuralis. A diurnal Small Purple-barred Moth Phytometra viridaria was seen amongst the short vegetation.
Eight butterfly species, three small moths and a damselfly

14 April 2014
A first of the year Large Red Damselfly settled briefly in the Butterfly Copse next to the Waterworks Road, Old Shoreham. A male Orange-tip Butterfly and a Small White Butterfly visited the verges of the Waterworks Road in the late afternoon.

11 April 2014
I spotted my first male Orange-tip Butterfly of the year fluttering rapidly and continuously over the road verge north of Ladywell's Stream on the Coombes Road (north of Cuckoo's Corner). It landed for a second on a distant Red Campion flower.
Adur Butterflies: First Dates

10 April 2014
A trip to Mill Hill in the afternoon (3:00 pm) sunshine was rewarded with more butterflies seen on the way there.
 

Red Admiral	Speckled Wood	Green-veined White	Red Admiral

On the Old Shoreham side of the bridge under the A27 dual carriageway, at the top of Chanctonbury Drive, I expected to see a few butterflies in flight, but not quite so many. A reasonably fresh Red Admiral (2+) was the first to be spotted basking on Alexanders and brambles. As I parked my bike to take a photograph, other butterflies appeared including my first of the year for four species Green-veined Whites (2+), the expected Speckled Woods (6+), an early Holly Blue (2+) a few magnificent Brimstones (2+). One Large White and at least one Small White were also seen in the space of less than ten minutes giving seven species immediately.
The lower slopes of Mill Hill were alive with butterflies but they were mostly about half a dozen energetic Peacock Butterflies, and about the same number of Brimstones. With energy sapped by a virus I did not search in earnest but I could not find any skippers, and it was only after over thirty minutes that I spotted my first micro-moth Violet Cosmet Moth, Pancalia leuwenhoekella, looking tiny on a Common Daisy. It took my eye a little while to tune in before I was able to recognise at least three Pyrausta nigrata pyralid moths. Only when returning up the steps at the southern end did I spot my first Small Tortoiseshell of the day.
Lindsey Morris reported both Grizzled Skippers and Dingy Skippers before I arrived. David Potter also saw them and a Green Hairstreak as well.
Adur Butterflies: First Dates
Nine butterfly species (personal tally only). Three more seen by others.

1 April 2014

I completed my first transect of the year at Mill Hill: Brimstone 6, Comma 1, Peacock 6, Small Tortoiseshell 1. A Pyrausta nigrata pyralid moth landed in front of me during the survey.

Report by Colin Knight on Sussex Butterflies

I saw my first Grizzled Skipper of the year at 10.30 am on the lower slopes of Mill Hill at Shoreham.

Report by Neil Hulme on Sussex Butterflies

 

Peacock Butterfly	Small Tortoiseshells	Small Tortoiseshells

I spotted my first Large White Butterfly of the year over Shoreham Beach and later another one on the east side of the River Adur by the Railway Viaduct with a Peacock Butterfly. There were three separate observations of courting Small Tortoiseshell Butterflies.
Adur Butterflies: First Dates

31 March 2014
A single Peacock Butterfly fluttered over the top of the southern part of Mill Hill.

13 March 2014
 

Red Admiral	Small Tortoiseshell	Peacock Butterfly

Three butterflies made an appearance on and around Mill Hill. All had awakened from diapause (=hibernation) and the first one seen was a Red Admiral (at Chanctonbury Drive, SE of the bridge to Mill Hill) followed by a Small Tortoiseshell  and a Peacock Butterfly.

10 March 2014
I spotted a high flying Peacock Butterfly in south Lancing by the Wenceling Garden and a Small Tortoiseshell over Lancing Beach, my fifth and sixth butterflies this year. My first bumblebee of the year flew over Lancing Beach.

9 March 2014
I was surprised to see an early Small White Butterfly flutter over Dolphin Road in Shoreham by the railway crossing gates. This was the earliest one I have ever seen, nearly three weeks earlier than the previous earliest record.
Adur Butterflies: First Dates

There were lots of butterflies at Lancing Clump: Brimstone, Small Tortoiseshell and Peacock in strong sunshine and little wind.

Report by Andy Brook  facebook

8 March 2014 A pair of Small Tortoiseshell Butterflies were seen in my front garden in Lancing.   Report & Photograph by Ray Hamblett Wildlife of Lancing, Sompting & Surrounds  facebook

6 March 2014
I heard that a Peacock Butterfly was also seen in the weak sunshine on the shingle by the National Coastwatch at Shoreham Fort.

13 February 2014
After the storms, the sun made a brief occurrence in the early afternoon, enough for a Small Tortoiseshell Butterfly to awake from its diapause and flutter around a white van at the eastern end of the High Street, Shoreham. This is my first butterfly in flight for 2014.

19 January 2014
I did a little bit of gardening this sunny afternoon, a Comma Butterfly must have been hiding in a bush I moved. It settled on the white house wall, in torpid state, it was easy to encourage it to step on to a finger while I fetched a camera, not moving. I think I might be able to claim first butterfly of the year for Lancing.

Report by Ray Hamblett
Lancing & Sompting facebook

Adur Butterfly Flight Times
Adur Butterflies: First Dates

1 January 2014
When the gales and rain had died down a bit, I checked in the shed and recorded my first Small Tortoiseshell Butterfly of the year, in diapause.

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Adur Butterfly 2013 Reports

 

Adur Violets

Butterfly & Large Moth List 2011
 
 
 

Butterfly Habitat Notes   Observations of the habitats of the Small Heath Butterfly Observations of the habitats of the Small Copper Butterfly Some Notes on the local Meadow Brown Butterfly populations Notes on the Wall Brown Butterfly Bird's Foot Trefoil & the Common Blue Butterfly Some other notes on resident butterflies and moths in the Adur area (Part One) Some other notes on resident butterflies and moths in the Adur area (Part Two) Adonis Blues notes from the downs near Shoreham Chalkhill Blues notes from the downs near Shoreham Chalkhill Blue Larval Stages Skippers of the downs near Shoreham Observations of the other Butterflies of the Adur district area and a few absentees Observations of some of the smaller Moths in the Adur district area Difference between Brown Argus and female Common Blues Etymology of the word "butterfly"   Lead Agencies for designated Local Nature Reserves   Clouded Yellow Butterfly  (Link to a recommended photograph by Dave Appleton)

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Adur Butterfly Flight Times

Adur Butterflies 2010

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Earliest Butterfly Sightings Summary
Sussex Butterflies
Butterfly Flight Times (best site)
Butterfly Conservation: First Sightings
UK Butterflies Discussion Board

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Notes:

Adur Butterflies
Blue Butterflies of Shoreham

NEW ACFOR SYSTEM OF ABUNDANCE OVER A SPECIFIED AREA:

SUPERABUNDANT = 10,000 +
ABUNDANT 1000- 10,000
VERY COMMON = 500-1000
COMMON 100-500
VERY FREQUENT = 50-100
FREQUENT 10 - 50
OCCASIONAL 2-10
RARE = ONLY 1  or

Scarce 4-10 per year
Very Scarce 1-3 per year
Rare   less one than every year
Very Rare   1-3 records in total since 2000

Condition of Butterflies
Pristine
Fine: good condition
Average
Poor
Tattered;  Torn and battered

MultiMap Aerial Photograph of the Adur Levels and the Downs

British Lepidoptera on  flickr

UK Butterflies Sightings