Friday, 23 July 2010

Blue Butterfly

With it being such a beautiful day I combined a walk on to the post box with a wander in the fields around the village. There were plenty of butterflies but they were all very active. I saw a small bright blue one of a type I have not seen before. It would only stay stationary for a few seconds and as I only had a Fuji "bridge" camera with me (it is always a mistake to go on a walk without one of my Nikons!),  getting a photo was difficult but I managed the ones below.



Looking through my copy of "The Butterflies of Yorkshire" ( available from The Yorkshire Branch of Butterfly Conservation ) I think it is a Holly Blue.

I would be very interested to have my identification confirmed (or corrected).
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4 comments:

  1. Johnnykinson23 July 2010 at 15:54

    It would appear to be a Holly Blue as you suggest, probably a female. Not a species i have come across yet but it's always great to read up on a new species. One fascinating fact i read was that it opens its wings in weak light! Also described as a butterfly of southern areas but......moving northwards. Like so many other various species, whether Butterfly or other.
    John
    John

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  2. Wolds End Tog23 July 2010 at 16:25

    Thank you. Interesting about the wings - it was in strong light and kept them together when it landed but it was very active and only stayed still for a moment. Hopefully I will get to see it or another again.

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  3. FAB23 July 2010 at 18:13

    Definitely a Holly Blue. They never show you their 'topside' when stationary. FAB.

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  4. Wolds End Tog23 July 2010 at 19:22

    Thanks. I'm glad I took the long route back from the post box now.

    I was wondering why the only place it landed was on the path but reading up about it I found "It will also seek nutrients from damp mud and animal dung" - so that explains it.

    Isn't it fascinating seeing something for the first time- identifying it and finding out more. I have so much to learn that any information is very much appreciated.

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