Small Copper

Today, instead of going up into the hills for butterflies I decided to try for them in the valley along the waterways where there are still a number of wildflowers for them to feed on that haven't shrivelled in the heat.  For a long time I was unsuccessful, there were nothing but whites, but then I did trip over this very fresh Small Copper feeding on some of the quantities of Common Fleabane (Pulicaria dycenterica) that loves the low-level wetness.  I believe it's a female and, rather excitingly, another abberrant, known as ab. caeruleopunctata - see the bright(ish) blue spots on it's hind wings.

What else about today?  Not a lot.  We did have a small amount of rain this morning, which was very welcome, even though it didn't amount to much.  I think the garden was grateful, but I'll still have to water extensively tonight.

The final results of WFW25 will be in my journal tomorrow.

Have a lovely evening, all  xx