On 25th August last year, I was walking through our wood at our house in the Scottish Borders, when I noticed a small, dark butterfly in the grass next to me. I dropped everything I was holding and ran down to the house for my glasses and camera.
I am now at a loss as
to whether this individual has flown over from Lewinshope, if there is another
colony somewhere else close by, or if they have been living undiscovered in the
grass next to our house. I think this is unlikely, as my father, who used to
live here was a biologist and he kept detailed records of the plants and
animals he had seen there.
I followed the Scotch Argus to try to get a picture of the upper side of the wings to ensure I wasn't mistaken with its identity. I was even more amazed to see it laying eggs.
Now I won't be able to cut the grass there and I excitedly await this August to see if any of its offspring survive. I will also be checking the Lewinshope Valley again and any other likely areas to see if there is a colony close by.
I always learn something from your posts. I think I often overlook these tiny creatures in nature. The bigger, more colorful ones are easier to spot.
ReplyDeleteThank you Michelle, I think the smaller butterflies tend to be more interesting than the showy ones!
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