Autumn Butterflies along the Woodland Edge

 By the time August arrived, summer butterfly species had rapidly fallen away in my local wealden woods.

However, by September, salvation was at hand as the woodland edges became bathed in a blue wash, with beds of  Devil's-bit Scabious bursting into flower.

 This offers our late season butterflies the chance to feast as many of them prepare for hibernation or migration. 

Another source of  late season nectar is provided by my local National Trust gardens where I go in expectation of seeing good numbers of Small Copper (Lycaena phlaeas) during the autumn.

Painted Lady (Vanessa cardui)

Comma (Polygonia c-album)

Peacock (Aglais io)

Red Admiral (Vanessa atalanta)

Large White (Pieris brassicae)

(females)

(male)

Green-veined White (Pieris napi) (female)

(aberration)

Small Copper (Lycaena phlaeas)

Small Copper (L. phlaeas)

(ab. radiata)