My local woodland colonies of butterfly species such as the Pearl-bordered Fritillary (Boloria euphrosyne) and Green Hairstreak (Callophrys rubi) are probably reaching peak numbers now. This is my preferred time to go out into the field with my camera, when they are easier to find but before they start to look too tired and worn.
Earlier this week, I watched a fresh female Green Hairstreak (C. rubi) flying low over the bluebells, stopping frequently to nectar on the flowers. It was interesting to note that her preferred method of reaching the nectar was to insert her proboscis between the petals near the base of the flower. I presume that her proboscis is not long enough to obtain nectar from the open end of the flower. As I watched her, she was continually massaging her hind wings which gave glimpses of her brown upperwing.
Green Hairstreak (Callophrys rubi) (female)
Over the years, I have taken many photographs of Pearl-bordered Fritillaries (B.euphrosyne) and nowadays I spend much more time just watching them and looking for interesting specimens. Occasionally however, the urge to get the camera out is just too difficult to resist!
Pearl-bordered Fritillary (Boloria euphrosyne) (female)
(males)
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