August is the month when the nights definitely start to draw in and a nip in the evening air hints that autumn is not far away. Summer species of butterflies are now showing signs of age but late summer species and broods are looking fresh.
Silver-washed Fritillary (Argynnis paphia) (post-copulation)
This pair rest together for a while after mating before the male flies of and leaves the female to bask in the sun.
Common Blue (Polyommatus icarus) (female)
Whilst the Common Blue is very much at home in woodland glades, the Chalkhill Blue is most definitely a chalk downland species. However, when their populations erupt in good years, they do wander from their breeding grounds. I have seen them in wealden woods before but it still seems odd to see one flying around a marshy meadow about 5 miles from its nearest downland colony.
Chalkhill Blue (Polyommatus coridon) (male)
Small Tortoiseshell (Aglais urticae)
Painted Lady (Vanessa cardui)
Peacock (Aglais io)
Speckled Wood (Pararge aegeria) (male)
Emperor Dragonfly (Anax imperator) (male)
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