Butterflies of Rodborough and Oakridge

A visit to Rodborough Common and a site near the village of Oakridge, both in Gloucestershire in the 24th May 2008 produced a wide range of species. Dispite the poor weather forcast, the day was wall to wall sunshine although quite breezy at times. Apart from the butterfly species listed below we also saw some interesting wild flowers including Greater Butterfly Orchid.

Rodborough Common (Little London area):
Duke of Burgundy (10+) Brown Argus (10+)
Green Hairstreak (2)
Common Blue (4)
Dingy Skipper (10+) inc. mating pair
Large White (2)
Red Admiral (1)
Small Heath (10+)
Adonis Blue (5 Males, 3 Females)
Small Blue (6)
Large Skipper (1)my for this year
Cistus Forester Moth (6+)

Oakridge:
Marsh Fritillary (5)
Peacock (1)
Small Blue (3)
Small Heath (5)
Holly Blue (1)
Small Copper (1)
Adonis Blue (2)
Dingy Skipper (4)
Green-veined White (1)
Common Blue (2)
Cistus Forester Moth (2)

Here's some of the best photographs from the day.


Above: Duke of Burgundy at Rodborough Common


Above: Duke of Burgundy (aberant form gracilens) also at Rodborough photo by Debbie Hibbitt


Above: Male Adonis Blue (Rodborough)


Above: Female Adonis Blue (Rodborough).


Above: Marsh Fritillary (Oakridge).


Above: Dingy Skipper mating pair (Rodborough).


Above: Wild flowers such as Sainfoin...


Above: And Greater Butterfly Orchid at Oakridge.


Above: Detail of Greater Butterfly Orchid.