Jul 19. The last few months have been a period when
my explorative exploits in the field have been curtailed to a great extent,
hence an absence of blog posts. I’ve
found myself at times contemplating the likes of the myriad hues of green in my
garden, weeds included, until I sprung to life and became a gardener of sorts. I’ve also read a good number of books, one of
them being a Little Toller edition entitled Emperors, Admirals and Chimney
Sweepers which addresses the naming of butterflies and moths. A fascinating insight in to the ‘name game’
(occasionally it does appear to have been a game) and a good book to dip in and
out of. However, as William Wordsworth
noted in an early work as a young man, there is nothing better than watching
and experiencing actual nature.
Enough of science and of art;
Close up these barren leaves;
Come forth and bring with you a heart
That watches and receives.
Early William Wordsworth lines.
So,
having put down the books and moved to the hard labour in the garden I did end
up watching and receiving, perhaps my efforts were being rewarded, in this case
by butterflies.
Holly Blue Butterfly
The
first notable sighting was the return of at least two Holly Blue Butterflies,
which added a touch of colour to the garden, I now had blue to consider as well
as the greens!. I’ve always found this
species difficult to photograph, but my lurking by the bushes paid dividends on
this occasion. I first noticed Holly
Blue in the garden around twelve years ago and they were certainly uncommon in
the area then, and since then they have been seen here each year. I’m rather proud of them and wonder how many folks
in Killingworth know we have Holly Blue Butterflies in the area, or for that
matter how many even cares? I know these
butterflies can have two broods and the first appeared in May and as those
making a further appearance seem in pristine condition I’m thinking this is a
second brood, and all in my garden! I
did wonder initially if these were the first brood returning to lay eggs.
Holly Blue Butterfly
The
Holly Blue is our only resident butterfly with a tree in its name. The scientific name of Celastrina
argiolus means holly tree little argus eyes. I’ve recently learnt that the second brood of
the Holly Blue prefer to lay their eggs on ivy.
Holly Blue is a relatively recent name for this species once referred to
as Azure Blue. I’ve watched this species
further north in Scandinavia, where of course the food plant is something
entirely different.
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