Friday 20 May 2011

Marsh Fritillaries at Cerne Abbas

Yesterday I visited Cerne Abbas, near Dorchester, Dorset, a famous Marsh Fritillary site. As soon as I entered the  meadow at the bottom of the hill I saw Marsh fritillaries darting everywhere. They varied in condition from fresh to old. In addition I saw my first Large Skippers of the year. There were also Small Coppers, Common Blues, Dingy and Grizzled Skippers, Small Heaths. Speckled Woods, Orange Tip, Whites and  Brown Argus.
Common Blue
Large Skipper


Dingy Skipper
Grizzled skipper

Marsh Fritillary taking off
rare view of upper wing of Small Heath in flight

Small Copper
Common Blue


Marsh Fritillaries mating
Grizzled Skipper
Brown Argus

Common Carpet moth
Nursery web spider, Pisaura mirabilis
Small Copper



Speckled Wood
Large Skipper


Marsh Fritillary in its habitat
Germander Speedwell
Common Spotted Orchid

1 comment:

  1. Hi Colin, just checking out your blog; great pics of the Marsh Fritillary! I have added your blog to mine, hope that's ok (www.mud-puddling.blogspot.com) - ps thanks for the tip on what blog to go with

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