Commas and Brimstones

Brimstone, Gonepteryx rhamni

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This morning I visited Ferring Rife again to test my malfunctioning Sigma 180mm lens. I soon abandoned it and used my Lumix. There were plenty of Small Tortoiseshells around, some nectaring on Celandine. I counted over 20, including several pairs and a threesome. Also a Brimstone and a Peacock. Then to Angmering Woods where I saw several Commas, my first of the year, plus a few Peacocks and Brimstones, including a pair. I spotted two Brimstones fluttering around ivy and one landed, showing off its wonderful camouflage. Both its wing shape and colouring made it blend into the ivy perfectly. The Brimstones nectared on celandine and primrose. A Comma chased a bumblebee, and there were territorial disputes between Commas and Peacocks, who both chased Brimstones. On the way back I spotted a Roe Deer hind. We stared at each other for many minutes before it ran off with great leaps every few steps.

Dandelion, Taraxacum officinale

Lesser Celandine, Ranunculus ficaria

Peacock, Inachis io

Small Tortoiseshell, Aglais urticae

where the Ferring Rife meets the sea

Angmering Woods:

Brimstone, Gonepteryx rhamni
camouflaged on ivy

Brimstone, Gonepteryx rhamni
nectaring on Lesser Celandine

male and female Brimstone

Brimstone, Gonepteryx rhamni
nectaring on Primrose

Comma, Polygonia c-album

Common Dog-violet or Wood violet, Viola riviniana

Primrose, Primula vulgaris

Roe Deer hind, Capreolus capreolus