 |
| European Swallowtail, Papilio machaon gorganus Sussex born and bred |
Today was one of those memorable butterfly days when it all
came together. I had arranged to search sites around Chichester with Brian and
our Swallowmeister, Neil. I peered through the fence of some allotments in
hopeful anticipation of seeing the European Swallowtail, Papilio machaon
gorganus, which is emerging in numbers in Sussex following last year’s influx
from the continent. I then received a call from Neil who had spotted one on
Steyning Rifle Range following his completion of a butterfly survey there. This
was his second Swallowtail find in a few days and possibly the 12th in Sussex this year.
I arrived on the slope in under an hour and joined Neil and Leigh who were
watching a pristine female Swallowtail which had emerged this morning. It
probably came from the nearby allotments. It was very cooperative and posed for
numerous photos while it nectared. The wind made it tricky to get a still shot.
Katrina and John also arrived to share this unique experience. This was a very
good day!
Beautiful!! Very envious. Hoping for some more over this way.
ReplyDeletethanks Bob, can't quite believe it myself! I expect you will be staking out your local allotments.
ReplyDeleteWhy didn't u think of that! Two allotments are close to here! Fabulous photos Colin.
ReplyDelete