Wednesday, 22 April 2026

Butterflies galore at Kithurst meadow

Duke of Burgundy, Hamearis lucina

I visited Kithurst meadow, near Storrington, this morning and was not disappointed. The meadow was covered in Cowslips. There were already a few enthusiasts looking for the Duke of Burgundy when I arrived. I was pleased to be able to spot one for them, the first of a few sightings, a pristine specimen. Then there was a succession of species: Brimstone, Green Hairstreak, Red Admiral, Peacock, Green-veined White, Speckled Wood, Orange-tip and Holly Blue. A pair of Brimstones were courting. I was delighted to find a Green Longhorn moth on a Field maple by the car park. Other insects: Harlequin Ladybird & Hairy Shieldbug.

Brimstone male, Gonepteryx rhamni

Brimstones courting

Bugle, Ajuga reptans

Cowslips, Primula veris, foodplant of the Duke

Duke of Burgundy

Green Hairstreak, Callophrys rubi

Green Longhorn, Adela reaumurella

Green Longhorn

Hairy Shieldbug, Dolycoris baccarum

Harlequin Ladybird, Harmonia axyridis

Holly Blue female, Celastrina argiolus

Holly Blue


Orange-tip, Anthocharis cardamines

Red Admiral, Vanessa atalanta

Speckled Wood, Pararge aegeria

White Crab Spider, Misumena vatia on nettle

Wild Strawberry, Fragaria vesca

Wood Violet, Viola riviniana