The fight for Hilltop

Posted by Graeme Lyons , Friday 28 July 2017 10:15

The most butterflies we saw all week were on the top of Red-necked Nightjar Hill on the last morning. Almost all of which were in the last ten metres of the top of the hill, exhibiting territorial 'hilltopping' behaviour. There was a hierarchy that went from Swallowtail, to Scarce Swallowtail to king of the hill which was Two-tailed Pasha. Here they are in reverse order.

They even went for people whenever they moved into their territory. This little guy was so dull and small that they ignored him however. If you think Small Heath are boring, I give you Dusky Heath. It's like a Small Heath but without any of its meagre redeeming features. Smaller spots, fewer markings and even more diminutive - it's even less contrasting and more beige, who knew that was possible?

Other than that, a few orange Speckled Woods, Meadow Browns, Southern Gatekeepers and an unidentified clouded yellow and white was all I saw. Oh and this African Grass Blue in Tavira.

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