Today I went deep into West Sussex countryside near the Knepp estate to try to get some better views of Purple Emperors. After a bit of trudging around (slightly more trudging on the way back it has to be said as I got rather lost...) I had good views of at least four flying around mid-Oak and nectaring on honeydew. Grid reference for these was: TQ1363320598 should you be interested. There were also plenty of Purple Hairstreaks, the occasional Silver-Washed Fritillary, Commas and the usual commoner species.


Purple Emperors:

I then went up Cissbury Ring to look for Silver-Spotted Skippers alas without success. Did find good numbers of Dark-Green Fritillaries on the plateau, many Small Skippers and the occasional Essex Skipper and half a dozen Chalkhill Blues:


Chalkhill Blues:

Dark-Green Fritillary:

Small Skipper:

The previous day I had cycled round Havant Thicket (bumping into Barry Collins on the way) and had a Purple Emperor on the meadowside of Bell's Copse, unfortunately it didn't hang around for pics in the blustery conditions. Also present some rather worn White Admirals, two Painted Ladies, lots of Silver-Washed Fritillaries, Peacocks, Marbled Whites, Gatekeepers by the hundred and Meadow Browns ditto. Small, Large & Essex Skippers too. A few Purple Hairstreaks too.



White Admiral:

Silver-Washed Fritillary:

Painted Lady:

Gatekeeper:

Peacock:

Purple Hairstreak:

Brimstone: