Hello Everyone, After a week of soaring temperatures, it is somewhat of a relief to get back to a more traditional British Summer type of weather with some welcome rain and passing clouds creating sporadic sunny intervals. What was interesting during the last week was that certain butterfly species took advantage to increase their populations whilst others decided that a temperature of above 23c was not for them so they disappeared into the shady areas of their local habitat. A hot day on the 18th of June 2025 provided ideal conditions for a rare Clouded Yellow butterfly to appear within Hoe Grange Quarry as witnessed by a number of recorders including Ian Weatherley and Don & Sue Zmartzy. It was also a chance to see the migrant Painted Lady butterfly with a total of 21 individuals noted at 16 locations in the County including 3 seen on the 18th of June 2025 at Waterswallows, Buxton ( Rose Riddell) – the Red Admiral was more commonly seen with a total of 72 individuals (probably partly ‘home grown’ as well as migrants) noted at 40 sites across Derbyshire with 6 noted at Pleasley Pit on the 16th of June 2025 (Willy Lane et al).
The summer hairstreaks also took advantage of the hot conditions with the White Letter Hairstreak being noted on elms along the A6 at Belper (Rod Smith), Wyver Lane, Belper (Dave Evans), Broomfield College, Morley (Paul Foskett), South Wingfield ( Alesandro Congiu), Wessington (Eric Easom), Aston Brickyards (Ken & Pat Orpe) and at Markham Vale North (Mark Radford & Sid Morris). The Purple Hairstreak has been less obvious but by studying the tops of oaks in the late evening, sightings were made at Wessington (Eric Easom) and at 2 locations in the Willington area (Chris Burnett & Gina Siddals)
The Marbled White has been making some determined efforts to move north through the County (without human aid!) with 8 seen along the Blackwell Trail, South Normanton on the 18th of June 2025 (John Parlby) where they look to be breeding, and also individuals noted at Salter Wood, Denby (Jane Rogers), Hardwick Park (Alison Miles) and near Walton Golf Club (Phil Gilbert)
Over 110 new brood Hutchinsoni Commas have been noted at over 50 locations in the County recently including 7 at Highbridge (Rob Shaw) as well as at Rosliston F C (Peter Brewster) and at Findern Footpaths (Roger & Lynette Nash) whilst in the Peak District over 160 Dark Green Fritillaries have been noted at 20 locations recently with the highest count of 41 coming on the 20th of June 2025 from Longstone Edge (Stuart Davies).However sightings of the Silver Washed Fritillary have been few and far between with just 2 seen at both Thornhill NR near Bamford (Christine Crawford) and in Bonsall Village (Madeline Eley) and a maximum count of 9 noted in Lathkill Dale on the 19th of June 2025 (Debbie Worland & Liz Wheeldon) As expected the summer species of both Skippers and Browns have made hay whilst the sun shone last week with a massive 270 Ringlets noted at the Forge site in Ironville on the 19th of June 2025 (Sally Fisher et al) and 187 Meadow Browns seen in Salter Wood, Denby on the 20th of June 2025 (Jane Rogers) – in fact the total seen at the last mentioned site amounted to 317 butterflies in 11 species which was closely followed by 311 butterflies in 13 species, seen at Pleasley Pit on the 21st of June 2025 (Willy Lane et al) Also notable was the appearance of 18 Small Coppers noted on the transect on the 20th of June 2025 at Sunart Fields, Whaley Bridge (Ruth Wilson)
Moth wise, the Scarlet Tiger appears to be extending its range northwards in the County with sightings now coming from Heage (Patricia Sharp) as well as areas in Southern Derbyshire and a count of 104 no 6 Spot Burnet moths on Middleton Moor, above Wirksworth on the 20th of June 2025 (Dave & Sue Evans) was a very notable occurrence, but the migrant Humming Bird Hawk moth has been somewhat scarce with just 3 individuals seen recently at Bradwell (Sally Pereira), Hope (Helen Perkins) and also at Snitterton near Matlock (Dan Martin).
With July 2025 almost upon us, thoughts turn to the prospect of seeing the Purple Emperor in Derbyshire yet again – sightings have already taken place in North West Leicestershire so please be alert to the possibility of seeing Iris in a wooded environment with sallows nearby upon which the female will lay her eggs – photographic evidence would be greatly appreciated of course!
Finally a reminder that the 7th Open Day at Hoe Grange Quarry will take place on Sunday the 6th of July 2025 courtesy of Longcliffe Quarries who will be supported on the day by committee members of Butterfly Conservation East Midlands and staff from the Derbyshire Wildlife Trust who will be carrying out pond dipping sessions in the pond in the large hole on site. Guided butterfly walks around the site will be provided so that visitors can appreciate the species as well as the day flying moths, wildflowers, dragonflies and other forms of wildlife that can be found at this precious site at the southern end of the Peak District – see the attached leaflet for full details including parking and mini bus transfer into the quarry – regret that dogs are not allowed on site other than guide dogs.
