Narrow-Bordered Bee Hawkmoth

[GuyF]

Hi everyone,
Following on from John's thread and pictures of the Broad-Bordered Bee Hawkmoths, I though I'd show you this picture I took of the very closely related Narrow-Bordered Bee Hawkmoth that I saw today at Hod Hill in Dorset. It's not quite as colourful as the Broad-Bordered, and my picture isn't as good as John's, but it's still a very interesting moth and still very attractive. The main differences between the 2 species is that the Narrow-Bordered has a black wing outline and stripe across the middle, whereas the Broad-Bordered has red. Also, the Narrow-Bordered is more yellowy in colour and likes chalk grassland.
Here's the picture of it:

I saw atleast 3 in total (this is the first time I've ever seen them), but they flew very quickly and didn't stay long on any flowers at all!
However, as amazing as the Bee Hawkmoths were, the definite highlight of the trip was the Marsh Fritillaries. There were literally hundreds of them in all the sheltered parts of the hill, and it was great to see 'clouds' of five flutter by, this is the first time I've seen them in Britain. They're really colourful, and rare, and it was great seeing such a rare butterfly in such huge numbers! You really did have to be careful not to step on them as there were so many down in the grass.
Here are a couple of shots of the fritillaries


Here is a shot of a pair mating, there were lots of 'couples' around!

And also, after spending most of last month being frustrated by Orange-Tips and Holly Blues, it was finally nice to find some butterflies that didn't mind having their picture taken like this little chap who spent 5 minutes on my hand!

As if hundreds of Marsh Fritillaries and some Narrow-Bordered Bee Hawkmoths wasn't enough, I also saw my first few British Small Blues

Had the best looks I've ever had of Green Hairstreaks, really nice little butterflies


Had loads of Grizzled and Dingy Skippers around, both of which I've seen for the first time this year!
Grizzled Skipper

Dingy Skipper

A few Brown Arguses around, like this male (if this is a female Common Blue please correct me!)

And my first Common Blues of the year (although unfortunately no Adonis Blues yet)

So in total 16 species of butterfly and some very special moths. Along with my first ever Corn Bunting and lots of Yellowhammers and Linnets, that's a pretty successful day
Guy

[Deer Stalker]

Nice one Guy.

Looks like a really good place to visit. Where abouts in Dorset is it?

[Gill Catton]

wow wow wow and wow!!!! What a fantastic day out so many fab species!! could barely believe it as I scrolled down! Lucky you I'm hoping for a day like this in the next couple of weeks......

[bugbotherer]

Wow again. That site must be glorious

[Wightman]

Good stuff + good images

Gary

[goosey]

Excellent images Guy. It's great to see so many unusual varieties here on WAB - it must have be a fantastic day for you!

[GuyF]

Thanks for the replies everyone,
It was a really nice place, today was the first time I've visited but I'll definetely be heading back there. Easily the best days butterfly watching I've ever had!
Deer Stalker, it is near Shaftesbury in the North of Dorset and it's owned by the national trust, if you want to visit and would like directions feel free to pm me.
Guy

[Susie]

Wow, those are fantastic pictures and it sounds as if you had an amazing day out.

I went to Denbies Hillside, nr Dorking, Surrey, the other day and saw my first Green Hairstreaks, and Dingy and Grizzled Skippers. There were also loads of other butterflies on the wing. The Adonis Blues are out there.

Nothing like your Marsh Frits or Bee Hawks though, those really are special.

[GuyF]

Thanks Susie,
I think seeing an Adonis Blue would be pretty special, I've only ever seen one in Spain and that wasn't a very good look. I will head back to this site in a few weeks time and try and see some, and hopefully find some early Chalkhill Blues as well!
Guy

[Za]

Looks like you had a great day there Guy, well done on the pics!