Grayling DSC_4702 - a photo on Flickriver

Grayling DSC_4702

            Grayling / hipparchia semele. Minsmere, Suffolk. 29/07/14.

'WEARING GRAYLINGS.'

I remember the summer of 2014 was absolutely a-flutter with Graylings all along the Suffolk coast. Two particular events stick in my mind and have never been repeated since.

On a walk from Dunwich Heath to Sizewell along the sanderling footpaths, we were accompanied by clouds of Graylings. They are inquisitive butterflies and whenever we stopped for breaks they landed all over us. The two dogs were not ignored either and had them settle on their backs and heads, which they tolerated. The line was crossed however, should one land on their ears or nose ... these were instantly shaken off!

The second event occurred whilst having lunch outside at Dunwich Garden Centre. Again, a profusion of inquisitive Graylings regularly perching on people, tables, food! Interestingly they were well and warmly received. There was none of the hysterical arm flapping and hand waving that wasps and other flying insects generally promote. Personally I found it hilarious and novel and quite a privilege to actually be 'wearing' Graylings for the duration of the meal.

BEST VIEWED LARGE.

Taken on: July 29, 2014

Tags:

grayling

hipparchia semele

suffolk

butterfly

invertebrate

mainly coastland

inland heathland

widespread

declining populations

localised

locally frequent

dry, warm habitats

sand dunes

saltmarshes

undercliffs

clifftops

heathland

scree

old quarries

disused railway lines

bare, open ground

largest uk brown butterfly

looping, gliding flight

looks larger in flight

cryptic colouring

well camouflaged

soft orange markings

orange brands show in flight

two large eye spots

undersides grey-brown

wings closed when perched

forewings lowered down

eye spots get hidden

June-September

f.p = sheep's fescue

f.p = red fescue

f.p = marram grass

summer

very hot + sunny

very high numbers about

buddleia

close encounter

perched

active

feeding

nectaring

side view

forewings raised

wing veins very prominent

eye level PoV

macro

bokeh « less

Sets appears in: • Upload to flickr • Butterflies

Groups appears in: • Wildlife Of Great Britain and Ireland. • Birds and Wildlife UK more » • Countryfile • Wildlife UK • Suffolk Wildlife • BBC Springwatch (Official) • Butterflies of Britain • Moths and butterflies of The British Isles • Butterflies, Moths and Insects UK • Wildlife In East Anglia • WILD BRITAIN. • East of England Wildlife • RSPB Minsmere • Butterflies and Moths of Great Britain & Ireland • UK Butterflies, Moths and Caterpillars • Wild life photography bokeh • British Isles Flora and Fauna • Birds and nature of the uk « less

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