The Comma Butterfly.
With a jagged edge to the wings it is easily recognised, it being the only species like that in the British Isles. It is a common species and ranges throughout England and Wales and can be found in a variety of locations and does not colonise like some species.
An average sized butterfly with the male having a wingspan of 55mm and the female 60mm.
The Gatekeeper Butterfly
(Sometimes known as the Hedge Brown)
Smaller than the Comma above, the male has a wingspan of 40mm and female 47mm.
It is common in England and Wales
The first two images below are of the male.
The image below is of the female.
Note the absence of the dark brown marking in the centre of the forewing.
Wow! that's one cracking set of images Roy, great captures...[;o)
ReplyDeleteThanks Trevor.
DeleteStunning photos Roy, especially the Gatekeepers. Thankfully butterfly numbers seem to have recovered somewhat in the last couple of weeks after the dreadful start we had to the summer.
ReplyDeleteRegards,
David
Thanks David, yes I have certainly seen an increase apart from the whites.
DeleteI adore each of your butterfly photographs Roy, and that Comma is spectacular
ReplyDeleteThanks Carole, I had some good material to work with this time especially the plants they are on.
DeleteLovely photos Roy. Both attractive butterflies. I have only seen one Comma so far this year but have seen some Gatekeepers.
ReplyDeleteThanks Jan.
DeleteGreat set Roy.
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately I've not seen many Commas so far this year.
They are around in quite a few numbers in this area now Keith.Thanks.
DeleteLovely set of images Roy! It's good to see a fairly healthy number of butterflies at the moment!
ReplyDeleteJ
Follow me at HEDGELAND TALES
Thanks John, yes but I haven't seen many whites as yet.
DeleteBeautiful! I love those Commas! The Gatekeeper is also beautiful. Wonder where the name came from?
ReplyDeleteThanks Mary, I can only assume that whoever named them had observed them hanging around garden gates on the hedgerow. (Rough guess)
DeleteI've seen quite a few of the brown varieties, but very few others - one peacock, two tortoiseshells , a couple of whites. And we have buddleias which are usually butterfly magnets. Grand pics, again.
ReplyDeleteThanks Alison. There is definitely a shortage of Whites.
Deletesome great shots here Roy, nice and clear and great color. We had a wet early summer and the butterfly number is down here I think.
ReplyDeleteThanks Nora.
Delete