Sunday 2 June 2013

Aberrant Marsh Fritillary amidst the colony at Predannick



At Predannick Cliffs near Mullion on the Lizard, as well as Common Blues, Small Pearl-bordered Fritillaries and several other butterfly species there is a small colony of the nationally threatened Marsh Fritillary. Very rarely aberrant individuals can be found within isolated colonies like this and Kate discovered one such butterfly, a female 'in cop' at this beautiful flora rich site. She features in the last sequence of this short film.......note the upper fore-wing's normal checkerspot pattern has been replaced by extensive striping. What a gorgeous insect!.................Well done Kate!