So many butterflies along the Old Railway Cutting

20th June 2025 - a walk along the disused Old Railway Cutting rewarded Andy M with a plethora of butterflies, of at least ten different species, so he tried to photograph as many as possible. 

The Marbled White and Meadow Brown were particularly abundant, with several Speckled Wood in the shady areas. The look in the long grass revealed Small Heath, Essex Skipper and Large Skipper, whilst the thistle and bramble flowers attracted Green-veined White, Large White, Small Tortoiseshell and Brimstone.  A Common Red Soldier Beetle and a species of Robber Fly were also spotted.

Marbled White on Spear Thistle

Marbled White on Black Horehound

Underside of Marbled White, on Creeping Thistle

Meadow Brown

Speckled Wood

Small Heath

Large Skipper - blotchy wing pattern, and strong sex brand

Large Skipper

Essex Skipper

Essex Skipper - same individual, showing the black-tipped antennae

Green-veined White

Large White on Bramble

Small Tortoiseshell

Underwing of Small Tortoiseshell

Common Red Soldier Beetle on Ragwort

A Robber Fly, lurking in the grass