Chedworth ... not just birds, but butterflies, too |
We visited Chedworth Roman Villa in Gloucestershire on Wednesday 30 July. It is a beautiful site, with views of the Cotswold countryside and superb Roman remains.
Archaeological sites often offer surprisingly rich habitats for wildlife, and Chedworth proved no exception, as you will see on my lizard and Roman snail post here.
A National Trust worker pointed us in the direction of a large butterfly, initially on the wall and then on the ground, just outside the Visitors' Centre.
It was a very warm day, and the butterfly appeared to be rather lethargic. As people passed it, on their way in or out of the site, a number of possible identifications were offered. Purple Emperor seemed the most likely although some were convinced that it was a White Admiral.
I believe the butterfly was a Purple Emperor on account of ...
- its large size (female 75 mm wingspan)
- the amber circles on the hind wings
- its distinctive underside markings
- the location (Cotswolds) and habitat (edge of deciduous wooded area)
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***Postscript***
In case you missed the Comments...
Matthew Oates said...
That's the first sighting of a Purple Emperor in Gloucestershire since 1990! And I've looked hard. Chedworth Woods certainly look suitable. Well done and Thank You for turning Gloucestershire Purple, and on NT land to boot!
Matthew Oates NT specialist on butterflies and devotee of the Purple Emperor
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8 comments:
What a lovely butterfly! I'd love to see a purple emperor
It is a beautiful mosaic. The butterfly shots are great. The outside of the one is really a colorful butterfly for being so brown on the inside wings.
Hi Caroline. It's a beautiful specimen. I think you are correct in your identification. Great photos!!
I love the mosaic and the beautiful butterfly. Lovely photos.
The butterfly is gorgeous, I have not seen one myself but maybe next season :)
The purple emperor is new to me. Handsome butterfly!
That's the first sighting of a Purple Emperor in Gloucestershire since 1990! And I've looked hard. Chedworth Woods certainly look suitable. Well done and Thank You for turning Gloucestershire Purple, and on NT land to boot!
Matthew Oates NT specialist on butterflies and devotee of the Purple Emperor
Thank you for the identification!
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