Lincolnshire latest sightings

 

 

This page is dedicated to sharing first butterfly & moth sightings, unusual sightings and indeed anything you feel might be of interest to others!

If you have any news about what you have seen or if you have a photo to share, please send to: @email or david.k.wright49@gmail.com

If you have been recording butterfly and/or moth sightings throughout the year and wish to send them to us, please see our recording page. We use this information to monitor how well different species are faring, and concentrate our effort on the butterflies and moths that need the most help.

Please Note: These sightings are not picked up as actual records - Please send a full record, with all details, for any of this year's sightings.

We welcome any photos you send in. However, any photo sent is on the understanding that the Branch has permission to use it to promote Lepidoptery in all media forms.

August 2022

Monday 8th August 2022

• Phil Lee emailed: "Attached is a photo of one of the two Brown Hairstreaks I saw today at Chambers Farm Wood, between Fiveways and Minting Triangle."
• Pete Smith emailed: "After blanking on the Brown Hairstreak last Thursday, I decided a return trip to Chambers was in order today. In my haste to get to my favourite spot east of the main woodland complex, I missed out on a couple of females that were seen by others between Fiveways and Minting Triangle, but did manage to find a male, down on knapweed, alongside a hedgerow about 300 metres from the eastern wood edge. Returning to the Triangle, Toby Ludlow and Mark Joy had found a lovely female Common Blue, ab supra-caerulea. Just along from here were a mating pair of Common Blues, both lovely and fresh. Nice to see decent numbers of second brood Common Blue and Brown Argus appearing on the wing in various places!"

Sunday 7th August 2022

• Eliot Taylor emailed: "A group of six of us from Butterfly Conservation East Midland Branch made a visit to Chambers Farm Wood today. 18 butterfly species were seen, plus a Latticed Heath. The highlight was a female Brown Hairstreak seen egg-laying from the path past Minting Triangle. Also, 24 Silver-washed Fritillary (mostly females) all looking past their best, 5 Green-veined White, 25 Small White, 4 Large White, 3 Brimstone, 1 Large Skipper, 5 Common Blue, 1 Holly Blue, 1 Small Copper, 6 Peacock, 3 Red Admiral, 1 Painted Lady, 3 Comma, 5 Meadow Brown, 1 Ringlet, 20 Gatekeeper and 2 Speckled Wood."
• Les Austin emailed: "A trip to Chambers Farm Wood today rewarded us with only one Brown Hairstreak egg-laying female, just beyond Minting Triangle. We did see a male on the main ride. Many Silver-washed Fritillaries, good numbers of fresh Brimstones, 3 Common Blues, 2 Brown Argus and 6 Red Admirals." 
• Mark Johnson phoned: "This afternoon I walked the sea embankment from Horse Shoe Point north towards the old airfield and had brief views of a Clouded Yellow, before it sped off in the direction of Northcoates Point. Also noted 1 Wall, 2 Gatekeeper, 2 Meadow Brown and at least 30 Common Blue."
• Neil Storey emailed: "Today I paid a visit to Kirkby Moor LWT Nature Reserve and the highlight was undoubtedly a Clouded Yellow seen nectaring on heather (see attached photograph). 

Saturday 6th August 2022

• Dave Wright reported: "This morning 9 members from Butterfly Conservation Lincolnshire Branch attended the field trip at Rimac, which is part of the Saltfleetby-Theddlethorpe NNR. We were joined by Owen Beaumont (reserve manager) and John Walker (volunteer warden), and in an attempt to cover the area more thoroughly for our target species the Wall, we decided to split into two groups. Owen led the first group through the dunes basically adopting the transect

  

  route, while John took the second south from the car park along the footpath on the edge of the saltmarsh. I accompanied Owen and we noted 18 species, with 27 Wall being the obvious highlight, plus the following: 22 Small Skipper, 2 Large White, 6 Small White, 1 Green-veined White, 3 Small Copper, an impressive 17 Brown Argus, 44 Common Blue (including a mating pair), 1 Red Admiral, 2 Painted Lady, 4 Small Tortoiseshell, 14 Peacock, 1 Comma, 5 Speckled Wood, 32 Gatekeeper, 56 Meadow Brown, 5 Small Heath and 4 Ringlet. Moths included 7 Shaded Broad-bar, 2 Latticed Heath and a single Silver Y. Lots of dragonflies on the reserve and we must have counted at least 50 Migrant Hawkers, but 7 Willow Emerald damselflies was an unexpected bonus and a first for me at this site. John's team produced similar species with Wall totalling 10. We also had a further 3 Wall in the car park area."                                               

  

• John Walker emailed: "I walked a circuit in the dunes from home (Churchill Lane) to Brickyard and back, then continued around dunes to MoD counting a total of 26 Walls. Makes a total of 66 with the morning's count at Rimac and then Brickyard."
• Toby Ludlow messaged: "Had a trip over to Moor Farm LWT Nature Reserve today. Even though the weather was gorgeous, there were several indicators which gave a distinct autumnal feel to the site: virtually all the Bramble blossom had gone, giving rise to a bountiful crop of blackberries, there were squadrons of Migrant Hawker dragonflies patrolling just overhead, and some of the summer species of butterfly, such as the skippers, had disappeared. Fortunately, a good number of female Gatekeepers were still on the wing, a legacy of the amazing year this butterfly has had, which must rank as one of the best ever for this species. Also on the plus side, there were some fresh Brown Argus about and some Small Coppers, a few of which were slightly darker in appearance due to a wider marginal band, perhaps a result of the extreme temperatures we have recently had to endure. Totals were: 13 Brown Argus, 7 Common Blue, 5 Small Copper, 3 Large White, 2 Small White, 13 Green-veined White, 1 Brimstone, 1 Painted Lady, 2 Small Tortoiseshell, 1 Ringlet, 2 Speckled Wood, 80 Meadow Brown and 75 Gatekeeper."
• Mike Pickwell emailed: "Today I went for my usual walk around the cemetery and Gooseman's

  

  Field in Grimsby. It was warm and sunny at 22 degrees C and I saw: 1 Holly Blue, 1 Peacock, 15 'Whites', 3 Gatekeeper, 3 Meadow Brown, 4 Small Heath, 6 Common Blue, 2 Brown Argus and 1 Speckled Wood. Also, 2 Common Darters and 2 Migrant Hawkers."
• Laura Gundy messaged: "Popped over to Sotby Wood today and it was beautiful! 17 species of butterfly, including 16 Brimstone, 30 Peacock, 37 Gatekeeper, 4 Silver-washed Fritillary and even a Large Skipper!"
• Jan Rousseau emailed: "I visited Chambers Farm Wood this morning with John Scott. We had a good morning seeing pretty much the same as recently recorded. However, at Minting Triangle we found the valesina form of Silver-washed Fritillary."

Friday 5th August 2022

Dave Wright reported: "This morning I spent an enjoyable couple of hours with my grandson Thomas, searching for insects at Cleethorpes Country Park. On entering the site, Thomas immediately heard a loud 'buzzing' sound resonating from multiple locations in the long grass. He was initially perplexed and then somewhat amused when I revealed I couldn't hear a thing. Sadly, the days of listening to Roesel's Bush-cricket have long gone, but fortunately we did manage to unearth a few. We also came across several Lesser Marsh Grasshoppers and an impressive large hoverfly - Volucella inanis. Not long after we found a female Emperor Dragonfly roosting in tall vegetation, followed by lots of Migrant Hawkers, 9 Common Blue Damselflies, 2 Blue-tailed Damselflies, 6 Common Darters and 12 Small Red-eyed Damselflies on floating weed on the main lake. Nearby, I managed to find one of the latter settled on a bramble leaf along the edge of the path. Butterflies noted included the following: 32 Meadow Brown, 17 Gatekeeper, 7 Common Blue, 1 Large White, 1 Small White, 4 Green-veined White, 2 Small Tortoiseshell, 3 Speckled Wood and 1 Holly Blue. Also, 1 Shaded Broad-bar, 1 Latticed Heath and 2 Cinnabar caterpillars."

Thursday 4th August 2022

• John Davison emailed: "Called in at Ingoldsby Wood this morning.....5 Large White, 11 Small White, 4 Green-veined White, 16 Brimstone, 1 Peacock, 3 Red Admiral, 3 Large Skipper, 2 Ringlet, 3 Meadow Brown, 3 Gatekeeper, 2 Painted Lady and 8 Silver-washed Fritillary. Highlight - a Clouded Yellow!
• Phil Bowler emailed: "At least five enthusiasts, besides Pete Smith and myself, were at Chambers Farm Wood today searching for Brown Hairstreak, but none of us found any! It's a bit alarming really considering how advanced the season is. For me, their friends the Purple Hairstreak made up for it by 3 of them coming down to low level and feeding from the acorns (see attached). A further 3 were encountered elsewhere.The star of the show once again has to be the wonderful Silver-washed Fritillaries. I could watch them all day! 17 males and 13 females counted. Also seen: 1 Small/Essex Skipper, 2 male Large Skipper, 7 Brimstone, 10 Large White, 15 Small White, 18 Green-veined White, 2 Small Copper, 2 Brown Argus, 4 Common Blue, 1 Holly Blue, 7 Red Admiral, 1 Painted Lady, 3 Small Tortoiseshell, 7 Peacock, 7 Comma, 2 Speckled Wood, 5 Gatekeeper, 12 Meadow Brown and 3 Ringlet. As you can see, mainly very low numbers, especially Peacock and Speckled Wood. Moths included 2 Mint Moth and 2 Latticed Heath."

Wednesday 3rd August 2022

• Mike Pickwell emailed: "I had a trip down the coast today to show my brother Saltfleetby/Theddlethorpe NNR. We parked at Rimac and walked south through the dunes, returning along the path on the edge of the saltmarsh. There were lots of butterflies on the wing and they were very much attracted to the Fleabane. I was delighted to find 12 Wall but they were challenging to photograph. There were large numbers of Meadow Brown (including a mating

  

  pair), Small Tortoiseshell, Gatekeeper, Common Blue (including a mating pair), Small White, Red Admiral and Peacock. The ones I counted included  a single Six-spot Burnet moth, 12 Wall, 2 Small Copper, 1 Large White, 6 Small Skipper (all very worn), 3 Small Heath, 2 Speckled Wood and 1 Painted Lady. There were also a lot of Ruddy Darters (mainly male), quite a few Migrant Hawkers and over the water a few superb Emperor Dragonflies."
• Dave Wright reported: "This afternoon my wife and I had a walk through the dunes at the Humberston Fitties. Initially it was mostly cloudy and breezy, but we still managed to note the following: 1 Large White, 6 Small White, 7 Green-veined White, 3 Brown Argus, 7 Common Blue, 1 Red Admiral, 2 Painted Lady, 1 Peacock, 6 Gatekeeper and 2 Meadow Brown. We continued our walk along the bridleway bordering Thorpe Park and encountered similar species, with the addition of Small Tortoiseshell, Comma and Speckled Wood." 
• Adrian Royle emailed: "Visited Chambers Farm Wood today and there were good numbers of Silver-washed Fritillaries, some fresh, some really worn and included a female f. valesina."

Tuesday 2nd August 2022

Ian McGlynn emailed: "I saw a Clouded Yellow today and the attached photograph was taken from the footpath between Great Humby and Kirton Woods."

Monday 1st August 2022: Brown Hairstreak at Chambers Farm Wood!

• Paul Daubney emailed: "I took advantage of the sunshine this morning to take a trip to Chambers Farm Wood, in the hope of finding Brown Hairstreaks. The place was swarming with butterflies - I saw 21 species without getting as far as the meadow, and yes, I did see a single female Brown Hairstreak, along the path past Minting Triangle. I've never seen so many Silver-washed Fritillaries at Chambers before, most were quite worn, but one or two were looking very fresh. And on the way back to the car park I had a special fly past, a Purple Emperor to round off the morning. Although the access road and car parks are now open, they are horribly dusty! Be warned!"
• Owen Beaumont messaged: "The transect at Saltfleetby-Theddlethorpe Dunes NNR was fairly

  

  productive today, although some numbers are starting to drop off now. Around the Rimac route were 27 Small/Essex Skipper, 3 Large White, 4 Small White, 5 Green-veined White, 3 Small Copper, 2 Brown Argus, 27 Common Blue, 6 Peacock, 1 Speckled Wood, 18 Wall, 77 Gatekeeper, 83 Meadow Brown, 4 Ringlet and 1 Small Heath. John Walker had 11 Wall between

  

  Churchill Lane and Brickyard Lane. Also, there were 9 Gatekeeper, 6 Meadow Brown, 1 Speckled Wood, 2 Red Admiral, 2 Small White and 1 Small Skipper."

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July 2022

Saturday 30th July 2022

• Richard Rowland emailed: "I found a pristine Clouded Yellow on some waste ground at the side of Ridge Walk, Scunthorpe this morning."
• Andy Sims from Swanpool emailed: "This morning my garden trap produced a Webb's Wainscot, which was new for the year. Also, so far this year I have caught 9 Tree-lichen Beauty, compared to 5 last year, the first ever being caught in July."

Friday 29th July 2022

• Mike Pickwell emailed: "This morning I went for a quick walk around Scartho Woodland Burial Ground in Grimsby. It was rather quiet, possibly because both sides of the path have been flailed. Nevertheless, I managed to see the following: 4 Large White, 2 Small White, 6 Speckled Wood, 3 Meadow Brown, 3 Gatekeeper, 1 Red Admiral and 1 Peacock."
• Phil Lee from Misterton emailed: "We had the attached Dark Crimson Underwing in our garden trap last night."

Wednesday 27th July 2022: Chalk Hill Blue at Southrey Wood!

• Darren Wozencroft emailed: "Arriving at Chambers Farm Wood at 09:45 the butterfly garden was alive with activity, Silver-washed Fritillary, Peacock, Comma, Red Admiral, a single Painted Lady, 2 Small Tortoiseshell, numerous Gatekeeper, Meadow Brown and Whites, a few Ringlet, 2 Small Skipper and singles of Small Copper and Holly Blue. Heading on the main path towards Fiveways a Purple Emperor glided overhead with another female sat on the track and a few Speckled Wood basked. At Little Scrubbs Meadow, another Painted Lady, a Brimstone, more Silver-washed Fritillary, Peacock and Red Admiral, with Common Blue added to the day list and Purple Hairstreak in the oaks nearby. After only three hours, 20 species had been seen. A quick visit to Southrey Wood produced more of the same plus a stunning White Admiral. A large pale blue species then caught our attention as it moved south down the main ride, stopping to feed briefly, allowing a good view and a single photograph. This was enough to confirm later what I suspected at the time, that the butterfly was a Chalk Hill Blue! With the nearest colony maybe 40 miles away and the habitat completely wrong for this species, I can only guess what/how it ended up there? It did cap a fantastic few hours in the field. Could the heatwave last week have played a part in displacing this individual? (As ever it was exciting and a privilege to see something so unexpected).
• Richard O'Connor emailed: "Today I was out doing some botanical recording on the runways of the former RAF Colsterworth airfield in Twyford Wood. I was accompanied by Malcolm Pool and around midday we disturbed a superb Clouded Yellow in mint condition. Good views were obtained as the butterfly came to rest a few times with wings closed." 
• Owen Beaumont messaged: "This afternoon 5 Wall were the highlight of the butterfly transect around Rimac."
• Graham Catley messaged: "18 Silver-washed Fritillary at Laughton Forest today and at least 15 Red Admirals. Also had a Wall on the wet heath track as well."                                                      

  

• Mike Pickewell emailed: "I went for a walk around Gooseman's Field and the Woodland Burial

  

  Ground in Grimsby today. Unfortunately, as I reached the burial ground the sky clouded over, but I still enjoyed a good session! On Gooseman's I found: 4 Large White, 9 Small White, 23 Gatekeeper, 19 Meadow Brown, 1 Comma, 2 Peacock, 1 Painted Lady, 1 Small Copper, 12 Common Blue, 4 Speckled Wood and a Dusky Sallow moth. I also saw a 1 Migrant Hawker and 7 Common Darter. In the Woodland Burial Ground I noted: 2 Large White, 9 Speckled Wood, 2 Peacock, 2 Meadow Brown, 2 Ringlet and 2 Gatekeeper."
• Nige Lound: "I trapped in the East Dunes at Gibraltar Point NNR some 200 metres north of Mill Hill and managed 449 moths of 72 species. Not as busy as expected mainly due to quite a strong onshore breeze keeping the temperature down maybe? 140+ of the moths were Pediasia contaminella and Straw Underwing was the only macro new for the year. A bycatch Brown Hawker was the first time I have seen one in a moth trap."
• Andy Sims from Swanpool emailed: "Bordered Straw was new for the garden today! 2022 has

  

  been an excellent year for new species in my garden - Tawny Marbled Minor on 28th May, Treble Brown Spot on 18th June, Plain Golden Y on 23rd June, Lackey on 27th June, Least Carpet on 9th July, Silky Wainscot on 12th July and Brown-veined Wainscot on 19th July."

Monday 25th July 2022

Graham Catley messaged: "A Wall today on bank at Marsh Lane, Winteringham.

Sunday 24th July 2022

• Roy Harvey emailed: "Linda and I visited Red Hill LWT Nature Reserve this afternoon. It was mostly cloudy, with occasional sunshine, but windy. Not a single Marbled White was seen. Accurate counting of Meadow Brown was not carried out, but this was the most common species seen. Gatekeeper was the next most numerous. Other species noted were as follows: 2 Large White, 5 Small White, 1 Green-veined White, 2 Small Skipper and 3 Peacock. 
• Nige Lound emailed: "Trapped at Syke's Farm, Gibraltar Point NNR again - 400 moths of 102 species, with Copper Underwing agg and Red Underwing new for the year."

Thursday 21st July 2022

• John Walker emailed: "Rob Scott and I watched a Purple Hairstreak in Swinn Wood today, my first sighting of one there!"
• Nige Lound emailed: Trapped at Syke's Farm, Gibraltar Point NNR overnight - 458 moths of 97 species with Bird's Wing (another new one for me), a pristine Delicate and Tawny-speckled Pug all new for the year."
• Graham Catley messaged: "A pristine Painted Lady and a few Large Whites at Alkborough today. Yesterday I noted a single Comma and at least 100 Gatekeeper."

Wednesday 20th July 2022

• Mike Pickwell emailed: "Nice to have a cooler day today! It was good to be able to do my usual butterfly walk in the Grimsby area, taking in the Scartho Woodland Burial Ground and Gooseman's Field after three weeks away. The first site produced 3 Large White, 2 Small White, a mating pair of Green-veined White, 1 Peacock, 1 Red Admiral, 10 Speckled Wood, 8 Gatekeeper and 1 Holly Blue. In Gooseman's Field I found 19 Meadow Brown, 5 Ringlet, 5 Gatekeeper, 3 Small Skipper, 2 Red Admiral and a single Six-spot Burnet moth."
• John Davison emailed: "Had Silver-washed Fritillary at Burkinshaw's Covert, Immingham last week, but 3 White-letter Hairstreaks there today!"

Tuesday 19th July 2022

• Toby Ludlow emailed: "On the hottest day ever recorded in the UK, I spent a few hours out at Chambers Farm Wood. Needless to say, I was the only one stupid enough to be out there in THAT heat: on arrival, the temperature was already 35 degrees Centigrade and rose to 39 degrees Centigrade whilst I was there. Given the conditions, I thought I would struggle to find any Purple Emperors, but it pays to not second-guess nature, and on a walk up to ‘Fiveways’ I recorded three females down on the track and three males which were also grounded. However, this was not the strangest behaviour seen out there: the heat had caused a bizarre phenomenon – Purple Hairstreaks littered the path and every footstep kicked up 4 or 5. In the walk to ‘Fiveways’ alone I recorded 377 down low, and there must have been thousands throughout the entire complex. Most were sheltering from the heat (as much as they could) by resting down low in shade and orienting themselves towards the direction of the sun, so as to present a minimal profile. However, not all were successful and, on the walk back to the car, it was quite sad to see that some had paid the ultimate price, wings bent back displaying their purple uppersides."
• Alan Pike emailed: "While running through our local wood (Potterhanworth) yesterday evening, I

  

  came across a bloom of Purple Hairsteaks. I was quite excited as we had only just moved into the area last year and was hoping the wood would provide some butterfly interest. Today, I managed to persuade my wife that it was worth a return visit around 6 pm in the 40 degrees C heat! There were Purple Hairstreaks everywhere and I gave up trying to count how many - a really special day! Also, 2 Silver-washed Fritillaries, Speckled Woods, lots of Large, Small and Green-veined Whites, Gatekeepers, Peacocks, Commas and Small Tortoiseshells."

Monday 18th July 2022

• Dave Wright reported: "Early this morning there seemed to be a small influx of butterflies into my Grimsby garden, before the intense heat could take affect. I found a second brood Holly Blue nectaring on Hemp Agrimony (see attached), followed by a fresh male Brimstone and a Small Skipper on the Buddleia, the latter being a first for my garden. Other species attracted to the Buddleia included 1 Red Admiral, 5 Peacocks, 4 Small Tortoiseshells, 3 Large Whites, 4 Small Whites and a single Meadow Brown. A Gatekeeper also made an appearance."
• Mike Pickwell from Grimsby emailed: "This morning while it was still cool enough to be in the

  

  garden (it reached 38.3 degrees C this afternoon), I did a 'Big Butterfly Count'. I noted 3 Large White, 2 Small White, 1 Gatekeeper, 1 Holly Blue and 1 Red Admiral."
• Josh Forrester messaged: "Despite the hot weather warning decided to visit Chambers Farm

  

  Wood today. Had a look in the butterfly garden first and was astounded to find a Purple Emperor at the pond. It went to drink from the water and got stuck, so we had to rescue it. Having it in the hand was a very special experience. Also, fairly reasonable views of Purple Hairstreaks and we had them flying between our feet and over our heads. Very hot today during our visit, but very worthwhile!"
• Owen Beaumont messaged: "I did the butterfly transect at Rimac today which was a bit chaotic, especially in areas with patchy shade, but my best counting efforts are as follows: 126 Small/Essex Skipper, 7 Large White, 13 Small White, 11 Green-veined White, 2 Brown Argus, 11 Common Blue, 3 Peacock, 1 Speckled Wood, 299 Gatekeeper, 99 Meadow Brown, 163 Ringlet and 3 Small Heath."
• Nige Lound emailed: "I trapped near Mill Hill at Gibraltar Point NNR overnight and had 571 moths of 135 species. Macros new for the year were Double Lobed, Least Carpet (5), Mere Wainscot, Rosy Rustic, Rufous Minor, Small Phoenix, Small Wainscot, Tree-lichen Beauty (2), Twin-spotted Wainscot and White Satin. Bycatch included Long-winged Conehead, Roesel's Bush-cricket and 2 Great Diving Beetles."
• Phil Bowler emailed: "More news from my garden. We have been receiving visits from the

  

  occasional Silver-washed Fritillary since 2018. Coincidentally since, the violets have gone berserk throughout the garden, almost as if they know they are needed! On the 15th July I witnessed a pristine female Silver-washed Fritillary weaving in and out of the woodland garden pathways, assumedly looking for violets. It was so good to see her in such fine condition after the ragged ones the day before in Southrey Wood. There had already been a male passing through some days prior to this sighting, so it is highly likely that this female was gravid - otherwise why would she be acting in this manner? Here's hoping that this is the next butterfly to claim residency in our garden! Also, today despite the heatwave, the Brown Argus is suddenly seen all over the garden in ones and twos. Everywhere I walk one pops up! An excellent recovery from their almost non-existent first brood."

Sunday 17th July 2022

Stuart Mackman emailed: "With little time to spare and the forecast of a hot day, I had just an hour available for a stroll on the main ride in Southrey Wood this morning. Within less than five minutes I had spotted half a dozen Purple Hairstreaks, all at low level in the small trees. I had a total count of 8 along with just 1 White Admiral, 1 Silver-washed Fritillary, many Meadow Brown, Large and Small White, 3 Green-veined White, 6 Peacock and 20+ Gatekeeper. I was delighted to capture a couple of photographs of the hairstreaks and to see good numbers overall in the very limited time I spent there."

Saturday 16th July 2022

• Laura Gundy emailed: "Several farmers in my local area have given me permission to wander about on their land to record butterflies this year. I am very grateful to them and struggling to find the time to fit it all in! I got a couple of hours in this morning on a new site near Market Stainton - land that has been left unmanaged for several years. Amongst other species I counted 48 Small Skipper, 214 Meadow Brown, 38 Ringlet and 2 Purple Hairstreak. Oh, and did I mention the Purple Emperor above my head and the Marbled White that flew past my chin!"
• Gary Fenwick emailed: "Earlier today I spent a good few hours at Red Hill LWT Nature Reserve and noted the following: c350 Meadow Brown, 3 Marbled White, 12+ Small White, 3 Small Tortoiseshell, 8+ Large White, 1 Small Heath, 3 Peacock, 1 Common Blue, c40 Gatekeeper, 20+ Ringlet, 3 Large Skipper and 1 Small Skipper. Moths included c120 Six-spot Burnet."
• Freddy Johnson emailed: "Buddleias and large patches of Marjoram have brought a good selection of butterflies to my Bracebridge Heath garden today: Gatekeeper, Meadow Brown, Ringlet, Common Blue, Holly Blue, Small Tortoiseshell, Peacock, Red Admiral, Comma and the 3 Whites. In the past week I've also had Brimstone and Small Copper, and a Painted Lady visited in May."

Friday 15th July 2022: Female Silver-washed Fritillary (f. valesina) in Morkery Wood! 

• Toby Ludlow reported: "Met up with Dave Wright early this morning and we headed southwards to visit Temple Wood. As seems customary now at our southern woodlands, we were greeted on arrival by a Red Kite flying low over the trees at the entrance to the wood. We walked southwards along the main north/south track in the wood, but as the sun had not got high enough to percolate down into the ride system there was little butterfly activity; it even proved difficult to find the ubiquitous Ringlet at first! But as we ventured on and the sun got higher, it eventually lit the top of the Oak and Ash trees. This was just the catalyst to spur Purple Hairstreaks into life and they began to dance upon high and every tree seemed to contain a few of these small, silvery butterflies. We soon amassed a respectable total of 80 before concentrating on some of the other woodland denizens at ground level. Here, of particular note, were the Silver-washed Fritillaries.

  

  After a bend in the track, we encountered a short stretch of Bramble that was covered in them - 35 in total; one small patch just a few feet across had 9 on alone. For a moment we had to just stand and watch the interaction between them all: combatant males sparring on the one hand contrasting with several instances of courtship behaviour between males and females on the other. We eventually tore ourselves away and continued on; by the time we had reached the end of the north/south ride we had seen 86 of these graceful creatures and had thoroughly enjoyed our time spent in this woodland. Later in the afternoon we headed to Morkery wood in the hope of seeing a few Purple Emperors, but the cloud had thickened by then and it initially looked like we would be unlucky. Nevertheless, we headed up the hill from the car park and in a brief sunny spell we saw a male Purple Emperor flying high up around a Field Maple. Enthused by this, we carried on up to the top of the rise. Here we spotted a female Purple Emperor circling low down just above the track. Initially we thought it was going to land, but alas it didn't and continued further along the track before sailing up and into the trees. A couple of minutes later and we had the sighting of the day: a female Silver-washed Fritillary f. valesina. This is the first valesina that I've seen in Lincolnshire, so a historic day for me, but it didn't hang around for us to get a photograph and we were left rueing what could have been! However, a little further down the ride a second valesina caught our attention. This was definitely a second individual because it was marked slightly differently. We managed to get a quick photograph of this one before it headed into deep cover and out of sight. By now the cloud had cleared significantly and the heat of the sun brought with it an increase in butterfly activity. In particular, we went on to see a further 4 male Purple Emperors of which the last one was grounded, which made a welcome change!
• Richard Doan reported: "A female Purple Emperor at Swinn Wood this morning along with 4 White Admirals."
• Kev Graham emailed: "We saw a White Admiral on our walk this morning in Manby, near Louth. Didn't have a camera with me and despite going back, it had disappeared 15 minutes later."

Thursday 14th July 2022

• Phil Bowler emailed: "The Southrey Wood mission was a huge disappointment, mainly because the weather went against the forecast and there was very little sun. So no Purple Emperor on the track as had been reported yesterday - plenty of Nymphalids warming up on the ground though: 3 brand new Red Admirals, a very worn Painted Lady, 3 Commas, male Silver-washed Fritillary and 17 Peacock. The Silver-washed were another disappointment - only 3 of each sex seen and curiously the males were much fresher than the badly worn females. One attempted to lay an egg on my trouser and then tried thistle stems instead! There were no White-letter Hairstreaks down on the thistles in the bottom corner of the reserve (or anywhere), and I only saw 3 Purple Hairstreaks. Just the one female Common Blue and 2 Brown Argus. No Brimstones were evident and the Whites counted: 5 Large, 3 Small and 26 Green-veined. Just 4 Small Skippers and 3 Large. Gatekeepers were very fresh and seemingly all male - 16 seen. Meadow Brown totalled 40 and as ever, the real numbers were reserved for the Ringlet - 190. Only day-flying moths seen were a Blood-vein and a Silver Y."
• Andrew Kurch phoned: "Today I found 4 Purple Hairstreaks in Town's Holt, and this is just one site where I've come across this species in the Grimsby area recently. The others are as follows: 25 Dixon's Wood on 13th, 35 Bradley Woods on 11th, 28 Weelsby Woods on 10th and 2 People's Park on 9th."            
• Derek Fox emailed: "I cannot believe my luck! Just came back from Welton and this big butterfly was nectaring on the Buddleia nearest to my house at Langworth. It was a female Silver-washed Fritillary!

Wednesday 13th July 2022

• Chris Atkin messaged: "Visited Saltfleetby-Theddlethorpe Dunes NNR today, and had a Wall just south of Paradise Wood gate. I haven't heard of any other sightings of 2nd generation Wall on the wing at the moment, so I think this might be a slightly early one. Lots of butterflies about and it was great to see a Hummingbird Hawk-moth on Viper's Bugloss."
• Pete Cawdell emailed: "On Sunday I spent the day at Grimsthorpe Estate covering for Chris and Susan Howes doing their four transects. In the wall to wall sunshine it actually took me 6 hours from when I started the 1st until I finished the 4th! Anyway there were plenty of butterflies about and I counted and identified 808 of 21 species. Highlights were 76 Marbled White, 31 Dark Green Fritillary, 6 Silver-washed Fritillary, 10 Purple Hairstreak and 1 White-letter Hairstreak. Furthermore, on Monday Chris tells me he had a sighting of a Purple Emperor - the first he has seen there in his 25 years as Park Ranger and living on the Estate. (One was also reported to him by a visitor last year."

Tuesday 12th July 2022

• Toby Ludlow emailed: "On Sunday 24th July I'm helping Dave Wright with the Butterfly Walks at the 'Wild Wilsford' event. With that in mind, I had to take my son to Grantham station today and passed through Wilsford, so I decided to do a quick recce at the Quarry. It was overcast, but really warm, and I only had 10 minutes there. I saw about a dozen Meadow Browns there before I walked around the back of the playing field. As I was stood behind the goal I looked up and saw a large butterfly gliding around an Ash tree. I initially thought (stupidly) that it looked a bit like a Purple Emperor, so I paid it more attention and had a good look at it. Lo and behold, it WAS a male Purple Emperor!!! It circled round and landed two feet in front of me on the embankment. You could have knocked me over with a feather! 
• David Broome emailed: "An hour and a half at Morkery Wood this morning produced 10 butterfly species, including 3 Purple Emperor, 11 Silver-washed Fritillary logged (difficult to be totally sure how many individuals) and 5 Purple Hairstreak."
• Martin Meechan emailed: "I visited Chambers Farm Wood today, but not many butterflies on the wing, in the cloudy, and sometimes showery conditions. The highlights were seeing a Purple Emperor on the ground, half a dozen pristine Peacocks and a similar number of Silver-washed Fritillaries."

Monday 11th July 2022

• David Broome emailed: "I had opportunity for a first to visit to Bourne Woods today during a work-related trip to Lincolnshire. Butterflies seen included 1 Purple Emperor gliding off an Oak not far NW of the car park, 1 White Admiral, minimum 9 Silver-washed Fritillary and 5 Purple Hairstreak."
• Owen Beaumont messaged: "The transect at Rimac today produced the following: "201 Small/Essex Skipper, 6 Green-veined White, 1 Small Copper, 121 Gatekeeper, 123 Meadow Brown, 146 Ringlet, 8 Small Heath and a Common Blue seen off transect route."
• Nige Lound emailed: "I trapped At Mill Hill at Gibraltar Point NNR overnight and managed 616

  

  moths of 134 species. New macros for the year were the following: Clay, Cloaked Minor, Coast Dart, Crescent Striped, Currant Pug, Dot Moth, Ear Moth agg, Fen Wainscot, Haworth's Pug, Lackey, Lesser Broad-bordered Yellow Underwing, Lesser Cream Wave, Lesser Yellow Underwing, Lyme Grass, Rosy Minor, Shaded Broad-bar, Shore Wainscot, Small Dotted Buff and Twin-spotted Wainscot."
• Helen Kirk emailed: "Recently I had a fabulous first visit to Chambers Farm Wood, so much so I ventured back today. I enjoyed at least 6 Purple Emperors,

  

  but none as obliging as that of last Wednesday. Attached is an image of one on dog poo. A few White Admirals and plenty of Silver-washed Fritillaries about, but all very mobile. Purple Hairstreak still in reasonable numbers as well as other usual supporting cast."

Sunday 10th July 2022

• Phil Bowler from Amber Hill emailed: "At last! After all these years and having many mature elms in the garden and close by, we finally see White-letter Hairstreak for definite. I even managed the attached photo of one quite high up in an ash tree. Three seen in total, hopefully this is the start of our very own breeding colony in our butterfly garden."
• Suzanne Nelson messaged: "Today I visited Crowle Moors and noted the following species:

  

  Meadow Brown, Ringlet, Gatekeeper, Small Skipper, Large Skipper, Small White, Green-veined White, Small Tortoiseshell, Speckled Wood and only 4 Large Heath."
• Derek Fox from Langworth emailed: "Had a fresh second brood Holly Blue in the garden today."

Saturday 9th July 2022

• Dave Wright reported: "This morning I met up with Laura Gundy at Sotby Wood and spent an enjoyable few hours searching for butterflies. The highlight was undoubtedly 2 Purple Emperor sightings along the main track from the car park. We also saw 2 female White-letter Hairstreaks, egg-laying low down on the Elm further along this track. Nearby, a Silver-washed Fritillary made an appearance and was a first for both of us at this site. We also counted a staggering 395 Ringlets! Other species noted

  

  included the following: 5 White Admiral, 13 Purple Hairstreak, 1 Red Admiral, 1 Small Tortoiseshell, 9 Comma, 56 Meadow Brown, 52 Gatekeeper, 13 Large White, 3 Small White, 21 Green-veined White, 16 Large Skipper, 26 Small Skipper, 3 Speckled Wood and a very fresh Brown Argus. Moths included a single Hummingbird Hawk-moth, 2 Dingy Footman, a Common Carpet and a mating pair of Yellow-tails. It was also great to hear and see a Turtle Dove in a recently felled area, sadly a very rare occurrence these days!"
• Suzanne Nelson messaged: "I visited Risby Warren today and here is my list: numerous Meadow

  

  Brown and Ringlet, 13 Gatekeeper, 15 Grayling, 5 Dark Green Fritillary, 50 Small Heath, 1 Large White, 4 Small White, 1 Green-veined White, 1 Painted Lady, 7 Small Tortoiseshell, 1 Small Copper, and numerous Small Skipper."
• Graham Catley messaged: "I had at least 14 Essex Skippers today at Alkborough Flats, but got

  

  the impression that they were just getting going. Last week I had 1000+ Meadow Browns on a rewilding site I am monitoring at Searby."
• Alan Daws emailed: "Today I called in at Swinn Wood LWT Nature Reserve near Aby. There were lots of butterflies about, including 4 White Admirals."
• Derek Fox from Langworth emailed: "Today in my garden I had one fresh Peacock and one fresh female Brimstone. Yesterday another Hummingbird Hawk-moth made an appearance, nectaring on the buddleia. This is the third one I have seen this year!"
• Gary Fenwick emailed: "I went to Chambers Farm Wood today and had a great four hours! I saw the following: 3 or 4 Purple Emperor, 15+ Silver-washed Fritillary, 4 Small Tortoiseshell, 3 Gatekeeper, 60+ Meadow Brown, 10+ White Admiral, 2 Comma, 30+ Ringlet, 3 Speckled Wood, 15+ Small/Essex Skipper, 1 Brimstone, several Large White, and lots of Small and Green-veined White."
• Roy Harvey emailed: "Sadly, we saw no Purple Emperors at Chambers Farm Wood today,

  

  although one or two were reported by others. We did not see Purple Hairstreaks, but others did. I did not do any counting, but to give an idea there were 25+ Silver-washed Fritillaries and 20+ White Admirals. As you might expect, there was an abundance of Meadow Browns and Ringlets. Other species noted: Large White, Green-veined White, Large Skipper, Small Skipper, Small Tortoiseshell, Peacock and Gatekeeper."

Friday 8th July 2022

• Phil Bowler emailed: "Today I trudged my way to Chambers Farm Wood in the heat, but it was worth the effort. Star of the day was the Silver-washed Fritillary: 16 seen in total but only one female, so plenty of time to still see them fresh. White admirals were mainly still fresh - 11 seen. Purple Emperors were mainly keeping to the tree tops, but I saw 3 at ground level out of a total of 10, including a female in an Ash tree. Only 4 Purple Hairstreaks were seen, but no White -letter Hairstreaks. Ringlets were the most numerous with 124 clicked. Only 2 Gatekeepers - running late! A brand new male Brimstone was encountered plus 3 Peacocks. Small Tortoiseshells scored 15 and I saw 8 Commas, all of the hutchinsoni form. Making up the rest were: 6 Large Skipper, 2 Small Skipper, 1 Essex Skipper, 6 Large White, 2 Small White, 22 Green-veined White, 4 Speckled Wood and 16 Meadow Brown. Unfortunately the road works are way off completion."
• Stuart Mackman emailed: "Visited Chambers Farm Wood this afternoon, the approach road and

  

  car park are still closed to visitors, but I parked at the entrance on Hoop Lane and walked into the wood hoping to photograph some butterflies. I saw only 1 Purple Emperor near the visitor centre, but he was uncooperative and didn't settle. Similarly, spotted 8 Purple Hairstreaks at the very top of the Oak trees, but unfortunately too far away for any photographs. Better luck next time! However, there were still others to see with many Silver-washed Fritillaries, a few White Admirals, lots of Ringlets and 3 Hummingbird Hawk-moths. 

Thursday 7th July 2022

• Dave Wright reported: "The cloudy conditions in the Grimsby area this morning, gradually gave way and it became quite warm and sunny, with a light breeze. Therefore, I decided to pay another visit to Long Strip Wood on Immingham Dock, a site where I recently saw my first White-letter Hairstreaks of the year. This species can be elusive at the best of times, but I spent a magical hour around midday watching at least 15 of these special little butterflies. Most of them were 'buzzing' around the tops of the Elm and accompanying Oak and Ash, occasionally descending onto Elm sucker re-growth, where I managed to get the attached record shot. The wood also produced 5 Gatekeeper (my first of the year), 25 Ringlet, 1 Large White, 4 Green-veined White, 2 Speckled Wood, 2 Comma and a single Red Admiral. Nearby, at North Beck Drain, I had a further 10 Gatekeeper, 1 Small Heath and 1 Small Skipper."
• Owen Beaumont messaged: "I got out for the Rimac transect this afternoon with the clear blue

  

  skies. 83 Small Skipper, 10 Essex Skipper, 33 Small/Essex Skipper, 5 Green-veined White, 2 Small Copper, 1 Speckled Wood, 40 Gatekeeper, 86 Meadow Brown, 129 Ringlet and 10 Small Heath. A Silver-washed Fritillary was seen by John Walker at Churchill Lane this afternoon, before flying south. It had been seen briefly at Brickyard Lane, just after lunchtime, but only identified as a fritillary sp. at the time."
• Andrew Kurch phoned: "On the 29th June I found 9 Purple Hairstreaks (my first of the year), on my local patch, just off Westward Ho in Grimsby. This evening I returned and saw a staggering 42, by far my highest count for this site! Earlier in the day I noted: 2 Essex Skipper, 33 Small Skipper, 125 Ringlet, 12 Meadow Brown, 2 Gatekeeper and a single Holly Blue. I also found a huge female Privet Hawk-moth in the long grass."
• David Goff emailed: "Graylings out in good numbers today at Risby Warren. Also in high double figures - Small Heath, Skippers, Meadow Browns and Gatekeepers. Also, 3 Dark Green Fritillaries!"

Wednesday 6th July 2022: Clouded Yellow at Saltfleetby-Theddlethorpe Dunes NNR!

• Pete Roworth reported: "On two occasions this morning, a bright yellow butterfly 'fizzed' through my garden at Sea View. It was too small for a Brimstone and I'm almost certain it was a Clouded Yellow!"
• David Goff emailed: "I spent a pleasant hour at West Wood, Broughton today. Apart from the usual suspects - Ringlets and Meadow Browns - I came across 3 Essex Skippers, 2 Brown Argus and 3 Silver-washed Fritillaries."
• Nige Lound emailed: "I trapped at Syke's Farm, Gibraltar Point NNR overnight and had 479 moths

  

  of 86 species. New for the year macros were Antler Moth, Broad-bordered Yellow Underwing, Brown-line Bright-eye, Dotted Fanfoot, Iron Prominent, July Highflyer, Large Twin-spot Carpet, Mouse Moth, Scalloped Oak, and the highlight was another new moth for me in the form of a Small Mottled Willow."
• Helen Kirk emailed: "I managed to photograph the attached Purple Emperor at Chambers Farm Wood today, quite an amazing

  

  find given the dull weather. Other species observed were White Admiral, Purple Hairstreak (including the attached image), and very mobile Silver-washed Fritillaries, as well as the usual supporting cast. It was the first time I'd visited this site and given the weather I'd not expected the two gems but was highly delighted they obliged."

Tuesday 5th July 2022: Camberwell Beauty at RSPB Frampton Marsh!

• Roy Harvey reported: "This afternoon it was brought to my attention that a Paul Sullivan had seen a Camberwell Beauty at the bottom car park at RSPB Frampton Marsh. Apparently it drifted in and settled close to his car, but before he could grab his camera and take a photograph, it was spooked by a Reed Warbler."
• James Parry emailed: "Ran a moth trap in Louth town centre last night and was surprised to get

  

  as many as 12 species, including 2 Swallow-tailed Moths (see attached)."
• Adrian Royle emailed: "Another bike ride over to Chambers Farm Wood today, mostly cloudy but with sunny intervals. Lots of Ringlets, but not much else until the sun popped out at 10:30. White Admirals are still about in good numbers, plus 12 Silver-washed Fritillaries. Of course at this time of the season we all want Purple Emperors, but I only managed 3, 2 high up at Fiveways and another along the main ride, but it was very shy and didn't stick around for a photo shoot."
• Phil Bowler from Amber Hill emailed: "The first Peacocks are out in our garden today, alongside our first 3 Purple Hairstreaks. Exciting!"

Monday 4th July 2022

Pete Smith emailed: "As a post-script, I referred this example of a Ringlet aberration from 30th June on to Paul Dunn (author of 'Aberrations of the Ringlet Butterfly') and it now has a name - ab. novem-luscens."

Sunday 3rd July 2022

• Laura Gundy messaged: "This morning I nipped over to Sotby Wood and found a White-letter Hairstreak on Elm sucker regrowth along the main track. Also, 2 Purple Hairstreaks before the sun disappeared." 
• Suzanne Nelson messaged: "Despite the closure of the access road and main car park at Chambers Farm Wood, I paid a visit today and noted the following: 4 Purple Emperor, 1 Purple Hairstreak, 4 White Admiral, 2 Silver-washed Fritillary, 4 Large Skipper, 1 Small Skipper, 40+ Ringlet, 6 Meadow Brown, 2 Comma, 1 Small Tortoiseshell, 1 Small White, 1 Green-veined White, 1 Large White and 4 Speckled Wood."
• Marian Markham emailed: "I visited Morkery Wood this morning in the sunshine . It was quite busy with butterflies along the track vegetation. These are my counts: 4 Comma, 1 Red Admiral, 6 Purple Emperor, 10 Dark Green Fritillary, 5 Ringlet, 1 Meadow Brown and 2 Large Skipper."

Saturday 2nd July 2022

• Lesley Robinson messaged: "Six people (3 from out of county) attended our field trip today at Crowle Moor. 13 Large Heath seen as well as Small Tortoiseshell, Peacock larvae, Large Skipper, Small Skipper, Large, Small and Green-veined White, Red Admiral, Speckled Wood, Gatekeeper, Ringlet, Meadow Brown and Comma. A good day, sunny intervals and quite blustery at times."
• John Nelson phoned: "Today I visited my local patch, an area of waste ground just behind Grimsby Town's football ground. It was quite productive for butterflies and I noted the following: 130 Ringlet, 24 Meadow Brown, 35 Large White, 15 Small White, 5 Small Tortoiseshell, 3 Common Blue, and several each of Large and Small Skipper. A few Six-spot Burnet moths were also present."

Friday 1st July 2022

• Toby Ludlow emailed: "Today I met up with Keith Robinson at Chambers Farm Wood and we enjoyed a few hours searching for Purple Emperors. We had a few brief tree-top sightings before the light level dropped considerably and these sightings dried up. It was almost midday before it brightened up and sightings resumed. When the sun finally broke through, we had a sustained good spell, which included seeing 6 Purple Emperors in one vista. Four of these

  

  males were particularly interested in the top of a Sallow tree, and I suspect a female was lurking there, but it was just out of sight so we couldn't confirm that. As we progressed on, I spotted a Comma in flight that was black instead of the usual russet colour, so I knew it would be a good aberration. Fortunately, it settled in front of me, so I immediately took a good look and confirmed it was a Comma ab. suffusa, the most extreme Comma aberration I have seen to date. As I approached with the camera, the Comma annoyingly flew onto my lens, thus preventing me from getting a picture. As I encouraged it off the lens, it took flight again and circled above before landing on my head. I think, as they say, it was extracting the urine!"
• Martin Meechan emailed: "I was down the seafront at Cleethorpes today, photographing bees on Lavender, when a Hummingbird Hawk-moth paid me an all too brief visit. One day I'll manage to get a photo! Butterfly wise, one each of Large White, Small Tortoiseshell and Painted Lady.
• Roy Harvey messaged: "A quick late afternoon visit to Cress Marsh near Stallingborough, produced lots of butterflies along the main track, including my first Gatekeepers of the Summer. Also Painted Lady and Small White."

---

June 2022

Thursday 30th June 2022

• Pete Smith emailed: "Early this evening my wife drew my attention to a Ringlet in our back garden which she thought might be mildly aberrant. As is often the case, although it pains me to admit it, she was correct! Although I don't believe it is a recognised named aberration, there is definitely an extra spot in the underside hindwing at S4, and almost an extra un-pupiled spot in S2, with the S2 spot becoming cuneiform, or tear-drop, in shape. It has elements of several other known aberrations, but for now I think it goes down as ab. nov."
• Stuart and Eileen Mackman emailed: "Attached is a photograph of a Privet Hawk-moth seen in our Washingborough garden this afternoon."

Wednesday 29th June 2022

Derek Fox emailed: "After doing my Snakeholme Pit transect and a quick call to see my sister who lives about two miles from the reserve, I thought I would have a few minutes in Hardy Gang Wood to see if I could find any White Admirals. After ten minutes I saw this large butterfly on dog poo and I realised that it was His Majesty the Purple Emperor! I was ecstatic and could not believe my luck to think I found him only five minutes away from where I live. Other butterflies included 2 White Admiral, 3 Red Admiral, 1 Comma, 2 Purple Hairstreak and good numbers of Meadow Brown and Ringlet, plus a few fresh Whites."

Tuesday 28th June 2022

• Nige Lound emailed: "Overnight I trapped at Syke's Farm, Gibraltar Point NNR and managed 273 moths of 88 species. New for the year were Blue-bordered Carpet, Common White Wave, Ghost Moth, Green Pug and Rufous Minor."
• Andrew Kurch phoned: "7 White-letter Hairstreaks this morning on the eastern boundary of People's Park in Grimsby."
• Laura Gundy messaged: "Today there were 3 Hummingbird Hawk-moths feeding on my little honeysuckle plant in my Benniworth Walk Farm garden."
• Phil Lee emailed: "I had one of my better days at Crowle Moor today! It was was very windy which

  

  kept the 'mossies' off and the whole moor was alive with insects. At least 40 Large Heaths were seen of the form polydama, mainly along the north tram and along Swinefleet Warping Drain. However, this last area produced the star of the day when a Lunar Hornet Moth came to my lure amongst the willows within five minutes."

Monday 27th June 2022

David Bee emailed: "I visited Redhill LWT Nature Reserve this evening and saw at least 30 Marbled Whites, including 2 mating pairs. There must have been the same number of both Meadow Browns and Ringlets, with 10 Small Heath, 2 Large Skippers and 2 Small Skippers. I also noted Six-spot and Narrow-bordred Five-spot Burnet moths in good numbers."

Sunday 26th June 2022

• Roy Harvey emailed: "I made a quick visit to Nettleton LNR this afternoon, didn't have time for a proper count, but saw my first Comma of the summer. Meadow Brown, Ringlet and Small Heath were present in good numbers. This evening I went to Killingholme Haven and saw 2 Painted Lady on the wall - they were looking rather worn."
• Sally Sawyer emailed: "Spotted a Black Arches moth on our motor home door handle in Lincoln. It's been there all morning!

Saturday 25th June 2022

• Ian McGlynn emailed: "I decided to go to Morkery Woods today and saw 3 Purple Emperors. I've also been to Bourne Woods three times recently, and have not seen Purple Emperor or White Admiral. Unfortunately many trees have been cut down!"
• Pete Cawdell emailed: "Today I decided to visit two sites in the south of the county.

  

  The first of these, Morkery Wood, produced a Hummingbird Hawk-moth. I'm more used to seeing these 'humming' around nectaring on flowers like garden valerian. This one had staked out a terrritory in the middle of the ride and would circle round when disturbed like a Painted Lady, only to land again in just about the same place each time. At the second site near Castle Bytham, I came across a mating pair of Marbled Whites and the attached photograph illustrates the background underwing

  

  colour difference of the sexes - female on top."                                           
• Pete Burnett emailed: "I visited College Wood near Apley, Wragby during the week. Good numbers of Meadow Browns and Ringlets, plus at least half a dozen White Admirals, they were very flighty and none settled for a photo! Did not see anything purple!"

  

• John Davison emailed: "2 Silver-washed Fritillaries out this afternoon at Broughton West Wood, and a Comma larva."
• Dave Wright reported: "This afternoon I visited Sotby Wood in the company of Laura Gundy, who found a Purple Emperor at this site last year. No such luck today, but we did see at least 14 White Admirals. Some of the rides were very rich in flora and we noted a further ten species of butterfly

  

  - 1 Red Admiral, 1 Painted Lady, 9 Comma, 2 Small Tortoiseshell, 8 Green-veined White (including a pair mating), 29 Large Skipper, 9 Small Skipper, 5 Speckled Wood, 20 Meadow Brown and 107 Ringlet. Moths seen included 1 Cinnabar, 1 Silver Y and a Knot Grass caterpillar. We also had two sightings of a Hummingbird Hawk-moth in different parts

  

  of the wood, but it turned out to be the same individual, identified by the fact it had one antenna. Good to see a few dragonflies on the wing, with both Brown Hawker and Southern Hawker patrolling the rides. A single Common Darter was new for the year! Earlier, another Hummingbird Hawk-moth was seen in Laura's garden at Benniworth Walk Farm, where there was also a Mullein caterpillar."

Friday 24th June 2022

• John Davison emailed: "Short walk at Risby this morning produced 3 Grayling."
• David Bee emailed: "This week, altogether, I spent about 10 hours at Southrey Wood over four

  

  visits. My first visit of four hours on Monday was the most productive in terms of White Admiral numbers seen - easily 20 individuals, maybe as many as 30. They were everywhere, even settling on my boots! Today I saw 3 during my visit to Kirkby Moor LWT Nature Reserve."

Thursday 23rd June 2022

• Nige Lound emailed: "I trapped in the East Dunes at Gibraltar Point NNR overnight and managed 553 moths of 110 species. Macros new for the year were Clouded Magpie, Common Rustic agg, Dun-bar, Four-dotted Footman, Freyer's Pug, Lyme Grass, Rivulet, Rosy Footman, V-Pug, White-line Dart and Wormwood Pug."
• Dave Wright reported: "This morning I decided to visit Long Strip Wood on Immingham Dock, in the hope of seeing my first White-letter Hairstreak of the year. After about 30 minutes of searching my patience was rewarded with at least 3, seen 'buzzing' around the top of an Ash tree close to the Elm. Little else on the wing apart from a few Ringlets and a single Speckled Wood."
• Andrew Kurch reported: "Following my first sighting of the year of a White-letter Hairstreak in Grimsby a few days ago, I decided to visit two woodland areas on the edge of town, traditionally good for this species. The first of these, Dixon Wood, produced 6 White-letter Hairstreaks and the second site nearby, Bradley Wood, revealed a further 2 on the Elm near the car parking area."
• Derek Fox reported: "On a very warm sunny day I recorded 42 butterflies of 12 species. Most

  

  numerous were 15 Ringlet and 8 Meadow Brown. Considering the weather, I was expecting much greater numbers of these two species. Also present were 4 Brimstone, 3 Small Skipper, 1 Large Skipper, 1 Large White, 4 Small White, 1 Green-veined White, 2 Small Tortoiseshell, 1 Red Admiral, 1 Speckled Wood mud-puddling on the bed of the stream and a Comma which kept settling on my arm and taking salts from my sweat."
• Maureen Moscrop emailed: "Today I spotted a Hummingbird Hawk-moth in my garden in Woodhall Spa. It was around the Red Valerian and stayed for several minutes."

Wednesday 22nd June 2022: Purple Emperor at Chambers Farm Wood!

• Toby Ludlow messaged: "Three new species for 2022 for me today: White-letter Hairstreak, Purple Hairstreak and Purple Emperor, the latter being my earliest record for a Purple Emperor in Lincolnshire. I was really uncertain where to go today, but eventually decided on Southrey Wood. En route, at the very last minute, I had a change of heart and decided it would be Chambers Farm Wood instead. I'm really glad I changed my mind! Once at Chambers Farm Wood, I decided to try and find some White-letter Hairstreaks. A search of the Elms immediately bore fruit and I soon notched up a respectable tally of 7. Whilst scanning the elms, I noticed another butterfly on an elm leaf that wasn't moving very much; closer inspection revealed it to be a fresh Purple Hairstreak. Early on in the day, dozens of male White Admirals were on the wing, scouring the rides for a mate. I should think that some were successful because on my walk I also came across 3 female White Admirals, the first ones I've seen this year. Whilst there, I bumped into Michael Goddard and we had a bit of a natter. All of a sudden a shadow loomed over us and we looked up to see what it was - it was a majestic male Purple Emperor, gracefully gliding around the nearby Oak, fairly low down, tantalising us before sailing off further down the ride. What a treat and totally unexpected! As the heat of the day wore on, butterfly activity diminished. We checked at Fiveways for Black Hairstreaks and after about 20 minutes we finally saw a bit of action high up in the Blackthorn and recorded 3 individuals. Apart from that there was little else apart from a noticeable increase in the number of Whites, with Large and Small Whites on the wing. The only other thing of note was the total absence of Silver-washed Fritillaries. That aside, it was great to see 3 species of Hairstreak in a day."
• Martin Meechan emailed: "This morning a solitary Hummingbird Hawk-moth paid us a visit at the Grimsby Garden Centre, just off the Laceby bypass."
• Tim Harvey emailed: "I made my first ever visit to Ancaster Valley LWT Nature Reserve this

  

  afternoon. Highlights of this glorious habitat included a few Dark Green Fritillary (a new species for me) and numerous Marbled White. There were abundant Meadow Brown and Ringlet, as well as many Chimney Sweeper moths."

Tuesday 21st June 2022: Goodbye to the June Gap!

• Pete Smith emailed: "Good to see that the June gap is closing up nicely now, with plenty of summer species appearing on the wing! I spent a few hours out at Skellingthorpe Old Wood today, where the highlights were 3 White-letter Hairstreaks, a couple of dozen fresh White Admirals (all males), and 40+ Silver-washed Fritillaries, again, all males. Amongst the latter was the attached individual. It looked quite different in flight. Not a great photo - I only managed a record shot before it was off and away up over the canopy - but the usual bright orange ground colour was only really present along the leading costa and forewing tip area. The ground colour over the rest of the upper-wings was a much more washed out, almost silver-grey colour, even though this was a fresh example. A pathological aberration no doubt, but interesting to see!"

  

• Josh Forrester from Grimsby messaged: "I haven't had the garden trap out for the past two nights, but I was pleased to find this Hummingbird Hawk-moth roosting up on the house wall this morning. I think this is the first time I've seen this species not in flight!"
• Dave Wright reported: "Having not seen a Ringlet so far this year, I decided to make a flying visit to the Great Coates section of the Pyewipe Line, a site traditionally good for this species, just on the edge of Grimsby. I was amazed to find 93 Ringlet in such a small area, along with 5 Meadow Brown, 1 Small Skipper (my first of the year), 1 Large Skipper and 1 Small Tortoiseshell. The adjoining Mawmbridge Drain section of the Pyewipe Line produced a further 44 Ringlet, 4 Meadow Brown, 1 Small White, 1 Green-veined White and 1 Common Blue. On my way home I popped in to Europarc Reedbed nearby, and had 10 Ringlet, 3 Small Skipper, 9 Narrow-bordered Five-spot Burnet moths and a single Cinnabar." 
• Martin Kew reported: "Walked the transects at Twyford Wood today and was pleased to see my first Marbled White of the year, recording 7 at the Glades and 3 at the Sanctuary. There were good numbers of other butterflies on the wing and totals for the reserve were: Glades - 15 Meadow Brown, 32 Ringlet, 6 Large Skipper, 3 Small Skipper, 2 Small Heath, 2 Speckled Wood and a Painted Lady. Sanctuary - 12 Meadow Brown, 15 Ringlet, 6 Large Skipper, 4 Small Skipper, 1 Large White and 1 Red Admiral."
• Phil Bowler emailed: "Today, I had an afternoon in Southrey Wood, accompanied by no less than

  

  26 White Admirals. Brilliant! Just 2 male Silver-washed Fritillary, 2 White-letter Hairstreak, 6 Comma, and supporting cast of 2 Small Skipper, 6 Large Skipper, 7 Green-veined White, 2 Red Admiral, 1 Painted Lady, 2 Small Tortoiseshell, 1 Speckled Wood, 25 Meadow Brown and approximately 75 Ringlet. I scanned the oaks for Purple Hairstreak, but saw none."

Monday 20th June 2022: Swallowtail in Grimsby!

• Dave Wright reported: "This afternoon it was brought to my attention by several friends in the area, that a Swallowtail had been seen in Grimsby. The sighting had been posted on 'Rare Bird Alert', but unfortunately the exact location and finder remains a mystery. This evening a friend managed to find a Twitter post containing a brief video of the butterfly and this can been seen by clicking on the following link - https://twitter.com/katet571/status/1538888690847698944?t=mlkKAZST660RoRgADbRA1A&s=08
• Andrew Kurch phoned: "I visited People's Park in Grimsby today and found my first White-letter Hairstreak of the year."
• Phil Bowler emailed: "Today we had 5 Hummingbird Hawk-moths in our Amber Hill garden,

  

  supplementing the 10 Silver Y, 18 Red Admiral and 5 Painted Lady. But the real find of the day was another Small Heath. Not just the fact that this is our tenth in its comeback year, but this one, a female, fully opened its wings whenever it settled. A photographer's paradise!
• Ian McGlynn emailed: "Today I went for a walk from Morton, just north of Bourne, and noted over 30 Small Tortoiseshells, but I have never seen them like this before (see attached). Also, I saw my first Ringlet of the year in Temple Wood."

Sunday 19th June 2022

• Toby Ludlow messaged: "Decided to go for a walk this morning to Chambers Farm Wood, but as I drew close to the wood it had all but totally clouded over. I was fortunate to see a White Admiral and a few Ringlets before the bright patches of sky were squeezed out altogether. Very little flying due to the conditions, but there were several Large Skippers and Meadow Browns that were disturbed as I walked round. As I walked around the extension to Little Scrubbs Meadow,

  

  coinciding with the last few minutes of sunshine in the morning, several butterflies took to the wing. Over the far side of the meadow, what I thought was a pale yellow-orange butterfly, about the size of a Clouded Yellow, grabbed my attention. However, the colour wasn't quite right: it was more of a pastel shade of yellow-orange. As it flew across the meadow towards me, I could see that it was a moth, but was still perplexed as to its identity. The only thing I could think of was that it was similar to a male Clouded Buff, but the habitat was obviously wrong for that heathland species. Totally confused, I was delighted when it dropped to my feet, sitting perfectly on a blade of grass for inspection! All became clear instantly: it was a female Orange Moth."
• Dave Wright reported: "Dull and overcast in the Grimsby area this afternoon, but spirits were lifted when I noticed a Hummingbird Hawk-moth 'buzzing' around the Red Valerian in my back garden."
• Howard Robinson from Scunthorpe emailed: "I saw 2 Hummingbird Hawk-moths in our back garden today, feeding on Red Valerian."
• Matt Watts emailed: "Visited the Coronation Meadow at Redhill today and saw good numbers of

  

  Meadow Brown despite the blustery conditions, mainly in the shelter of the hedgerows. Also saw 1 Small Heath and 2 fresh Marbled White in the grass verges near the entrance."

Saturday 18th June 2022

• John Clarkson emailed: "After seeing my first Red-necked Footman at Gibraltar Point NNR two days ago, one was in my trap in Louth this morning. Also new for the garden was Brown Rustic."
• Chris Dobson from Langworth emailed: "Just had one of my best catching nights for a very long time, so much so that I'm still working through it all. I've already got two new species for the garden at least, with possibly more after some checking with Martin/Colin. Pleased to get a Broken-barred Carpet, which has been on my target list for 19 years, but by far my best species is a super Treble Brown Spot, a species new for my 10k square and a moth I haven't seen before!" 
• Graham Catley messaged: "I visited Alkborough today and noted 35 Small Tortoiseshells, 125 Meadow Browns and my first 2 Ringlets of the year. Two days ago, the same site produced 15 Common Blues  and 15 Large Skippers."

Friday 17th June 2022

• Pete Smith from Heighington emailed: "We were sat in our back garden early this evening, enjoying a glass of wine in the balmy heat, when I spotted what I initially thought was a rather small Red Admiral flying rapidly around our back hedge. But something wasn't quite right about the 'jizz', so I got up and had a closer look. Turned out it was a Scarlet Tiger moth, and over the next half an hour we had repeated sightings, not just of this one, but of at least two others, as we had three on the wing in a single vista at one point! This is a species that I never expected to see in Lincolnshire. I had a sighting locally last summer, so it seems that they are now breeding successfully in the Heighington area. What beauties! 
• Owen Beaumont messaged: "Quite a difference in a week with a skipper invasion in

  

  progress! Nice and warm in the dunes, but partially overcast most of the day and a westerly breeze kept it from getting too hot. Transect around Rimac early afternoon: 66 Small Skipper, 16 Large Skipper, 5 Common Blue, 4 Red Admiral, 7 Speckled Wood, 45 Meadow Brown, 5 Ringlet and 22 Small Heath - 170 individuals of 8 species."
• Alan Pike emailed: "This afternoon I visited Southrey Wood with wife to be, Louise. It was very hot

  

  and we spotted lots of White Admirals in all areas, a few whites, Red Admiral, fresh Comma along the BC ride, Ringlets and Meadow Browns. Also, lots of Common Spotted-orchids."
• Laura Gundy from Benniworth Walk Farm emailed: "This morning the garden trap revealed a Red-necked Footman and 2 Peach Blossom moths, the latter being a first for me!"
• Nige Lound emailed: "Overnight in my Skegness garden, the trap attracted my first Treble Brown Spot."
• Roy Harvey messaged: "Had my first Ringlet of the year today in my Grasby garden."
• Philip Johnson emailed: "A Silver-washed Fritillary was a first for us at Old Wood, Skellingthorpe today. Also noted a few other species, including White Admiral, and a YouTube video of my visit can be seen by clicking the following link: https://youtu.be/H9jyIOgBBcM

Thursday 16th June 2022

• John Clarkson emailed: "This Red-necked Footman was at Gibraltar Point NNR this morning - well spotted by Adrian Royle as we walked along the footpath to Harvey's hide."
• Kev Armstrong from Nettleton phoned: "Hummingbird Hawk-moth this morning in my garden at Wold Farm." 
• Mark Schofield emailed: "Monday was Red-necked Footman in the evening at Chambers Farm

  

  Wood (see attached photo). I really enjoyed discovering this species' bright yellow abdomen and proboscis in stark contrast to its velvety black wings.  A woodland moth whose larvae feed on lichens and algae. Although well established in south and south-west England, south-west Scotland and Wales, those in the east are thought to be immigrants. Black Hairstreak was showing well at Five-ways during the warm days this week, with 5-6 on the wing at any one time during peak activity today. 
• Andrew Kurch phoned: "Twelve species of butterfly today at Cleethorpes Coast LNR: a late Green Hairsteak and three species new for the year - 8 Meadow Brown, 8 Ringlet and 2 Small Skipper. Also noted: 3 Red Admiral, 4 Small Tortoiseshell, 1 Painted Lady, 3 Green-veined White, 1 Small White, 3 Speckled Wood, 4 Common Blue, 1 Large Skipper and a single Hummingbird Hawk-moth." 
• Nige Lound emailed: "I've had quite a productive week on the coast. Yesterday, a Red-tipped Clearwing came to pheromone lure in my Skegness garden, then trapping at Mill Hill at Gibraltar Point NNR overnight, produced 366 moths of 92 species. The obvious highlight was a Tawny Wave and the 2nd record for the site. New for the year were Beautiful Hook-tip, Fern, Burnished Brass, Round-winged Muslin, Kent Black Arches, Shark, Yellow Shell, Common Emerald and Cream-bordered Green Pea."                                            
• John Davison reported: "Nice hot day, but few butterflies about at Southrey Wood. Several Red Admirals and Speckled Woods, but nice to see the first White Admiral out."

Wednesday 15th June 2022

• Derek Fox emailed: "An early Ringlet seen today at the gravel pits on Barlings Lane, Langworth. Also, good numbers of Banded Demoiselle on the small stream running at the back of the pits."
• John Davison emailed: "Visited Burkinshaw's Covert near Immingham this morning. Not many butterflies, but Small Tortoiseshell, Large Skipper, Green-veined White, Speckled Wood, Meadow Brown and my first Ringlet of the year with a slight nick in its wing. I did see a better second one!"
• Nige Lound emailed: "Trapped at Syke's Farm, Gibraltar Point NNR overnight and had 209 moths of 71 species. Macros that were new for the year were Mottled Beauty, Peach Blossom, Red-necked Footman, Riband Wave and Rustic/Uncertain. Painted Neb (Oxypteryx wilkella) was a noteworthy micro." 

Tuesday 14th June 2022

• Adrian Royle emailed: "A bike ride over to Chambers Farm Wood again today produced 5 Black Hairstreaks, including a mating pair high up at Fiveways and another at perfect height on the way to Minting Triangle. The access road is still closed!"
• Paul Daubney emailed: "I trekked to Chambers Farm Wood today (access road and car parks still closed) with occasional sunshine, and saw a good selection of butterflies, though in small numbers. Little Scrubs Meadow threw up a single Marsh Fritillary and a few Meadow Browns and Large Skippers. There was lots of Black Hairstreak activity at Fiveways, although the most I could count at any given time was 4. A supporting cast of a few Speckled Woods, Brimstones and Small Tortoiseshells, and singles of a very faded Painted Lady, Red Admiral and Green-veined White. All topped off with 2 Broad-bordered Bee Hawk-moths, a Broad-bodied Chaser dragonfly and Ruby-tailed Wasps at the Butterfly Garden. Worth the walk!
• Roy Harvey emailed: "Linda and I visited Nettleton LNR today and noted the following butterfly

  

  species: 15 Small Heath, 3 Small Tortoiseshell, 5 Meadow Brown, 3 Red Admiral, 3 Large Skipper, 2 Large White, 2 Speckled Wood and 1 Common Blue. Also, we had a very brief view of two butterflies together in the mating posture on a bramble bush. One was a Red Admiral and the other a Small Tortoiseshell. Sadly, they flew off before I could raise the camera."
• Brian Hedley emailed: "Was delighted to come across a Nemophora fasciella, a brightly coloured

  

  small longhorn moth, on outskirts of Marton village today. It's apparently the first record for VC54 according to Martin Gray, so well chuffed!"
• Pete Burnett emailed: "A decent haul of over 60 moths in my Fiskerton garden last night, with Bird's Wing, Poplar Hawk-moth and Miller being the highlights. I have noticed a distinct lack of micro moths this year!"

Monday 13th June 2022

• Mike Pickwell emailed: "I went for a walk in Cleethorpes Dunes this afternoon. The weather had turned somewhat cloudy, but I still found quite a few butterflies on the wing: 4 Painted Lady, 16 Small Tortoiseshell, 2 Meadow Brown, 1 Green-veined White, 5 Large White, 1 Small White, 2 Peacock and a single Six-spot Burnet moth. The Southern Marsh and Common Spotted-orchids looked stunning and I enjoyed a close encounter with a Red Fox."
• Nige Lound emailed: "206 moths of 66 species overnight at Syke's Farm, Gibraltar Point NNR. New for the year were Double Square-spot, Light Arches, Rosy Wave, Saltmarsh Plume, Single-dotted Wave, Star-wort and Striped Wainscot."

Sunday 12th June 2022

John Davison emailed: "Two micro moths from the LNU Field Meeting at Dunston Beck, west of Metheringham today - Nemophora fasciella and Thistle Ermine."

Saturday 11th June 2022

• Mike Pickwell emailed: "I walked around my local patch of Gooseman's Field and the Woodland Burial Ground in Scartho today. Although warm at 22 degrees C, there was a strong wind from the south-west. Despite this it was a good session, including superb views of a Roe Deer buck on Gooseman's. I found the following: 1 Meadow Brown (my first of the year), 1 Holly Blue, 9 Red Admiral, 23 Small Tortoiseshell, 12 Large Skipper, 3 Small Heath, 1 Common Blue and 2 Speckled Wood. Red Admirals seem to be doing well at the moment; I had 3 in my garden yesterday and 2 today."
• Toby Ludlow messaged: "I managed to get out to Kirkby Moor LWT Nature Reserve today for a bit of fresh air - not much flying at all, but did spot a Red-necked Footman, which is a nice find."
• Laura Gundy messaged: "While walking the dogs at Benniworth Walk Farm this afternoon, I flushed my first Meadow Brown of the year."
• Alan Daws emailed: "This afternoon I had a walk around the conservation area next to Winters Pond at East Halton. In three hours I noted the following: 37 Small Heath, 24 Small Tortoiseshell, 3 Painted Lady, 10 Common Blue, 1 Brown Argus and 3 Large Skipper."

Friday 10th June 2022

• Dave Wright reported: "This afternoon I visited Wold Farm at Nettleton and despite the breeze

  

  noted the following butterflies: 2 Meadow Brown (my first of the year), 3 Red Admiral, 2 Small Tortoiseshell, 1 Common Blue, 1 Brown Argus, 3 Speckled Wood, 1 Green-veined White and 3 Brimstone. Also found 20+ larvae of the latter, feeding on several Alder Buckthorn sprigs that were only planted earlier this year. Moths included 4 Cinnabar, 1 Latticed Heath, 1 Silver Y, 3 Silver Ground Carpet and 5 Chimney Sweeper."
• Owen Beaumont messaged: "Transect around Rimac this afternoon was a bit windy in places but nice and warm. Noted the following: 6 Large Skipper, 2 Common Blue, 3 Red Admiral, 5 Small Tortoiseshell, 1 Peacock, 7 Speckled Wood, 2 Meadow Brown and 38 Small Heath. Off transect earlier in the day were 2 Painted Lady, 1 Small Copper and 3 Green Hairstreak." 
• Paul Rose reported: "Visited Crowle Moor North today and noted at least 8 Large Heath."

Thursday 9th June 2022

• Lesley Robinson from Scunthorpe emailed: "Today I had a female Brimstone egg-laying on Alder Buckthorn in the back garden. Looks like there have been caterpillars on the Alder Buckthorn out the front. Also, Painted Lady, Red Admiral and Small Tortoiseshell on white flowered Red Valerian. A good garden day - happy days!"
• Nige Lound emailed: "Trapped overnight at Sykes Farm, Gibraltar Point NNR and had 315 moths of 62 species, with Dusky Brocade, Fox Moth, Latticed Heath, Shaded Pug and Snout all new for the year."  

Tuesday 7th June 2022

Dave Wright reported: "Following the unseasonable weather of late it was pleasing to see a few butterflies in my Grimsby garden again. This afternoon produced 3 Red Admirals and a Small Tortoiseshell nectaring on the Red Valerian, with at least 4 Holly Blues making an appearance." 

Saturday 4th June 2022

Mike Pickwell emailed: "Having planned a butterfly trip to Saltfleetby-Theddlethorpe Dunes NNR today, I persevered despite the weather, concentrating on birds rather than butterflies. I had a very pleasant, if chilly, birding session. Nothing spectacular, but it was good to get my first Cuckoo of the year. Despite all the odds, I did manage to find a few butterflies: 2 Small Tortoiseshell, 1 Speckled Wood, 2 Small Heath and 1 Red Admiral.

Friday 3rd June 2022

• Pete Cawdell emailed: "Great to see newly emerged Dark Green Fritillaries at Castle Bytham this afternoon. Other summer butterflies coming out bang on cue were 3 Common Blue males, several Meadow Browns, including a female, and 7 fresh Small Tortoiseshells. A Green-veined White completed today's sightings. Last month I recorded a Grizzled Skipper at this new site."
• Mike Pickwell emailed: "When it brightened up this afternoon, I went for a walk around Gooseman's Field and the Woodland Burial Ground in Grimsby. I saw 2 Painted Lady, 1 Large Skipper (first for the year), 6 Small Tortoiseshell, 2 Small Heath and 3 Speckled Wood. Moths included 1 Cinnabar and 1 Latticed Heath." 

Thursday 2nd June 2022

• Nige Lound emailed: "Not a lot of variety overnight, managed 220 moths of 38 species with Buff Ermine, Dark Arches and Eyed Hawk-moth the only ones new for the year."
• Laura Gundy messaged: "Visited Sotby Meadows LWT Nature Reserve this afternoon and was surprised to find a Bordered Straw! Little else about apart from a few Grass Rivulet moths and 2 male Common Blues."

Wednesday 1st June 2022

• Dave Wright reported: "Had a thoroughly enjoyable day at Saltfleetby-Theddlethorpe Dunes NNR today, in the company of Chris Atkin and Josh Forrester. Despite the cool northerly breeze, we noted a few butterfly species, although not surprisingly numbers were low compared to last week - 3 Wall, 77 Small Heath, 1 Orange-tip, 14 Large Skipper, 14 Speckled Wood, 4 Green

  

  Hairstreak, 19 Small Tortoiseshell, 2 Red Admiral, 1 Painted Lady, 1 Large White, 1 Green-veined White, 13 Common Blue and 1 Small Copper. Moths included - 1 Gold Spot, 1 Silver Y, 14 Burnet Companion, 1 Mother Shipton, 2 Silver Ground Carpet, 2 Common Carpet, 1 Green Carpet, 2 Yellow Shell, 7 Cinnabar, 30 Grass Rivulet, 5 Drinker (larvae), 1 Lackey (larva), 4 Common Nettle-tap and 7 Timothy Tortrix."
• Toby Ludlow messaged: "Fed up of the poor weather over the past few days, decided to nip over to Moor Farm LWT Nature Reserve today in an all-to-brief bright spell. I was hoping to see my first Large Skipper of the year and, more importantly, to catch up with Herr Schmidt again! Alas, I failed on both counts. The best I could do whilst there was 7 Small Coppers, all way past their best, 7 Common Blues, a brace of Brown Argus and a solitary Brimstone."

---

May 2022

Sunday 29th May 2022

Mark Johnson emailed: "Walked the sea embankment from Grainthorpe Haven to Horseshoe Point car park this morning and counted the following butterflies: 32 Common Blue, 1 Brown Argus, 1 Green-veined White, 7 Small White, 1 Large White, 1 Orange-tip, 26 Painted Lady, 5 Small Heath and 11 Small Tortoiseshell. Moths included 2 Silver Y and 2 Yellow Shell. Also, found over 100 spikes of a Broomrape species." 

Saturday 28th May 2022

• Laura Gundy emailed: "This morning I visited some damp grassland near Raithby by kind permission of the landowner. Pignut was growing there in profusion and I was pleased to see that it had its usual attendant Chimney Sweeper moths - I counted 33, including 2 mating pairs. The cool, cloudy weather meant that butterflies were in short supply - a few Green-veined Whites, Orange-tips, a Speckled Wood and a Small Tortoiseshell did show themselves briefly though. Back at home at Benniworth Walk Farm I saw my first Common Blues of the year (all males) resting at the top of grass stems. Nearby, I noticed that a group of Ox-eye Daisy flowers that were sheltered from the wind, were covered in Cocksfoot Moths Glyphipterix simpliciella."
• Andrew Kurch phoned: "I saw my first Hummingbird Hawk-moth of the year today, nectaring on Red Valerian in my Grimsby garden."

Friday 27th May 2022

• Toby Ludlow messaged: "With a Force 5 Fresh Breeze blowing and large swathes of cloud ever squeezing the areas of blue sky smaller, the weather today was sub-optimal to say the least! The day started off rather lacklustre and the prevailing conditions, combined with the 'June Lull' come early, did nothing to suggest that the rest of the day would be any different. A walk around Moor Farm LWT Nature Reserve had produced only a handful of butterflies, but then, just before

  

  midday, that all changed with the sighting of a particular butterfly. This butterfly was on my 'bucket list', and I have previously spent considerable time looking for it. So, today, I was delighted to tick this one off! The butterfly in question was a white Small Copper ab. schmidtii."
• Owen Beaumont messaged: "The butterfly transect was a tad blowy at Rimac today, but still produced a decent variety - 1 Large White, 1 Orange-tip, 2 Green Hairstreak, 1 Small Copper, 1 Brown Argus, 5 Common Blue, 1 Speckled Wood, 3 Wall and 32 Small Heath. Also had additional species of Brimstone and Painted Lady after transect."
• Zoe Shreeve emailed: "We had a Hummingbird Hawk-moth feeding on the Red Valerian in our back garden in Healing this morning."

Wednesday 25th May 2022

Nige Lound emailed: "Trapped at Syke's Farm, Gibraltar Point NNR overnight, with the temperature down to 7 degrees C and increasingly windy. Managed a total count of 372 moths of 52 species. New for the year were Sand Dart (5) and Dark Sword-grass (5)."

Tuesday 24th May 2022

• Mike Pickwewll emailed: "Not having seen a Wall Brown for some years and suitably inspired by Pete Smith's report from Covenham, I paid a visit today. I managed to find 4 Wall, but they were challenging to photograph to say the least! I was pleased to find 11 Common Blue and also 1 Large White, 1 Small White, 3 Painted Lady and a male Orange-tip."
• Dave Wright reported: "Along with Chris Atkin, I returned to Saltfleetby-Theddlethorpe Dunes NNR

  

  today and focused on the area between Paradise and Churchill Lane car parks. It was quite cool and cloudy at first, but developing sunny periods helped to produce a decent butterfly count! We noted the following: 154 Small Heath, 11 Wall, 9 Green Hairstreak, 16 Painted Lady, 7 Red Admiral, 1 Peacock, 1 Small Tortoiseshell, 38 Common Blue, 6 Brown Argus, 5 Large Skipper, 2 Small White, 5 Green-veined White, 4 Orange-tip and 4 Speckled

  

  Wood. Moths included: 4 Silver Y, 9 Drinker (larvae), 3 Burnet Companion, 2 Mother Shipton, 3 Cinnabar, 8 Brown-tail (larvae) and 2 Common Carpet. Lots of dragonflies on the wing and included 3 Banded Demoiselle in bankside vegetation near the small bridge at the entrance to Rimac. Bird wise, the highlight of the day was undoubtedly an Osprey which flew low over the car park at Rimac during a break for lunch."

Sunday 22nd May 2022: Striped Hawk-moth in Lincolnshire!

• Laura Gundy from Benniworth Walk Farm emailed: "Going out to check the moth trap at early doors this morning revealed a stunner - a Striped Hawk-moth. This is only the 4th record of the species in Lincolnshire, and a very beautiful moth it is too! Slightly worrying, therefore, that I almost trod on it before I saw it on the ground. I also recorded Scorched Carpet, which is new for my garden, but of course today that seemed a bit of an aside." 
• Nige Lound emailed: "491 moths of 76 species overnight at Syke's Farm, Gibraltar Point NNR.

  

  My personal highlight was another new moth for me in the form of a Broken-barred Carpet. Also of note were singles of Flame Wainscot and Obscure Wainscot, as well as the 3rd Alder Moth of the year (last records were 2005) and another Seraphim. Others new for the year were Common Wainscot, Common Wave, Heart and Dart, Large Nutmeg, Large Yellow Underwing,

  

  Lychnis, Marbled White-spot, Middle-barred Minor, Peppered Moth, Scorched Wing, Shears, Silver Y, Straw Dot, Waved Umber and Wormwood Pug."
• Alan Pike emailed: "I've been making an effort to try and see Green Hairstreak this year, and today I found one at Greetwell Quarry near Lincoln. Also, saw numerous Small Heath, Common Blue, Large Skipper, Small White, Speckled Wood and Orange-tip, plus a fresh Red Admiral, a tatty Small Tortoiseshell and a Mother Shipton moth."
• Mike Pickwell emailed: "Having been away for ten days, I felt Gooseman's Field and the

  

  Woodland Burial Ground in Grimsby needed a visit, so I walked around both today. Surprisingly, I  found only one white but, although warm, it was overcast most of the time. I did find my first Common Blue of the year and 6 Small Heaths, plus 1 Green-veined White, 1 Speckled Wood, and 1 Holly Blue. Moths included 1 Silver Y and a Silver Ground Carpet. I also had a Holly Blue and Red Admiral in my Scartho garden."
• Suzanne Nelson messaged: "Paid a last minute visit to Chambers Farm Wood today and, despite it being overcast and breezy, I managed to spot the following: 2 Brimstone, 1 Large White, 1 Orange-tip, 2 Peacock, 2 Green-veined White, 4 Marsh Fritillary and 3 Dingy Skipper. Later, a visit to Snakeholme Pit produced 2 Brimstone, 1 Brown Argus, 4 Green-veined White and 2 Common Blue (pair)." 
• Oliver Woodman emailed: "One Painted Lady at Hill Holt Wood, near Norton Disney today, feeding briefly on thyme flowers, until flying purposefully north-east. Also, at least 20 Four-spotted Chasers at Norton Bigwood and a single Banded Demoiselle."
• Graham Catley emailed: "Despite the access restrictions at Chambers Farm Wood, I attempted a visit and I'm very pleased that I did, with 6 Broad-bordered Bee Hawk-moths around the small car park in front of the education centre. In little Scrubbs Meadow there must have been at least 35 Marsh Fritillaries."

Saturday 21st May 2022

• Josh Forrester messaged: "My first Common Blue of the year today at Humberston Fitties, and a few Painted Ladies around as well."
• Dave Wright reported: "Managed to get down the coast just after midday and visited Saltfleetby-Theddlethorpe Dunes NNR. I walked a small circuit of the Rimac section of the reserve and noted the following: 65 Small Heath, 11 Wall, 13 Common Blue, 3 Brown Argus, 3 Green Hairstreak, 5 Orange-tip, 2 Painted Lady, 2 Large White and 4 Green-veined White. Moths included 3 Common Carpet and a Mother Shipton. Also, great to hear 2 Turtle Doves and see a Hobby flying low over the marsh, before disappearing over the dunes."
• Mark Johnson from North Somercotes emailed: "Moths in the garden overnight using my 15W

  

  Synergetic trap included the following: "1 Eyed Hawk-moth, 6 Treble-lines, 4 Small Square-spot, 1 Poplar Hawk-moth, 2 Shuttle-shaped Dart, 1 Rustic Shoulder-knot, 2 Muslin Moth, 4 Setaceous Hebrew Character, 2 Green Carpet, 1 White Ermine, 1 Pebble Prominent, 1 Shoulder-striped Wainscot, 3 Common Pug, 1 Tawny Marbled Minor, 3 Common Swift, 4 Flame Shoulder, 1 Grass Rivulet, 1 Yellow Belle and 1 Black-headed Conch."

Thursday 19th May 2022

• Mark and Sally Johnson from North Somercotes emailed: "Around lunchtime today we popped home and saw a Wall in our garden, along with 1 Red Admiral, 1 Large White, and a male and female Orange-tip. Nearby, 2 Painted Ladies were seen on the farm estate."
• Dave Wright reported: "It was pleasantly warm and sunny in the Cleethorpes area this afternoon. I decided to take a walk around a section of the Country Park and was rewarded with two new species for the year - 2 Red Admiral and a single Large Skipper. Also noted 1 Brimstone, 2 Large White, 1 Small White, 5 Green-veined White, 1 Holly Blue, 4 Orange-tip (3 Male and 1 female), 2 Speckled Wood and a single Silver Y moth."
• Nige Lound emailed: "240 moths of 53 species at Syke's Farm, Gibraltar Point NNR overnight. New for the year were Beautiful Golden Y, Brown Silver-line, Buff-tip, Coxcomb Prominent, Light Emerald, Mottled Pug, Pale-shouldered Brocade, Setaceous Hebrew Character, Turnip and Willow Beauty."
• Roy Harvey emailed: "I went to Nettleton LNR again this afternoon - warmer and brighter than last

  

  time. No sign of Green Hairstreak, but did see the following - 1 Brown Argus, 6 Orange-tip, 3 Small Heath, 2 Large White, 1 Green-veined White and 1 Speckled Wood."
• Phil Bowler emailed: "Visited Little Scrubbs Meadow today at Chambers Farm Wood. I saw no Speckled Woods on my journey through the woods, backing up what I thought about them being in low numbers as yet. Same with Common Blue, only seeing the one worn female. They are still to emerge in our garden! I cannot be certain, but I thought I saw 2 Green Hairstreaks. Something resembling one flew up to the top of the hedgerow that separates the two main meadows, the other was something interacting with a Dingy Skipper in the actual meadow around Birds-foot Trefoil. It was not another Dingy nor a blue, and certainly looked very similar to when I've seen these two species flying together elsewhere. However, I noted the following: 13 Dingy Skipper, 30 Marsh Fritillary (including 3 females), 3 Painted Lady (passing northwards, although one did stop to refuel on Ragged Robin), 1 Common Blue, 2 Orange-tip, 4 Green-veined White, 1 Large White and 8 Latticed Heath." 
• Alison Brownlow emailed: "Today on the A156 between Torksey and Marton, I noticed that the hedges are shrouded in caterpillar webs, looking as if a white blanket has been thrown over them. Probably caused by Small Ermine caterpillars."

Wednesday 18th May 2022

• Pete Smith emailed: "After seeing Josh's Wall Brown aberration from Sunday, I got a bit of an itch to go and see some Lincolnshire Wall Browns of my own this week. I usually see plenty during my travels in Europe, but as this species has become more and more localised and rare on a county basis, I thought it was time to see a few genuine 'Yellow-belly Wall Browns'. This usually involves a 30+ mile road trip from my home. So I set off for Covenham late morning today, and despite the moderate breeze, a full circuit of the reservoir gave me a count of 11 Wall Brown. After this, I decided to follow up with a trip to Rimac on the coast, where I found 25 Walls, chief amongst them the attached photo of a male pathological aberration, which appeared very different in flight with its much paler hindwings. Well worth a trip!
• Chris Atkin messaged: "Visited Rimac today and found 8 Painted Lady and 2 Large Skipper - firsts of the year for me! Also, Banded Demoiselle new for the year."
• Graham Catley messaged: "Walking around Chowder Ness, near Barton-upon-Humber this afternoon, had 2 Red Admirals and 2 Painted Ladies."
• Phil Bowler from Amber Hill emailed: "A little addition to yesterday's post - today I saw a third Small Heath, another Painted Lady, 4 Red Admiral, and a brand new Small Tortoiseshell. This is the earliest summer brood individual in our garden!"

Tuesday 17th May 2022

• Phil Bowler emailed: "Today provided some interesting sightings in our Amber Hill garden. As well as the now customary comings and goings of at least 5 Holly Blues, similar numbers of Brimstone, and Orange-tip having one of their best years, it is not the case for Speckled Wood. We have seen very few in our garden so far this year - is this the case elsewhere? The main

  

  reason for writing however, is firstly the arrival of the Painted Ladies. 2 individuals blessed us with their presence, alongside a couple more Red Admirals. Even better than that though was the sighting of a male Small Heath having a dispute with a male Small Copper as he patrolled our meadow strip back and forth. Elsewhere in the garden I came across another Small Heath, this time a female, which I know for sure, because I was fortunate to see her shuffling around in very sparse grasses, laying eggs. I feel blessed!
• Gary Fenwick emailed: "Report of sightings from today: Covenham Reservoir - 2 Wall Brown. Saltfleetby-Theddlethorpe Dunes NNR (from Brickyard Lane car park) - 7 Green Hairstreak, 2 Wall Brown, 1 Peacock, 3 Orange-tip and 2 Cinnabar moths. Rimac - 8 Common Blue, 1 Wall Brown, 4 Green Hairstreak, 14 Small Heath, 1 Large White, 1 Painted Lady and 2 Orange-tip."
• John Davison reported: "Warm and sunny at Snakeholme Pit today, but still no great numbers of

  

  butterflies about. Mostly Brimstone (male and female), but also Large and Green-veined White, Orange-tip, Common Blue and Brown Argus. Moths included Latticed Heath in the meadows, with a few larvae about including Yellow-tail and Emperor Moth. Later, I visited Southrey Wood, but butterflies still few and far between. However, it was nice to see my first Marsh Fritillary of the year."
• Tim Harvey emailed: "A brief afternoon visit to Snakeholme Pit afforded the opportunity to photograph Brown Argus. I noted all three Whites, Brimstone, Common Blue, Orange-tip, Peacock and a few Latticed Heath moths. There were also good numbers of dragonflies and damselflies on the wing including Large Red Damselfly, Azure Damselfly and smaller numbers of Banded Demoiselle."
• Martin Kew reported: "Walked the transects at Twyford Wood today and recorded the following: Glades Reserve - 11 Common Blue, 10 Grizzled Skipper, 19 Dingy Skipper, 7 Small Heath and a Green Hairstreak. Sanctuary Reserve - 6 Common Blue, 5 Grizzled Skipper, 10 Dingy Skipper, 1 Small Heath, 2 Brown Argus, 2 Green Hairstreak and an Orange-tip." 
• Nige Lound emailed: "185 moths of 53 species overnight at Syke's Farm, Gibraltar Point NNR, with Alder Moth and Tawny-barred Angle the highlights. Others new for the year were Bright-line Brown-eye, Brindled Pug, Brown Rustic, Clouded border, Clouded Silver, Common Marbled Carpet, Common Swift, Coronet, Elephant Hawk-moth, Figure of Eighty, Gold spot, Marbled Minor agg, Poplar Hawk-moth, Silver Ground Carpet and White-point."

Monday 16th May 2022

• Graham Catley messaged: "Today I finally caught up with some Walls (3) at Alkborough Flats!"
• Dave Wright reported: "Further to Pete Cawdell's posting on Sunday 24th April regarding Holly Blues having a good year in Lincoln; that's certainly the case in my area of Grimsby! I've had multiple sightings in my garden over the last few weeks, including four at any one time. Although the main foodplant of the spring generation is holly, a wide range of other plants are used, and today I witnessed a female egg-laying on Hydrangea petiolaris (see attached)."

Sunday 15th May 2022

• Josh Forrester messaged: "Not a lot to report of late, save for this aberrant Wall seen at Covenham Reservoir this afternoon. Looks like the aberration called 'quadriocellata'. Nice to see, stumped me for a second when I first saw it! Little else on the wing apart from a smattering of Orange-tips due to the strengthening winds."
• Chris Atkin messaged: "Paid a visit to Donna Nook NNR today and walked south from

  

  Stonebridge car park towards Quad 3. Noted a few butterfly species along the way, including a couple of Wall, the odd Green Hairstreak and my first Small Heaths of the year. Also found a Garden Tiger moth caterpillar."
• Mark Johnson from North Somercotes emailed: "This morning the garden trap produced 31 moths of 18 species, of which 11 were new for the year. These included: 1 Lime-speck Pug, 1 Blood-vein, 1 Clouded Border, 1 Red Twin-spot Carpet, 1 Latticed Heath, 1 Waved Umber, 3 Common Swift, 1 Green Carpet, 1 Treble Lines, 1 Cinnabar and 1 Black-headed Conch."

Saturday 14th May 2022

• Pete Smith emailed: "Just been out to Little Scrubbs Meadow today and am pleased, to report that, despite not being able to find any Marsh Fritillary larvae earlier this spring, there is a small emergence of adult butterflies now on the wing. I counted just over twenty adults today, almost all males (just one female seen), and similar numbers of Dingy Skippers (all males). Hopefully there are more of both species yet to emerge!" 
• Dave Wright reported: "Managed to get out first thing this morning and so decided to make a brief

  

  visit to Nettleton LNR, one of my favourite sites close to Grimsby. It was still cool on my arrival at 08:50 AM, and by the time I'd got to the top of the hill I'd only managed to flush a single male Orange-tip and Small White. I was becoming quite despondent, but spirits were lifted when I heard my first Cuckoo of the year. Shortly afterwards, and with temperatures rising, I found 5 Wall

  

  along a sheltered track and these were my first ever at this site! 5 Green Hairstreaks were seen nearby and I also noted the following: 4 more Orange-tip, 2 more Small White, 1 Large White, 1 Brimstone, 12 Green-veined White and a Common Carpet moth."
• Nige Lound emailed: "66 moths of 34 species overnight at Syke's Farm, Gibraltar Point NNR. New for the year included Blood-vein, Dark Sword-grass, Fox Moth, Grass Rivulet, Scalloped Hazel, Scorched Carpet, Shoulder-striped Wainscot, Water Carpet and Yellow-barred Brindle. However, the highlight was my first ever Seraphim, which I think may be a reserve first."
• Mark Johnson emailed: "Had a trip to Rimac today in search of dragonflies, but while there kept a tally of butterflies. Saw 5 Common Blues and a single Large Skipper, both my first of the year, 20 Small Heath, 4 Green Hairstreak, 9 Wall, 1 Peacock and 4 Orange-tip. Also found a female Fox Moth upside down on the path which I thought was dead. On picking it up, it latched onto my finger and so I placed it on a bench and within a couple of minutes it was found by a male. I left them to it!"

Friday 13th May 2022

Owen Beaumont messaged: "Good transect today at Rimac, despite the fairly strong westerly wind - 1 Large White, 1 Green-veined White, 1 Orange-tip, 6 Green Hairstreak, 1 Small Copper, 1 Red Admiral, 1 Peacock, 18 Wall and 22 Small Heath."

Wednesday 11th May 2022: Chambers Farm Wood Car Park and Road Closure!

• Dave Wright reported: "It has been brought to my attention by Mark Schofield, a resident at Chambers Farm Wood, that there is going to be disruption to access for Chambers Farm Wood car parks over the next few weeks. Work should be starting this week and concluding by the end of June with some overnight work. There will be closure of the car parks during the whole construction period, so effective closure to all but residents. Alternative parking could be Goslings Corner Wood and walk about 2 kilometres."
• Phil Bowler emailed: "Today I visited the Sanctuary Reserve at Twyford Wood. The weather was not great, but I managed the following: 4 Grizzled Skipper, 24 Dingy Skipper, 1 Brimstone, 1 Large White, 11 Green-veined White, 3 Orange-tip, 1 Holly Blue, 2 Common Blue, 2 Speckled Wood, 3 Small Heath and a fresh-looking Red Admiral. Also noted two species of moth: 2 Burnet Companion and 8 Wavy-barred Sable."

Tuesday 10th May 2022

• Toby Ludlow messaged: "Still annoyed at not seeing a Wall this year, I decided to visit Rimac, but with reinforcements (Elliott) this time. On arrival, we got out of the car and were nearly blown away by the fresh west-southwesterly breeze! Standing by the car, we instantly thought we'd struck lucky when a dark brown butterfly got blown past us, but closer inspection revealed it to be a Small Tortoiseshell. However, we didn't need to worry because we'd only spent ten minutes on the reserve when we finally saw a female Wall gliding along the track ahead. Whilst we thought the strong wind would be a limiting factor on our sightings, in less than two hours on site we amassed a good range of species between us and we were buoyed by the good number of Wall seen: our total of 28 on a circular walk back to the car was the most Wall I've seen in a single day for a considerable time! Other butterfly species seen were: 11 Small Heath, 1 Orange-tip, 6 Green-veined White, 4 Green Hairstreak, 2 Small Copper, 2 Common Blue, 5 Brown Argus, 1 Speckled Wood, 1 Peacock and 1 Red Admiral. There were also a couple of species of day-flying moths seen: 3 Burnet Companion and 2 Cinnabar."

  

• Mark Johnson emailed: "After lunch today, I grasped the opportunity of visiting Donna Nook NNR  in search of Green Hairstreaks. I walked from Stonebridge car park to Pye's Hall end and found 54. Other species encountered included: 5 Wall, 3 Peacock, 2 Small White and 2 Small Heath, my first of the year."
• Gary Fenwick emailed: "I visited Rimac today between 11:50 AM and 13:40 PM and saw the following butterflies: 8 Green Hairstreak, 4 Common Blue and 5 Wall."
• Steve Palmer from Healing messaged: "This morning the garden trap produced 24 moths of 11 species. New for the year were Gold Spot, Streamer,Flame Carpet, Garden Carpet, Common Pug and Heart and Dart."
• John Davison reported: "Sunny and warm, but windy at Snakeholme Pit today. Peacock, Small

  

  Tortoiseshell, Orange-tip, Speckled Wood and all the Whites were out. Quite a few Brimstones about, including one female egg-laying on Common Buckthorn. Also noted a couple of moths, the micro Vetch Piercer Grapholita jungiella, and the Latticed Heath."

Monday 9th May 2022

• Nige Lound emailed: "83 moths of 34 species, with 15 new for the year in the trap at Syke's Farm. The undoubted highlight was my first Birch Mocha which I believe is a first for Gibraltar Point NNR.
• Owen Beaumont  messaged: "Minimum counts from a walk around Rimac south and Churchill Lane (Saltfleetby-Theddlethorpe Dunes NNR) this morning: 7 Wall, 6 Orange-tip, 1 Common Blue, 1 Small Heath and 3 Green Hairstreak. Near Crook Bank yesterday: 4 Wall, 5 Orange-tip and 5 Green Hairstreak. Also, 2 Mother Shipton."
• Howard and Penny Smith emailed: "We left Yorkshire and drove down the A1 to delightful Twyford Wood today and we were not disappointed. We visited both the Sanctuary and the Glades reserves and can report the following butterfly sightings: Sanctuary and adjacent area - 2 Speckled Wood, 1 Red Admiral, 1 Green-veined White, 22 Dingy Skipper, 5 Grizzled Skipper, 4 Orange-tip, 4 Brimstone and 1 Green Hairstreak. Glades and Adjacent area - 4 Orange-tip, 4 Green-veined White, 8 Peacock, 11 Dingy Skipper, 6 Grizzled Skipper and 1 Speckled Wood. In addition we saw 2 moths in the Sanctuary, which we believe to be Clouded Border and Ancylis myrtillana. Wonderful place! We really appreciate the work undertaken by the Lincolnshire volunteers to maintain this location." 

Sunday 8th May 2022

• Mark Johnson emailed: "Seeing the Twyford Wood trip was cancelled, I decided to make a visit today and met up with Allan Rodda from the Yorkshire Branch of Butterfly Conservation. We spent a couple of hours in the Sanctuary area searching for Grizzled and Dingy Skippers. On such a lovely day, we were slightly disappointed in the number of other species present. Totals were: 7 Grizzled Skipper, 13 Dingy Skipper, 1 Brimstone, 1 Comma, 3 Green-veined White, 2 Large White, 2 Small White, 1 Peacock, 1 Orange-tip and a Small Heath."
• Toby Ludlow from Coningsby emailed: "Had my second Common Blue of the year this morning at The Pingle LNR close to home. Later, a walk across the heath at Kirkby Moor LWT Nature Reserve produced at least 20 Small Coppers and a single Brown Argus."

Saturday 7th May 2022

• Toby Ludlow messaged: "Went to the coast today for a walk around Gibraltar Point NNR. On arrival in Skegness, the clouds parted in biblical fashion and I enjoyed an hour of clear, blue sky whilst there. I had hoped to finally see Wall this year, but it just wasn't meant to be and I 'dipped' again on this species! On a more positive note, I did see two new species for the year: a male Common Blue was engaged in an aerial battle with a Brown Argus, so these two individuals took my tally up to 20 species for 2022 in Lincolnshire. Only two other butterflies were seen there, probably a result of the cold north-northeasterly that was blowing. These were a male Orange-tip and a female Green Hairstreak." 

  

• Laura Gundy emailed: "Collette Tait and I walked a small portion of the disused railway line at Hallington, with the kind permission of the landowner. It was cool and cloudy, so only a Green-veined White and one Orange-tip were seen flying. We did see our first Peacock larvae of the

  

  year too, which was great!"
• Brian Hedley emailed: "A new species for the garden here at Marton tonight, a Lesser Treble-bar." 

Friday 6th May 2022

• Suzanne Nelson messaged: "Today I spent a rewarding and enjoyable couple of hours walking around Twyford Wood and noted the following: 2 Grizzled Skipper, 10+ Dingy Skipper, 1 Green Hairstreak, 1 Red Admiral, 2 Small Tortoiseshell, 1 Peacock, 1 Small White, 7 Green-veined White, 4 Orange-tip, 2 Holly Blue and 3 Brimstone."
• Laura Gundy from Benniworth Walk Farm messaged: "This morning the garden trap produced a really fresh Mullein. There were plenty of Green-veined Whites around the farm and a female Muslin Moth in the wood nearby. Later in the day, I popped over to Saltfleetby-Theddlethorpe NNR and concentrated on the Rimac area noting the following: 11 Wall, 3 Orange-tip, 1 Small Copper, 8 Peacock, 1 Green Hairstreak and 1 Burnet Companion moth."

Thursday 5th May 2022

• Pete Smith emailed: "I spent 90 very pleasant minutes out at Greetwell Quarry today, watching 3 male Green Hairstreaks repeatedly fighting over territory up in the hawthorn bushes. Great to see this species still doing OK at this site right on the edge of Lincoln, although sadly the quarry is earmarked for housing development in the very near future. For years it has provided a safe haven for many butterfly species, including Small Heath, Common Blue, Brown Argus and Small Copper, among others. Today whilst watching the hairstreaks there were also plenty of Orange-tips, Speckled Woods, Holly Blues and other commoner species on the wing."
• John Nelson phoned: "This morning I had 2 Green Hairstreaks on waste ground between Grimsby Town's football ground and the railway line. Presumably, this is a new site for this species in Cleethorpes!"
• Kev Armstrong from Nettleton phoned: "A beautiful morning here at Wold Farm today, and a walk at the back of the house produced 12 Orange-tips, 1 Green-veined White, 1 Peacock, 5 Speckled Woods and 7 Brimstones, including 3 females egg-laying on recently planted buckthorn."
• Martin Kew reported: "Walked the transects at Twyford on a lovely sunny morning. Skipper numbers were: Glades Reserve - 5 Grizzled and 4 Dingy. Sanctuary Reserve - 4 Grizzled and 22 Dingy. Also recorded my first Small Heath of the season at the Sanctuary and sighted 2 Grizzled Skippers between the reserves."
• Lorraine Money emailed: "With over 22 species of butterfly seen yearly coming to our garden in Horncastle, at 12 noon today my husband Paul managed to find a Small Copper and it is the first sighting for us for over 12 years."
• Mike Pickwell emailed: "This morning I decided to have a walk around my Scartho Cemetery/Gooseman's Field/Weelsby Woods patch. There were a tremendous number of whites on the wing, although many were too far away or gone before I could identify them. However, I did manage to positively ID 26 Small White, 2 Green-veined White and a single Large White. Also noted 2 Holly Blue, 23 Orange-tip, 7 Peacock, 9 Small Tortoiseshell, 5 Brimstone and 2 Speckled Wood."

Wednesday 4th May 2022

Chris Atkin messaged: "Spent the day at Donna Nook NNR and, although the weather wasn't ideal, I managed to find a few Green Hairstreaks and a single Wall."

Monday 2nd May 2022

Martin Kew reported: "I visited Twyford Wood today and found this notice in the car park. Unfortunately, this means that the Butterfly Conservation Field Trip planned for Saturday 14th May will now have to be cancelled."

Bank Holiday Monday 2nd May 2022: Large Tortoiseshell at Little Ponton Quarry!

Toby Ludlow messaged: "Had to pick my son up from Grantham railway station today, so decided to go a bit earlier and call in at Little Ponton Quarry for a couple of hours beforehand. Despite the leaden skies, I soon found a Dingy Skipper roosting with its wings open on top of a dead flower head and, as luck would have it, there was a Grizzled Skipper roosting a few inches from it. I made the most of the opportunity and took many, many photographs of them. I was annoyed with myself when the memory card was full because I made the ultimate schoolboy error of not deleting photos that I had taken previously. How this would come back to bite me.... Luckily I had a second camera, so carried on. Found a couple more Grizzled Skippers, a couple more Dingy Skippers and disturbed a Small Tortoiseshell when traversing up to the top level of the quarry. I decided to venture down to the bottom of the quarry, where I had previously seen a few Grizzled Skippers. Just as I was about to descend, I disturbed another Dingy Skipper, which landed with its wings open on a bit of bare ground, sat perfectly as if posing for its photograph to be taken. As I approached it and loosed off a few shots, I disturbed a large butterfly which took flight and then landed again about a foot in front of me. When I took a good look at it, my eyes nearly popped out of their sockets, I could hardly contain my excitement - it was a Large Tortoiseshell, the first one that I've ever seen in the wild in the UK. I fumbled to get the camera up to my eye and in my haste I took one of the worst photographs ever. At this moment the Large Tortoiseshell took flight and moved further up the quarry, looking for somewhere to roost, before disappearing out of sight. I hung around for another hour, but knew I wouldn't see it again given the fading light levels."

Sunday 1st May 2022

Pete Burnett from Fiskerton emailed: "This year it's been a slow start trapping as far as moth numbers go, but overnight the garden trap produced this nice Lunar Marbled Brown."

---

April 2022

Saturday 30th April 2022

• Richard Rowling emailed: "I came across this Dingy Skipper at the Blue Lagoon, a site situated on the

  

  northern edge of Scunthorpe. Apparently this area is being made attractive for Grayling by a conservation group! Also Small Copper present." 
• Ian McGlynn emailed: "I saw 4 Dingy Skippers today at Temple Wood. On my way home I visited a private field near Robert's Field LWT Nature Reserve and found a Common Heath moth."
• Mike Pickwell from Grimsby emailed: "This morning I saw a Holly Blue in my Scartho garden. Later my wife and I visited Sotby Meadows LWT Nature Reserve and went for a walk along Sotby Green Lane and the Old Roman Road. We saw: 14 Brimstone, 12 Orange-tip, 12 Small White 6 Small Tortoiseshell and 3 Peacock."
• Andrew Kurch phoned: "Visited Cleethorpes Coast LNR this morning and found 15 Green Hairstreaks in the dunes near the leisure centre. Also noted: 3 Brimstone, 1 Large White, 9 Green-veined White, 2 Small Tortoiseshell, 6 Orange-tip, 6 Peacock and 1 Speckled Wood."
• Nige Lound emailed: "67 moths of 26 species overnight at Syke's Farm, Gibratar Point NNR, with Common Pug, Dog's Tooth, Golden-rod Pug, Grey Pine Carpet, Knot Grass, Oak-tree Pug, Pebble Prominent and Ruby Tiger all new for the year."

Friday 29th April 2022

• Owen Beaumont messaged: "Walked the transect at Rimac (Saltfleetby-Theddlethorpe Dunes NNR) this afternoon, which produced a slightly better survey, once the cloud cleared - 1 Small Copper, 3 Wall, 2 Peacock, 1 Speckled Wood, 1 Green Hairstreak and 1 Green-veined White."
• Dave Wright reported: "Good to see a butterfly on the wing again after a cold week. Green-veined White, Large White and Holly Blue all made an appearance in my Grimsby garden this afternoon, during a period of warm sunshine."

Wednesday 27th April 2022

Chris Atkin messaged: "That Wall I had at Rimac on 24th April must be made of steel! I returned today (temperature 9 degrees C), woolly hat and gloves on, no sun all day and not surprisingly no butterflies, then I had a Wall flying along that same stretch as last week!"

Tuesday 26th April 2022

Trevor Sherwood emailed: "Spotted a Ruby Tiger moth today, on a wide verge next to a lane in Scamblesby on the Wolds. First one I'd personally seen this year."

Monday 25th April 2022

• Mike Pickwell emailed: "I went for a walk around the Cemetery/Woodland Burial Ground and Gooseman's Field this afternoon. It was cool and grey to start with, but warmed up as the afternoon went on. I saw 6 Small Tortoiseshell, 2 Peacock, 2 Green-veined White, 4 Speckled Wood and 1 Small White." 
• Richard Rowland from Burton upon Stather emailed: "Found an Early Grey in my garden this afternoon."

Sunday 24th April 2022

• Martin Kew reported: "Walked the transects today at Twyford Wood and in spite of the fresh breeze recorded my first skippers! Two Grizzled Skippers at the Glades and one at the Sanctuary. Also one Dingy Skipper at the Glades. Other butterflies recorded over the two reserves were 2 Brimstone, 3 Green-veined White, 3 Orange-tip, 1 Holly Blue and 4 Peacock."
• Laura Gundy emailed: "Still not many butterflies up here on the Wolds and can't put the moth trap

  

  out due to incessant cold winds. Nevertheless, I did see my first Small Copper of the year and 4 Six-spot Burnet moth caterpillars on the disused railway line near Benniworth Haven today. Later in the afternoon, I paid a visit to Kirkby Moor LWT Nature Reserve and saw 7 Small Coppers and appproximately 10 Emperor Moths over the heath."
• Pete Cawdell emailed: "Holly Blue seem to be having a good year. This afternoon I had several

  

  sightings of males in central Lincoln near the junction of West Parade and The Avenue, around the hollies. At 4 p.m. I spotted a less than pristine female egg-laying on holly. At 7 p.m. she eventually roosted for the night on a holly leaf, with an egg nearby at the base of a flower bud. This was on my work site and is my first sighting of an adult or other stage of Holly Blue in 24 years of looking there!

Saturday 23rd April 2022

Kev Armstong from Wold Farm, Nettleton reported: "I couldn't resist putting out the trap again last night, but fewer moths this time - 30 of 12 species. However there were two new species for the year, Red Twin-spot Carpet and a stunning Purple Thorn, the latter being new for the site."

Friday 22nd April 2022

Dave Wright reported: "This morning I popped over to Kev Armstrong's place at Wold Farm, Nettleton, to inspect last night's catch in his moth trap. 41 Moths of 14 species and included three new for the year, an early Cinnabar, Knot Grass and a Shuttle-shaped Dart. Later, a walk around the sheltered spots of his land produced 4 Speckled Wood, 3 Brimstone, 1 Large White, 1 Small White, 5 Green-veined White, 4 Orange-tip and 4 Peacock."

Thursday 21st April 2022

• John Davison reported: "It was nice and warm during my visit to Snakeholme Pit LBC Nature Reserve today, but surprisingly only a few butterflies on the wing - Small White, Green-veined White, Orange-tip (all males), Peacock and Brimstone. The Brimstones were laying eggs on the Buckthorn."
• Dave Wright reported: "Just after midday I decided to take a walk in my local area of Grimsby, incorporating Great Coates village, Freshney Bog and Town's Holt, returning via the field margin along the Wybers Wood Estate. The usual butterflies on the wing, but in good numbers, and a male Large White at Cooks Lane Meadow in Great Coates village, was my second of the year. Species totals included the following: 3 Brimstone, 1 Large White, 11 Small White, 20 Green-veined White, 7 Orange-tip, 13 Peacock, 38 Small Tortoiseshell, 12 Speckled Wood and 3 Holly Blue."

  

• Richard Rowland emailed: "I photographed the attached Sulphur Tubic Esperia sulphurella on buddleia here in Burton-upon-Stather."
• Cliff Morrison reported: "6 Green Hairstreaks today, in the dunes around my home at Brickyard Lane, Saltfleetby-Theddlethorpe Dunes NNR."

Wednesday 20th April 2022

• Chris Atkin emailed: "Visited Saltflleetby-Theddlethorpe Dunes NNR today, concentrating mainly on the Rimac area. Despite the cool north-easterly breeze, I flushed my first Green Hairstreak of the year, which not surprisingly soon hunkered down in the grass to escape the wind. Shortly afterwards, I found a Small Copper, followed by a Wall, both firsts for the year! As the day progressed, it became quite warm in the sheltered areas and I also noted the following: 25 Peacock, 2 Orange-tip, 1 Speckled Wood and several Green-veined White."
• Mike Pickwell emailed: "An excellent day today! I went to Donna Nook first and found 3 Green

  

  Hairstreaks and 2 Peacocks. Also my first Swallows of the year. I then moved on to Covenham Reservoir where I was pleased to find 4 Yellow Wagtails along with 3 Small White, 3 Orange-tips (all male), 1 Small Tortoiseshell and 1 Peacock."
• Steve Palmer from Healing messaged: "First Orange-tip of the year in my garden today."

Tuesday 19th April 2022

Mike Pickwell emailed: "I went for a long walk around the local patch in Grimsby this afternoon (Cemetery/Woodland Burial Ground, Weelsby Woods and Gooseman's Field). There were plenty of butterflies on the wing in the sun: 4 Speckled Wood, 24 Small Tortoiseshell, 9 Peacock and 1 Small White. I also saw my first Holly Blue of the year along Scartho Road this morning."

Easter Monday 18th April 2022

• Kev Armstrong from Wold Farm, Nettleton reported: "Had the trap out again overnight, but this time positioned it among the trees on the hillside above the house. Managed 27 moths of 11 species and included the following: 1 Muslin Moth (male), 2 Red Chestnut, 1 Brindled Beauty, 1 Pale Pinion, 1 Shoulder Stripe, 12 Hebrew Character, 2 Twin-spotted Quaker, 2 Powdered Quaker, 3 Clouded Drab, 1 Chocolate-tip and a Bee Moth."
• Richard Rowland emailed: "Lots of Orange-tips on a walk near Burton-upon-Stather today. Later, I found a Streamer moth on a stinging nettle."
• Trapped at Syke's Farm, Gibraltar Point NNR overnight and caught 43 moths of 10 species, including some cracking fresh specimens that were new for the year - Chocolate-tip, Muslin Moth and Red-green Carpet."
• Chris Dobson from Langworth emailed: "I nearly didn't bother with the garden trap tonight, but was pleased I did, as four new for the year turned up: Chocolate-tip, Lunar Marbled Brown, Swallow Prominent and Lesser Swallow Prominent. Also, my neighbour showed me a female Emperor Moth, picked up off the road only a couple of hundred yards away!"

Easter Sunday 17th April 2022

• Mark Johnson from North Somercotes emailed: "Last night's garden moth trap didn't have a lot ,

  

  but Chocolate-tip always lifts the mood. Shuttle-shaped Dart and Brindled Beauty were also new for the year. Had a walk through Saltfleetby-Theddlethorpe Dunes NNR in the Rimac area yesterday in the hope of something. Not much really - 7 Peacock, 2 Speckled Wood and 3 Large Red Damselfly."
• Roy Harvey emailed: "Had my first visit of the year to Nettleton LNR this afternoon and noted the following: 1 Speckled Wood, 1 male Orange-tip and 5 Green-veined White."

Saturday 16th April 2022: Early Green Hairstreak!

• Andrew Kurch phoned: "This morning I visited the dunes at Cleethorpes Coast LNR and was surprised to find my first Green Hairstreak of the year. Also noted 3 Peacock, 4 Small Tortoiseshell, 1 Comma, 1 Brimstone and 1 Green-veined White. Before returning home I popped into my local patch just off Westward Ho in Grimsby where 10 Speckled Wood, 8 Green-veined White and a single Holly Blue were the highlights." 
• Dave Wright reported: "Thomas, my grandson, has always wanted to see a snake in the wild. To remedy this I decided to take him to two LWT Nature Reserves - Moor Farm and Kirkby Moor, arguably two of the best sites in the county for these elusive reptiles. Our luck was in and we managed to find 3 Grass Snakes at Moor Farm, although two of the sightings consisted of just brief glimpses. He was also keen to see some butterflies and we noted the following: 6 Brimstone (5 male & 1 female), 5 Peacock, 2 Small Tortoiseshell, 1 Green-veined White and 1 Small White. As we transferred to the second site, my first Orange-tip of the year was seen patrolling along Wellsyke Lane with another male Brimstone. Kirkby Moor produced 2 more Grass Snakes, but the highlight for me was finding 2 Small Coppers, by far my earliest sighting for this species. We also noted 6 Brimstone, 5 Orange-tip, 8 Peacock, 1 Comma, 1 Green-veined White, 2 Small White and 2 Speckled Wood (my first of the year). Both reserves produced my first damselfly of the year, with a single Large Red Damselfly at Moor Farm and 2 more at Kirkby Moor."
• Josh Forrester from Grimsby messaged: "A most pleasant surprise today! While I was moving the

  

  recycling bin, a stunning Herald moth dropped off. It landed on its back, but I knew it straight away - so distinctive and new for the garden!
• Mike Pickwell emailed: "I had a bird photography trip to Bonby Carrs today hoping for some migrants, but no luck! However, I did see 3 Small White, 1 Small Tortoiseshell and 1 Peacock."
• Toby Ludlow emailed: "Following a tip-off from Dave Wright and his grandson Thomas, I called in

  

  at Kirkby Moor LWT Nature Reserve late on this afternoon to try and find a Small Copper. After a brief search, I found 3. On the walk over the heath, I thought I'd found my second Painted Lady of the year, but when it was joined by a second individual, I realised that they were in fact, male Emperor Moths searching for a female. They both seemed to be interested in a particular clump of heather, so I bent down and investigated and, lo and behold, found a freshly-emerged female. As I parted the heather, one of the males darted in and instantly paired with the female. After a few photos, I moved on across the heath and found many more male Emperor Moths quartering low across the heather."

Good Friday 15th April 2022

Jan Rousseau from North Hykeham emailed: "Holly Blue in the garden today!"

Thursday 14th April 2022: First Painted Lady of the Year! 

• Toby Ludlow messaged: "Amazing, amazing, amazing! My 12th species of the year 'in the bag': a

  

  really fresh Painted Lady seen nectaring on a dandelion on the Pingle LNR, Coningsby, which was initially spotted by my son Elliott. A total of 11 species were seen on our walk there today, the others being: Large White, Small White, Green-veined White, Orange-tip (my first female for 2022), Brimstone, Small Tortoiseshell, Peacock, Comma, Speckled Wood and Holly Blue."
• Owen Beaumont messaged: "I managed to get out for the first butterfly transect of the year at

  

  Saltfleetby-Theddlethorpe Dunes NNR today. Only 1 Small White, 3 Peacock and 1 Comma, but it's a start! A stunning male Redstart appeared briefly as I was walking the transect, so that was a nice bonus!"
• Mike Pickwell emailed: "Had a very pleasant walk at Messingham Sand Quarry LWT Nature Reserve today. No dragonflies or damselflies yet, but quite a few butterflies on the wing: 4 Brimstone, 7 Green-veined White, 4 Small White, 2 Orange-tip, 2 Small

  

  Tortoiseshell and 4 Speckled Wood. Birds on the reserve included lots of Chiffchaff, my first Willow Warbler of the year and a singing Cetti's Warbler. Also, I found a Common Lizard basking in the sun."
• Jan Rousseau from North Hykeham emailed: "I saw a male Orange-tip in the garden today." 
• Dave Wright reported: "My first Holly Blue of the year today made a brief appearance in my daughter's garden at Cleethorpes Country Park, along with a single Small White and 2 Small Tortoiseshells. On returning home, I found another Holly Blue sat among the ivy in my Grimsby garden."

Wednesday 13th April 2022

Michelle Bellini from North Thoresby emailed: "Had a wander around my garden this afternoon and disturbed 10 Peacocks and 1 Small White."

Tuesday 12th April 2022

• Phil Bowler from Amber Hill emailed: "A bit of warmth makes all the difference! 4 Brimstones in the garden today at one time. It was great to see a female laying eggs on the buckthorn (hardly in leaf) and another one flying nearby intercepted by a male, forced to the ground and immediately mated with. No courtship! They stayed hidden at ground level under the leaves of Garlic Mustard. A rare sight indeed!"
• Toby Ludlow from Coningsby messaged: "2 Holly Blues in the garden today, found by my son Elliott."
• Pete Cawdell emailed: "My friend, Andy Pegg, reported a first Holly Blue male in his West Keal garden this afternoon."
• Nige Lound emailed: Trapped at Syke's Farm, Gibraltar Point NNR overnight and had 27 moths of 9 species, with Streamer being the highlight."

Monday 11th April 2022

Toby Ludlow messaged: "My first Orange-tip of the year today, along a roadside verge in Woodhall Spa."

Sunday 10th April 2022

• Dave Wright reported: "There was a vast improvement in the weather today in the Grimsby area, bright and sunny, with a lighter and less cool breeze. As a result it was great to see a few butterflies on the wing again during a walk in my local area, and included three firsts for the year - Small White and a male Brimstone in Freshney Bog, and a Green-veined White in Town's Holt. Also noted a total of 49 Small Tortoiseshell and singles of Peacock and Comma. Later, a second Small White appeared in my garden."
• Mike Pickwell from Grimsby emailed: "After a bit of an absence from the local patch, I had a wander around the woodland burial ground and Gooseman's Field today. Quiet on the bird front with just the regular burial ground Chiffchaff, but I saw 18 Small Tortoiseshells on Gooseman's. Some of them are looking quite worn now, but it was nice to see one nectaring on dandelion."
• Geoff Beasley from Irby upon Humber messaged: "2 Orange-tips and a male Brimstone in the garden today."
• Mark Johnson from North Somercotes emailed: "After brushing the frost off the garden trap this

  

  morning, I was amazed to find six moths within - 1 Common Quaker, 3 Clouded Drab, 1 Chestnut and a Pale Pinion. Later at Covenham Reservoir, I saw 3 Small Tortoiseshells and a Peacock."

Saturday 9th April 2022

Mark Joy emailed: "This afternoon I visited Kirkby Moor LWT Nature Reserve and, despite the cold wind, in sheltered spots I managed to see three butterflies. A male Orange Tip, a male Brimstone and my first Speckled Wood of the year. I had visited in the hope of seeing Orange Underwing moths, but failed and wondered if I've missed the main emergence this year after the hot spell of weather towards the end of March."

Friday 8th April 2022

Toby Ludlow phoned: "It was bright and sunny in the Coningsby area this morning, and although it was still quite cool, I decided to visit two local LWT nature reserves, Moor Farm and Kirkby Moor. I drew a complete blank at the first of these sites, but the latter produced three butterflies - 2 Peacock and my first Speckled Wood of the year!"

Wednesday 6th April 2022

Dave Wright reported: "My second Large White of the year appeared in my Grimsby garden this morning and eventually settled on an ivy leaf. However, closer inspection revealed that it was the same female I recorded last Sunday, due to an identical deformity on the right forewing."

Tuesday 5th April 2022

Nige Lound emailed: "The usual fayre at Syke's Farm, Gibraltar Point NNR tonight with 67 moths of 7 species. A single Shuttle-shaped Dart was new for the year."

Monday 4th April 2022

Kev Armstrong from Wold Farm, Nettleton reported: "Decided to put out the moth trap this evening for the first time this year and managed 45 moths of 10 species - 1 Twin-spotted Quaker, 6 Common Quaker, 6 Small Quaker, 1 March Moth, 4 Early Thorn, 5 Early Grey, 5 Hebrew Character, 2 Red Chestnut, 14 Clouded Drab and 1 Diurnea fagella." 

Sunday 3rd April 2022

Dave Wright reported: "My first white of the year this afternoon, a stunning female Large White, which turned up in my Grimsby garden." 

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March 2022

Monday 28th March 2022

• Mark Joy emailed: "This afternoon I went to Twyford Wood near Colsterworth and saw a mimimum of 16 Peacock, 11 Small Tortoiseshell and 10 Comma. The highlight of the afternoon though was my first ever March Orange Tip (male). Going back many years in the Lincolnshire farmland areas, I would normally see my first Orange Tip around the 7th May. In recent years it has become mid to late April, so today's March sighting was a nice surprise, but not totally unexpected with the recent great weather we have had. I must admit I went with the hope of seeing an Orange Tip!"
• Phil Bowler emailed: "Pleased to report the sighting of a Red Admiral in my Amber Hill garden today. It was a blink and you miss it moment, as it briefly fed from sloe blossom." 
• John Davison reported: "Visited Snakeholme Pit today and recorded five butterflies of four species - 2 Comma, 1 Brimstone (male), 1 Small Tortoiseshell and one very fresh Green-veined White."

Sunday 27th March 2022

• Phil Lee messaged: "Had our first Speckled Wood of the year today at Langholme."
• Toby Ludlow messaged: "Recorded my seventh species of the year today: a male Green-veined White on The Pingle LNR in Coningsby."

Saturday 26th March 2022

Laura Gundy emailed: "The moth trap in my Benniworth garden overnight revealed some nice spring species: Small Quaker, Common Quaker, Hebrew Character and Clouded Drab. Also, one beautifully marked Shoulder Stripe and a new one for my garden, a Grey Shoulder-knot."

Friday 25th March 2022

• Phil Lee emailed: "Attached is one of several Orange Underwings seen at Haxey Carr today."
• Toby Ludlow messaged: "Went for a walk with my son, Elliott, to Moor Farm LWT Nature Reserve today. Whilst there, we saw all of the usual suspects along with one really unusual suspect! In the distance, Elliott spotted what we both initially thought was a Brimstone, but as it got closer and then flew past us, we were amazed to see that it was, in fact, a male Large White. This was also our first white of the year, so it was unusual for that to be a Large White."
• Andrew Kurch phoned: "While walking into the centre of Grimsby today, I came across my first Speckled Wood of the year in a sheltered corner of a small green space adjacent to Alfred Terrace."

Thursday 24th March 2022

• Mike Pickwell emailed: "We had a walk around Snipe Dales LWT Nature Reserve today and found 11 Brimstone, 2 Small Tortoiseshell, 1 Peacock and a Comma. It was interesting to find some of the Brimstones nectaring on the primroses."
• Roy Harvey emailed: "Saw my first Brimstone butterflies of the year today at Messingham Sand Quarry, where 2 were on the wing. Also noted 2 Peacocks."
• Mark Johnson reported: "Today I had 2 Brimstone, 1 Peacock and my first Small White of the year in my mum's garden at North Somercotes."
• Andrew Kurch phoned: "Visited People's Park in Grimsby today and saw my first Red Admiral of the year! Also noted singles of Comma and Peacock."
• Nige Lound emailed: "Despite a hard frost and overnight low of -1 degree C at Syke's Farm, Gibraltar Point NNR, managed a surprising 51 moths of 8 species - Clouded Drab, Common Quaker, Dotted Border, Hebrew Character, Red Chestnut, Satellite, Small Quaker and Twin-spotted Quaker."

Wednesday 23rd March 2022

Mark Joy emailed: "Today I visited Callans Lane Wood near Kirkby Underwood and saw 7 Peacock (one nectaring on Sallow), 7 Comma and 5 male Brimstone (two were nectaring on Primrose)."

Tuesday 22nd March 2022

Nige Lound emailed: "I trapped at Syke's Farm, Gibraltar Point NNR again and caught 26 moths of 9 species, including a Yellow Horned, which I think may well be a reserve first. Certainly a new one for me on the coast!"

Saturday 19th March 2022

Mike Pickwell emailed: "A late afternoon visit to the Freshney and Town's Holt in Grimsby yielded 10 Small Tortoiseshells and a Comma. Also, 2 Chiffchaff, a fleeting glimpse of a Cetti's Warbler and similar of a Kingfisher."

Friday 18th March 2022

• Andrew Kurch phoned: "Following a productive visit earlier in the week to my local patch, just off Westward Ho in Grimsby, I returned today and was rewarded with 3 Small Whites, my first of the year! Also noted 48 Small Tortoiseshells, 5 Commas and 2 Peacocks."
• Phil Bowler from Amber Hill emailed: "Butterflies are starting to show more regularly in the garden, but it's still a bit on the chilly side down here near the coast. Nevertheless, the first Small White showed today, joining Small Tortoiseshell, Peacock, Comma and both sexes of Brimstone."
• Collette Tait emailed: "Lovely Brimstone in my Hundleby garden today."
• Nige Lound emailed: "A very steady start to the year - the overnight trap at Syke's Farm, Gibraltar Point NNR, produced 13 moths of 6 species and included Clouded Drab, Common Quaker, Hebrew Character, March Moth, Twin-spotted Quaker and Agonopterix arenella."

Thursday 17th March 2022

Ian McGlynn emailed: "I saw a Red Admiral today in Temple Wood, Aslackby."

Wednesday 16th March 2022

Josh Forrester from Grimsby messaged: "This morning the trap revealed one moth of one species: Hebrew Character. A new record for me and the first moth recorded in my garden for the year! This will be my first full year of trapping."

Tuesday 15th March 2022

• Mark Joy emailed: "Today I checked a local farmyard near my Gosberton Risegate home hoping to see a few early Spring butterflies. I didn't expect to see as many as normal, as a few weeks ago I checked their main hibernating site in an old barn where I would normally see a total of 20 to 30 Peacocks and Small Tortoiseshells (along with a few Herald Moths). I drew a total blank then, with not one hibernating and from the amount of broken butterfly wings on the concrete floor, I could see they had all been predated! So today looking around the farm I managed to find (in sunny sheltered areas where there were small nettle patches) just 3 Small Tortoiseshells and 1 Peacock that had survived hibernation in other buildings or sheltered places. I made the most of these sightings though and watched and waited to hopefully see Small Tortoiseshells mate for my first ever time. I watched a male Small Tortoiseshell chasing a female around and perching behind her with the usual fluttering wings for over 45 minutes. Eventually the female dived into some grass with the male flying around it for some time looking like he had lost her! All of a sudden he dived straight into one area and then I witnessed them mating. They remained paired from 2:04 P.M. to 2:28 P.M. when the female decided to break off and left the male very happily sunning himself.
• Dave Wright reported: "Around midday ventured out and took a walk down to Town's Holt in Grimsby. Along the way, the field margin bordering the Wybers Wood housing estate produced an amazing count of 50 Small Tortoiseshell and 2 Peacock (my first of the year). In Town's Holt itself, another 19 Small Tortoiseshell added to the tally, along with 2 Comma (my first of the year). Great to hear at least 4 Chiffchaff in song."
• Josh Forrester from Grimsby messaged: "3 Comma today by St. Giles Avenue in Scartho and 3 Small Tortoiseshell on Gooseman's Field."
• Mike Pickwell emailed: "A good day today: my first Chiffchaff of the year, 3 Small Tortoiseshells, one on the edge of Weelsby Woods and 2 on Gooseman's Field, along with a very tatty Comma."
• Howard Bunn phoned: "During my lunch break, while working at a property along Charles Avenue in Louth, I noticed about a dozen Small Tortoiseshells and a single Brimstone on the adjaceant allotments." 

Monday 14th March 2022

• Graham Catley messaged: "My first Comma of the year in the forest at Laughton today. Had another 2 later on, but nothing else on the wing." 
• Geoff Beasley from Irby upon Humber messaged: "Had my first Comma of the year in the garden today, a week or so earlier than last year."
• Mark Joy emailed: " Today I saw a male Brimstone along the road from my Gosberton Risegate home. Along the old railway line at Woolsthorpe by Colsterworth were 1 Peacock and 1 Small Tortoiseshell. In Twyford Wood just 1 Small Tortoiseshell."
• Andrew Kurch phoned: "Paid another visit to my local patch, just off Westward Ho in Grimsby and the Small Tortoiseshell number had gone up to 30. Also noted my first Peacock and Brimstone of the year."

Sunday 13th March 2022

Mark Johnson from North Somercotes emailed: "The first trap of the year in my garden last night produced the usual suspects - 1 Clouded Drab, 2 Hebrew Character and 2 Common Quaker."

Friday 11th March 2022

• Dave Wright reported: "It was bright and sunny in the Grimsby area this morning, so I decided to take a walk along a few field margins and in my local patch of Town's Holt. Despite the fresh breeze, I managed a total count of 37 Small Tortoiseshell. 
• Adrian Royle emailed: "5 Small Tortoiseshells in Louth this morning."
• Collette Tait reported: "Male Brimstone in our Hundleby garden this morning."
• Steve Palmer from Healing emailed: "I put the moth trap out for the first time this year last night

  

  and had 5 species including a March Moth, which was new for the garden. The catch also included singles of Common Quaker, Hebrew Character, Early Grey and and an unidentified micro."

Thursday 10th March 2022: Double-digit Day!

• Toby Ludlow messaged: "Forget about astronomical and meteorological spring, today is officially

  

  the start of Butterfly Spring, which coincides with my first Brimstone sighting of the year! That individual was a sulphurous male, which was seen at Moor Farm LWT Nature Reserve near Kirkby on Bain. In an hour-long walk there, I recorded a further 4 males, all patrolling in search of a female. In the surrounding area, more Brimstones were evident, all enjoying the balmy

  

  weather, bringing my total for the day to 9. Back home in Coningsby, Small Tortoiseshells were on display 7 being my final tally, along with my first Comma of 2022. However, my best sighting of the day was that of a Red Admiral, flying westward between Kirkby on Bain and Woodhall Spa."
• Andrew Kurch phoned: "With a vast improvement in the weather in the Grimsby area today, I decided to return to my local patch, just off Westward Ho and noted 2 Comma and 24 Small Tortoiseshell."
• Adrian Royle emailed: "Visited Chambers Farm Wood today and got some butterflies at last! The morning was quite productive while the sun shone, and produced the following sightings: 12 Brimstone, 2 Peacock, 1 Comma and 1 Small Tortoiseshell."
• Martin Kew emailed: "My first Brimstone of the year appeared this morning in my Colsterworth garden."
• Alan Barker emailed: "Had a brief sighting of a female Brimstone just before midday, in woodland close to Doddington Road, Lincoln."
• Ian McGlynn emailed: "Just seen a Small Tortoiseshell in my garden at Bourne, resting on some daffodils."
• Mike Pickwell emailed: "I have just seen my first butterflies of the year on the outskirts of Grimsby at Gooseman's Field today - singles of Small Tortoiseshell and Peacock. I saw another Small Tortoiseshell outside my house when I got home."
• Laura Floyd reported: "While out walking this morning I saw a fine male Brimstone in Saint Nicolas Churchyard in Great Coates." 
• Jan Rousseau emailed: "My first butterfly of the year today, a lovely male Brimstone in my North Hykeham garden."
• Mark Joy emailed: "Today I saw my first butterflies of the year, 5 Brimstone. Driving between Essendine and Stamford flying along the roadside verges of the A4121 were 2 male and 1 female Brimstone (with another 2 male Brimstone out of county in a Northants Wood).

Wednesday 9th March 2022

Elliott Ludlow reported: "A single Small Tortoiseshell this afternoon, while walking along the Humber Embankment at Far Ings NNR."

Friday 4th March 2022

Phil Lee emailed: "It's probably impatience on my part, but it seems to be a slow start to the 'mothing' season in my Misterton garden. Last night I thought I would put the trap out until bedtime with the rain forecast for later and it arrived early at 9 PM. On checking this morning I had just the one moth, a Satellite which is the earliest garden record and the first since 2019."

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February 2022

Monday 28th February 2022

Mark Johnson phoned: "My first butterfly of the year today, a Small Tortoiseshell in the grounds of the Havelock Academy, Holyoake Road, Grimsby."

Sunday 27th February 2022

Toby Ludlow messaged: "I thought I might have seen a few butterflies today, because it was quite warm, with hardly any wind in the Coningsby area. After walking miles and not seeing a thing, I managed to find a Peacock just as I got home!" 

Saturday 26th February 2022

• Toby Ludlow reported: "With the weather forecast looking quite good, I arranged to meet up with Dave Wright today and together we decided to visit Kirkby Moor LWT Nature Reserve hoping to see an early butterfly. On arrival there at about midday, the sun was shining and it was starting to feel warm. Optimistically, we headed out over the heath and things were looking good until the wind started to get up. Although it was blowing from the south, it provided an uncharacteristic, icy chill to the proceedings, enough to turn success into failure, in my opinion. We spent almost two hours on site and covered the whole of the Visitors' Route, but the only thing we saw of note on the walk was one micromoth that we had disturbed. However, we were unable to identify the little blighter because it just headed skywards like a homesick angel! We headed back to the car feeling slightly down, but my pulse suddenly started to race when I saw a dark object flying further along the Main Stone Track. Initially, I didn't get my hopes up because I had been fooled earlier on when I'd mistakenly seen some leaves being blown along the track. This time I shouted to Dave and together we investigated the dark UFO. However, on this occasion we were both delighted to see our first Small Tortoiseshell of 2022! Buoyed by this result at Kirkby Moor, we headed over to nearby Moor Farm LWT Nature Reserve in the hope of adding to our tally. With the afternoon drawing on, the temperature started to drop, and we were not hopeful of seeing another butterfly. And so it was! That said, whilst there, we were lucky to see our first Grass Snake and our first Adder for 2022."
• Tracey Lenton from Boston emailed: "My first butterfly of the year! Had a Small Tortoiseshell fly into my garden this afternoon, it stayed for around 20 minutes, feeding on heather and basking in the sunshine."
• Andrew Kurch phoned: "Decided to make the first visit of the year to my local patch, just off Westward Ho in Grimsby, and was rewarded with my first 4 Small Tortoiseshells of the year."
• Howard Bunn phoned: "Had a Small Tortoiseshell this morning, while working in the People's Park area of Grimsby."

Wednesday 9th February 2022

Audrey and John Spring reported: "Our first butterfly of the year today in our Scartho garden, a Small Tortoiseshell. "

Tuesday 8th February 2022

• Phil Lee emailed: "The forecast was good, so we set the garden trap again last night over here at Misterton, where the temperature stayed up at 8 degrees C. We were rewarded with 3 moths, Hebrew Character, Chestnut and a micro which is either Acleris notana or Acleris ferrugana, but you have to check the genitalia to be sure. We think it is notana as we have birch in the garden which is the larval foodplant, whereas ferrugana prefers oak or willow." 
• John Davison reported: "Had my first butterfly of the year today - a Brimstone in Southrey Wood."

Sunday 6th February 2022

Brian Hedley emailed: "Agonopterix arenella, found in house here at Marton and quite a smart looking micro I think!"

Thursday 3rd February 2022

Phil Lee from Misterton emailed: "We don't usually set our garden trap until March, past years have never turned up anything interesting until then, but yesterday the weatherman said it was going to be a mild night and so we chanced it. I couldn't believe my eyes this morning with the attached Early Moth on the shed door awaiting me at 07:30! Early Moth does not appear to be common around here and in fact we have only come across it once before and that was at Mission Carr NR on New Year's Eve back in 2011. Over the years we have trapped the local LWT woods around us at this time of year, but have not caught it. Other moths in the garden included a Dotted Border and a Light Brown Apple Moth. So Early Moth is a very welcome addition to our garden list and hopefully a sign of a good year ahead!"

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January 2022

Wednesday 26th January 2022

Toby Ludlow from Coningsby phoned: "Had my first butterfly of the year today, thanks to my son Elliott who spotted a Peacock flying around the garden."

Monday 17th January 2022

Paul Floyd messaged: "Unfortunately, this morning I disturbed 2 hibernating Peacocks while moving some plastic pipes in the grounds of North Somercotes C of E Primary School."

Sunday 2nd January 2022

• Toby Ludlow from Coningsby messaged: "Off and running for 2022! Put the garden trap out last night with the temperature at 12 degrees C, and recorded 2 Mottled Umbers: one heavily patterned and the other obscurely marked."
• Laura Gundy messaged: "This morning I found a single Herald moth hibernating in my garden shed at Benniworth Walk Farm."

Saturday 1st January 2022

Adrian Royle emailed: "I saw a Green-veined White yesterday, up on the Wolds at Welsdale Bottom, east of Donnington on Bain. It flew across the road as I was walking through the area and landed in an apple tree full of rotten apples. Apparently, this sighting is the joint latest Lincs record ever!"

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Previous Year's Sightings

• Lincolnshire 2021 Sightings
• Lincolnshire 2020 Sightings
• Lincolnshire 2019 Sightings
• Lincolnshire 2018 Sightings

IMPORTANT: We can continue to receive your sightings, but please be aware of our guidance for recorders in response to the Government coronavirus restrictions. Please see BC Website.