Ditton Parish Council - Ditton Court Quarry in July

Spot The Difference!

photograph of the Gatekeeper (Pyronia tithonus) butterfly

Gatekeeper (Pyronia tithonus, pictured above) - forewings have a small black spot near tip, usually with two white dots; each hind wing has a similar spot, but with only a single white dot. Associated with sunny hedgerows, edged with bramble and long grass. The adult has a short proboscis and is restricted to feeding on flat open blossoms, like ragwort, bramble, wild marjoram and common fleabane.

photograph of the Meadow Brown (Maniola jurtina) butterfly

Meadow Brown (Maniola jurtina, pictured above) - forewing spots usually a single white dot, hindwing spots absent. Widespread and may be the most common butterfly across much of its British & Irish range. Habitats include downland and grassland, through to urban brownfield sites and coastal dunes. Unlike many other butterflies, it can be seen on the wing under overcast skies.

photograph of Dark Mullein (Verbascum nigrum)

Dark Mullein (Verbascum nigrum, above) - grows on road verges and hedge banks, especially on recently disturbed ground. Its tall, branched flower stems are covered in golden yellow flowers, with purple centres, from June onwards, offering nectar and pollen to bees.

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Text by Dr Michelle Fountain with credit & acknowledgements to BTO and NE websites.
Photos credit to Mike Easterbrook.

Ditton Parish Council *...in the Garden of England...*
Ditton Court Quarry in July

Spot The Difference! Gatekeeper (Pyronia tithonus, pictured above) - forewings have a small black spot near tip, usually with two white dots; each hind wing has a similar spot, but with only a single white dot. Associated with sunny hedgerows, edged with bramble and long grass. The adult has a short proboscis and is restricted to feeding on flat open blossoms, like ragwort, bramble, wild marjoram and common fleabane. Meadow Brown (Maniola jurtina, pictured above) - forewing spots usually a single white dot, hindwing spots absent. Widespread and may be the most common butterfly across much of its British & Irish range. Habitats include downland and grassland, through to urban brownfield sites and coastal dunes. Unlike many other butterflies, it can be seen on the wing under overcast skies. Dark Mullein (Verbascum nigrum, above) - grows on road verges and hedge banks, especially on recently disturbed ground. Its tall, branched flower stems are covered in golden yellow flowers, with purple centres, from June onwards, offering nectar and pollen to bees. ¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬ Text by Dr Michelle Fountain with credit & acknowledgements to BTO and NE websites. Photos credit to Mike Easterbrook.