After a really crap nights sleep, probably due to the hot weather though the fact I went for an evening nap following a few US and German beers down at the Crit and later the Rutland and Derby – R&D for short, I set off to pick up Dave for a trip to Fermyn Wood in Northants. The weather didn’t look favourable but we set off regardless.

As soon as we got there I found this pair of Five-spot Burnet having it off. The Porn Fairy has nowt on Moth Porn.

Five-spot Burnet

Ringlet were flying in numbers despite the cloud and a few did eventually settle.

Ringlet

Ringlet

Large and Small Skipper were also noted along with a few skulking White-letter Hairstreak and plenty of skittish White Admiral. The first Brown Hawker and Southern Hawker dragonflies of the year put in an appearance as the sun tried to burn through.

Shortly after I’d pissed on the track… to try and attract Purple Emperor, Dave picked up Purple Emperor sat in the oaks. It gave superb binocular views but was really to distant for photos. I did take a few record shots though.

Soon after I picked up this Comma nectaring and shortly after the first settled White Admiral was found.

Comma

White Admiral

White Admiral

Dave had soon tired of having his legs bitten by flies and set off to get some insect repellant from the car. He’d only gone about 50metres when he shouted and started frantically waving his arms. He’d found a superb Purple Emperor feasting on a pile of horse shit conveniently dropped earlier as two riders had passed us by.

Purple Emperor

Purple Emperor

The colours on these superb insects changes with every subtle movement of the wings and depending on the light or viewing angle. What a super beastie though. Thankfully the sun made a timely break through and we were able to fill our boots… metaphorically of course.

Purple Emperor

Purple Emperor