Friends of Groyne No.4: Butterflying in the Alpes-Maritimes

Thursday, 13 July 2017

Butterflying in the Alpes-Maritimes - Col de Cayolle

The day started well, sitting at the front of the hotel waiting for the group to gather we discovered a much sought after Geranium Bronze inhabiting one of the flower pots.

Then we were away, up to the Col de Cayolle where the primary target species was the Small Apollo. However it was a blue that caught the eye first, small numbers were puddling by the fast flowing stream, among them an Alpine Blue.

Alpine Blue?

Underwing confirms it.

Then several Small Apollos turned up and of course were the focus of attention.

Then it was a return to hunting out some blues.

Glandon Blue

In this alpine environment essential minerals are difficult to find hence the mud puddling. Of course another excellent source is animal poo. A large flock of sheep had recently been grazing the adjacent slopes and had left a myriad of their calling cards. Dead simple to seek out a suitable "Richard III" and stake it out, waiting for a host of visitors.

Detailed information from our leader

I think I recognised Mountain Ringlet, Common Brassy Ringlet, Glandon Blue, Mazarine Blue, Idas Blue, Damon Blue, Turquoise Blue and Escher's Blue

I moved to a less busy location, one with sole occupancy, much better for photography.

Idas Blue

Room for two?

Mazarine Blue

Plenty of Ringlets too.

Common Brassy Ringlet

False Mnestra Ringlet

Common Brassy Ringlet

The return trip to the minibus gave an ordinary Apollo, Mountain Green-veined White and a drop dead gorgeous Blue Spot Hairstreak

Lunch, as always, was taken amidst spectacular surroundings

Post lunch was a search for Mountain Fritillary. By now the temperatures were well up and any insect had gone into hyperdrive. Open wing shots were reasonably easy but these specimens were not up to giving any diagnostic closed wing shots - still I gave it a good go.

Mountain Fritillary

On the way down we stopped off at the lake at Estenc, buzzing with butterflies but by now I was running out of energy, the café more attractive than chasing hyperactive insects. However I did investigate the source of the river Var. In the rapidly drying mud at the top of the watercourse I found fritillaries puddling, In the first of the flowing water, just one resident, a large frog with its legs intact.