When I was in Ireland Spring was late and many of the usual species were not around. Within a week the Speckled Wood butterflies were defending territories and courting along the woodland edge in patches of sunlight. The Green Veined White butterflies were still common. I like these underrated whites – the green underwing and delicate veining effect on the wings is beautiful. The Blue Damselflies also became more frequent, and the stunning Southern Hawkers were busy skimming over the clearings by the lake’s edge. I saw several daytime flying moths. There was even an Underwing Moth caterpillar on the wall. These caterpillars are usually beautifully camouflaged on trees but this one really stood out on the wall!
Southern Hawker
Male Speckled Wood
Male defending sun patch
Speckled Wood Courtship
Green Veined Whites
Blue Damselfly
Another Damselfly
This caterpillar usually lives on tree bark
Beautiful Day time flying moth. I do not know the species. If anyone can identify this moth I would be very grateful!
NaturalistNotebook 
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I love your photos. I have seen many dragon flies around, and never have my camera. Your photos are stunning!
Thank you so much for your kind comments! I love photographing dragon flies. It is easier before the day heats up and they do not move so quickly.
Lovely pictures. I accidentally went on a dragonfly identification course this morning – I mixed the dates up, and meant to be practising grass identfication – but I like dragonflies too, so…
Still need lots of practise though, so your pictures are great!
I am hopeless on grasses – need an ID class on them too! Still dragonflies are fun and I am glad you liked the photos!
Although they are all amazing, I couldn’t help notice the “Southern Hawker”. Such a beautiful creature.
Now I wish I could go back in time to every encounter I had with such creatures so that I could learn a bit more about their patterns and even behaviour.
~Sofia.
Thanks -yes the Southern Hawker is really beautiful – I know what you mean – the more we learn the more we get out of each encounter with nature!
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I have posted link to your beautiful photographs and descriptions! Thank you – John http://johndwmacdonald.com
thanks!
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Hi – I found something like your moth here http://www.ycy63.dial.pipex.com/moths/carpet.html. I arrived there by clicking on ‘Moths’ at http://www.judywoods.dial.pipex.com/ not sure how all that works but anyway my guess is it’s a Common Carpet Moth, anyone else have any better ideas?
David
PS Gorgeous pictures – I can never get the damn things to stay still long enough for the digital bit in the camera to get round to taking the picture.
Thanks do much for your help!
My photography pales by comparison. You are truly a pro as demonstrated by these beautiful close ups.
thanks so much!
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