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Cornwall Butterfly Conservation @bc-cornwall.bsky.social · 4h

October marks the start of conservation season for Cornwall's butterflies! We have a packed programme of volunteer days on offer across our priority landscapes of Bodmin Moor and the Mining Districts around Redruth. Sign-up & get involved at volunteer.butterfly-conservation.org/opportunitie...

Conservation Work Parties 2026/27
United Downs Raceway - Sun 4th Oct, St Day, Redruth
Jordan - Sun 11th Oct, St Breward, Bodmin
West Basset Stamps - Thu 22nd Oct, Carnkie, Redruth
De Lank Outer Track – tbc, St Breward, Bodmin
Church Hay Down - Sat 7th Nov, St Breward, Bodmin
De Lank Outer Slope – tbc, St Breward, Bodmin
Carnon Valley - Thu 19th Nov, Devoran, Truro
Pendavy - Sun 29th Nov, St Breward, Bodmin
De Lank Inner Track – tbc, St Breward, Bodmin
Fellover - Sun 13th Dec, St Breward, Bodmin
United Mines - Fri 18th Dec, St Day, Redruth
United Mines - Thu 7th Jan St Day, Redruth
Church Hay Down - Sat 16th Jan, St Breward, Bodmin
Wheal Maid - Tue 19th Jan, St Day, Redruth
Fellover - Sun 31st Jan, St Breward, Bodmin
Wheal Maid - Sat 6th Feb, St Day, Redruth
Cook's Kitchen Mine - Thu 11th Feb, Pool, Redruth
Fellover - Sun 21st Feb, St Breward, Bodmin
Poldice Mine - Sat 27th Feb, St Day, Redruth

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Cornwall Butterfly Conservation @bc-cornwall.bsky.social · 30/09/2026

Have you checked out the new mural on Perranporth Library? Painted by street artist Mark Anthony, aka ATM, it depicts the Silver-studded Blue and Grizzled Skipper butterflies, both of which breed on nearby Gear Sands, along with their larval foodplants.

Street artist Mark Anthony (ATM) using a brush to paint a Silver-studded Blue butterfly on the library wall.

Street artist Mark Anthony (ATM) painting the butterfly mural on the exterior wall of the library. The mural features two male Silver-studded Blue butterflies (one in flight, the other nectaring on Common Bird's-foot Trefoil), a Grizzled Skipper butterfly, and two children, set against a backdrop of sand dunes.

Perranporth Library with street artist Mark Anthony (ATM) painting the butterfly mural on an exterior wall. The mural features two male Silver-studded Blue butterflies (one in flight, the other nectaring on Common Bird's-foot Trefoil), a Grizzled Skipper butterfly, and two children, set against a backdrop of sand dunes.

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Cornwall Butterfly Conservation @bc-cornwall.bsky.social · 30/09/2026

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Cornwall Butterfly Conservation @bc-cornwall.bsky.social · 19/09/2026

Our Chair @marcusrhodes.bsky.social will be on BBC Radio Cornwall tomorrow morning to discuss the results of the #BigButterflyCount. Listen in at 09:40am to hear how Cornwall's butterflies have fared this year.

A Gatekeeper butterfly perched on a Bracken frond with its wings closed. The underside of its hindwings are mottled brown. The forewing is orange with a black, double pupilled eyespot.

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Cornwall Butterfly Conservation @bc-cornwall.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

There have been several exciting reports of Queen of Spain Fritillary from across Cornwall in recent weeks. If you are lucky enough to see one of these rare visitors, please send us the record via iRecord or email records@cornwall-butterfly-conservation.org.uk

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Richard Fox @richardfoxbc.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

A cool, wet and windy night on the north Cornwall coast meant few moths, but this lovely, fresh Radford’s Flame Shoulder was NFY for me and saved the day #teammoth

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Penwith Birder @penwithbirder.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

Bit of a struggle walking to Cot but worth it for this Queen of Spain fritillary

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Cornwall Butterfly Conservation @bc-cornwall.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

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Dr Marcus Rhodes @marcusrhodes.bsky.social · 03/09/2026

Mating Clouded Yellows at Tater Du last Monday.

A pair of Clouded Yellow butterflies mating. One individual is perched on a dried seedhead, whilst the other is hanging from its partner by the claspers. The underside of their wings are bright yellow with a pale spot in the centre of each hindwing.

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Cornwall Butterfly Conservation @bc-cornwall.bsky.social · 26/08/2026

We're at Porthpean Community BioBlitz Festival this weekend! Join us for a butterfly walk on Saturday morning (10:30am-12:00pm). www.therockpoolproject.co.uk/community-bi...

Join us at the Community BioBlitz Festival

A 24 hour celebration of coastal wildlife and recording

29th - 30th August

Porthpean Outdoor Education Centre

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Cornwall Butterfly Conservation @bc-cornwall.bsky.social · 25/08/2026

It won't be long before the habitat management season is upon us! If you'd like to get involved with our conservation work this winter, sign-up to be notified about our voluteer work parties via the link below. volunteer.butterfly-conservation.org/opportunitie...

volunteer.butterfly-conservation.org

Practical Conservation Group Volunteer (Cornwall)

Our Practical Conservation Group Volunteers make a real difference to their local environment. Without them, many threatened butterflies and moths could be lost forever.

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Brigit Strawbridge @brigitstrawbridge.bsky.social · 22/08/2026

I spent a happy half hour watching (actually stalking) this GORGEOUS Small Copper butterfly yesterday afternoon... the first I've seen in our garden this summer. Photobombed by a teensy solitary bee whilst nectaring on the Rudbekia. Hoping this will be the first of many more!

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Dr Marcus Rhodes @marcusrhodes.bsky.social · 17/08/2026

Three Small Tortoiseshells on my walk to the hide at Drift Reservoir yesterday. Sadly, my highest count of this once common butterfly in the last two years.

A Small Tortoiseshell butterfly feeding from the purple flowerhead of a Devil's-bit Scabious plant. Its wings are orange with black spots and a row of metallic blue spots around the outer edge.

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Dr Marcus Rhodes @marcusrhodes.bsky.social · 13/08/2026

It may be hot outside, but for these Peacock butterflies, winter has already begun! Found in the entrance to an old mine at Cabilla Wood on Saturday, they will overwinter here until next spring.

Three Peacock butterflies roosting amongst roots protruding from the earthen roof of a tunnel. The underside of their wings are dark and mottled like dead leaves.

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Cornwall Butterfly Conservation @bc-cornwall.bsky.social · 10/08/2026

An exciting find at Penryn Campus today! This Large Tortoiseshell was spotted and filmed by @grahancock.bsky.social 🎥 George Hancock

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Dr Marcus Rhodes @marcusrhodes.bsky.social · 09/08/2026

Down the Lizard today on the hunt for Marsh Fritillary caterpillars. After the dismal flight season they've had this year, it was a considerable relief to find three larval webs on Goonhilly Downs this afternoon.

Several Marsh Fritillary caterpillars climbing up blades of Purple Moor Grass with their larval web in the background. The caterpillars are a dark ochre in colour with shiny, black heads and covered in spines.

A dense ball of silk webbing woven amongst grasses. Numerous Marsh Fritillary caterpillars can just be made out on the inside of the silk.

A ball of silk webbing woven amongst grasses and dotted with frass. A couple of Marsh Fritillary caterpillars can just be seen poking out through a hole at the top of the web.

The tussocky heathland of Goonhilly Downs with the satellite dishes of Goonhilly Earth Station in the background.

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Butterfly Conservation @savebutterflies.bsky.social · 10/08/2026

The bad news: #BigButterflyCount is over for another year 😞 The good news: You can still submit the results of any counts done between 17 July and 9 August until the end of this month! 🙌 Submit any pending counts at 👉 butrfli.es/3SVFepj 📷: Brian Valentine

A Holly Blue butterfly looking inquisitively at the camera while resting on a leaf against a blurred, green background.

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Dr Marcus Rhodes @marcusrhodes.bsky.social · 09/08/2026

No second generation Small Pearl-bordered Fritillaries at Pendrift Bottom on Bodmin Moor yesterday, but we were treated to some excellent views of low down Purple Hairstreaks.

A Purple Hairstreak butterfly nectaring from a thistle flower. Its wings are silvery-brown, with a white streak across them. There are two orange eyespots and a small tail at the bottom corner of the hindwing.

A Purple Hairstreak butterfly and Drone Fly nectaring from a thistle flower. The butterfly's wings are silvery-brown, with a white streak across them. There are two orange eyespots and a small tail at the bottom corner of the hindwing. The Drone Fly resembles a Honeybee.

A Purple Hairstreak butterfly perched with open wings on an Alder Buckthorn leaf.

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andrewpbf.bsky.social @andrewpbf.bsky.social · 09/08/2026

With so many Clouded Yellows around it was a surprise to see this lovely male Brimstone in the garden this morning. @bc-cornwall.bsky.social @marcusrhodes.bsky.social

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Cornwall Butterfly Conservation @bc-cornwall.bsky.social · 07/08/2026

We've been sent this striking photo of an albino Meadow Brown (ab. grisea-argentacea). Seen near Coverack last week by Peter Wood. 📷 Peter Wood

A Meadow Brown butterfly basking in the grass. Its wings and body are completely white, except for a patch of bright orange in the middle of each forewing.

Photo: Peter Wood

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Butterfly Conservation @savebutterflies.bsky.social · 07/08/2026

It's the final weekend to get out for the #BigButterflyCount and help take nature's pulse 🦋 You don't need to be an expert to make a big difference for butterflies and moths. All you need is 15 mins, a spot of sunshine and patience! 👉 butrfli.es/3SVFepj Where will you be doing yours?

Butterfly Conservation's Big Butterfly Count identification guide for England with photos of each species

Butterfly Conservation's Big Butterfly Count identification guide in Welsh with photos of each species

Butterfly Conservation's Big Butterfly Count identification guide for Scotland with photos of each species

Butterfly Conservation's Big Butterfly Count identification guide in Irish with photos of each species

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Cornwall Butterfly Conservation @bc-cornwall.bsky.social · 03/08/2026

It's the final week of the #BigButterflyCount! There is still time to take part (or do extra counts) before close of play on Sunday 9th August! To get involved, visit bigbutterflycount.butterfly-conservation.org

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Dr Marcus Rhodes @marcusrhodes.bsky.social · 26/07/2026

The second generation of Small Pearl-bordered Fritillaries on the wing at St Gothian Sands this evening.

A Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary butterfly basking in the evening sun. Its wings are bright orange with black dots, dashes, and chevrons.

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Steve Sanderson @steve-sando1.bsky.social · 29/07/2026

Another Clouded Yellow from yesterday. This time a pale female (helice) form. Cornwall. #butterflies #Cornwall

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Steve Sanderson @steve-sando1.bsky.social · 28/07/2026

A male Brimstone on the wing a few days ago in our Bodmin moor garden. #butterflies #Cornwall

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Perry Smale @hieraaetus74.bsky.social · 24/07/2026

@bc-cornwall.bsky.social Clouded Yellow today in Camborne by surgery in Rectory Road.

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Cornwall Butterfly Conservation @bc-cornwall.bsky.social · 24/07/2026

On 11th July, we had a field trip to Carrine Common, a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and Special Area of Conservation (SAC) managed by Natural England. The highlight of the walk was a close encounter with two Purple Hairstreak butterflies.

A Purple Hairstreak butterfly perched on an Oak leaf. The underside of its wings are silvery-grey, with a white streak across them and a small orange eyespot on the hindwing.

Photo: Sophie Headland

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andrewpbf.bsky.social @andrewpbf.bsky.social · 18/07/2026

Clouded Yellows have been appearing in good numbers across Cornwall this year, riding on warm winds from southern Europe. Look out for their glowing orange-yellow wings, edged with a bold black border. @bc-cornwall.bsky.social @marcusrhodes.bsky.social

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andrewpbf.bsky.social @andrewpbf.bsky.social · 18/07/2026

Nothing like a walk along the coast path near Looe in Cornwall when the sun is out. The cliffside tracks are alive with butterflies right now—spotted a Common Blue, a Small Copper, and a Wall today. @bc-cornwall.bsky.social @marcusrhodes.bsky.social

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Cornwall Butterfly Conservation @bc-cornwall.bsky.social · 17/07/2026

The #BigButterflyCount is officially underway! Over the next 3 weeks, we need you to get out for the count across Cornwall! Find out more & get involved at bigbutterflycount.butterfly-conservation.org

Butterfly Conservation Big Butterfly Count

Get out for the count. Spend 15 minutes in a sunny spot and gather vital data to save butterflies and moths.

17 July to 9 August

Take part. Identify and record your sightings at bigbutterflycount.org or scan the QR code to download our free app.

Exclusive media partner BBC Gardeners' World magazine

#BigButterflyCount

Image: Peacock butterfly by Gundula Vogel

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Cornwall Butterfly Conservation @bc-cornwall.bsky.social · 16/07/2026

One more sleep until the #BigButterflyCount! Did you hear Cornwall Butterfly Conservation's Sue Allen talking about the count on BBC Radio Cornwall today? Catch-up at www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/... (interview starts at 10:43).

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Cornwall Butterfly Conservation @bc-cornwall.bsky.social · 15/07/2026

The #BigButterflyCount begins this Friday! Catch our very own Sue Allen on @chaosradio.bsky.social Breakfast Show at 8:15 tomorrow morning to hear all about taking part!

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Cornwall Butterfly Conservation @bc-cornwall.bsky.social · 15/07/2026

The #BigButterflyCount begins this Friday! Catch our very own Sue Allen on @chaosradio.bsky.social Breakfast Show at 8:15 tomorrow morning to hear all about taking part!

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Dr Marcus Rhodes @marcusrhodes.bsky.social · 11/07/2026

We're approaching the end of the Silver-studded Blue season in Cornwall, with numbers now rapidly tailing off. I counted just nine at Wheal Maid this morning.

A worn Silver-studded Blue butterfly perched on a spray of Heather. The underside of its wings have small, black spots and a row of silvery-blue studs embedded in orange eyespots around the outer edge.

Sparsely vegetated heathland with scattered Pines, Buddleia, Gorse, and Sallow at Wheal Maid.

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Dr Marcus Rhodes @marcusrhodes.bsky.social · 05/07/2026

Green Hairstreaks and Silver-studded Blues at Wheal Busy this afternoon. The latter has a fairly small population at this site, which has contracted in recent years, so I'm pleased that they are still persisting.

A metallic Green Hairstreak butterfly perched on a Gorse bush.

A female Silver-studded Blue butterfly sat with closed wings on a patch of bare ground. The underside of is wings are brown with small black spots and a row of silvery-blue studs embedded in orange eyespots around the outer edge.

Sparsely-vegetated heathland and mine stacks at Wheal Busy.

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Dr Marcus Rhodes @marcusrhodes.bsky.social · 05/07/2026

Silver-studded Blues gathering to roost at Poldice in the evening sun.

A male Silver-studded Blue butterfly basking on Heather. Its wings are royal blue with black and white borders.

A female Silver-studded Blue butterfly basking on Heather. Its wings are brown with an ill-defined, wavy, orange band, a white border, and a dusting of blue scales.

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Dr Marcus Rhodes @marcusrhodes.bsky.social · 08/07/2026

An evening wander at Upton Towans yesterday. Silver-studded Blues were all tucked up for the night at 6pm, but the Dark Green Fritillaries were still active. I met with a couple of Dune Villa Beeflies too.

A Dark Green Fritillary butterfly basking on Bramble. The upperside of its wings are bright orange with black spots, dashes, and chevrons.

A female Silver-studded Blue butterfly roosting on a grass seed head. The underside of its wings are tan-brown with small, black spots and a row of silvery-blue studs embedded in orange eyespots around the outer edge.

A Dune Villa perched on a Gorse bush. It is fluffy, chestnut-colour fly, with a black tip to its abdomen bearing two prominent, white spots.

Sand dunes at Upton Towans in the low evening light, with the sea beyond.

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andrewpbf.bsky.social @andrewpbf.bsky.social · 27/06/2026

The Ringlet’s gold-rimmed eyespots aren’t just for show — they can help confuse birds and deflect attacks away from the body, so a butterfly may end up a bit battered but still live to fly another day. @bc-cornwall.bsky.social

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Cornwall Butterfly Conservation @bc-cornwall.bsky.social · 27/06/2026

Join our Chair at Crofthandy and United Downs Raceway tomorrow to hear all about our Jewels in the Cornish Mining Landscape project, alongside a fab line-up of other speakers!

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andrewpbf.bsky.social @andrewpbf.bsky.social · 21/06/2026

Penlee Battery in East Cornwall is a great place to see Marbled Whites. 188 seen there this morning. The species occurs across much of Cornwall, though it is largely absent from the far south-west. Males are black and white, while females show a yellow-orange underside. @bc-cornwall.bsky.social

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Dr Marcus Rhodes @marcusrhodes.bsky.social · 18/06/2026

The Painted Lady influx may have quietened down somewhat in the last week or two, but the next generation is well underway! There were lots of webs and caterpillars on thistles at Trevilley, Sennen, last Saturday.

A Painted Lady caterpillar on a thistle leaf covered in silk webbing and frass. The caterpillar is covered in spines and is predominant black in colour with three bands of yellow spines.

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Cornwall Butterfly Conservation @bc-cornwall.bsky.social · 15/06/2026

Sadly, we have decided to cancel tomorrow's (16th June) planned field trip to Cubert Common due to forecast rain. Our next trip will now be Upton Towans on Thursday 25th June. www.cornwall-butterfly-conservation.org.uk/events.html

cornwall-butterfly-conservation.org.uk

Events | Cornwall Butterfly Conservation

Cornwall Butterfly Conservation field trips and events for 2026.

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Dr Marcus Rhodes @marcusrhodes.bsky.social · 14/06/2026

Silver-studded Blues gathering to roost at Penrose this evening and a welcome encounter with a Small Tortoiseshell - the latter only my fourth sighting this year.

A male Silver-studded Blue butterfly basking with open wings amongst grasses. The upperside of its wings are royal blue with a black border.

A male Silver-studded Blue butterfly perched with closed wings amongst grasses. The underside of its hindwings are pale blue with small black spots and a row of metallic silvery-blue studs embedded within orange eyespots around the edge.

A Small Tortoiseshell butterfly basking with open wings on a patch of bare ground. The upperside of its wings are orange with black and yellow spots.

Coastal grassland atop eroding slate cliffs and a white sand & shingle beach at Penrose.

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Lynn @ljcolli.bsky.social · 15/06/2026

Silver studded Blues. Holywell Bay 🟰🟰 @savebutterflies.bsky.social @britishnatureguide.bsky.social #butterflies

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andrewpbf.bsky.social @andrewpbf.bsky.social · 13/06/2026

60 Silver-studded Blues at Poldice Valley today! Significant colonies inhabit Cornwall’s heathlands (many on old mining sites) & coastal dunes, mostly in the west. This nationally rare species still faces tough battles against developers on dunes to keep habitats safe. @bc-cornwall.bsky.social

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Dr Marcus Rhodes @marcusrhodes.bsky.social · 14/06/2026

Silver-studded Blues at Trevilley Cliff, Nanjizal, yesterday.

A male Silver-studded Blue butterfly perched with open wings. The upper side of its wings are royal blue with a black border.

A male Silver-studded Blue butterfly nectaring from the purple flowers of Bell Heather.

Maritime grassland and heath around the rugged, granite coastline of Nanjizal Bay.

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Butterfly Conservation @savebutterflies.bsky.social · 11/06/2026

Ban butterfly-killing pesticides for good ❌ Despite repeated promises to ban them, the UK Government has quietly granted yet another 'emergency' license to spray butterfly-killing pesticides across our fields this summer.

Close-up of a field of crops being sprayed by a mechanical sprayer attached to a tractor. Text overlay reads: "Ban butterfly-killing pesticides for good. No 'emergency' authorisations. No exemptions."

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Butterfly Conservation @savebutterflies.bsky.social · 11/06/2026

60 butterflies. One favourite. The nation has spoken... Britain's Favourite Butterfly is the mighty Peacock! 👑🦋 #BritainsFavouriteButterfly

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