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.

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.

We did find a Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary flying at Cabilla Wood (a lower altitude site down in the Fowey Valley), however, along with a couple of Silver-washed Fritillaries.

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.

I was delighted to meet this Small Tortoiseshell during my #BigButterflyCount in Camborne this afternoon. Increasingly, an uncommon sight these days.

I've been in Devon for a few days this week and was surprised to find several Small Pearl-bordered Fritillaries at Aish Tor yesterday. I would guess that a second generation is fairly unusual at this moorland site and symptomatic of the recent heatwaves.

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

Arrived home yesterday evening to find this Unarmed Stick Insect nymph whilst deadheading the roses. The first I've seen in seven years living in Cornwall!

A brilliant day out at Arne yesterday. Lots of Grayling and Dartford Warblers on the heaths, my first UK sighting of a Sand Lizard, and an Osprey fishing late afternoon to top it off.

Some avian highlights from Brownsea Island yesterday. I particularly liked the Oystercatcher that had brazenly decided to nest in the café courtyard.

Caught the ferry across to Brownsea Island today to see the Red Squirrels.

Along the coast from Durlston to Dancing Ledge yesterday: so many Lulworth Skippers zipping about, eight Clouded Yellows and lots fresh Painted Ladies, a few Marbled Whites still on the wing, and the second generation of Wall just starting.

Making my first acquaintances with the Lulworth Skipper - until today, the final butterfly species in Great Britain that I had yet to see. Amazed at how abundant they were along the coast path between Durlston and Dancing Ledge!

A few more photos of Chalkhill Blues from Martin Down yesterday, along with a rather cute Corn Bunting.

My first visit to the wonderful Martin Down this afternoon. The grasslands were alive with Chalkhill Blues, along with lots of Dark Green Fritillaries and nine Clouded Yellows. Completely by chance, I managed to find a couple of Marsh Fritillary larval webs too!

#BigButterflyCount is here! Between now and the 9th August: - spend 15 mins in a sunny spot - count the butterflies you see - submit your sightings Find out more at bigbutterflycount.butterfly-conservation.org Happy counting folks! 🦋🦋🦋

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.

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.

Green Hairstreaks have a later flight season here in Cornwall. They don't really get going until early May and then continue well into July. www.cornwall-butterfly-conservation.org.uk/assets/downl...

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

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.

My first Gatekeepers of the year at Binner Downs this afternoon. There are records of Silver-studded Blues from this former mining site, but sadly, they don't appear to still be present. I suspect the colony has fallen victim to unchecked succession.

The Painted Lady caterpillar has disappeared! It was there this morning, but gone by this afternoon. Hopefully, it has headed off to pupate - I will try searching the surrounding vegetation.

After moving to a new Hollyhock leaf three days ago, the Painted Lady caterpillar has lost no time in making itself at home.

A Painted Lady caterpillar munching on a Hollyhock in the garden this afternoon.

Looking forward to talking about the amazing butterflies found on Cornish mine sites at this family-friendly event tomorrow!

Many Marbled Whites were seeking the shade of the hedgerows along the footpath.

Clouds of Marbled Whites in the sweltering heat at Magdalen Hill Down this afternoon.

A final visit to the Abbotts Wood Inclosure at Alice Holt this morning. Three male Purple Emperors searching the Sallows overhead, White Admirals and Silver-washed Fritillaries visiting the rideside Brambles, and Purple Hairstreaks flitting high-up in the Oaks.

White-letter Hairstreaks along the Elm avenue in Farnham Park this morning. These individuals were sparring low-down in a young, neighbouring Oak.