Large Skipper, male, sex.......

When the male or female Large Skippers are basking in the sun, with opened wings there is no confusion between the sexes. The male having a sex brand, [a black diagonal line] on it's forewings [the females do not have sex brands] making it unmistakable from the female.

Large Skipper, male

The Large Skipper is one of eight Skipper species that fly in the British Isles, and this species normally emerge at the end of May, beginning of June.

Brimstones, so you want.........

So you want to be my wing man.....

Chalkhill Blues copulating with Ant attending...........

Copulating Chalkhill Blues with an Ant attending the newly emerged female

Chalkhill Blues, synchronised copulalation

Chalkhill Blue, female

Female Chalkhill Blue with her wings open

Female Chalkhill Blue with her wings closed

Chalkhill Blue, male

Chalkhill Blues are, which their name suggests, are found on chalk soiled landscapes/south facing slopes. In the south of England the North and South Downs can hold thousands of these beautiful insects on a good year and Denbies near Dorking, Surrey on the South Downs is particularly good. Carpets of these butterflies is not uncommon on Denbies and is just an amazing site, something not to be missed for any butterfly enthusiast.

Opened wing male Chalkhill Blue

Closed wing male Chalkhill Blue