1976-2015

London, South East - Bromley, Orpington ,Ruxley, Darent Valley- Eynsford, Shoreham, Otford, etc

Emergence Chart - Grizzled Skipper

Eynsford - Preston Hill - Shoreham White Hilll - Fackenden Bank

This data set covers the emergence of the grizzled skipper butterfly at several locations either side of my main study area of Shoreham White Hill. The butterfly was given a fillip by the great storms of 1987 and 1990, which cleared large tracts at the top of the downland ridge from Eynsford to Otford - it will be interesting to see how the butterfly fares as the tree line grows back in succeeding years. There is a lateral movement of about three weeks across the chart indicating the sort of emergence pattern that we come to associate with climate change. Greyed out areas are implied first emergence periods - as indicated by wear and tear on individual butterflies.

January

February

March

April

May

June

July

August

September

October

November

December

Year

There are many factors influencing the emergence and distribution of butterflies in our area. This independent survey aims to provide an on-line reference for butterfly enthusiasts, agencies concerned with climate change, schools and members of the general public. It is also constructed for the sharing of information and data between interested parties. This information might be of either positive or negative overall concern in the maintenance of existing or proposed butterfly habitats. Each chart represents literally hundreds of dedicated observations. If you wish to submit records, this can be done by sending them through by email for my attention Rodney Compton at info@xyris.tv text records can also be submitted to 07703191388