Male Silver-washed Fritillary Argynnis paphia

This butterfly was part of a small but widely spread influx of the Silver-washed Fritillary into Norfolk during 2010. At that time the species did not breed in the county but there were past historical records, including for Foxley Wood, where this photograph was taken. It was once well established as a breeding species in this ancient wood but was lost when traditionally managed deciduous trees were replaced with a conifer plantation. This butterfly was the first record of Silver-washed Fritillary for the site following its return. It is a welcome validation of the habitat restoration undertaken by the Norfolk Wildlife Trust, for whom I work as a conservation volunteer.

This photograph was used by BBC Look East to illustrate their report on the appearance of the Silver-washed Fritillary butterfly in Norfolk. It was also published in the Eastern Daily Press and Norwich Evening News.

Ref: MN0537

Date: 26/07/2010

Location: Foxley wood, Norfolk

Male Silver-washed Fritillary <em>Argynnis paphia</em>

This butterfly was part of a small but widely spread influx of the Silver-washed Fritillary into Norfolk during 2010. At that time the species did not breed in the county but there were past historical records, including for Foxley Wood, where this photograph was taken. It was once well established as a breeding species in this ancient wood but was lost when traditionally managed deciduous trees were replaced with a conifer plantation. This butterfly was the first record of Silver-washed Fritillary for the site following its return. It is a welcome validation of the habitat restoration undertaken by the Norfolk Wildlife Trust, for whom I work as a conservation volunteer.

This photograph was used by BBC Look East to illustrate their report on the appearance of the Silver-washed Fritillary butterfly in Norfolk. It was also published in the Eastern Daily Press and Norwich Evening News.

Ref: MN0537

Date: 26/07/2010

Location: Foxley wood, Norfolk