Essex Skipper and Green-veined White

[J.B.Murray]

In Hertfordshire and Middlesex, Essex Skipper seems to be taking over
from the Small Skipper and the Green-veined White from the Small White.


Small Skipper was almost non-existent even at the beginning of the
season, when it usually predominates, whereas Essex was comparatively
normal.  Essex has always been the commoner of the two this year, now in
a proportion of about 8 to 1.   Green-veined White also seems to have
been far the commoner in both broods this year.  

The present situation is that since July 27th, in 75 site visits all
over Herts and Middx I have positively identified:

Small Skipper:   9
Essex Skipper: 70
Small White:     29
Green-veined White: 180

This rather messes things up for the National recording scheme, where
the instructions are that if you cannot distinguish between two similar
butterflies, record it as the commoner of the two.  What is the
situation elsewhere in the U.K.?  If it's a similar picture, then
recorders should be instructed as to the change in the situation.  

John Murray
"Field End",
Marshalls Heath,      Email: j.b.murray at open.ac.uk
Wheathampstead,      Home 'phone:  01582 833544
Herts. AL4 8HS         Work 'phone:  01908 652118