Ventnor Wall Lizard (Podarcis muralis L.) and assorted butterflies - Ventnor, Isle of Wight

A quick visit to Ventnor this morning, in particular to the undercliff and sea wall on the eastern side of the town, produced sightings of both target species: wall lizard and Glanville fritillary (Melitaea cinxia).

The Glanvilles were very flighty only allowing a hasty record shot or two, and none were seen at roost with wings up - to be able to capture the underside in any photos. We saw Ca. 20 individuals although this could well of been higher?

Glanville fritillary

However, the wall lizards were to be the real show stoppers of the day, with several very confiding animals being recorded.

The supporting cast of butterflies were as follows: small blue (Cupido minimus), dingy skipper (Erynnis tages), Adonis blue (Polyommatus bellargus), common blue (Polyommatus icarus), peacock (Aglais io), holly blue (Celastrina argiolus), large white (Pieris brassicae).