Little Happening Still...

The Purple Emperor season still hasn't got going properly. For example, none seen yet at Alice Holt Forest, Hants.  However, another sighting from Bookham Common today, and at last a sighting at Knepp (albeit all too brief). 

The season should erupt very soon...

But, I dont think numbers are going to be anything like as good as last year, not least because of the bad June (there's heavy mortality in the pupal stage: the longer they stay as pupae, the fewer fly).  

Also, the males may be unusually lethargic, unless there are rival males around, to wind them up. There may be a lot of hanging about waiting for something to happen this year.