Had a lovely time and saw a few species of Butterfly, including Scarce Swallowtail (too fast to take a picture) many different species of Whites which were again too flighty to get pictures off, perhaps this was due to the soaring 38 degrees heat.
On the plus side I did manage a female Black Arches in Sintra and my partner and I spotted a small dainty butterfly whilst walking through Lisbon city centre, my partner gently cupped it in her hand and I quickly potted it up and took it back to the hotel for a better look.
I hadn't a clue at this stage what it was but new it was of the Lycaenidae family.
When I returned home it was straight to my Collins book and lo and behold it turned out to be a Geranium Bronze, an adventive species that originates from Africa, it has spread over many parts of Spain, the spanish Islands and even the UK (by introduction of caterpillar's via plants)
But I have no reefrences on this ever being recorded in the center of Lisbon! so it could be a first!
I am now in the process of getting together a portable light so I can take in my suitcase when I goto Spain at the end of this month and try for some moths! I can't wait.
Geranium Bronze

Black Arches
