Ecologist - Writer - Photographer
Splendour of the Peacock Butterfly (Inachis io)

This shot of a peacock butterfly (Inachis io) was taken on a sunny day in my mum's garden - a wonderful reminder that Scotland has some spectacular wildlife, and some sunny days! After taking this shot, the butterfly fluttered by, and over the fence into the neighbour’s garden. As I peered over the fence to observe its journey, I was dumbstruck to see a flappery of tens of butterflies all dancing around a buddlea plant. At this point, the neighbour caught me peering over his fence – but rather than telling me off for nosing, he invited me across to observe more closely. I took some more photographs, but this one, capturing the calm of a single still sunbather remains my favourite. The most regal and colourful of the Scottish Lepidoptera (in my opinion). This image is used by Scottish Natural Heritage on their 'Biodiversity Action at Local Level' and 'Landscape, Biodiversity, Geology and Soils' webpages, http://www.snh.gov.uk/protecting-scotlands-nature/safeguarding-biodiversity/working-with-others/local-level-biodiversity-action/, and http://www.snh.gov.uk/protecting-scotlands-nature/looking-after-landscapes/landscape-policy-and-guidance/landscape-biodiversity-and-geology/

Location: Kirkliston, Scotland, United Kingdom

Photographer: Jason Gilchrist

Splendour of the Peacock Butterfly (Inachis io)

This shot of a peacock butterfly (Inachis io) was taken on a sunny day in my mum's garden - a wonderful reminder that Scotland has some spectacular wildlife, and some sunny days! After taking this shot, the butterfly fluttered by, and over the fence into the neighbour’s garden. As I peered over the fence to observe its journey, I was dumbstruck to see a flappery of tens of butterflies all dancing around a buddlea plant. At this point, the neighbour caught me peering over his fence – but rather than telling me off for nosing, he invited me across to observe more closely. I took some more photographs, but this one, capturing the calm of a single still sunbather remains my favourite. The most regal and colourful of the Scottish Lepidoptera (in my opinion). This image is used by Scottish Natural Heritage on their 'Biodiversity Action at Local Level' and 'Landscape, Biodiversity, Geology and Soils' webpages, http://www.snh.gov.uk/protecting-scotlands-nature/safeguarding-biodiversity/working-with-others/local-level-biodiversity-action/, and http://www.snh.gov.uk/protecting-scotlands-nature/looking-after-landscapes/landscape-policy-and-guidance/landscape-biodiversity-and-geology/

Location: Kirkliston, Scotland, United Kingdom

Photographer: Jason Gilchrist