Grayling Butterfly

A walk this morning on the northern slopes of Whitbarrow on the southern edge of the Lake District National Park.

We were lucky to find some Grayling butterflies.

They enjoy the open limestone rocky grassland. They are well camouflaged and difficult to see on the ground. When at rest they keep their wings closed and lean over with one underwing facing the sun to gain maximum heat.
They are mainly found in coastal areas especially in the west.

My extra today is a group of stemmed Carline Thistles. Sometimes known as everlasting flowers they can remain looking like this for many months.