A Meadow Brown!

[Sean O'Neill]

....sorry Laura, this is a Meadow Brown. Your shot on 18th July is a Gatekeeper.... This is a lovely shot though.

[Laura Latham]

@seanoneill oh!! they look the same to me! (total novice at butterflies - you have taught me everything I know - apart from red admirals!!)

[Laura Latham]

@seanoneill Looking again, this is much more brown than the other, which has more orange on it. I think I was just looking at the spot!

[Sean O'Neill]

@lauralatham Hahaha. I shall recommend you some books, once I have finished relplying to you on another shot!

[Sean O'Neill]

@lauralatham You should get yourself the plain old Collins Wild Guide to Butterflies and Moths. My copy is 20 years old now!! Also, The Millenium Atlas by Butterfly Conservation. http://www.amazon.co.uk/Millennium-Atlas-Butterflies-Britain-Ireland/dp/0198505655
The Butterfly Isles by Patrick Barkham will tell you the ale of one mans quest to see all 60 species of British butterflies in one summer.Butterfly Conservation is also a worthwhile charity to join, who can put you in touch with a local branch who will have field days spotting rarer species.http://www.butterfly-conservation.org/

[Mike]

Probably the easiest way of identifying them apart @lauralatham is that the Gatekeeper has two spots in the dark area.

[Paul Godfrey]

Wow, great macro and focus

[ShanneW]

great Meadow Brown on the scabious - pretty shot

[Rob]

Wonderful macro! Love the textures in the wings!