Holly Blue - Celastrina argiolus (female)

[ladylouise62]

Here's a rather battered customer I spotted in the town-centre market at the plant stall. I had to wait quite a while for her to open up her wings (apparently they normally only do it in weak light), so I KNOW I must have been getting some stares as I stood (and shuffled) around the plants, apparently not taking photos If you look close you will see that she is missing her left 'club' on the antenna as well as a few chunks from her left side.
I added the last one in just because I like it

[Chocky]

Well done Louise
I like the last one as well.
I have only seen a couple of these so far this yea and not close enough to snap.

[rolf]

Certainly been in the wars, nice last two shots Louise.

[ladylouise62]

The poor thing really is battered. But now I look at them again I'm amazed that these were taken just outside the old shopping centre, amongst concrete and lots of people!
Here's a shot showing a little bit more of the surroundings. I've never seen one of these before so I certainly didn't expect to see one in town