Butterflies 2010

[70007]

I saw my first butterfly in the garden this morning, a Small Tortoisehell.

It sat on an old tomato grow bag for about 10 minutes in the sun, and then flew away.

John

[Pine Marten]

I do a fair bit of walking around the country lanes here where i live. Have not seen a butterfly since decmber 2009. And we have had some nice sunny days.

Pine Marten.

[70007]

I have seen quite a few Small Tortoiseshells recently, including today, and I also saw a Comma this morning, and my wife saw a Brimstone on our allotment.

If this sunny weather stays for a few days we should start seeing a few more species.

[70007]

Another 3 today, a Peacock, a Small White (although it could have been a female Orange Tip - I did not get close enough) and a Speckled Wood.

This is good given the recent cold winter.

John

[Jenny]

Hi, Need some advice please.

A friend has moved into sheltered housing and has got nowhere to put her butterfly tower house; she's very kindly donated it to me. I need some advice on siting it though as I live in a windy location - my friend's lost the info booklet that came with it.

Thanks,
Jenny

[70007]

Hi Jenny,

I presume this is a wooden structure where butterflies can hibernate?

I would suggest hanging it in a shady corner where predators are unlikely to get in.

The problem with butterflies is that different species overwinter in different stages, some as adults, pupae, caterpillars or eggs. Certain species can overwinter in several different stages (i.e. Speckled Wood).

[Nature__Lover]

I've seen a brimstone butterfly, a tortoiseshell , and a red admiral in the past two days.
also seen one fat green caterpillar! :-)