I certainly found more larvae (and saw more adults) of not just commas, but STs, Red Admirals and peacocks this spring, than in previous years. It seems logical that parasite numbers would therefore also be up. And although subsequent later parasite attack seems to be bad this year, it only seems to...

My own observations from North Kent seem to be similar in terms of parasite numbers. From Mid-June onwards, I have collected 14 comma larvae, mostly second or third instar, and had only two successfully emerge. Similarly, only one success from seven Red Admirals. And from 35 small torts (which I was...

I keep both Alder and Purging buckthorns in pots and have found that both are equally and eagerly used by the local brimstones for egg-laying. What I would say though is that the larvae always seem to do better on the Alder Buckthorn: every year for the past five years or so, I've found that maybe 1...