red admiral

fencolin · Post by **fencolin** » Mon Jul 30, 2007 9:50 pm

I've noticed over the past few days that in our garden we have VERY Large Red Admirals, and I mean large, is this usual or is it because of the weather, or some other reason. I've honestly never seen them this large before.
thanks, Colin

Cotswold Cockney · Post by **Cotswold Cockney** » Mon Jul 30, 2007 10:02 pm

As you have observed, butterflies like most animals can vary in size. This can be as a result of conditions or other factors are involved such as heritage origins.

Same is true of its close relative the Painted Lady. Some years the females are huge.

Have not seen a Red Admiral in my Gloucester garden for a week or two now. However, following the unprecedented downpours recently the weather has improved over the past two days and Peacocks were numerous on the Buddleias (sp) in next door's garden. Following a few disappointing years, they are both numerous and MASSIVE this year I'm pleased to observe. One of my favourites ... The Peacock.

Dave McCormick · Post by **Dave McCormick** » Tue Jul 31, 2007 2:40 pm

My dad was saying he saw a few Red Admirals and peacocks land beside eachother and the Red Admirals were larger. usually they are around same size, but he said the red admirlas were clearly bigger.