www.ukbutterflies.co.uk

Posted: **Wed Apr 05, 2017 9:22 pm**

Several Orange-tip eggs found at Bookham Commons today with at least 10 males active.

Posted: **Thu Apr 06, 2017 10:10 am**

Male Large Tortoiseshell(s) now seen in same location in West Sussex as the Female(s) previously seen this year .

Posted: **Thu Apr 06, 2017 12:56 pm**

Allan.W. wrote:Out early this morning...I did find my first Green Veined of the year.

I'm glad I opened that picture, Allan - stunning shot.

Posted: **Thu Apr 06, 2017 6:51 pm**

Thanks for kind comment Lee,now I just want that roosting Orange -Tip !! Regards Allan.W.

Posted: **Thu Apr 06, 2017 10:30 pm**

Finally hunted down my first Orange Tips of 2017, with two males seen at the back of my workplace this afternoon:

Holly Blues seem to be having a good spring, with nigh on double figure numbers seen. They were eclipsed by Speckled Woods though, with 20 or so recorded.

Three Brimstones, two Small Whites and a Peacock were also seen, as well as my first two Large Whites of the year, both males.

Posted: **Thu Apr 06, 2017 10:32 pm**

Today I made my first visit to North Stoke, Sussex (near Amberley) in search of Large Tortoiseshells. It seems that many others had the same idea (including UKB's Pauline), but despite the number of eyes on the ground, the target species was not seen by the time I left at 3.45pm. However I was not disappointed with the day because this is a wonderful site for the spring species, with lots of Cuckoo flower and nettles to support them. There were so many butterflies that I lost count, but those seen were: Brimstone, Orange-tip, Green-veined White, Holly Blue, Speckled Wood, Peacock, Small Tortoiseshell, Comma and Red Admiral.

: North Stoke, Sussex

I also found 3 Red Admiral larval tents in the nettle bed along the fence line. Each contained a fat 5th instar larva, which most likely developed from eggs laid in October or November 2016.

: Red Admiral larval tent - North Stoke 6-April-2017

The sheltered nature and orientation of the site made it feel quite warm on the ground today, although I did not record the temperature.

Vince

Posted: **Thu Apr 06, 2017 10:44 pm**

Vince Massimo wrote:Today I made my first visit to North Stoke, Sussex (near Amberley) in search of Large Tortoiseshells. It seems that many others had the same idea (including UKB's Pauline), but despite the number of eyes on the ground, the target species was not seen by the time I left at 3.45pm. However I was not disappointed with the day because this is a wonderful site for the Spring species, with lots of Cuckoo flower and nettles to support them. There were so many butterflies that I lost count, but those seen were: Brimstone, Orange-tip, Green-veined White, Holly Blue, Speckled Wood, Peacock, Small Tortoiseshell, Comma and Red Admiral.

IMG_0299-01G.jpg
I also found 3 Red Admiral larval tents in the nettle bed along the fence line. Each contained a fat 5th instar larva, which most likely developed from eggs laid in October or November 2016.

IMG_0273-01G.jpg
The sheltered nature and orientation of the site made it feel quite warm on the ground today, although I did not record the temperature.

Vince

So that's what it looks like under a clear blue sky!

Posted: **Fri Apr 07, 2017 12:27 pm**

Vince Massimo wrote: I also found 3 Red Admiral larval tents in the nettle bed along the fence line. Each contained a fat 5th instar larva, which most likely developed from eggs laid in October or November 2016.

This is interesting. As we have seen in recent years that Red Admirals can successfully overwinter, it seems that more than one stage of the life cycle can do so.

You have a good eye for Red Admiral early stages, Vince!

Best wishes,

Lee

Posted: **Fri Apr 07, 2017 3:01 pm**

bugboy wrote:So that's what it looks like under a clear blue sky!

I think it was a bit too sunny, Paul.

Lee Hurrell wrote:This is interesting. As we have seen in recent years that Red Admirals can successfully overwinter, it seems that more than one stage of the life cycle can do so.You have a good eye for Red Admiral early stages, Vince!

Lee, in recent years there have been reports of Red Admiral larvae overwintering, mainly in the south of the country, so I am always on the lookout for larval tents in sheltered nettle beds. This last winter, myself and Paul Harfield have been rearing larvae again and it looks like we may have some more interesting data to report soon.

Vince

Posted: **Fri Apr 07, 2017 5:29 pm**

I generally struggle to find reasonable sites for Orange -Tips ,near home,but having a couple of hours spare after work this afternoon,i thought I,d try a site near home (Ashford ,Kent),along the military canal,which I fancied,i wasn,t disappointed ! passing through the gate
the first butterfly I saw was a male Orange tip,and from then onwards,they were never out of site,with up to seven males in view at one time,also found my first(4) Speckled woods of 2017,plus a couple of Comma, and good numbers of fresh Green Veins. I reckon I saw about 15 male Orange tips in all,and one possible female which just would not settle! I'll be back ! Regards Allan.W.

Posted: **Fri Apr 07, 2017 8:56 pm**

I went for an afternoon walk on my local patch, Newchurch Common, Cheshire, as the sunshine came out and it looked good for butterflies. Species I had already seen this year were present in the shape of Peacock, Comma and Small Tortoiseshell. My first new species for the year was Orange-tip, with 2 gorgeous males seen. The biggest surprise, however, were three pristine Green Hairstreaks on the mossland section of the patch. This is my earliest record of the species ever and is testament to the management work that Cheshire Wildlife Trust is doing for this species on local sites. A record shot taken with my iPhone is attached.

Posted: **Fri Apr 07, 2017 9:11 pm**

Vince Massimo wrote:In recent years there have been reports of Red Admiral larvae overwintering, mainly in the south of the country, so I am always on the lookout for larval tents in sheltered nettle beds. This last winter, myself and Paul Harfield have been rearing larvae again and it looks like we may have some more interesting data to report soon.

Outstanding work! Can't wait to hear your conclusions

Cheers,

- Pete

Posted: **Fri Apr 07, 2017 9:25 pm**

Pete Eeles wrote:
Vince Massimo wrote:In recent years there have been reports of Red Admiral larvae overwintering, mainly in the south of the country, so I am always on the lookout for larval tents in sheltered nettle beds. This last winter, myself and Paul Harfield have been rearing larvae again and it looks like we may have some more interesting data to report soon.
Outstanding work! Can't wait to hear your conclusions

Likewise, Vince!

Best wishes,

Lee

Posted: **Fri Apr 07, 2017 9:52 pm**

A half hour break from work realised another male Orange Tip today, along with 3 Brimstones and a Comma.

It was 15c at 1pm, and in conditions like this it's rather a shame to see so few butterflies on the wing.

Posted: **Sat Apr 08, 2017 1:40 pm**

2 Grizzled Skippers on the Hutchinsons Bank transect today. The Species seen Brimstone, Comma, S Tort, Speckled Wood, Peacock, Green Veined White, Grizzled Skipper, Orange Tip.

Posted: **Sat Apr 08, 2017 3:05 pm**

8th April
My first butterfly of the year: Peacock near Nairn.

Jack

Posted: **Sat Apr 08, 2017 7:47 pm**

First orange tips seen in sunny Warrington today also I've seen my first spotted wood of the year.all outside my house in the Sankey valley park

Posted: **Sat Apr 08, 2017 7:58 pm**

What a glorious day. Orange-tip, Speckled Wood and Holly Blue all see at home - very early for this part of the world - usually towards the end of the month before first sightings. Chiffchaff, Blackcap and Willow-warbler all arrived early too - seems to be that kind of year.

Posted: **Sat Apr 08, 2017 9:30 pm**

Plenty of brimstones joining in with the flying activity at the Army Air Corps airfield at Middle Wallop, Hampshire today.

Posted: **Sun Apr 09, 2017 1:05 am**

First Green Hairstreak of the year at RSPB Dove Stone on Saturday, earliest we've seen them up here. In addition 5 Peacocks and a Small Tortoiseshell.

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