www.ukbutterflies.co.uk

From what I know about the species, I would imagine any LTB that didn’t manage to migrate south by the end of October would have died by now, finished off by the rain and cold.

Friday 17th, Lower Kilvey Hill, Swansea:

Red Admiral 1
Speckled Wood 1

essexbuzzard wrote: ↑Sat Nov 18, 2023 9:32 pmAmazing to see your Speckled Woods at this time of year, David.

Me too, Mark. Prior to this autumn the latest date I'd ever seen one was on 4th November. This year I've seen them on 5th, 15th and 17th. If Tuesday is sunny (as forecast) I'll go and take another look.

Despite seeing fresh adults at the end of October, I’ve seen nothing since. Just Red Admirals for me this November, which is normal.

So I’m a bit jealous of your Speckled Woods, David!

Sadly, it remained too cloudy to check the site for any more of them today, Mark. They're not usually around as late as this so something odd has clearly happened during the course of the year.

Thursday 23rd:

Two Red Admirals seen, one at Kilvey Hill and the other at Limeslade Bay, Swansea:

Four Red Admirals on the Somerset Levels on Saturday, despite a frosty night, but pleasant sunshine with little wind.

Also 2 Common Darters.

Amazing, aeshna. It was really frosty on Saturday morning and only got to about 8c by 1pm.

These Red Admirals are almost indestructible!

Tuesday 28th - Four Red Admirals seen; two fly-bys and two ragged individuals settled at coastal sites near Mumbles, Gower: