www.ukbutterflies.co.uk

I am thinking (very theoretically at present) of a trip to Chequered Skipper territory in late May/early June this year, but wondered whether the cool weather is likely to mean they may be late on parade this season... I believe it would normally be March/April when the larvae start feeding up after over-wintering (ie not that long now), but presumably any delays due to cold conditions would be added to the dates on which they finally hatch out as adults. Do I have to pray for a mild spell over the next few weeks so they wake up on time and start stuffing their faces or does anyone have views on how far from "the norm" the hatching may slip? Perhaps someone on this site knows how much the optimum dates have fluctuated in previous cold springs? I am assuming it would only be a week or possibly two max, but if I can only go up for a few days, every day counts. The safest method will be to wait until I hear they are on the wing before booking something and then shoot up there, but it could then be tricky to find accomodation, so I may just take an educated gamble... I therefore just need to become a bit more educated

Trev

I used to think the same as you Trev but remember last year? It was cold until mid February and I feared that things might emerge late. But of course, most species will be in deep hibernation in any case during December, January and February so the cold winter wouldn’t have made a ha’p’orth of difference to their subsequent development. Then last year it abruptly warmed up from the second half of February with temperatures in March being the best part of 2 degs above long term average and April 3 degrees above. And last season, instead of being late as I had anticipated, it was early – Duke of B in the Chilterns on 29 April for example.

So I would suggest (with perhaps the exception of some of the browns which apparently can feed intermittently) what happens until end of February has little bearing on subsequent emergence dates. March, April and May are the important months.

Jack

I think Jack is spot on, as far as emerging dates go, the weather from now on is what counts.

Regards Gruditch

Thanks guys,
Let's hope we start to get some slightly warmer weather soon. I will revisit my idea for trip to Scotland nearer the time.

Trev

... Another month down the line and we are now due very heavy snow in Western Scotland mid-week (ie into April). With a potential 6 week pupal stage, I just hope that some of the overwintered larvae woke up and pupated during the brief mild spell..
My wife and I have already booked our accommodation and we will be going for a few days during the third week of May. It will be interesting to see if they are a little late this year (but pretty frustrating for us if they are )

"Ah well Rodney, He who dares eh?... He who dares.."

Trev