www.ukbutterflies.co.uk

http://news.independent.co.uk/environme ... 366515.ece

Interesting article - clouded yellow now a resident species?
Can anyone varify this information? Given there are some factual errors regarding the other species mentioned.

Yes - can confirm that Clouded Yellow larvae were proven to have overwintered 3 (or so) years ago on the Isle of Wight (I believe). This is documented in the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Butterfly Conservation annual report, which I don't have to hand as I write this. But I believe that more occurrences have been observed over the last few years.

As for Red Admirals, they're definitely overwintering, and I believe that egg-laying females have already been seen this season, and eggs and larvae found. Although many are perishing.

Cheers,

- Pete

Here is the star of the article, photographed in Morocco last September:

A bee?

eccles wrote:A bee?

Not any bee... a violet carpenter bee. First time recorded in UK. A sign of climate change

I heard that (can't tell if true) it was so hot in 1995 that Queen Alexandrias Birdwing butterflies where meant to have migrated to U.K. is this true?

Dave
It's a long way to fly from New Guinea - even with a 12 inch wing span!!
Alex

Dave McCormick wrote:I heard that (can't tell if true) it was so hot in 1995 that Queen Alexandrias Birdwing butterflies where meant to have migrated to U.K. is this true?

No Dave, it's not true. And neither was the "Monarchs on the Moon" headline

The only "exotics" seen in the UK are either escapees from butterfly farms or accidental releases from breeders. But that wouldn't include a birdwing which, in general, aren't bred in captivity.

Cheers,

- Pete