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Hi Folks,
South of France
I saw this new arrival for 2018 near my workplace today at lunchtime.
It was at least 10 to 20 meters away.
I was expecting Bath White, but looking at the photo heavily cropped, something says Western Dappled White, which is also imminent.
Can I have a thumbs-up for E. crameri please ?
First view uncropped: Cropped: Second view uncropped: Cropped Thanks,
Chris

Hi Chris

Looks good for crameri!

Best wishes,

Lee

Thanks Lee.
I'm glad I just didn't blindly tick it off as P. daplidice, although P. daplidice should be putting in an appearance soon.
This is my first guaranteed non-overwinterer of 2018.
Cheers,
Chris

I'll add a third opinion - definitely crameri.

What a wonderful place for butterflies the Mediterranean region is!

Guy

Thanks Guy. That's reassuring. So the 2018 season is officially launched in the South of France and is now making its way north.
Chris

Wow! Early February and you're seeing crameri!!!

You sure live in an enviable part of Europe, Chris.

David M wrote:Wow! Early February and you're seeing crameri!!!

You sure live in an enviable part of Europe, Chris.

I saw 2 of them, David, and a Clouded Yellow, and the temperature was barely 8°C.
Today it should rise to 11°C, and it will be sunny, so I will definitely be out in the field at lunchtime.
My species tally for this year is already 4.
RA, Large Tort, CY and Western DW.
I'm almost prepared to bet on Nettle-tree Butterfly hibernator within the week.
Chris

Chris Jackson wrote:I'm almost prepared to bet on Nettle-tree Butterfly hibernator within the week.

Don't rub it in, Chris! We're only just getting over you seeing Western Dappled White!!