“Butterflies are a beautiful and important part of the UK’s wildlife” Butterfly Conservation
Butterflies are indicator species, highlighting the health of the environment and playing a crucial role in the food chain and plant pollination. The UK has 57 species plus two regular migrants ( Painted Lady and Clouded Yellow). Sadly many species have suffered significant decline since the 70’s and, over longer timescales, we know of 5 that have disappeared completely.
This first butterfly below, photographed last week, is the magnificent Peacock which lives for around a year. The underside of the wing is darkish brown and black allowing it to hide in leaf litter just by closing its wings. To ward off an attack the peacock is able to make a hissing noise by rubbing its wings together and with its eyespots, it appears an alarming prospect for would-be predators.
Many UK butterflies migrate long distances. In one of the largest citizen science projects ever conducted it has been revealed that the Painted Lady (photo below) undertakes a phenomenal 9,000 mile round trip from tropical Africa to the Arctic Circle.
The whole journey is not undertaken by individual butterflies but is a series of steps by up to six successive generations so Painted Ladies returning to Africa in the autumn are several generations removed from their ancestors who left Africa earlier in the year.
To take part in the butterfly count ( until 6th August) just download a spotting sheet ( or the app) and spend 15 minutes counting every type you see – most of the more common species are included plus a few day-flying moths.
Go to https://bigbutterflycount.butterfly-conservation.org/ and download the ID sheet by clicking on “Download Chart”.
I chose a sunny spot with wild flowers and blossom which was alive with insects and I was able to photograph the Peacock and Painted Lady and the two below , Red Admiral and Gatekeeper all within my 15 minute observation slot.
Phil
Wild Groombridge 