Butterflies 2008

[jezlee]

I live in Wolverhampton but go out regularly to the Shropshire countryside and visit National Trust gardens and I have to say this year whenever I'm out there are only two types of butterflies I see – Whites (small and large) and Gatekeepers. I have seen hundreds of both types, but as far as other types go ... I can think of the odd Red Admiral, a few Brimstones, couple of Peacocks, a few Speckled Woods, NO Small Tortoiseshells .... where have they all gone?

[JonSadler]

I am close to you based in south Birmingham. My spots for this year include: lots of Gatekeepers, Whites (large and small), slightly fewer Green-veined Whites and Speckled Woods, and scattered records of Common Blues, Holly Blues, Peacocks, Meadow Browns, Commas, Orangetips, Ringlets and Large and Small skippers. Missing from the normal run of species are Essex Skippers, Small Tortoiseshells, Red Admirals, and Painted Ladies. It has been a bad year nationally and this is thought to be a result of last year's shocking summer and autumn weather.

Cheers
Jon

[leifus]

I'm on 29 for the year, best of which is a purple emperor or maybe white-letter hairstreaks

[jezlee]

Thanks for the replies - it seems the butterflies have been giving me a wide berth this year - I'll have to try some new deodorant!

[leifus]

ive found deodorant works rather well actually!

[jezlee]

Originally Posted by leifus

ive found deodorant works rather well actually!

With the birds maybe?

[leifus]

yeah and the dragonflies...ive had lesser spotted emperors and club-tailed emerald chasers going for me armpits