Painted Ladies

[metalfish]

went for a walk today through a meadow full of hay rattle, buttercup & ribwort plantain, there must have been masses of painted lady's 100+ in the field all billowing up with every footstep. There were also lots of little blue butterflies with paler blue border to their wings.
This was near the Seven Sisters, on the south coast & not far from Dover & France as the butterfly/ crow flies

[Cheryl]

Originally Posted by Susie

That is a perennial wallflower called "bowles mauve", Dan. The PLs seem to love it. They are also feeding on sweet rocket, ordinary wallflowers, catmint, and forgetmenots but seem to give most things a go. They have even been feeding on columbine and clematis. I know they are supposed to like red valerian but they haven't touched mine yet.

My honesty has gone to seed too, although there are still a few flowers hanging on.

I've had them on my Valerian I've read that their caterpillars feast on thistles and that it may be that thistle-cutting or spraying is unnecessary this summer because the caterpillars will defoliate them.

[Pete Collins]

This was the best photo I managed today. It was taken near Markyate, Herts.

[Jelly dog]

I live on Cranborne Chase, Dorset/wilts border. There have been hundreds (no exageration) of Painted Ladies here for about a week. Great to see them all.

Just joined this site. Hope i am doing this right!

[Pete Collins]

Originally Posted by Jelly dog

I live on Cranborne Chase, Dorset/wilts border. There have been hundreds (no exageration) of Painted Ladies here for about a week. Great to see them all.

Just joined this site. Hope i am doing this right!

Welcome to WAB, Jelly dog! You're right, it's a pleasure to see these lovely butterflies.

[Hedge Witch]

Originally Posted by Pete Collins

Had one in the garden here this afternoon, the first time I've seen one here I think.

Very jealous of those of you who've seen them en masse!

Just saw one feeding on the perennial wallflower. Like you Pete it's the first time I've seen one in my garden Fantastic to see!

[harasseddad]

There's been a steady trickle through Great Yarmouth today (around 8-10 an hour) but it all looks good for another major movement this weekend. Don't forget to post your sightings on the butterfly conservation website.

[Wild-Man]

Walked along Fairlight Cove last weekend with my better half ( aka Wild Woman ) and they were everywhere!
Went to work today ( construction site in New Cross ), and saw 6 fly across. They didn't settle for more than a few seconds, and were gone! And yes, they were heading North!!

[Naturenutz]

Alot more in north somerset today, i even looked around while i was stopped at traffic lights and saw 2 . must have seen over 50 today and thats from my car . On a rather sombre note, i only saw one uk resident butterfly .
Do we get any other migrants other that painted lady and clouded yellow ?

[Gill Catton]

Just to add to this thread too that there is a nationwide census of painted ladies taking place on Saturday to properly document this extraordinary migration event!

More details at
Butterfly migration is biggest for years - Butterfly Conservation