First Holly Blue of 2010

[Cheryl]

Just seen my first Holly Blue of the year

It has been a great day in the garden for butterflies today; peacocks, commas and a brimstone - also saw my first "white" but couldn't get close enough to get a good look to determine which one.

[aeshna5]

After several really good years there seemed to be a crash by the second brood near me last year, so hopefully will pick up.

[Dogghound]

Originally Posted by aeshna5

After several really good years there seemed to be a crash by the second brood near me last year, so hopefully will pick up.

This is very common in Holly blue populations. An Ichneumon called Listrodomus nycthemerus causes populations to decline usually when they are near their peak. Although numbers build up again in most cases.

Some really good species to get in the garden too Cheryl.

[aeshna5]

Had my first Holly Blue today near Wandsworth Common.