Early?

Guinnessman1974 · #1 (**permalink**) 17-04-2011, 01:04 PM

Are Butterflies generally emerging early this year?

I've seen this weekend here in Shropshire:Comma, Green Veined White, Small white, Peacock, Brimstone, Orange Tip is good numbers and a Blue butterfly - would this be a Holly Blue, as it's a bit early for the common Blues?

aeshna5 · #2 (**permalink**) 17-04-2011, 03:33 PM

Of those you mention Brimstone, Peacock + Comma overwinter as adults so will appear as soon as there is suitable warm weather. There's been a lot of settled weather with some higher than average temperatures so good for emerging butterflies. All those you mention I would expect to see now in suitable conditions.

Plenty of Holly Blues around + have been seeing them for about 3 weeks or so now. Haven't seen any Common Blues yet.

ChrissyMarie · #3 (**permalink**) 19-04-2011, 09:09 PM

I thought I saw Small Coppers over the weekend but it was a pair and they were gone from sight so quickly. We do well around here for these but, if I saw what I thought I saw, it was early...I could be wrong but even OH was asking what they were!!!

BTW Guinessman, I am pleased to report that I saw a kingfisher over the weekend on the Severn, so there are some about

aeshna5 · #4 (**permalink**) 20-04-2011, 04:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChrissyMarie

I thought I saw Small Coppers over the weekend but it was a pair and they were gone from sight so quickly. We do well around here for these but, if I saw what I thought I saw, it was early...I could be wrong but even OH was asking what they were!!!

BTW Guinessman, I am pleased to report that I saw a kingfisher over the weekend on the Severn, so there are some about

I haven't seen Small Copper yet but I wouldn't be surprised if you did see one, they should be appearing by now + the first report on the BC website was some time ago now.

htcdude · #5 (**permalink**) 20-04-2011, 08:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChrissyMarie

I thought I saw Small Coppers over the weekend but it was a pair and they were gone from sight so quickly. We do well around here for these but, if I saw what I thought I saw, it was early...I could be wrong but even OH was asking what they were!!!

Funny yesterday I was on Brownsea Island and thought I saw one, but too thought to myself it's a tad early. Maybe it was though!?!

MetalMoth · #6 (**permalink**) 21-04-2011, 11:30 PM

I think Small Copper's have been seen in Lulworth Cove already this year.

Susie · #7 (**permalink**) 24-04-2011, 07:11 AM

Not only have small coppers been around for a while now but common blues are flying (i saw one yesterday) and brown argus, small blue, duke of burgundy, pearl bordered fritillary and glanville fritillary are out too. Amazing!