Just been doing a butterfly count.
Six Red Admirals, the most we’ve ever counted here at one time. Four on the blue buddleia and two on the red one.
Red Admiral
Five Large Whites. Could probably have made it more if I’d looked in the polytunnel, as there are often six or eight there, but you are supposed to stay in one spot for the count.
Two Small Whites. They seem to prefer the periwinkle to the buddleia.
Two Small Tortoiseshells. It’s not been a great year for them. We did see a lot on the lavender before the count started but they have gone. Traditionally this has been our commonest butterfly (despite population dips elsewhere) but not this year.
One Peacock. Sometimes rivals the Tortoiseshells for numbers but not this year so far.
One Comma. The first of the year. It just goes to show the benefit of taking time to look.
Comma
It’s not a bad selection, but it’s a strange year for our two commonest butterflies. At least we have a surge in Red Admirals.
Meanwhile there are no Mint Moths about at the moment, despite seeing several early on in the season and there were no Gatekeepers/Meadow Browns flying during the count.
I will try again in the same place this afternoon and see if it makes a difference.