First Butterflies of the Year as the Fine Weather Continues.

The very mild weather continues and temperatures reached nearly 20 Celsius today.A first trip of the year to Walters Copse,Newtown owned by the National Trust resulted in five Comma butterflies and at least four Brimstone.The Commas were basking in their usual spots, namely sunny and sheltered rides whereas the male Brimstone flew energetically about looking for females, pausing briefly to nectar on the few primrose flowers and enjoying a sunny location.

Mild Temperatures Bring Out the Glanvilles.

The mild temperatures of the last week have enticed  the Glanville Fritillary larvae out of their winter hibernacula to sun themselves on the south facing slopes of our Island cliffs.

The webs seen today at Shepherds Chine revealed many caterpillars out and about enjoying the warm sunshine.They are no more than one centimetre in length at present and into their fifth instar.