The 2020 season started with a Peacock butterfly seen in my garden on the 8th February,flying energetically while braving a strong wind.In fact here on the Isle of Wight we have endured persistant blustery winds for months although temperatures have on the whole been mild.
It was therefore a relief today when the winds abated and the sun shone.Not surprisingly the temperature was probably not into double digits but all this was enough for the Glanville Fritillary larvae, or caterpillars, to appear from their communal webs and move around in the sunshine while staying close to or on their webs.Each individual is no more than one centimetre in length and now into their 5th instar.
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It's good that things are starting to appear. I had my first butterfly yesterday, a Peacock. It has been a long winter.
ReplyDeleteVery good of you to leave a comment Nick.Always look forward to this time of year when the butterflies are beginning to appear.Let us hope that we both have a successful season and that the weather proves to be kind.
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