Painted lady butterfly

[nanila]

We've got a newcomer in our garden! I know that painted lady butterflies do occasionally visit the UK Midlands, but I don't believe I've ever had more than a fleeting glimpse of one. I presume the prolonged heat wave is helping them to expand their range, as this one seems to have staked a claim here. Along with two very combative commas, a peacock, and a lot of cabbage whites, gatekeepers, and small tortoiseshells.

Comments

[shirebound]

Hooray, butterflies! :)

[nanila]

So many butterflies. I'm restraining myself from posting them here all at once. :D

[yourlibrarian]

I presume the prolonged heat wave is helping them to expand their range

Changing climate is definitely changing migration patterns for different creatures. I know a hummingbird watcher in Southern California who's noticed that the birds are no longer leaving during the winter.

Glad you've been able to have the sighting!

[nanila]

I have mixed feelings about the hummingbirds taking up permanent residence in Southern California. I used to live there, and one of the signs of spring for me was always the hummingbirds turning up at the feeder.

Thanks! It's rather bigger than the other butterflies in the garden. I wonder if this is why it's less prone to combat. The others seem to avoid it.

[veritas_poet]

Oh, is that what they're called? I'm clueless on this stuff. Very pretty!

[nanila]

There are relatively few species of butterfly in the UK, so it's easier to memorise them than in the USA where there are hundreds! I have difficulty with the UK fritillaries, purely because I don't see them very often.

[veritas_poet]

I did not know that. Thanks!

[minoanmiss]

Oh, the beauty!

[nanila]

They're spectacular! I'm pleased to have one staking its claim to our garden.

[kk1raven]

Maybe it is the angle, but that looks more like a Red Admiral to me than a Painted Lady.

[nanila]

Darn it. I wish I had a photo from a different angle (I don't) because I debated over this before deciding it must be a Painted Lady due to the patterning. I will have to hope it returns - and sits still a little longer - to be sure!