UK butterflies-you remember them?

[nickbowles at My-Email.co.uk]

Hi,
Dave's observations are repeated country wide.  The species doing best varies a bit from site to site but there is a real concern about the breeding success of many species.  Black Hairstreak and Large Skipper seem to have done badly (again?).  Several species are emerging later than usual so it's worth perserveing at sites where for example N. B Argus hasn't made an appearance yet.  Purple Emperor is only just emerging at many sites and in the Midlands, White Admiral still look immacculately fresh.  Green |Hairstreak were still flying in Essex on the 5th JUly !!! Normally the first emerge in late March and they are gone over in the SE by June.

Most years  SW England is the best area for both good numbers and a wide range of species but this summer (if you can so describe it, without contravening the trades description act)  SE England or even the NW, including Scotland, are probably doing better.  The 2nd highest number ever of Clouded Yellow  have been seen in Northern Ireland and Marsh Fritillary did well there.  
My greatest concern is for the real sun lovers, the Adonis Blue and the Silver Spotted Skipper; and the rapidly decreasing Brown Hairstreak that desperately needs a good season.

The Brown family are generally least affected with the exception of the Grayling and possibly the Mountain Ringlet which has had very few decent days during its flight period.  Small Heath and perhaps Holly Blue will be the buttreflies awarded the 'Most Impressive Under the Circumstances' medal at the year's end.

Can we have some sunshine please?



  
--Best wishes

Nick Bowles :  94 Miswell Lane, Tring, Herts. HP23 4EX


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