It sounds like a collective holiday for geisha but the Painted ladies in question are all madam butterflies (Cynthia cardui). The hot weather seems to have triggered an impressive migration of these insects into the UK (http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2009/may/27/painted-lady-butterflies-migration-britain). The start of this UK invasion from North Africa was first seen this year at Portland Bill, Dorset but later more than 50 per minute were counted arriving at Scott Head Island in North Norfolk. This is bad news for thistles who provide the food for the larvae of these impressive insects. Nice to see a butterfly species doing well.
This blog may help people explore some of the 'hidden' issues involved in certain media treatments of environmental and scientific issues. Using personal digital images, it's also intended to emphasise seasonal (and other) changes in natural history of the Swansea (South Wales) area. The material should help participants in field-based modules and people generally interested in the natural world. The views are wholly those of the author.
Saturday 30 May 2009
Invasion of the Painted Ladies
It sounds like a collective holiday for geisha but the Painted ladies in question are all madam butterflies (Cynthia cardui). The hot weather seems to have triggered an impressive migration of these insects into the UK (http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2009/may/27/painted-lady-butterflies-migration-britain). The start of this UK invasion from North Africa was first seen this year at Portland Bill, Dorset but later more than 50 per minute were counted arriving at Scott Head Island in North Norfolk. This is bad news for thistles who provide the food for the larvae of these impressive insects. Nice to see a butterfly species doing well.
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3 comments:
Absolutely.
A couple of days ago I was overtaken by several Painted Ladies while cycling.
Were they cycling or you cycling? Seems to be lots of them about. I have seen numbers in Oxwich and Bynea.
They were on motorbikes I think - left me for dead, anyway.
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