Not So Here?

After a number of disappointing years, Butterfly Conservation's 'Big Butterfly Count' reports encouraging UK numbers of these insects. The biggest 'winner' on a national basis, appeared to be the Red admiral (Vanessa atalanta) (http://link.butterfly-conservation.org/m/1/71172733/p1-b23258-5138cf18cfb84731893e9b447d584f4c/3/140/ba8d07fc-4034-479c-8870-97c135ad2283). That was not, however, the experience locally. Nettles went uneaten by Red admiral caterpillars and Butterfly bushes were only visited by a few adults, late in the season (after the 'Big Butterfly Count' had finished). Not a single Clouded yellow or Painted lady has subsequently appeared locally this year.