To monitor the butterfly life at Coombes there is a weekly butterfly transect. Our lucky wardens walk a set, hour long route through the reserve and count what they see. What an onerous job! So, what is about this week?
Green-veined white, taken by Simon Gray
Green-veined white
A wide-spread and beautiful butterfly, the green-veined white is common across the country in a variety of habitats. It has a wide range of foodplants to choose from as both a larvae and a butterfly, including garlic mustard, cuckooflower and bluebells.
Orange tip, taken by David Tolliday
Orange tip
Again, the orange tip is common throughout the country. The flash of orange makes it very distinctive and they are one of the first butterflies to emerge each spring. However, the obvious markings which give it its name are only present on the males; the plain white females are often mistaken for the green-veined white or small white.
Small copper, taken by Simon Gray
Small copper
A fast, brightly coloured butterfly found in most areas of the UK. It can be found mainly in open spaces such as grasslands, woodland rides and heathland. As larvae it feeds on common sorrel, sheep’s sorrel and broad-leaved dock. The adult butterfly feeds on a range of wildflowers and is often found at rest while it absorbs the sun’s rays.
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Speckled wood, taken by Steve Brown
Speckled wood
So named, the speckled wood butterfly is commonly found in woodland. Unlike other butterflies it favours the shade and is more likely to be seen in overcast conditions than many other species. Although the adults prefer to feed from honeydew plants, when scarce they will take nectar from others sources such as cuckoo flower and dandelions.
We’re keeping track of the weekly butterfly count in the visitor centre, pop in a take a look at the board to see what’s about on the reserve.