Although we’ve since been surprised by April snow, it was lovely to see so many butterflies emerging in the warm, sunny days of late March. Five UK species (Brimstone, Small Tortoiseshell, Red Admiral, Comma and Peacock) overwinter as adults in sheds, garages, hollow trees or between foliage, waking up as the temperatures rise. You may well have already spotted some of these enjoying the early sunshine.
Other species spend their winter as a chrysalis. One of these is the Orange Tip, which forms its chrysalis on a stem or twig. Camouflaged as a thorn, the chrysalis overwinters until it is ready to emerge as a butterfly some time during April or May. They have a head start over the majority of species, which overwinter as a caterpillar or egg. Once hatched, the male butterflies are the easiest to spot, with their distinctive orange wings warning predators not to eat them. Apparently, they taste particularly unpleasant due to the build-up of mustard oils eaten during the caterpillar stage. The first sighting of an Orange Tip is a true sign that spring is in full swing and is a good indicator of an early or late spring – when will you spot your first this year?
Orange Tip from www.rspbimages.com
Here you can find out more about the Orange Tip, in preparation for its emergence! The RSPB site has useful information about UK butterflies.
It's a great time of year to be thinking about planting flowers to attract butterflies to your garden. This useful link from the RHS could give you some ideas.
We are happy to say that the RSPB Flatford Wildlife Garden is now open every day until the end of October, from 10:30-4:30. For children on their Easter break, there is a 'Whose egg is it?' trail running until 24 April.