The Painted Lady

This year is said to be "the year of the painted lady", but you may ask why all the fuss?

These butterflies are very special indeed, due to the fact that they originate in North Africa and migrate to Northern Europe. This beautiful species cannot normally survive our winters here, so we are dependent on an immigration each spring and summer. The nomadic lifestyle of this species means it is constantly moving across continents seeking food. It is worth considering that this means that in order to reach the UK, they have to cover a distance of at least 1000 miles!

This year has proved to be the most successful up to yet, with record numbers reaching all four corners of the UK, reaching as far North as St Kilda. However this marvelous immigration is dependent on weather, so this spectacle may not be repeated.

If you saw a painted lady this year, locally, please tell us about it. Often attracted to Buddleia and Verbena, I am hearing reports through out our town including Valley Road, and the Blakenall area.

If you wish to learn more please contact:

http://www.butterfly-conservation.org/

Papillon