Tags
Brimstone butterfly, British butterflies, butterfly, Gatekeeper, Gonepteryx rhamni, Pyronia tithonus, Red Admiral, Vanessa atalanta
Though I love many things about the coming of autumn, it is also a time when many other things I love disappear for the year. The butterflies are one of those things. Gone now are the gorgeous Gatekeepers (Pyronia tithonus) that kept me company during my frequent wanders around my local cemetery.
Gone too is the pale, subtle beauty of the Brimstone (Gonepteryx rhamni). Though I searched for more, I saw only one this year, at the Parc Slip Nature Reserve.
I have noticed, over the past couple of weeks, a little resurgence of Red Admirals (Vanessa atalanta), as they feast on the ivy flowers that are just beginning to bloom here in Cardiff and are providing a late season banquet for bees, hoverflies and butterflies. All too soon, these creatures will also fade away, hopefully to come again in the springtime when the temperatures begin to rise and the days to lengthen.
I too noticed an abundance of Red Admirals recently on a long stretch of ivy. I have never seen so many at the same time, it was like a plague ( well almost). 🙂
Sounds like that would’ve been a beautiful sight!
Sad indeed, but on the bright side there are birds coming back to distract from their absence.
Yes! And I have already had my first conversation with a robin. My focus will certainly be back on the birds over the winter months.
Will miss butterflies too.
Lovely shots. I too miss the butterflies as the season moves on.
Thanks, Belinda. Sadly, many butterflies here are in decline due to loss of habitat so they are to be treasured.