Tags
Brimstone, Brimstone butterfly, British butterflies, British wildflowers, dandelion, Gonepteryx rhamni, Grangemoor Park
Here’s why it should be an offence to cut, spray or otherwise destroy blooming wildflowers – in this case, Dandelions, in particular.
During yesterday’s daily exercise walk around Grangemoor Park I saw at least five Brimstone butterflies. These were all males, newly emerged from hibernation and already flying frantically back and forth along their chosen path-sides and hedgerows, seeking out females to mate with.
As there aren’t yet many wildflowers in bloom at Grangemoor, when it came time to refuel for their next patrol flight, every single one of these Brimstones stopped and supped on Dandelion nectar. In fact, once I twigged to what they were doing, I took to checking every Dandelion I saw, just in case it held a butterfly. So, please, PLEASE, leave your Dandelions for the insects to feed on.
earthstar 
I would love to see one! Live in Lancashire and I don’t think they are as common here. Was once on hols in Silverdale on the coast ( very close to Arnside, so Cumbria border) and spotted some yellow butterflies. Think they were clouded yellows though. Anyway spotting a yellow butterfly would definitely make me happy! Lovely shots. X
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Thanks. I think Brimstones are probably less common up your way but they can definitely be found in Lancashire. Here’s a list of good butterfly sites from the Butterfly Conservation website though, obviously, now is not the time to be driving to see butterflies: https://butterfly-conservation.org/in-your-area/lancashire-branch/key-sites-in-lancashire
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I would never knowingly destroy one. I don’t have any this year which is unusual but I did see a large male Brimstone yesterday, I was so pleased!
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Excellent re non-destruction and that Brimstone! I’m sure the Dandelions will come … 🙂
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