An orange butterfly with black, brown and white marking resting on the ground

Painted Lady. Photo: Rob Morrison

A red butterfly with brown, black, blue and creamy white markings resting on the ground

Peacock. Photo: Rob Morrison

Two photos from Rob sent in with the following comments:

Whilst walking in the Chettle and Minchington area on 11/05/2021, I was surprised to find a very active Painted Lady, what looked to be a fresh Peacock as well as Large and Small Whites, Orange Tips, Green-veined White and Brimstone.  I am now looking forward to later in the year to make a fuller assessment of what is a promising area with wild flower rich margins, small copses, and good hedgerows.  Although this area is intensively farmed, there does seem to be a sympathetic attitude towards preserving some nature which is most encouraging.

The Painted Lady in the photo was very active, very fast and powerful.  Although drab in appearance, it is still a remarkable insect to have made the recent journey north in what must have been very trying conditions.

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