Painted Lady. Photo: Jane Hopper

Red Admiral. Photo: Jane Hopper

Jane sent us these two photos with the following comments:

Having seen a Painted Lady whizz past me in the wind this afternoon, 30/4/2026 in my Chalmington garden, I was thrilled to see one feeding, first on Hawthorn blossom and then on Cuckoo Flowers as shown in the photograph. Whilst this one was feeding, a second one was well and truly sent packing by this smart Red Admiral, shown here looking very innocent and sedentary!

Both Painted Ladies that I saw were in pristine condition and I’ve certainly never seen one in my garden this early in the season.  I wonder if there is there any chance that they are from over wintering caterpillars?