Late butterflies

Tony Messenger reports (via Richard Smith) that there were 8 species of butterfly at Lavernock Point on Friday 25th October - an impressive total for the time of year (I've only seen Red Admirals of late). The highlight was 3 Clouded Yellows, one of which was a female of the pale Helice form.

Apparently the first Clouded Yellow seen at Lavernock this year was on 2nd August, and singletons have been seen most weeks since. This species has certainly had a good year - I saw one in Monmouthshire in August and several on Gower in September.

Clouded Yellow at Forest Farm
(photo: 'Bob Fleming's Wildlife Garden')