Painted ladies

The first Painted Lady Butterflies turned up in my garden today, feeding on the Hebe and Red Valerian.


This amazing butterfly flies across the channel from the continent to the UK, some travel from as far as North Africa. They lay eggs and produce a second generation.

However recent scientific research and tagging has revealed that the second generation of Painted Ladies don't die during the winter as was once thought, but actually make the return journey. This migration is considered to be as spectacular as the famous Monarch butterfly in the USA. 

painted lady, silver y wing and juvenile spiders

I counted three Painted lady butterflies in the garden today.

You can see the proboscis of this one as it feeds. The butterflies were first seen in the front garden on the dog rose and then moved to the back garden feeding on the red Valerian and a white Hebe.
This one has piece missing from its wing.

Another spider ball, probably garden spiders, this time on the hydrangea

The wolf spider doesn't leave the survival of its brood to chance, the female carries the egg sac underneath her abdomen.

A perfectly camouflaged silver y wing moth.

This moth is another migrant from Europe although some may overwinter. This butterfly is very active at dusk and may be seen flying during the day.