Didyouknowthatwe have35speciesof butterflyinIreland?
DID you know that we have 35 species of butterfly in Ireland?
Out of those 35, thirty-two are resident species and the remaining three are migrants. Some species are very rare, restricted to The Burren region, whereas others like the Purple Hairstreak are slightly less restricted in their range, but spend their whole lives on the tops of mature oak trees, and are rarely seen- although a good pair of binoculars helps to get a good view.
Many species are common and are more frequently seen across a variety of habitats, including gardens and hedgerows. Although we are all living in uncertain times and are restricted in our movement, our back gardens are a great place to start to get to grips with the more common species.
Here are six species to watch out for during the month of April.
1. Orange-tip cardamines)
The first records of this year are just starting to surface, and in the coming weeks they will be out in good numbers - especially if this mild weather continues. Orange-tips are a small species of butterfly and can easily be overlooked when they are resting, as their mottled underwings blend in well with the surrounding vegetation. The males however, are distinctive and cannot be mistaken for another species when in flight, as their wing tips (Anthocharis have bright orange patches. The caterpillars feed exclusively on Cuckoo Flower, and the orange eggs are laid singly at the base of the flower. This is a calculated strategy as Orange-tip caterpillars are cannibalistic, and will eat larvae of their own species if they come into contact with each other.
2. Green-Veined White (Pieris napi)
A species that could be confused with other ‘white’ butterflies when on the wing, however this species has a distinctive pattern of green/black veins on the underside. Caterpillars are generalist feeders and will eat a range of cultivated and native plants
3. Holly Blue (Celastrina argiolus) – (not shown)
One of three species of ‘ blue’ butterfly we have in Ireland, (Holly Blue, Common and Small Blue).
The Holly Blue is perhaps somewhat overlooked due to its flying habits. While the other blue species tend to fly low, and can often be observed sitting on vegetation, Holly Blues fly above head height and are easily missed. Caterpillars feed on Holly in the spring, and Ivy in the autumn.
4. Speckled Wood aegeria)
A very common species that
(Pararge is regularly seen basking in fine weather. Speckled Wood butterflies are a territorial species that are often seem patrolling hedgerows and edges of woodland, fighting off any other butterflies that intrude on their space. The caterpillars are not too fussy and will feed on a variety of grasses, including Cock’s Foot and Yorkshire Fog.
5. Small Tortoiseshell (Aglais urticae).
The Small Tortoiseshell butterfly is another species that is familiar to many people and is a generalist species, so can turn up in a variety of habitats. Identified by its red/orange colouring that contrasts with black bands, and a border of blue spots around the edge of its upper wings. The Caterpillars feed almost exclusively feed on nettles (Urtica dioica).
6. Peacock (Inachis io) One of our largest butterflies and probably the most easily recognized, often seen soaking up the sunlight.
With its distinctive colouration and blue eyespots on hind and fore wings, its beauty is unrivalled. Peacock butterflies hibernate over winter and emerge in spring when the weather improves, and is more favourable. The Peacock butterfly is another species whose caterpillars feed exclusively on nettles (Urtica dioica)