BUTTERFLY POSTCARD SURVEYS FOR THE PUBLIC

SMALL TORTOISESHELL 2009

Small Tortoiseshell butterflies overwinter as hibernating adults, emerging in the Spring to mate and lay eggs, again in batches on the young leaves of Common Nettle. The young larvae are similarly gregarious, and when fully grown, disperse to finish feeding and pupate, with new adults appearing from July onwards.

The butterfly has seen large declines in recent years in southern England, and concern has been growing that this was due to the spread of a parasite from the Continent.

Records received for Small Tortoiseshell during 2009 suggest that there is some contraction in range, particularly in the west of Scotland.

PEACOCK 2008

The Peacock over-winters as an adult and can be seen in gardens and other flowery places between March and June, and again in August and September. Its caterpillars feed on nettles.

In 2008 the public were asked to look out for the Peacock butterfly, which is colonising new parts of Scotland.

The report attached below as a pdf shows its distribution from the reported sightings submitted using postcards and on-line in 2008. The maps show a rapid recent spread into the Scottish Highlands.

ORANGE-TIP 2007

The report below shows the change in distribution of this attractive butterfly from the results of the postcard surveys in 1997 and 2007. The Orange-tip has continued its spread north and west, possibly in response to global warming.

It is on the wing April-May, and the caterpillars feed on garlic mustard and cuckoo flower (also called ladies smock).

We are always happy to receive more records, so please send your sightings to Butterfly Conservation Scotland, Balallan House, 24 Allan Park, Stirling, FK8 2QG. Thank you!

Many thanks to volunteers Richard Sutcliffe, Duncan Davidson, Tony Mainwood, David Barbour, Heather Young and Bertie Robinson for helping compile and map these records, and to Heather for compiling the report. And thanks to all of you who have submitted records.