A pristine Clouded Yellow butterfly pausing on a knapweed flower – what could be more evocative of the long warm days of summer.
Yet there’s something odd about this photo taken by Paul Fenn; it was taken this week (on 3 November to be precise) in Devon.
And it is not an isolated case. Despite the tumbling temperatures, Clouded Yellows have been reported widely during this first week of November, across southern coastal counties of England and Wales, but also as far north as Nottinghamshire, where six were seen on Tuesday, Northamptonshire and Norfolk.
Early November is not renowned as prime time for butterfly watching in the UK, yet the unusually mild autumn has enabled many species to continue their flight periods or prolong their stay in Britain.
On 1st November this year, a remarkable 12 species of butterflies* were reported across the country (not including butterflies in hibernation or caterpillars). The majority were Red Admirals, which were seen as far north as Dunfermline, Fife, and many observers saw several individuals. Small Tortoiseshells and Peacocks were also seen widely, but more surprising were sightings of Small Copper, Common Blue and several Holly Blue. On the same day, in my south Devon garden, I was fortunate to spot a freshly emerged Speckled Wood perched below its empty chrysalis.
Clouded Yellows weren’t the only migrant butterflies lingering in Britain during this mild spell. A few Painted Ladies have also been seen this month, when we would normally expect them to be back in Africa.
So, although the nights are rapidly drawing in and frosts are forecast, keep your eyes peeled for these little, winged reminders of summer.
Richard Fox
Surveys Manager
Follow me on Twitter @RichardFoxBC
* The full list of species reported on 1st November is: Brimstone, Clouded Yellow, Large White, Small Copper, Common Blue, Holly Blue, Red Admiral, Painted Lady, Small Tortoiseshell, Peacock, Comma and Speckled Wood.