Garden Butterflies Review 2013

After a poor start, 2013 proved to be an exceptional year for Butterflies in the garden.  During the hot spell in July and August, record numbers of Peacock, Small Tortoiseshell and Small White were seen. Some of the major sightings were as follows:
27th July - 11 Peacock.
8th August - 16 Peacock and 8 Small White.
10th August - 14 Small White.
20th August - 23 Small Tortoiseshell.
As well as the fine weather, the high numbers of Peacock and Small Tortoiseshell were probably due to the many Buddleja bushes that were in bloom at the time, and the Small Whites were attracted to a particular variety of Lavender.

In total, 9 species were recorded in both July and August, and overall for the year 14 species. However, 2009 (the year of the Painted Lady invasion) still holds the record at 15 species.

Garden Moth Review 2013

2013 proved to be an exceptional year for my garden moths. 21 new species were identified including the Micro moth Aleimma loeflingiana above, seen on 13/07/13.

My life list for the garden since 2005 now stands at 223 and overall at 321.

Altogether 99 species were seen with a total of 437 individuals. These totals are both records for the garden.

The most abundant moth counted since 2005 is still the Light Brown Apple Epiphyas postvittana (187), followed by Heart and Dart (122), and moving up to third place Large Yellow Underwing (99).