Garden Butterfly Review 2017

Large White & Red Admiral butterflies led the way for the most number of months (5) seen in the garden for 2017. Above shows two Large Whites mating on my Hop Plant on 30th June when a total of 5 were seen at any one time that day.

A total of 14 species were recorded which is above the average of 12.8 since recording began in 2003.
Also, there were 42 first dates when a butterfly was recorded (31 average), making 2017 a good year for garden butterflies.

July was the most prolific month with 10 species seen.

The Red Admiral was the earliest and latest butterfly seen starting on the 17th February and finishing on the 17th November.

Two fairly uncommon species were recorded this year - a Small/Essex Skipper on 5th July and a Common Blue on 16th September.