Butterfly News 30th April



Dear All

I saw at least 2 Real's Wood Whites at Craigavon Lakes, Co. Armagh, this afternoon (30th April). This is 1 day earlier than the first Northern Ireland sighting of 2009 (at the same site, when 1 was seen by Ted Rolston). Both were in a sheltered area near some trees although I covered a fair bit of more open ground also. These are as far as know the first Real Wood Whites of 2010 in Northern Ireland, although 
mentions Wood White Leptidea sinapis in Surrey on 24th April.
 
Other butterfly species seen today:
Holly Blue: 1 female in my garden  at Portadown, and 1 around a Holly Tree at Cargans near Tandragee, Co. Armagh (latter a new site I believe although it has been seen at at least 3 other sites within a mile or two).
Small White: At least 1 identified out of about 5 white butterflies proably all this species in a field of yellow Crucifers at Cargans. The first of this species I have seen in 2010.
Peacock: 1 in a field beside the River at Cargans.
Speckled Wood: About 6 at Cargans; the first I have seen of this species in 2010. Surprisingly none seen at Craigavon Lakes.
Orange-tip: 3 males and a female at Cargans and 2 males and a female at Craigavon Lakes. The first females I have seen so far.
Green-veined White: 5-6 at Cargans and 2-3 at Craigavon Lakes.

IAN RIPPEY 30.4.2010


For up-to-date sightings and information on butterflies in Northern Ireland visit the Butterfly Conservation Northern Ireland website:

www.bcni.org.uk


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