The very mature and flourishing ivy over one of our loose boxes was abuzz this morning. Scores of insects and bees darted in and out of the flowers stocking up on the valuable source of nectar to stand them in good stead for the impending winter months. And then we spotted them! A beautiful pair of Red Admiral butterflies. They alighted on the side of the barn soaking up the warm October sunshine and then fluttered back to the ivy.
Vanessa atalanta - as they are also known (what a lovely name!) is one of the last butterflies to be seen before winter sets in. It may be that they will hibernate - or just rest up if the weather doesn't get too cold and go for a fly around on a sunny winter's day. And probably they will lay their eggs in the nettle beds. Which goes to show how important the plants that we often speak unkindly of are, in fact a lifeline to these beautiful creatures. We wish them well.
Vanessa atalanta - as they are also known (what a lovely name!) is one of the last butterflies to be seen before winter sets in. It may be that they will hibernate - or just rest up if the weather doesn't get too cold and go for a fly around on a sunny winter's day. And probably they will lay their eggs in the nettle beds. Which goes to show how important the plants that we often speak unkindly of are, in fact a lifeline to these beautiful creatures. We wish them well.
Tommy Peacock looked interested - I was unsure as to whether he was sizing it up for a snack.
"Is there not a Butterfly named after me?" He enquired.
I told him that indeed there was and it's Latin name was Aglais io.
Tommy was not impressed. Gordon xxx
"Is there not a Butterfly named after me?" He enquired.
I told him that indeed there was and it's Latin name was Aglais io.
Tommy was not impressed. Gordon xxx
