Published Date:
07 August 2009
SWARMS of butterflies have been feasting on the nectar of a buddleia bush in Woodhall Spa – much to the delight of its owners.
Jim and Annette Amer-Barnes share a buddleia bush, also known as a butterfly bush, with their neighbours Peter and Doreen Rowland.
Last Tuesday, they noticed the bush was covered in painted lady and peacock butterflies.
Mr Amer-Barnes said: "It's absolutely incredible.
"It happens every year but we've never had so many as now."
It's a pleasure, almost a privilege to see something like this as their life span is so short."
As the News reported on July 8, a mass of caterpillars that would become painted lady butterflies emerged on to the road from a field in New York.
Rachel Shaw, press officer for the Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust based at Banovallum House in Horncastle, said the numbers of painted lady butterflies are exceptionally high this year.
This followed a mass invasion of adult butterflies in late May which flew here from southern Europe,"
Rachel said: "On one single day in May at Gibraltar Point National Nature Reserve, over 200 butterflies were witnessed flying in off the sea per hour.
"These adult butterflies mated, laid their eggs, the caterpillars ate lots and are now emerging in large numbers as the adult butterflies."
l Have you seen something extraordinary in your garden? Call the newsdesk on 01507 526868 or email sean.topham@jpress.co.uk.
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Last Updated:
07 August 2009 10:42 AM
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Source:
n/a
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Location:
Horncastle