LAST year we had a convention of painted lady butterflies. They appeared again on June 17th. Of the two I inspected closely, one was quite faded and the other in full perfection. Thus in prevailing north and easterly winds, it made me think that they must be breeders. Is this recorded?
On the same day also appeared the first red admirals, brand new and so bright they could cut your eyes.
Nick Harmon, Tully Lodge, Louisburgh, Co Mayo.
Painted lady butterflies do not hibernate they breed continuously, and they do not survive the winter here in either egg, larval or papal stage. Their breeding cycle is approximately 46 days, so it is possible that a very early arrival, around the first day, could have produced a new generation.
WE have had swallows in our garage for well over 20 years and we have always had at, least two, lots of little ones each year. However, this year, no nesting. The birds have come back all right and they are flying in and out but no sittings. Can you tell us why?
Daphne Rooney, Dunshaughlin, Co Meath.
That is remarkable. Probably something has changed in their nesting environment that upset them. It could be something quite trivial.