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Butterfly Recording in South and West Wales
You may recall in the spring edition of the newsletter we asked for members to report sightings of three butterfly species commonly encountered in spring and summer: Orange Tip, Peacock and Speckled Wood.
After only a relatively short period of time we have received a total of 202 different records for the three species, scattered throughout our patch as well as in Gwent and Powys. From the information received from members we have been able to map the distribution of the butterflies and analyse the results.
Orange Tip (Anthocharis cardimines)
Orange Tip was the most widely distributed butterfly species recorded during the survey, occurring in all three West Wales Counties and in Glamorgan as well as Powys and Gwent. In total 66 records for the species were received, which was the greatest response for an individual species on the mainland of Wales. The last record received was 21st May.
Peacock (Inachis io)
In total 84 records for Peacock were received, with it being the most commonly recorded species in the survey. However 58 (69%) records came from Skomer Island, meaning that only 26 records came from mainland Wales. Neither Orange Tip nor Speckled Wood generally are recorded on Skomer Island. Unlike the Orange Tip, whose flight season has already finished, the Peacock’s continues up until September, so hopefully many more sightings will still be made.
Speckled Wood (Parage aegeria)
The distribution of Speckled Wood records was generally widespread across South and West Wales. In total 52 records of Speckled Wood were received, and with a flight season lasting up until October in good years, it is hoped that many more sightings of the butterfly can be made.
With continued monitoring over time, it may be possible to assess any changes in the population and distribution as a result of climate and habitat change of these more commonly encountered butterfly species of Wales. WTSWW would like to thank all members who participated in the survey and for making it such a success. We hope for their and other members’ continued support in this survey and for many others.
Butterfly Survey Results
