I've seen a few butterflies so far this spring - mostly of the Vanessid colourful red/orange group, and today had a very drab looking Peacock land in my garden for a short time. This species hibernates over the winter in crevices in trees, rocks or in garden sheds etc - seems hard to believe many have survived the 3 month freeze-up we've had since Christmas.
I've also seen a good number of bees in the garden, mostly buff-tailed bumble bees (bombus terrestis) I think, and by their size, quite a few queens looking for nest sites.
These two insects seem to be attracted by the Pieris Japonica and Camelia (picture) I have just outside my window, which burst into flower before anything else other than bulbs has really got going.
While cutting grass this morning I came across two 7-spot ladybirds, another insect that overwinters in a dormant state and emerges in early spring. I've just discovered the UK Ladybird Survey website which has some great information, and an online form to submit details of any ladybirds found in the UK so that threats to these delightful insects can be monitored.
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