Coronavirus blog: First butterflies of spring arrive

As the weather turns warmer, butterflies can be seen on the wing along path edges and in green spaces near your house. Some British butterflies spend the winter months hibernating as a caterpillar, and some over-winter as a chrysalis (hard-shelled pupa, in which the transition of the butterfly or moth takes place). It is the species that spend the winter hibernating as an adult insect which are generally the first to appear in spring.

The main species that over-winter as an adult are the small tortoiseshell, peacock, comma, red admiral and brimstone. The female brimstone is a pale green or white colour. The male has vibrant yellow wings and it is believed that this insect was the original ‘butter-coloured fly’.

Brimstone Butterfly

The brimstone has angular wings that are strongly veined. This is good camouflage against ivy leaves where they shelter through the cold winter months. Once they emerge from their winter slumber, brimstone butterflies seek alder buckthorn shrubs on which to lay their eggs.

Remember that you should not be travelling to our parks, sites or Public Rights of Way for your daily exercise. Please only visit those that are within walking distance from your home, and follow Government advice on social distancing.

For more information, please visit http://www.shropshiresgreatoutdoors.co.uk/coronavirus/

Useful links:

Government: https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus
NHS: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/
Public Health England: https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/public-health-england
Defra: https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/department-for-environment-food-rural-affairs

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