East Lothian sightings - October 2019

[NickMorgan]

A few brave butterflies are still hanging around East Lothian. Primarily Red Admirals, which are being seen in decent numbers feeding on Ivy flowers. I was 11 on one clump of Ivy last week, along with two Painted Ladies. Quite why they are still here and haven't started their migration to warmer climes, I don't know!
There are also a few Speckled Woods still being recorded and a solitary Peacock at Yellowcraig.

[NickMorgan]

Several Red Admirals reported by Abbie feeding on Ivy yesterday along with a Speckled Wood and a Comma.

[georgehogg]

Yes , I had a red admiral at Aikengall yesterday and a painted lady in Macmerry today.
Also had 7 small torts and a peacock hibernating at Aikengall.

[jpgn]

I had a Painted Lady yesterday too George - in Longniddry. That's more than 8 months since my first of the year - which was seen only about 200 yards away!

[NickMorgan]

Great to hear about the hibernating Small Torts George. It is worrying that they are becoming more and more scarce these days.

Also interesting that we are still seeing the odd Painted Lady. I wonder if these are females that have already laid their eggs, so there is no point in them migrating south?

[NickMorgan]

Despite the frosts Abbie saw six Red Admirals feeding on Ivy near Longniddry yesterday.