Garden Wildlife UK

Could well be the year of the Painted Lady, seen 5 this morning while out for a couple of hours. 3 were on my pyracantha blossom and 2 down the lakes.

You could be right William, I saw half a dozen at Radipole yesterday Will have to look and see how early I've seen them previously

They are always one of the rarer butterflies that I see.

I saw my first Common Blue of the year today. After a good early burst of butterflies it seems to have gone quieter for now.

Just counted 15 Painted ladies up here in Shropshire on a short dog walk

Germain wrote: Wed May 27, 2026 9:06 pm Just counted 15 Painted ladies up here in Shropshire on a short dog walk

I didn't know you had a short dog

PimperneBloke wrote: Thu May 28, 2026 7:17 am

Germain wrote: Wed May 27, 2026 9:06 pm Just counted 15 Painted ladies up here in Shropshire on a short dog walk

I didn't know you had a short dog

he might have melted in the heat

An article about Painted Ladies this year, from Dorset Butterflies :

https://www.dorsetbutterflies.com/2026/ ... es-galore/

I can remember one year (not 2019) when my friend was sea canoeing and the canoes were covered in Painted Ladies - there were 1000's

I am of course delighted that the sunny south is enjoying a PL bonanza but I am still waiting to see just one. Patience JS, patience!