Bird, bug, butterfly and a wild variety of photos from Belarus, Cyprus, Finland, Greece, Ireland, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Scotland and Spain by Irish wildlife photographer Patrick J. O'Keeffe and invited guests

Showing posts with label Butterflies of Europe. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Butterflies of Europe. Show all posts

Wednesday 21 April 2021

COMMA BUTTERFLY (Polygonia c-album) nectaring on BLACKTHORN (Prunus spinosa) blossoms, Turvey Nature Reserve, Donabate, Fingal, Co. Dublin, Ireland


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Click external link here for detailed species information
 
Click external link here to see identification guide to Irish Butterflies
 
The Comma Butterfly (Polygonia c-aibum) is of the family Nymphalidae which is in the genus Polygonia
This common species has a widespread distribution in the temperate regions of Eurasia and North Africa. Formally absent from Ireland, it is only in recent times that it has been added to the Irish Butterfly List. It was first reliably reported near Portaferry, Co. Down in August 1997 and again in August 1998. There were no further reports until 17th August 2000 when there was a fully verified record from the Raven Nature Reserve, Co. Wexford. Proof of breeding was subsequently confirmed in that area. Over the last ten years, it has rapidly expanded its range from southeast Co. Wexford and has now colonised most of southern Leinster as well as eastern Munster.
The larval food plant is mainly Stinging Nettle (Urtica dioica) and the flight season is from late March to late September, split over two generations. Having overwintered as an adult, it emerges in late spring and then after mating, lays its eggs on the larval food plant.
The 1st record for Cape Clear Island, Co. Cork on 14th October 2019 (pers. comm. Jim Fitzharris) might be an indication of fresh immigration from Britain or Continental Europe. 
 
Patrick J. O'Keeffe / Raw Birds

Sunday 18 April 2021

GREEN VEINED WHITE BUTTERFLY (Pieris napi) Turvey Nature Reserve, Donabate, Fingal, Co. Dublin, Ireland


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The Green-veined White Butterfly (Pieris napi) is of the family Pieridae which is in the genus Pieris. It commonly occurs in Eurasia as well as North America. This species is on the wing from March to October, over several generations, but in Ireland the normal flight season extends from mid April to mid September. It hibernates during the winter as a chrysalis.

Patrick J. O'Keeffe / Raw Birds

Sunday 11 April 2021

COMMA BUTTERFLY (Polygonia c-album) one of two individuals seen on 27-03-2021, freshly emerged from hibernation and were subsequently observed nectaring on BLACKTHORN (Prunus spinosa) blossoms, Turvey Nature Reserve, Donabate, Fingal, Co. Dublin, Ireland



 
CLICK ON PHOTO TO SEE HIGHER QUALITY IMAGE
Click external link here for detailed species information
 
Click external link here to see identification guide to Irish Butterflies
 
The Comma Butterfly (Polygonia c-aibum) is of the family Nymphalidae which is in the genus Polygonia
This common species has a widespread distribution in the temperate regions of Eurasia and North Africa. Formally absent from Ireland, it is only in recent times that it has been added to the Irish Butterfly List. It was first reliably reported near Portaferry, Co. Down in August 1997 and again in August 1998. There were no further reports until 17th August 2000 when there was a fully verified record from the Raven Nature Reserve, Co. Wexford. Proof of breeding was subsequently confirmed in that area. Over the last ten years, it has rapidly expanded its range from southeast Co. Wexford and has now colonised most of southern Leinster as well as eastern Munster.
The larval food plant is mainly Stinging Nettle (Urtica dioica) and the flight season is from late March to late September, split over two generations. Having overwintered as an adult, it emerges in late spring and then after mating, lays its eggs on the larval food plant.
The 1st record for Cape Clear Island, Co. Cork on 14th October 2019 (pers. comm. Jim Fitzharris) might be an indication of fresh immigration from Britain or Continental Europe. 
 
Patrick J. O'Keeffe / Raw Birds

Saturday 27 March 2021

COMMA BUTTERFLY (Polygonia c-album) one of two individuals seen today, freshly emerged from hibernation and were subsequently observed nectaring on BLACKTHORN (Prunus spinosa) blossoms, Turvey Nature Reserve, Donabate, Fingal, Co. Dublin, Ireland

 
CLICK ON PHOTO TO SEE HIGHER QUALITY IMAGE
Click external link here for detailed species information
 
Click external link here to see identification guide to Irish Butterflies
 
The Comma Butterfly (Polygonia c-aibum) is of the family Nymphalidae which is in the genus Polygonia
This common species has a widespread distribution in the temperate regions of Eurasia and North Africa. Formally absent from Ireland, it is only in recent times that it has been added to the Irish Butterfly List. It was first reliably reported near Portaferry, Co. Down in August 1997 and again in August 1998. There were no further reports until 17th August 2000 when there was a fully verified record from the Raven Nature Reserve, Co. Wexford. Proof of breeding was subsequently confirmed in that area. Over the last ten years, it has rapidly expanded its range from southeast Co. Wexford and has now colonised most of southern Leinster as well as eastern Munster.
The larval food plant is mainly Stinging Nettle (Urtica dioica) and the flight season is from late March to late September, split over two generations. Having overwintered as an adult, it emerges in late spring and then after mating, lays its eggs on the larval food plant.
The 1st record for Cape Clear Island, Co. Cork on 14th October 2019 (pers. comm. Jim Fitzharris) might be an indication of fresh immigration from Britain or Continental Europe. 
 
Patrick J. O'Keeffe / Raw Birds

Thursday 10 December 2020

BRIMSTONE BUTTERFLY (Gonepteryx rhamni) [Pair, male on left] Lullymore West Bog, Lullymore, Co. Kildare, Ireland


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The Brimstone Butterfly (Gonepteryx rhamni) is of the family Pieridae which is in genus Gonepteryx. It occurs in Europe, Asia and parts of northern Africa. The presence of its larval food plants, Alder Buckthorn (Rhamnus frangula) and Common Buckthorn (Rhamnus carthartica) influences its geographic range and distribution. This butterfly can live for up to a year and the flight season is from April to August. It then overwinters as an adult and emerges, after seven months, from hibernation.
 
 Patrick J. O'Keeffe / Raw Birds

Tuesday 8 December 2020

ORANGE TIP BUTTERFLY (Anthocharis cardamines) a male nectaring on Herb Robert Wildflower (Geranium_robertianum) Lullymore West Bog, Lullymore, Co. Kildare, Ireland


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Click external link here for detailed Orange-tip Butterfly information
Click external link here for detailed Herb Robert Wildflower information
 
 The Orange-tip Butterfly (Anthocharis cardamines) is of the family Pieridae which is in the genus Anthocharis. This common and widespread species is on the wing from early May to late June. The larval food plant is Cuckoo Flower (Cardamine pratensis) which is also known as Lady's Smock. It overwinters as a chrysalis.
 The Herb Robert Wildflower (Geranium_robertianum) is of the family Geraniaceae which is in the genus Geranium.
 
Patrick J. O'Keeffe / Raw Birds

Friday 27 November 2020

CRYPTIC WOOD WHITE BUTTERFLY (Leptidea juvernica) on HERB ROBERT WILDFLOWER (Geranium_robertianum) Lullymore West Bog, Lullymore, Co. Kildare, Ireland


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Cryptic Wood White Butterfly information
Click here for detailed Herb Robert Wildflower information
 
The Cryptic Wood White Butterfly (Leptidea juvernica) is of the family Pieridae which is in the genus Leptidea.
The Herb Robert Wildflower (Geranium_robertianum) is of the family Geraniaceae which is in the genus Geranium.

Sunday 15 November 2020

RINGLET BUTTERFLY (Aphantopus hyperantus) on HEDGE BINDWEED WILDFLOWER (Calystegia sepium) Lullymore West Bog, Lullymore, Co. Kildare, Ireland


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Ringlet Butterfly information
Click here for detailed Hedge Bindweed Wildflower information  
 
The Ringlet Butterfly (Aphantopus hyperantus) is of the family Nymphalidae which is in the genus Aphantopus. This species has a widespread distribution in the Palearctic region, but is absent from northern latitudes. The flight season is from mid June to late July, peaking in late June. It overwinters as a larva (caterpillar).
The Hedge Bindweed Wildflower (Calystegia sepium) is of the family Convolvulaceae which is in the genus Calystegia.   
 
Patrick J. O'Keeffe / Raw Birds

Friday 30 October 2020

SMALL TORTOISESHELL BUTTERFLY (Aglais urticae) Lullymore West Bog, Lullymore, Co. Kildare, Ireland


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The Small Tortoiseshell Butterfly (Aglais urticae) is of the family Nymphalidae which is in the genus Aglais. It has a widespread distribution in the Palearctic region but is absent from southern Asia. The caterpillars (larvae) feed on Common Nettle (Urtica dioica). Overwintering as an adult, its cryptic under wing pattern helps to avoid detection. It emerges from hibernation in late spring to lay eggs on its larval plant.

Patrick J. O'Keeffe / Raw Birds

Sunday 25 October 2020

SILVER WASHED FRITILLARY BUTTERFLY (Argynnis paphia) Lullymore West Bog, Lullymore, Co. Kildare, Ireland

 
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The Silver-washed Fritillary Butterfly (Argynnis paphia) is of the family Nymphalidae which is in the genus Argynnis. This very large species occurs throughout the temperate regions of the Palearctic. In Britain, it is found in the southern half of England and Wales. It has a very scattered distribution in Ireland.
Eggs are laid in tree crevices close of it's larval foodplant Common Dog-violet (Viola riviniana). The larvae hatch in August and immediately hibernate. They emerge the following April and then feed on the foodplant. Pupation occurs during May and the adult flight season is from July to late September.

Patrick J. O'Keeffe / Raw Birds

Wednesday 21 October 2020

PEACOCK BUTTERFLY (Aglais io) at Lullymore West Bog, Lullymore, Co. Kildare, Ireland


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The Peacock Butterfly (Aglais io) is of the family Nymphalidae which is in the genus Aglais. It overwinters as an adult with its wings closed and the dark cryptic under wing pattern help it avoid detection by predators.
 
 Patrick J. O'Keeffe / Raw Birds

Saturday 10 October 2020

SPECKLED WOOD BUTTERFLY (Pararge aegeria) Lullymore West Bog, Lullymore, Co. Kildare, Ireland

 
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The Speckled Wood Butterfly (Pararge aegeria) is of the family Acanthosomatidae which is in the genus Pararge. This is a very common species and is found throughout the Palearctic region. It occurs in a wide variety of habitats including urban gardens with a preference for shaded areas. Overwintering either as a lava or a pupa enables an extended flight season from April to October.

Patrick J. O'Keeffe / Raw Birds

Sunday 27 September 2020

SMALL COPPER BUTTERFLY (Lycaena phlaeas) on DEVIL'S BIT SCABIOUS WILDFLOWER (Succisa pratensis) Lullymore West Bog, Lullymore, Co. Kildare, Ireland


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The Small Copper Butterfly (Lycaena phlaeas) is of the family Lycaenids  which is in the genus Lycaena.
The Devil's-bit Scabious Wildflower (Succisa pratensis) is of the family Caprifoliaceae which is in the genus Succisa.

Saturday 26 September 2020

RINGLET BUTTERFLY (Aphantopus hyperantus) Lullymore West Bog, Lullymore, Co. Kildare, Ireland


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The Ringlet Butterfly (Aphantopus hyperantus) is of the family Nymphalidae which is in the genus Aphantopus. This species has a widespread distribution in the Palearctic region, but is absent from northern latitudes. The flight season is from mid June to late July, peaking in late June. It overwinters as a larva (caterpillar).

Patrick J. O'Keeffe / Raw Birds

Wednesday 23 September 2020

GREEN HAIRSTREAK BUTTERFLY (Callophrys rubi) Lullymore West Bog, Lullymore, Co. Kildare, Ireland


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The Green Hairstreak Butterfly (Callophrys rubi) is of the family Lycaenidae which is in the genus Callophrys. This small butterfly has a widespread distribution in Europe, Asia and northern Africa. When seen in flight, with its dull brown upper wings, it can easily be confused with darker coloured species. When not feeding it lands on green foliage always resting with the wings closed, revealing the iridescent green underwing. With this camouflage, it can be surprisingly difficult to spot. The flight season can extend from late March to early August but has a much shorter season in the northern part of its range.

Patrick J. O'Keeffe / Raw Birds

Tuesday 22 September 2020

BRIMSTONE BUTTERFLY (Gonepteryx rhamni) male at Lullymore West Bog, Lullymore, Co. Kildare, Ireland


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Click here for detailed species information

The Brimstone Butterfly (Gonepteryx rhamni) is of the family Pieridae which is in genus Gonepteryx. It occurs in Europe, Asia and parts of northern Africa. The presence of its larval host plants, Alder Buckthorn (Rhamnus frangula) and Common Buckthorn (Rhamnus carthartica) influences its geographic range and distribution. This butterfly can live for up to a year and the flight season is from April to August. It then overwinters as an adult and emerges, after seven months, from hibernation.

Patrick J. O'Keeffe / Raw Birds

Sunday 20 September 2020

COMMON BLUE BUTTERFLY (Polyommatus icarus) [pair copulating, female on right] Lullymore West Bog, IPCC Nature Reserve, Lullymore, Co. Kildare, Ireland


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The Common Blue Butterfly (Polyommatus icarus) is of the family Lycaenidae which is in the genus Polyommatus. This species has a widespread distribution across the Palaearctic region and in 2005 it was found as an invasive species in Mirabel, Quebec, Canada where it has continued to extend and colonise new areas. In southern Europe, the flight season is protracted, from early March into November, over a number of generations. In Britain and Ireland, it is on the wing from May to late September, over two generations 
The male has striking blue upper wings and lighter brown and blueish washed under wings compared to the female's brownish upper and under wings although her upper wings can be blueish brown in some populations. Males are very territorial and are constantly in search of receptive females. When the sexes meet, copulation occurs immediately, usually without any courtship ritual. Eggs are laid on the preferred larval food plant Birdsfoot Trefoil (Lotus corniculatus) or on plants from pea and bean family (Leguminosae). It overwinters as a larva (caterpillar) which emerges from hibernation the following season to continue feeding on its larval plant.

Patrick J. O'Keeffe / Raw Birds 
 Reference: 
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Common_blue

Friday 11 September 2020

SMALL TORTOISESHELL BUTTERFLY (Aglais urticae) Lullymore West Bog, Lullymore, Co. Kildare, Ireland


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Click here for detailed species information
 
The Small Tortoiseshell Butterfly (Aglais urticae) is of the family Nymphalidae which is in the genus Aglais. It has a widespread distribution in the Palearctic region but is absent from southern Asia. The caterpillars (larvae) feed on Common Nettle (Urtica dioica). Overwintering as an adult, its cryptic under wing pattern helps to avoid detection. It emerges from hibernation in late spring to lay eggs on its larval plant.

Patrick J. O'Keeffe / Raw Birds

Sunday 23 August 2020

BRIMSTONE BUTTERFLY (Gonepteryx rhamni) [Female] Lullymore West Bog, Lullymore, Co. Kildare, Ireland


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Click here for detailed species information

The Brimstone Butterfly (Gonepteryx rhamni) is of the family Pieridae which is in genus Gonepteryx. It occurs in Europe, Asia and parts of northern Africa. The presence of its larval host plants, Alder Buckthorn (Rhamnus frangula) and Common Buckthorn (Rhamnus carthartica) influences its geographic range and distribution. This butterfly can live for up to a year and the flight season is from April to August. It then overwinters as an adult and emerges, after seven months, from hibernation.

Patrick J. O'Keeffe / Raw Birds