Butterflies in winter

Here's the December newsletter from British Butterfly Conservation:

Welcome to December's ‘all aflutter’.                   Whether you fall into the social butterfly or hibernate-at-home camp, it's hard to ignore the festivities or the fall in temperature this month. Find out where butterflies go in winter and how the deep freeze we are forecast might be good for some species. The Holly and the Ivy can move over as the Secret Gardener reveals why you should love lichen and if you want to keep receiving All Aflutter in the New Year, please don't forget to notify us of your mailing preferences.

Snow Problem For Butterflies Weather forecasters are warning of ice, sleet and snow for many parts of the UK this weekend. As you turn up the thermostat and get out your gloves, consider the more ingenious ways our wildlife have to keep warm. Despite their seemingly delicate nature, butterflies and moths are surprisingly resilient to the winter chill. Different species have evolved different strategies to survive the coldest months. Some overwinter as dormant adults, sheltering in caves, buildings and vegetation, or as eggs, but the majority spend the winter as caterpillars or pupae, often hidden underground or in cosy nooks of plants. A few species are active either as adults or as caterpillars during the winter. New research has revealed that many UK butterflies actually do better after a cold snap. In years when winter temperatures are unusually warm, many species see a fall in population the following year. Richard Fox explains why.... Dreaming Of A White Christmas Dig It: A Lesson In Lichen Things are probably looking a bit bleak in your garden this month but the lack of foliage has uncovered a fascinating spectacle of nature which is usually obscured. Bare branches may not seem like the obvious place for a caterpillar to take cover but look closely at this picture. You should be able to make out the larva of the Brussels Lace moth, carefully disguised as lichen. Lichen is a food source for many other moth caterpillars and can provide shelter for a myriad of small insects in winter time. The Secret Gardener investigates which species just one lichen-covered branch could be supporting and reminds you to be careful when bringing twigs inside. December Gardening Tips

Butterfly Conservation - Home
.
.
.