First Butterflies

[rowanwitch]

Yesterday saw two red admirals and an orange tip, lovely and earlier than last year. Better cover my cabbages the whites will be out soon

[jakep]

Yes, that is lovely. There were two brimstones here during the warm spell but nothing since.
As first time allotmenteers we have the anti-white equipment ready!!

[jennyjoan]

omg - the most fattest bee I have seen came in through the computer window yesterda - the mother of mothers - run and got some toilet roll - wrapped it right up my arm and loads in my hand and got it. funny sensation and it was bzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzing away in hand. Flew away. First one I have rescued.

[Old_Geezer]

Oh lawd, now realise, intending to grow veg for first time this year, means bugs and things. I probably need to net everything won't I . Humph !

[bhg481]

Seen at Welford Park, nr Hungerford, on 15th Feb this year:

http://i64.tinypic.com/15zkpjm.jpg

[hereIam]

I saw my first butterfly during that hot spell in February, a beautiful brimstone.

[corylus]

Found a great big bumble bee under the door this am, picked it up and freed it, no further sign of it.

[Prudie]

Also saw a peacock in the garden during that February hot spell, a winter survivor no doubt.

[Gill1941]

That's lovely.
No butterflies here but several bumblebees. Was watching one on the rosemary flowers yesterday. Often get them in January on the mahonia. Great shrub for winter flowers.

[naomi24]

I saw a Ladybird yesterday. Does that count?

[rowanwitch]

If it was moving it counts, I haven't seen any yet and the warm spell has brought the aphids out. Time to go out with a plastic box in my handbag in case I spot any

[naomi24]

Yes, it was moving. Walking on a window.

[rowanwitch]

It's early. Always good to see unless it was a nasty invader type.
https://insideecology.com/2017/12/06/invasive-non-native-species-uk-harlequin-ladybird/

[naomi24]

No, it wasn't one of those. Just a red one with black spots.

[10ClarionSt]

I saw 3 bumble bees during the warm spell in Feb. Never seen them that early before. Well done JennyJoan for rescuing that queen bee. People are naturally scared of bumble bees but it's very rare that they sting. They're quite docile actually and you can pick them up and move them without any problems. I've done that loads of times. Of course there will be people on here who will tell you they've been stung by a bumble bee, but are you sure it wasn't a honey bee?

[naomi24]

My husband picks bees up with no problem. I can't do that - not because I think they'll sting me but because I don't like touching insects and creepy crawlies. I get them in a glass and set them free outside.

[rowanwitch]

I use a spray of silk leaves, the bee crawls on take it outside rest it on a plant til the bee crawls off sorted!

[SparklyKid]

I always carry a plastic bag with sugary water in case I see a tired bee on the ground, it gives them an energy boost.

[hereIam]

Good idea Sparkly. I also saw a ladybird during the Feb. hot spell and also a stink bug which was crawling up my jeans - ughhh !!