June Butterflies of Ireland

Picture of a Painted Lady Butterfly

Butterflies hibernate during the cold winter months and begin to wake in the later spring and early summer.  In Ireland, we have over 1000 species of moth but only about 37 species of butterfly. Moths are nocturnal, which means that they are active at night whereas butterflies can be seen during the daytime.

Common Blue sent in by Alan Walsh

One of the most special Irish butterflies is the Marsh Fritillary, (Euphydras aurinia). The Marsh Fritillary is the only Irish butterfly species protected under the EU Habitats Directive. Once widespread, this species declined severely during the 20th century due to loss of uncultivated grasslands; overgrazing on remaining habitat; and its requirement for extensive habitat area and wildlife corridors. It is now considered one of the most endangered species in Europe so the Irish population is of international importance.

  Picture of a Red Admiral Butterfly

Butterflies have a three stage life cycle: egg-larva-adult and lay their eggs during the start of the summer. The larval stage of the butterfly is called a caterpillar and their main purpose is to eat and grow. The summer time is very dangerous for caterpillars as they are a delicious treat for birds and wasps. You may see many of these around during June and early July. The commonly called “Hairy Molly” is one of the most familiar caterpillars; it is, in fact, the larvae of the small tortoiseshell butterfly (Aglais urticae).

  Marsh Fritillary                          Cinnabar Moth  (Sent in by Linda Colins)                           

Butterflies are sensitive to minor changes in habitat and climate, this means that small changes to temperature or habitat can impact on their life cycle or migratory patterns. Surveys over recent years have shown that many species are in decline due to fragmentation of traditionally widespread habitats and climate change. Butterfly populations are in a visible state of change over the past number of years. Warmer weather has had an influence on butterfly distribution, butterflies are emerging earlier, many have changed their migration patterns.

You can help halt this decline by adding nectar-producing plants to your garden or patio.

Caterpillars                                Picture of a Peakock Butterfly

Fun facts 

• An easy way to spot the difference between a butterfly and a moth is the way they sit  - Butterflies can't fold their wings - they must be open or closed upright. Moths can fold their wings.
• The butterfly larvae only eat solid food such as leaves and the adult butterfly only can drink and gets its energy from the nectar of flowers!
• Butterflies and Moths cannot drink thickened nectar, so watering your flowers keeps nectar thin. Collect rain water to water your flowers to conserve water!

For more information on Butterflies check out
http://www.butterflyireland.com/
http://www.irishbutterflies.com/