Brimstone Bonus

22/9/2025

For the penultimate transect of the season, BG was once again flying solo. After days of heavy rain, blustery winds, and a dip in temperatures, the return of wall-to-wall sunshine tempted out the hardy survivors for one last show.
Overall numbers were noticeably down on last week’s 118, a reminder that the season is drawing to its natural close. But there was one curious twist: no fewer than eight Brimstones were recorded – well out of season. Normally these bright yellow butterflies are among the earliest to appear in spring and then vanish into summer dormancy before re-emerging the following year. Their unexpected appearance at this late stage may reflect this year’s unusual weather patterns or the resilience of a species finely tuned to the ebb and flow of seasonal change.

Count details:
11 Meadow Brown
8 Brimstone
6 Common Blue
4 Small Copper
4 Small White
3 Large White
2 Brown Argus
2 Speckled Wood
1 Small Heath
Count Summary:
41 butterflies from 9 species.

For more info on these species visit
butterfly-conservation.org