Migrants

Of the 21 species of butterfly identified in the park this summer, two do not overwinter here: the painted lady (Vanessa cardui) and the red admiral (Vanessa atalanta)

The painted lady is a migrant from southern Europe and north Africa. They arrive as adults in Britain in the spring and summer; they breed here and the autumnal generation of adults undertakes the return journey.

Here is a short video about the mysterious and complicated life cycle and migrations of the painted lady.

Header picture: painted lady (CC0)