large freshly emerged painted lady butterfly (Vanessa cardui) with opened wings feeding on nectar of Stonecrop Sedum spectabile
large freshly emerged painted lady butterfly (Vanessa cardui) with open wings feeding on nectar of common garden Stonecrop Sedum spectabile. The species migrates to Britain from Europe in early Summer. Some go on to Iceland (the only butterfly species found there whilst others breed in Britain and the British next generation generally emerges in August in Southern Britain or September in the North. They cannot successfully overwinter in Britain but some make a return migration to the Continent. The process is repeated annually with considerable variations in the numbers of visitors from year to year. This specimen is large and in pristine condition showing that it has recently emerged from pupation nearby. Migrant butterflies often show signs of considerable wear and tear.
Size: 3000px × 2250px
Location: Cumbria England UK
Photo credit: © Steve Holroyd / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
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