Painted Lady – Vanessa cardui – Vanesa de los cardos

Painted Lady - Vanessa cardui - Vanesa de los cardos

The Painted Lady – Vanessa cardui – Vanesa de los cardos butterfly begins its amazing migration from Africa in the early spring, heading north into most areas of Europe. Once there the numbers swell as the second generation develops, but due to the winter cold they do not complete a return journey, therefore their numbers … Read more

Marsh Fritillary – Euphydryas aurinia – Doncella de ondas rojas

Marsh Fritillary - Euphydryas aurinia- Doncella de ondas rojas

There are several colour variationsof Marsh Fritillary – Euphydryas aurinia – Doncella de ondas rojas depending on the locality. The main colours on the upper wings are a mosaic of reddish-orange, buff-yellow with varying amounts of brown. There are black spots inside orange marks to the rear of the upper hind wings. The under wings … Read more

Large Tortoiseshell – Nymphalis polychloros – Olmera

Large Tortoiseshell - Nymphalis polychloros - Olmera

The Large Tortoiseshell – Nymphalis polychloros – Olmera is a large and attractive butterfly that often sunbathes on tree trunks or rocks with its wings open. The adults hibernate through the winter but can be seen flying on warmer days. The main upperwing colour is an orangey red with large black marks towards the front … Read more