Survivors
The Scarlet Tiger moths have emerged at Butts Piece, despite the frost and heavy rain since I saw the caterpillars in April.
There were only 4 there this morning, but I’ll keep watching to see if numbers reach their usual levels.
This year’s emergence seemed a bit late – but that could just be because they were early last year: here are the dates I’ve seen caterpillars and adults in previous years
| Year | Caterpillars | Adults |
| 2010 | 11 April | 17-26 June |
| 2011 | 26 March | 11-18 June |
| 2012 | 1-8 April | 23 June |
(not very scientific – I usually check at weekends, so a few days either way… )
Postscript – 24 June
The sun shone (briefly), and a dozen or so were on the wing.
23 June 2012 at 12:10
Beautiful moths. An encouraging sign after the battering dealt to lepidoptera this year.