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Brimstones emerge in springlike temperatures
25 February 2019
A firecrest hunts insect Photo: Romney Turner
Early signs of spring are all around Arundel Wetland Centre.
Brimstone butterflies began appearing last week. The sulphur yellow males
emerge first from their winter hibernation, waiting for females who emerge when
buckthorn began to bud where they will lay eggs on leaf shoots. Some peacock
and red admiral butterflies are about as well but the brimstones are out in
force especially on these warmer days. With temperatures in the teens some
small whites and holly blues have been seen in Sussex. Both these species hatch
out from a chrysalis in spring so they are early.
These sightings are a snapshot or wildlife around the reserve each morning noted by our wardens.