Winter butterflies in Cornwall

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Painted Lady butterfly (Vanessa cardui) 17th November The Lizard Cornwall UK © 2015 Steve Ogden

A late migrant Painted Lady butterfly was seen nectaring on Red Valerium at Porthallow on the Lizard, Cornwall on the 17th November.

Peacock and Red Admiral butterflies were also seen basking in winter sunshine.

The nearby sheltered beach of Porthoustock is one of several places where Red Admiral caterpillars can often be found even in the middle of winter.

For birders, Porthoustock is a well known wintering place for Black Redstart which can often be seen feeding on insects amongst the old quay buildings on the north east side of the beach.