Butterflies

In recent days the influx of Clouded Yellow butterflies from the continent has increased further.

Counts in the hundreds have been had at coastal sites in south west Cornwall.

The arrivals have included a number of the female form helice.

Females have been eager to lay eggs on birdsfoot trefoil and clovers

Both the helice form and the more normal form of female Clouded Yellows have been laying along the cliff tops

The photograph above is of orange eggs, at least two days old, laid on birdsfoot trefoil at Rosemullion Head near the Helford Estaury.

The photograph right is of a freshly laid egg watched being laid by a helice form on clover at Predannack cliffs, on the Lizard

See complete guide to Clouded Yellow butterflies, caterpillars and life cycle information