Listening to a wildlife broadcast just now … the reason why there are fewer bees and butterflies visiting flowers like buddleja at the moment is because of the drought … in some areas the plants are so dry they’re not producing much nectar so the butterflies aren’t feeding from them.
So, give your buddleja a a few good soakings at the roots … that should help the nectar flow to increase.
Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.
A lot of butterflies here despite the drought- especially white, blue and yellow ones, commas, red admirals. Haven't seen any peacock ones yet though and usually they are very noticeable on my buddleia(s)- is it too early for them?
Thanks @Dovefromabove I just popped out and watered the bit of my garden that has 4 buddleia bushes hoping that will help a bit.
I have noticed increased insect activity after watering now that I do it in the mornings . Had not made the connection but it makes sense. Isn’t nature wonderful?
Saw my first butterfly yesterday or was it a moth? Do moths fly around in the afternoon? It landed just near me and was a very dull brown colour and when it was still with its wings up it was so well camouflaged it just looked like a dead leaf. In fact I had to stay and watch it fly away just to be sure I was looking at the right thing.
Moths usually only fly around in the afternoon when you disturb them from their kip. Moths usually rest with their wings held open therefore it probably was a flutter .
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I think in all my travels I have only spotted a couple of flutters this year.
Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/p02tfhrt
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Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.
It landed just near me and was a very dull brown colour and when it was still with its wings up it was so well camouflaged it just looked like a dead leaf. In fact I had to stay and watch it fly away just to be sure I was looking at the right thing.
Moths usually rest with their wings held open therefore it probably was a flutter .