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Peacock Butterfly
Peter Gasson |
Twenty eight species of butterfly have been recorded at Kew
in recent years. This is a very high number given the proximity
of the Gardens to central London and reflects the variety
of suitable habitats present. The wealth of nectar-bearing
wild and cultivated flowers provides food for the adults while
the larvae feed upon foliage of suitable wild plants which
are managed in such a way as to allow them to complete their
lifecycles. Ten of the species are grass-feeders in the larval
stage and Kew’s extensive long-grass areas are cut in
cycles of different lengths to enable each one to survive.
For example the Large Skipper spends the winter as larvae
on grasses and if the grass is cut during the winter then
the larvae will be killed. Leaving grass standing through
the winter overcomes this problem and substantial areas of
grass are cut biennially enabling Large Skippers to survive
in the uncut areas each year.
Like most insects butterflies are most active and numerous
in summer but their season at Kew stretches from February
in some years through until October. The Brimstones and Peacocks
are usually the first to emerge from hibernation and capitalise
on warm sunny days early in spring. Small Tortoiseshells,
Commas, Speckled Woods and Holly Blues all appear later in
spring and are followed by the whites and Orange Tips. In
high summer Meadow Browns, Purple Hairstreaks and Gatekeepers
are all active and are often joined by migrants like Painted
Ladies, Clouded Yellows and Red Admirals. In some years Red
Admirals can be seen until after the first frosts.
You will see butterflies throughout the Gardens under suitably
warm, sunny and still conditions. The Order Beds in summer
are good for those species which feed on nectar and the Dukes
Garden, which offers shelter too, is also a popular feeding
area. Look in the areas of longer grass towards the southern
end of the Gardens to find skippers, Meadow Browns and Gatekeepers.
To see Purple Hairstreaks look up at the tops of the oak trees
surrounding Queen Charlotte’s Cottage where the butterflies
will be fluttering round the highest twigs only descending
very occasionally to feed from bramble flowers.
The ready availability of the pupae and larvae of some tropical
butterflies has given rise to an increasing number of sightings
of escaped specimens each year. The most powerful like the
South American Morpho species can survive for some days and
a number are seen at Kew annually. Various swallowtail species
have also been seen. To date none has yet managed to establish
here but the Monarch, Danaus plexippus, laid eggs on Milkweed
plants on the Order Beds some years ago.
Gardens are important refuges for butterflies which benefit
from their shelter, stability and availability of food. Gardeners
can help to conserve butterflies by providing nectar plants
like Buddleia, Michaelmas Daisies and Scabious. Both Holly
and Ivy are vital to the Holly Blue and Ivy is also valuable
as cover for hibernating Brimstones and Peacocks. Learn much
more about conserving butterflies by visiting www.butterfly-conservation.org.uk.
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