A Clouded Yellow on the horizon

AMONG the unusual visitors brought by fine weather to our shores is the Clouded Yellow butterfly.

It has been spotted in West Cork.

This immigrant originates in north Africa and southern Europe and is seen more frequently in south-east England than in Ireland. Biologist Kevin Corcoran, of the West Cork Ecology Centre, Macroom, has recorded the butterfly in the past week in an area stretching westwards from the Old Head of Kinsale to Courtmacsherry.

“It’s very rarely seen here and this is the first time I’ve come across it. Some local fishermen also tell me it’s landing on their boats out at sea,’’ Kevin says.

Butterflies of many species are numerous this year, but the Clouded yellow (Colias croceus) stands out with its bright orange/yellow hue and the black band on the edge of its opened wing. The butterfly feeds on clover and can be found in old hay meadows and near the sea. Normally seen in northern France by late summer or early autumn, it then crosses the English Channel to places like Dover. Kevin says it is now appearing in south-west Ireland because we’ve had a warm, easterly breeze for such a prolonged period.

‘’This is an exceptional year for nature. We see it in the proliferation of berries, and other fruits, and in jellyfish. The long spell of calm weather, with no great amount of rain, is making conditions ideal for unusual things happening,’’ he says, and he doesn’t expect the Clouded Yellow to survive here.

In recent years, the Clouded Yellow has successfully over-wintered in the south of England. However, it is believed most perish, since both larva and pupa are killed by damp and frost. Many immigrants remain near the coast, where they feed, mate, and lay eggs.

Meanwhile, people who see the Clouded Yellow are asked to drop a postcard to Kevin Corcoran, at Mill Lane, Macroom, detailing the date and exact location of the sighting.