IN Britain we have five species of butterfly that spend the winter in hibernation. These are the brimstone, small tortoiseshell, red admiral, comma and peacock. Occasionally, as our winters warm up, painted ladies may also hibernate.

Nature Notes: Heading into winter

The brimstone chooses thick vegetation such as ivy or underneath bramble leaves. This may seem a rather risky place to hide but its wing colours and shape blend in perfectly with the foliage. Peacock, small tortoiseshell and red admirals find holes in trees or perhaps sheds or roof spaces. However, the comma whose ragged wings resemble dead leaves (pictured) may use leaf litter or even perch on the side of trees just above the ground, seemingly impervious to frosty nights.

Occasionally, if the winter weather brings a couple of mild sunny days, butterflies may awake and fly out, but a lack of nectar plants may mean that they cannot feed and this depletes energy reserves plus the possibility they may not find another suitable hibernation niche.

Nature Notes: The bountiful oak

The same applies to queen bumble bees tucked up in hibernation. They too may venture out hopefully to top up energy, often in garden centres. On several occasions, I have found bumble bees in the grass either in a very weakened state or sadly dead.

A wet winter is also not conducive to hibernating insects, as mould may occur around their bodies.