They are also a haven for butterflies and the one in our back garden has proved popular in the recent hot weather:
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Whilst most butterflies visiting the buddleia are distinctive, some aren't including this appropriately named meadow brown:
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Identification with the aid of the Pocket Guide to Butterflies of Great Britain & Irelead:
http://www.britishwildlife.com/viewbook.asp?bookid=4
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The most distinctive is the peacock with up to six visiting at the same time:
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Another distinctive visitor is the red admiral:
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The small tortoiseshell is also keen on the buddleia and it is easy to avoid confusion with the similar looking large tortoiseshell as the latter is considered to be extinct in the British Isles.
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Although not all butterflies are easily identifiable, this battered butterfly is also probably a small tortoiseshell.
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Whilst most butterflies visiting the buddleia are distinctive, some aren't including this appropriately named meadow brown:
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Identification with the aid of the Pocket Guide to Butterflies of Great Britain & Irelead:
http://www.britishwildlife.com/viewbook.asp?bookid=4
I have never known a summer like this for butterflies - I counted 10 Tortoiseshells on one hebe a few weeks back! We have had peacocks, cabbage whites, meadow browns and tortoiseshells in the garden...wonderful to see them all.
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