Here's a picture of some Heath fritillary larva which are feeding on Ribwort Plantain. During cool periods the larva become quite dormant and retreat to the base of the plant. When it gets warmer they become active and recommence feeding.

Nice day today so I put my Large coppers in the sun to catch some rays. They are masters of disguise and are about 8mm long now. They enjoyed the warmth and set about eating some dock leaf. Have a look at the photo.

Thank heavens the cold snap seems to have passed. At least it was not too wet but it was very cold. Milder wet weather for a few days. All stock seems to be OK wthout casualty despite being kept outside covered.
Now have Oak Eggar, Large Copper and Cardinals feeding more as it gets warmer.
Yesterday ova of Kentish Glory arrived. The Kentish Glory is indeed a glorious moth although today it is only to be found in a few sites in Scotland. Nobody seems to be really sure why it was called the 'Kentish' Glory although presumably it occurred in that county at some time in the distant past.
Anyway I have a dilemma . The larva feed on Birch and Alder which are not in leaf yet so I have brought some twigs with buds of both trees indoors in order to 'force' them into leaf. The caterpillars congregate together chevron style on the twigs when they first emerge. I am keeping the ova outside to delay their emergence for as long as possible.
Will keep you posted.

I spoke to soon
Weather forcast is not good for next week. I should have known, I gambled and sowed some seed ready for larva I am breeding this year. I will just have to make sure i keep them warm indoors.
Here is a photo of one of the cardinal larva which is feeding up nicely. For some reason they are quite restless and migrate to the bottom of the plant pot.
Perhaps this is for cover and shelter.



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It certainly is getting very Spring like now. Yesterday i saw a male Brimstone flying purposefully before settling on a plant in the garden. I have some Buckthorn plants this year so i hope a female will lay some eggs. Cherry, hawthorn,plum and sallow (pussy willow) have buds/flowers breaking