Red admiral yesterday in Nottinghamshire. Never seen one here this early before amongst the snowdrops and crocuses

Steve

I didn't manage to enter or vote this month but I much preferred the old voting system. In the current system every time I entered I always rated every image and unless all do this it doesn't seem a fair system. Is it possible for everyone to have 5 or even 10 votes with perhaps one double vote for ...

So how does the female get there in the first place?
Also if any of these larvae develop into females they will stay roughly in the same area?

Steve

Thanks, that looks like it - strange looking things. The picture in my book wasn't anywhere near as clear.
On closer inspection this is on the pot the tree is sitting in which looks like the female's cocoon, I think.

Should I still be able to find the female or will she be gone now?

thanks
Steve

Whilst looking on Alder Buckthhorn for Brimstone caterpillars I found several of these. Can anyone help identify?
thanks
Steve

Congratulations to the winners - some great pictures. I like the current voting system but I really gained a lot from seeing other comments / critique of each photo which we used to have. Nobody seems to comment on any of the photos once the comp has ended - is there a reason for this? Perhaps it is...

I bought an Alder Buckthorn a couple of years ago. It is planted in a container and is only about 8 foot tall. Last year there were a couple of Brimstome caterpillars on it. Both disappeared I presume taken by birds. This year I watched a female Brimstone laying about a dozen eggs.

The small country lane verges near me which in the last two weeks have been filled with hundreds of ringlets have just been cut back. Is there a good time of year when this should be done (if at all)?
Steve

Can someone tell me what this is. It was taken in Western France in Poitou Charentes.
Apologies for quality of picture this was the only shot of it I got.

thanks
Steve