Large White – very common and widespread. Not obvious what is the preferred larval food plant on Malta as huge beds of nasturtium used as ground cover were untouched; in my garden, when I try to grow nasturtiums, they are quickly ruined.
Small White – general but less numerous than Large White.
Red Admiral – several in hotel garden.
Swallowtail – just one seen.
Lang’s Short-tailed Blue – in vicinity of many plumbago plants but impossible to get decent photos. Behaviour similar to our Holly Blue frequently flying high.
Geranium Bronze – seen in several places, always near geranium plants. Maltese gardeners first reported this “pest” in around 2006. Appearance in flight similar to Lang’s but stays much lower and is easier to photograph. Little evident damage to leaves of plants but presumably the larvae prefer the flower buds.
Jack
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).......With Jack's (and others') experiences of Large Whites in the garden, perhaps defra should include that on their "official" list of pests!
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