First Butterflies of 2026

Nobody goes there anymore; it's too crowded - Yogi Berra

Today (21st March 2026), we spotted our first positively-identified garden butterflies. There have been earlier instances this month when either Mary or I spotted something out of the corner of our eyes but could not make a definitive ID. These were not the first Lepidoptera we'd seen this year: there were at least three instances of Brimstone butterflies spotted during our recent trip to see the wild daffodils at Betty Dawes Wood.

Photo 1: Brimstone, near Betty Daws Wood (17th March 2023)

Anyway, back to today's sightings. First on the scene was a Comma butterfly that had settled on a Viburnum bush ...

Photo 2: Comma Butterfly in the Garden (21st March 2026)

This butterfly has emerged from its winter hibernation as an adult and will be laying eggs soon (April) on its favoured food plant, the Common (or Stinging) Nettle. This specimen looks in fine fettle and is a common sight in the garden.

About half an hour later, there was a fast-moving black/dark coloured flutter that landed on the back porch roof ...

Photo 3: Peacock Butterfly in the Garden (21st March 2026)

When it opened its wings to bathe in the warm Spring sunshine, identification was easy: the Peacock butterfly.

Photo 4: Peacock Butterfly in the Garden (21st March 2026)

Peacock butterflies seen this early in the year have overwintered as adults and will be hoping to mate before laying their eggs on Common Nettle in May. Peacocks are one of the longest-living butterflies with an average lifespan of 10-11 months. You can see a little bit of damage to wings but this specimen looks in pretty good order.

Butterflies, as is their nature, are rather fluttery and tend to keep moving. This Peacock kept returning to the porch roof in between its flutterings. It was a warm sunny day and the roof tiles would have provided a warm landing spot in between feeding forays; e.g. to this nearby primrose.

Photo 5: Peacock Butterfly on Primrose Flower (21st March 2026)