The Butterfly can be found all over Ballyyahoo.
At this time of year, the butterfly can often be seen travelling the countryside in search of nectar.
The one in the photograph on the right is called the Peacock.
If you look closely at the butterfly on the right of the flower, you can see a marking that is like the shape of an eye.
You can see that the ‘eye’ marking is near the tip of the wing.
According to the National Diversity Centre, there have actually been thirty-two species of butterflies recorded in Ireland.
Some of these are resident, and some are migrants who arrived here from various places around the world.
THE BUTTERFLY IN THE HOUSE
Like other people in Ireland, some people in Ballyyahoo have been lucky enough to find a butterfly inside their house.
Butterflies in the house like to stay out of the way. They can sometimes be seen with their wings folded, high up on the walls, maybe in a corner.
When inside a house, the butterfly likes to stay still and quiet, only to flutter to life if disturbed.
If you do find a butterfly in your house the best thing to do is to leave it alone.
The butterfly near the vase in this photograph is called the Small Tortoiseshell.
Butterflies are mostly seen outside though. You only have to walk around a garden or park, and you will see them.
THE BUTTERFLY OUTDOORS
They love plants which are rich in nectar and so will often be seen on plants such as Mint, Nasturtium, Lilac, Catmint and Cornflowers.
They are also seen on larger plants and bushes. The Buddleia bush is also known as the Butterfly plant.
It is a particular favourite of the Ballyyahoo butterfly since the Buddleia is very common here.
The butterfly also seems to be particularly fond of the Sedum plant, with its rich purple flowers. You can see the sedum plant in flower in the top photograph on this page.
The Sedum plant is a favourite of Biddy, The Witch of Ballyyahoo. She grows this in abundance in her garden.
It is amazing to think that the fragile little butterfly can travel the world but they can, and they do, undertaking their journey in stages and cycles.
CLICK HERE TO LEARN ABOUT THE PEACOCK BUTTERFLY
Ballyyahoo – encouraging children to read and love nature.
The Witch of Ballyyahoo is a funny children’s book about witches and magic.
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