Brimstone and Hoverfly

This is a butterfly we haven't seen before on the allotment but it really likes these beautiful flowers in our wildflower patch. The brimstone's bright yellow colouring is apparently considered to be the reason why butterflies are called butterflies - as referred to on the UK Butterflies site.

The Brimstone is unusual in that it hibernates in its adult form. At this time of year it's supping as much nectar as it can find in order to survive Winter in the hedgerow. As you can see it has brilliant camouflage for a leafy site.

The hover flies are also enjoying the wild flowers. Here's a lovely bright specimen of an epistrophe (judging by the great Hoverfly site). It's so clean and perfect I'm sure it must be newly emerged.