Annual long-distance migrant reaching all parts of the UK in good years. Numbers vary greatly from year to year. Population trend 10 years -84%; since 1976 +133%.
In a good year, this highly mobile species can be found almost anywhere. Population trend 10 years – decreasing.
Fields of thistles Cirsium spp. and Carduus spp. for breeding. In autumn often nectaring in gardens especially on buddleias (Buddleja spp).
Usually start to arrive in May but can be earlier in good years. June is the peak month for migration.
Hilltops for early migrants. Bredon Hill in Worcestershire and The Malverns are often good places to see the first arrivals.
The main foodplant is Thistles (various) (Cirsium spp. and Carduus spp.). Common Nettle (Urtica dioica), Mallows (various) (Malva spp.) and Viper’s-bugloss (Echium vulgare) are also used.
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