[Archive – 30-07-2023] Pieris brassicae is somewhat of an oddball among my local whites due to also appearing in spring, despite officially being classified as a summer species, with its earliest first appearance so far having occurred on 30 April, 2024. In terms of size they often aren't noticeably larger than P. rapae, with the latter reaching their maximum size much more often in my study areas whereas P. brassicae doesn't. And despite a decent amount of individuals during this season, they were not observed anywhere near my cauliflower plants that, on the other hand, did attract plenty of small whites. #lepidoptera #butterfly #largewhite #germany #canoneos700d

[Archive – 20-08-2024]

Back home from my last field trip confirming the end of my local butterfly season and I can't deny that I'm actually furious about the sheer stupidity of my local people. Instead of the FFH territory that was said to be grazed by sheep starting in October, over a hundred of sheep are now grazing in Zone I, which is NOT part of any protected area and was not mentioned at all in the announcement published in our local newspaper. Zone II and Zone III are even worse right now and I couldn't stay near both for longer than two minutes due to a very strong chemical scent in the air (and since common pesticides smell different, I'm assuming they're bringing out fungicides and/or broadband herbicides). The bike path leading to the only unprotected spot of the FFH territory has been closed off and it appears some people are trying to expose the hidden spring next to the path (which also isn't a protected area and was rejected to be included due to being "too dirty" – not kidding, that's the reason for not wanting to protect a slit up spring which is developing gradually into a stable wetland on its own). Zone III, meanwhile, almost got no proper path left as local farmers are driving across the wet grassy path and therefore cause huge trails of deep mud.

Better appreciate this Pieris brassicae from August because I fear that the next season will be not as great as this year's.

#lepidoptera #butterfly #largewhite #cabbagewhite #germany #canoneos700d