We're off!

Iris larvae have started to feed in the wild.  The first probably started on April 1st, maybe at the end of March.  Either way, this is by far the earliest I've recorded them starting to feed in the wild, though in the early spring of 2011 a couple started around April 7th.  The other start dates in my five year study sequence are 18th April 2010, and circa 23rd April in 2012 and 2013. 

Here is some proof, photographed today -

Most are in this poise, below, waiting for their leaf bud to open (I'm particularly proud of this photo) -

A lot of breeding trees are now coming into leaf - unusually early.

If things carry on at this rate the butterfly will be out very early this year.  Watch this space: you may have to bring your holidays forward...