Butterfly Bash 2019 – Laois take top position for the 2nd year running

Brimstone, Abbeyleix Bog, Laois, Chris Uys 17/08/2019

Congratulations go to Laois for the 2nd year running for coming top of the table of counties recording butterflies during this the 2019 Butterfly Bash.  As you’ll see from the top 10 table below, across counties support for the Butterfly Bash effectively doubled this year and this was reflected in the overall tally of 3324 records collected by 351 recorders across Heritage Week this year compared to 1740 records by 187 recorders last year!  A sincere thank you to everyone in achieving this is an amazing level of recording over such a short period of time and for your generous contribution to the Butterfly Atlas 2021.  Last year was an excellent year for Irish butterflies with populations up by 29% on previous years, so it’s an even greater achievement that double the number of butterfly records were submitted this year.

As with last years Butterfly Bash, the aim is to encourage a last flush of butterfly recording before the season begins to wind down and stimulate recording in areas where we currently lack records.  Again, the wonderful network of butterfly recorders failed to disappoint with over 170 records across 15 previous ‘gap’ 10 km squares collected across the week, with John Dick topping the table for the greatest percentage change in square G32.  Des Finnamore, Amanda Pedlow and Liam Lysaght also deserve a special mention as they appear on both tables: not only did they record a significant number of butterflies but also did so in previously under-recorded areas.

2018 % Change in Records Map

2019 % Change in Records Map

 

The mix of species recorded also reflects the significant increase in migratory species like the Painted Lady and Red Admiral seen this year.  Being large, apparent and easy to identify Peacocks have topped the table this year, so we’ll have to wait until this years Butterfly Monitoring Scheme results are released to see if this reflects real change.  However, their populations have increased by 196% over the past 11 years in Ireland and it’s a species projected to expand its northerly distribution across Europe with ongoing climate change.

Peacock, Drumgallan, Monaghan, Patrick Gleeson 23/08/2019

 

  • Contact Us
  • +353 51 306 240
  • National Biodiversity Data Centre
    Beechfield House,
    Waterford Institute of Technology West Campus,
    Carriganore,
    Co. Waterford,
    Ireland.
    X91 PE03

Download our free smartphone app for recording in the field
Android App
Apple App

The National Biodiversity Data Centre is a programme of the Heritage Council and is operated under a service level agreement by Compass Informatics. The National Biodiversity Data Centre is funded by the Heritage Council and Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage.

 

  • Privacy
We made this!
  • Home
  • About
    • Global Biodiversity Information Facility
      • Ireland’s GBIF profile
      • The GBIF Network
      • Latest news at GBIF
      • GBIF Science Review
    • Strategic Objectives
  • Festival of Farmland Biodiversity
  • Monitoring & tracking change
  • Assisting conservation
  • Training resources and workshops
  • Publications
  • Biodiversity Ireland’s Top 10
  • Videos
  • Shop
  • News and Events
    • Distinguished Recorder Award
We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. However you may visit Cookie Settings to provide a controlled consent. You can view our privacy policy here.
Cookie settingsACCEPT
Privacy & Cookies Policy

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
Non Necessary
Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.
Save & Accept