Last year we had a beautiful summer here in Galway Bay. Did I really just say that about Galway?
If you’ve ever been to Galway you’ll know we have a lot of rain and grey skies.
One day I noticed a lovely earthy smell in the air and it made me want to get out into the garden and stay there until the aches in my bones forced me back inside.
BUTTERFLY ON THE STEP
I was just about to step out to have a bit of a look-see around my garden when I noticed something on the doorstep.
Looking down it appeared to be flower petals, but closer I could see it wasn’t – it was a yellow butterfly or moth. 
As you can see it looks like quite an unusual butterfly.
I watched it for a while to see if it would move but it didn’t.
I went to get my phone to get pictures and it was still in the exactly same position when I returned a good ten minutes later (I couldn’t find my phone.)
SOMETHING STICKY
As I was taking the photographs I moved in closer and noticed that the underneath of the butterfly was oozing a sticky looking substance.
I realized then why the butterfly hadn’t moved in those ten minutes it took me to find my phone, sadly the tiny creature was quite dead.
I am not sure what type of butterfly or moth it was.
I am wondering if it was a ‘Clouded Yellow’ butterfly?
Anyway, I moved it to a more fitting resting place – on to the soil around a rosemary plant.
As I did I noticed that it left a trail of yellow powder on the step – not unlike a Lily pollen.
If it is a ‘Clouded Yellow’ butterfly then I don’t think this butterfly is one of the butterflies we usually find in this part of Galway.
Maybe it is a migrant visitor to Ireland?
I think it is unusual enough. If anyone can help me identify it please let me know in the comments section. I’d love to hear from you.
In the meantime, enjoy your garden.
Grace
P.S. I have been working on creating a little butterfly haven in my own garden and if you would like to see my progress click here.
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