Graham Hart has lived in Ariege since May 1998 and has known the area since 1991.He has a life-long interest in natural history, which started with butterflies and birds and now includes other insects (especially moths) and flowers. He leads butterfly watching holidays in the region and is writing a book on the butterflies of Ariège. When not out chasing butterflies Graham works as a vet in Ax-les-Thermes.

The weather was much more seasonal at the beginning of December with quite a heavy snow fall early on. However this weather did not persist and up to just past Christmas the weather was very mild, up to 22° C and very sunny.

BUTTERFLIES
Five species reported: Red Admiral and Small Tortoiseshell of course, Clouded Yellow, then on the 19th, Christmas eve and Boxing day, a Brimstone. On those days, which were very mild, Speckled Woods were also seen in two places! (unfortunately for them the weather changed on the 28th).
This is the first time I have seen Speckled Woods in December-- another sign of the perturbation of normal weather patterns? However, this is a multiple brooded species that is seen in both late autumn and early spring so it is not too suprising to get some individuals completing their life cycle now with the very mild weather.

FLOWERS
The list of spring flowers seen in flower gets longer; two Wood Anemonies, a Cowslip, at least 15 Spring Gentians, a flower of Lesser Celandine and Stinking Hellebore all over the place. Some of the locals inform me that this type of thing happens from time to time and it all abruptly comes to an end usually with a prolonged cold snap, so we'll have to wait and see.