We have compiled a list of five local species you might come across when visiting the Causeway Coast this summer.
Red Campion wildflower
The dazzling displays of the bright red wildflowers, the Red Campions don the Causeway Coast during the summer. The Red Campion blooms from spring right through summer and is an excellent source of food for the variety of bee, butterfly and moth species that call the Causeway Coast home. Take a closer look on your next visit - you can identify this popular species by their five petals and hairy stems.
Painted lady butterfly
This summer we have seen more painted lady butteflies than ever before on the Causeway Coast. Experts believe we have been seeing a mass emergence that happens only once every ten years. Weather conditions and food sources are providing ideal conditions for the species to thrive this year and our Area Ranger, Dr Cliff Henry said: 'The big story this summer is the number of painted ladies. Usually we only see a few at this time of year, sometimes none. During six 15 miute butterfly counts on the cliif-top path we recorded 115 painted ladies, it's been incredible!'