Tyrrellspass exhibition opens today

 

Tyrrellspass exhibition opens today

 

Ethos - “Everything Tyrrellspass Has On Show”, has a photographic exhibition launching today, Thursday January 7 at 5.30pm at The Atrium at the County Buildings, Mullingar.

The exhibition, which runs until January 18, will feature many of the 22 species of local butterflies found last year on and near Cloncrow Bog, Tyrrellspass.  

Our vanishing raised bogs are also celebrated. A selection of the highly specialised plants found on Cloncrow Bog, will feature with the included images of the carnivorous Sundew, Bog Asphodel, Bog Cotton and the different heathers highlighting the importance of a raised bog habitat.

At this time of year, most butterfly species are well cocooned, as larvae or pupae, and hidden from preying eyes all through the long months of winter.

Those that overwinter as butterflies, like the peacock, tortoiseshell and brimstone, are holding out in sheltered spots awaiting the lengthening days when they will burst forth, mate and continue the natural cycle.

The caterpillar of the Marsh Fritillary is huddled in a colony at the base of the Devil’s Bit Scabius plant on these cold winter days. Its caterpillar will pupate in April and emerge in all its glorious colour in the early days of summer. Its brief lifespan, as a butterfly, of less than a week is preoccupied with finding a mate to ensure the survival of this rare species.

In Summer we welcome the Painted Lady, Red Admiral and Clouded Yellow after long journeys from as far away as Morocco. 

Do come and see these large framed photographs and brighten up a Winter’s Day.

The exhibition is part of an Ethos Project to heighted awareness of the rich biodiversity that surrounds us all and often goes unnoticed and unrecorded.

The Ethos Project is supported by Westmeath County Council and the Peatlands Community Engagement Scheme.