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  • Red Admiral Vanessa atalanta Wingspan 60mm. An active, fast-flying butterfly that is also fond of basking in the sun. Adult has marbled dark-grey underwings and black upperwings with red bands and white spots. Commonest in July–August, but also seen in many other months. Larva is spiny and brown with yellow markings; feeds on Common Nettle, hidden inside ‘tent’ of woven-together leaves. Mainly a summer migrant from southern Europe, but adults hibernate in small numbers and emerge on sunny days in early spring. Comma Polygonia c-album Wingspan 45mm. Unmistakable butterfly with ragged-edged wing margins. Adult has orange-brown upperwings marked with dark spots; grey-brown underwings show a white ‘comma’ mark. Double-brooded and hibernates: seen on the wing March–April, and again August-October. Larva has tufts of spiny hairs and is orange-brown with a white dorsal band; feeds on Common Nettle, elms and Hop. Locally fairly common in England and Wales.
    137043.jpg
  • Garden Tiger Arctia caja Wingspan 50-65mm. A stunning and distinctive moth. Usually rests with its wings spread flat, the forewings covering the hindwings. Adult has a variable pattern of brown and white on forewings; if startled, these are spread to reveal the dark-spotted orange hindwings. Flies July–August. Larva is hairy and feeds on a wide range of herbaecous plants. Widespread but these days it is scarce as a garden species; seems to be commonest in coastal areas.
    158655.jpg
  • Scalloped Hook-tip - Falcaria lacertinaria. Length 20mm. A distinctive moth that, at rest, holds its wings in a tent-like manner and looks like a dead leaf. Adult has wings with scalloped edges and dark veins; wings are reddish grey in male, yellow-brown in female. Double-brooded: flies May-June and again in August. Larva feeds on birch leaves. STATUS Widespread and fairly common throughout much of Britain.
    157538.jpg
  • Silver-washed Fritillary - Argynnis paphia - pupa. Wingspan 60mm. An iconic woodland butterfly associated with sunny rides and clearing; adults are often seen feeding on flowers of Bramble and thistles. Adult has orange-brown upperwings with black markings; underside of hindwing has silvery sheen. Flies June–August. Larva feed on violets.  Status Locally common woodland species in S and SW England and Ireland.
    157505.jpg
  • Swallowtail - Papilio machaon ssp. britannicus - larva. Wingspan 70mm. Iconic and unmistakable butterfly with mainly yellow and black wings; hind wings have blue and red spots, and tail streamers. Double-brooded: adults are on the wing May–June, and again in August. Larva is yellow-green with black and red markings; feeds on Milk-parsley. Restricted to a few fens and marshes in East Anglia, mainly in the Norfolk Broads; easiest to see at Strumpshaw Fen and Hickling Broad.
    157504.jpg
  • Silver-washed Fritillary - Argynnis paphia - male (top) - typical female (bottom left) - valezina female (bottom right). Wingspan 60mm. An iconic woodland butterfly associated with sunny rides and clearing; adults are often seen feeding on flowers of Bramble and thistles. Adult has orange-brown upperwings with black markings; underside of hindwing has silvery sheen. Flies June–August. Larva feed on violets.  Status Locally common woodland species in S and SW England and Ireland.
    157042.jpg
  • Silver-washed Fritillary - Argynnis paphia - larva. Wingspan 60mm. An iconic woodland butterfly associated with sunny rides and clearing; adults are often seen feeding on flowers of Bramble and thistles. Adult has orange-brown upperwings with black markings; underside of hindwing has silvery sheen. Flies June–August. Larva feed on violets.  Status Locally common woodland species in S and SW England and Ireland.
    157342.jpg
  • Marbled White - Melanargia galathea - male (top row) - female (bottom row). Wingspan 50mm. Unmistakable meadow butterfly with a rather sluggish flight; feeds on the flowers of knapweeds and thistles. Adult has distinctive black and white patterns on upperwings; pattern is repeated on underwing although markings are subdued and there is an overall yellowish suffusion. Flies July–August. Larva feeds on grasses; strictly nocturnal. Locally common in southeast and central-southern England. Favours undisturbed meadows and downs, often on chalk but also on neutral soils.
    157180.jpg
  • Adonis Blue - Polyommatus bellargus - male (top row) - female (middle and bottom row). Wingspan 32mm. A classic chalk downland butterfly, males of which are dazzling. Adult male has iridescent blue upperwings with black and white margins; female’s upperwings are brown with orange submarginal spots. Underwings of both sexes are grey-brown with spots. Double brooded: flies May–June and July–August. Larva feeds on Horseshoe Vetch; can sometimes be found in short turf being attended by ants. Very local in southern England but entirely restricted to chalk downs.
    157167.jpg
  • Grayling - Hipparchia semele - male (top) - female (bottom). Wingspan 50mm. An active, sun-loving butterfly. Typically rests with its wings folded and angled to sun to cast the least shadow. Adult has well patterned underwings: hindwing is marbled grey and brown while forewing has an orange patch with two eyespots. Forewings are seldom revealed at rest, but are buffish brown with a yellowish submarginal band marked with eyespots. Flies June–August. Larva feeds on grasses. Widespread but only locally common, favouring warm, dry places including sea cliffs, heaths and dunes.
    157060.jpg
  • Dark Green Fritillary - Argynnis aglaia - male (top) - female (bottom). Wingspan 60mm. An active, fast-flying butterfly, seen skimming and gliding over open ground and feeding on the flowers of thistles and knapweeds. Adult has orange-brown upperwings; underside of hindwing is suffused with olive-green scaling. Flies July–August. Larva is black with spiky hairs; feeds on violets. Widespread but local on chalk downland and sand dunes in Britain and Ireland; commonest near coasts and in western half of region.
    157041.jpg
  • High Brown Fritillary Argynnis adippe Wingspan 60mm. Fast-flying butterfly associated with windswept, open country. Adult has orange-brown upperwings with dark spots; underside of hindwing has brownish scaling. Flies July–August. Larva feeds on violets. Status Scarce and rather endangered, found mainly in W and NW England; favours meadows and open, grassy woodlands.
    157040.jpg
  • Red Admiral - Vanessa atalanta. Upperwing - top, underwing - bottom. Wingspan 60mm. An active, fast-flying butterfly that is also fond of basking in the sun. Adult has marbled dark-grey underwings and black upperwings with red bands and white spots. Commonest in July–August, but also seen in many other months. Larva is spiny and brown with yellow markings; feeds on Common Nettle, hidden inside ‘tent’ of woven-together leaves. Mainly a summer migrant from southern Europe, but adults hibernate in small numbers and emerge on sunny days in early spring.
    157039.jpg
  • Brown Hairstreak - Thecla betulae - (female - top; male - bottom). Wingspan 40-50mm. A lethargic butterfly and a sluggish flier; often prefers to walk over foliage rather than fly. Adult has dark brown upperwings; male has orange patch on forewing. Underwings are orange-brown with white line. Flies August. Larva is slug-like and feeds on Blackthorn. Very local in southern and central England and Wales. Favours Blackthorn scrub and hedgerows.
    156982.jpg
  • Small White Pieris rapae  Wingspan 45mm. Appreciably smaller than Large White. Adult upperwings are creamy-white with dark tip to forewing; female has two dark spots on forewing. Underwings are yellowish. Adult flies April–May and July–August. Larva is green, speckled with tiny pale dots; feeds on cultivated cabbage and related plants. Common and widespread, and often seen in the garden.
    156978.jpg
  • Swallowtail - Papilio machaon britannicus - female. Wingspan 70mm. Iconic and unmistakable butterfly with mainly yellow and black wings; hind wings have blue and red spots, and tail streamers. Double-brooded: adults are on the wing May–June, and again in August. Larva is yellow-green with black and red markings; feeds on Milk-parsley. Restricted to a few fens and marshes in East Anglia, mainly in the Norfolk Broads; easiest to see at Strumpshaw Fen and Hickling Broad.
    156733.jpg
  • Small Skipper - Thymelicus sylvestris - male (top) - female (bottom). Wingspan 25mm. An active butterfly with a buzzing flight. Fond of sunbathing with its wings held at an angle; often visits thistles and knapweed flowers. Adult has orange-brown upperwings and orange-buff underwings. Brown underside to antennal tip distinguishes it from similar Essex skipper. Flies July–August. Larva is nocturnal and feeds on various grasses. A common and widespread meadow species.
    156719.jpg
  • Chalkhill Blue - Polyommatus coridon - mating pair. Wingspan 40mm. Iconic downland butterfly, males of which are a unique colour amongst British blues. Adult male has pale sky-blue upperwings; female’s are dark brown with orange submarginal spots. Underwings of both sexes are grey-brown with spots. Flies July–August. Larva feeds on Horseshoe Vetch; sometimes discovered at dusk being attended by ants. Very local and restricted to chalk and limestone grassland in southern England.
    156598.jpg
  • Chalkhill Blue - Polyommatus coridon - female. Wingspan 40mm. Iconic downland butterfly, males of which are a unique colour amongst British blues. Adult male has pale sky-blue upperwings; female’s are dark brown with orange submarginal spots. Underwings of both sexes are grey-brown with spots. Flies July–August. Larva feeds on Horseshoe Vetch; sometimes discovered at dusk being attended by ants. Very local and restricted to chalk and limestone grassland in southern England.
    156567.jpg
  • Chalkhill Blue - Polyommatus coridon - mating pair. Wingspan 40mm. Iconic downland butterfly, males of which are a unique colour amongst British blues. Adult male has pale sky-blue upperwings; female’s are dark brown with orange submarginal spots. Underwings of both sexes are grey-brown with spots. Flies July–August. Larva feeds on Horseshoe Vetch; sometimes discovered at dusk being attended by ants. Very local and restricted to chalk and limestone grassland in southern England.
    156597.jpg
  • Small Skipper Thymelicus sylvestris Wingspan 25mm. An active butterfly with a buzzing flight. Fond of sunbathing with its wings held at an angle; often visits thistles and knapweed flowers. Adult has orange-brown upperwings and orange-buff underwings. Brown underside to antennal tip distinguishes it from similar Essex skipper. Flies July–August. Larva is nocturnal and feeds on various grasses. A common and widespread meadow species.
    156282.jpg
  • High Brown Fritillary Argynnis adippe Wingspan 60mm. Fast-flying butterfly associated with windswept, open country. Adult has orange-brown upperwings with dark spots; underside of hindwing has brownish scaling. Flies July–August. Larva feeds on violets. Status Scarce and rather endangered, found mainly in W and NW England; favours meadows and open, grassy woodlands.
    156277.jpg
  • Pebble Prominent Eligmodonta ziczac Length 25mm. A well-marked moth that rests with wings held in tent-like manner. Adult has buffish- brown forewings with grey-brown oval mark near the tip, and a white patch on the leading edge. Flies May–June, sometimes in August as a second brood in the south. Larva feeds on willows and Aspen. Widespread and locally common.
    143683.jpg
  • Grey Dagger Acronicta psi Length 23mm. An aptly-named moth that rests with wings held in shallow tent-like manner. Adult has pale grey forewings with a slightly powdery look and striking black dagger-like markings. Flies June–August. Larva has a dark lateral band containing red spots on each segment, bordered above and below by a yellowish bands; note the prominent tuft of hairs. Larva feeds on deciduous shrubs and trees. Widespread and common. Similar species Dark Dagger A. tridens is virtually indistinguishable as an adult; larva is very different, with orange-yellow bands bordering a black lateral band containing white spots.
    154371.jpg
  • Silver-washed Fritillary Argynnis paphia Wingspan 60mm. An iconic woodland butterfly associated with sunny rides and clearing; adults are often seen feeding on flowers of Bramble and thistles. Adult has orange-brown upperwings with black markings; underside of hindwing has silvery sheen. Flies June–August. Larva feed on violets.  Status Locally common woodland species in S and SW England and Ireland.
    145252.jpg
  • High Brown Fritillary Argynnis adippe Wingspan 60mm. Fast-flying butterfly associated with windswept, open country. Adult has orange-brown upperwings with dark spots; underside of hindwing has brownish scaling. Flies July–August. Larva feeds on violets. Status Scarce and rather endangered, found mainly in W and NW England; favours meadows and open, grassy woodlands.
    145181.jpg
  • Adonis Blue Polyommatus bellargus Wingspan 32mm. A classic chalk downland butterfly, males of which are dazzling. Adult male has iridescent blue upperwings with black and white margins; female’s upperwings are brown with orange submarginal spots. Underwings of both sexes are grey-brown with spots. Double brooded: flies May–June and July–August. Larva feeds on Horseshoe Vetch; can sometimes be found in short turf being attended by ants. Very local in southern England but entirely restricted to chalk downs.
    145187.jpg
  • Swallowtail Papilio machaon ssp. britannicus Wingspan 70mm. Iconic and unmistakable butterfly with mainly yellow and black wings; hind wings have blue and red spots, and tail streamers. Double-brooded: adults are on the wing May–June, and again in August. Larva is yellow-green with black and red markings; feeds on Milk-parsley. Restricted to a few fens and marshes in East Anglia, mainly in the Norfolk Broads; easiest to see at Strumpshaw Fen and Hickling Broad.
    145031.jpg
  • Swallowtail Papilio machaon ssp. britannicus Wingspan 70mm. Iconic and unmistakable butterfly with mainly yellow and black wings; hind wings have blue and red spots, and tail streamers. Double-brooded: adults are on the wing May–June, and again in August. Larva is yellow-green with black and red markings; feeds on Milk-parsley. Restricted to a few fens and marshes in East Anglia, mainly in the Norfolk Broads; easiest to see at Strumpshaw Fen and Hickling Broad.
    145033.jpg
  • Swallowtail Papilio machaon ssp. britannicus Wingspan 70mm. Iconic and unmistakable butterfly with mainly yellow and black wings; hind wings have blue and red spots, and tail streamers. Double-brooded: adults are on the wing May–June, and again in August. Larva is yellow-green with black and red markings; feeds on Milk-parsley. Restricted to a few fens and marshes in East Anglia, mainly in the Norfolk Broads; easiest to see at Strumpshaw Fen and Hickling Broad.
    145030.jpg
  • Swallowtail Papilio machaon ssp. britannicus Wingspan 70mm. Iconic and unmistakable butterfly with mainly yellow and black wings; hind wings have blue and red spots, and tail streamers. Double-brooded: adults are on the wing May–June, and again in August. Larva is yellow-green with black and red markings; feeds on Milk-parsley. Restricted to a few fens and marshes in East Anglia, mainly in the Norfolk Broads; easiest to see at Strumpshaw Fen and Hickling Broad.
    145028.jpg
  • Swallowtail Papilio machaon ssp. britannicus Wingspan 70mm. Iconic and unmistakable butterfly with mainly yellow and black wings; hind wings have blue and red spots, and tail streamers. Double-brooded: adults are on the wing May–June, and again in August. Larva is yellow-green with black and red markings; feeds on Milk-parsley. Restricted to a few fens and marshes in East Anglia, mainly in the Norfolk Broads; easiest to see at Strumpshaw Fen and Hickling Broad.
    145027.jpg
  • Swallowtail Papilio machaon ssp. britannicus Wingspan 70mm. Iconic and unmistakable butterfly with mainly yellow and black wings; hind wings have blue and red spots, and tail streamers. Double-brooded: adults are on the wing May–June, and again in August. Larva is yellow-green with black and red markings; feeds on Milk-parsley. Restricted to a few fens and marshes in East Anglia, mainly in the Norfolk Broads; easiest to see at Strumpshaw Fen and Hickling Broad.
    145026.jpg
  • Small Skipper Thymelicus sylvestris Wingspan 25mm. An active butterfly with a buzzing flight. Fond of sunbathing with its wings held at an angle; often visits thistles and knapweed flowers. Adult has orange-brown upperwings and orange-buff underwings. Brown underside to antennal tip distinguishes it from similar Essex skipper. Flies July–August. Larva is nocturnal and feeds on various grasses. A common and widespread meadow species.
    145023.jpg
  • Small Heath Coenonympha pamphilus Wingspan 30mm. A tiny grassland butterfly that invariably rests with its wings closed; upperwings are almost never revealed. Underside of forewing is orange with an eyespot; hindwing is marbled grey, brown and buff. Double-brooded: flies May–June and August–September. Larva feeds on grasses and is nocturnal. Widespread but locally common only in southern England; range has contracted because it is restricted to unimproved grassland and does not tolerate modern agricultural practices.
    145017.jpg
  • Small Heath Coenonympha pamphilus Wingspan 30mm. A tiny grassland butterfly that invariably rests with its wings closed; upperwings are almost never revealed. Underside of forewing is orange with an eyespot; hindwing is marbled grey, brown and buff. Double-brooded: flies May–June and August–September. Larva feeds on grasses and is nocturnal. Widespread but locally common only in southern England; range has contracted because it is restricted to unimproved grassland and does not tolerate modern agricultural practices.
    145015.jpg
  • Silver-washed Fritillary Argynnis paphia Wingspan 60mm. An iconic woodland butterfly associated with sunny rides and clearing; adults are often seen feeding on flowers of Bramble and thistles. Adult has orange-brown upperwings with black markings; underside of hindwing has silvery sheen. Flies June–August. Larva feed on violets.  Status Locally common woodland species in S and SW England and Ireland.
    145002.jpg
  • Marbled White Melanargia galathea Wingspan 50mm. Unmistakable meadow butterfly with a rather sluggish flight; feeds on the flowers of knapweeds and thistles. Adult has distinctive black and white patterns on upperwings; pattern is repeated on underwing although markings are subdued and there is an overall yellowish suffusion. Flies July–August. Larva feeds on grasses; strictly nocturnal. Locally common in southeast and central-southern England. Favours undisturbed meadows and downs, often on chalk but also on neutral soils.
    144958.jpg
  • Marbled White Melanargia galathea Wingspan 50mm. Unmistakable meadow butterfly with a rather sluggish flight; feeds on the flowers of knapweeds and thistles. Adult has distinctive black and white patterns on upperwings; pattern is repeated on underwing although markings are subdued and there is an overall yellowish suffusion. Flies July–August. Larva feeds on grasses; strictly nocturnal. Locally common in southeast and central-southern England. Favours undisturbed meadows and downs, often on chalk but also on neutral soils.
    144957.jpg
  • Marbled White Melanargia galathea Wingspan 50mm. Unmistakable meadow butterfly with a rather sluggish flight; feeds on the flowers of knapweeds and thistles. Adult has distinctive black and white patterns on upperwings; pattern is repeated on underwing although markings are subdued and there is an overall yellowish suffusion. Flies July–August. Larva feeds on grasses; strictly nocturnal. Locally common in southeast and central-southern England. Favours undisturbed meadows and downs, often on chalk but also on neutral soils.
    144956.jpg
  • Marbled White Melanargia galathea Wingspan 50mm. Unmistakable meadow butterfly with a rather sluggish flight; feeds on the flowers of knapweeds and thistles. Adult has distinctive black and white patterns on upperwings; pattern is repeated on underwing although markings are subdued and there is an overall yellowish suffusion. Flies July–August. Larva feeds on grasses; strictly nocturnal. Locally common in southeast and central-southern England. Favours undisturbed meadows and downs, often on chalk but also on neutral soils.
    144955.jpg
  • High Brown Fritillary Argynnis adippe Wingspan 60mm. Fast-flying butterfly associated with windswept, open country. Adult has orange-brown upperwings with dark spots; underside of hindwing has brownish scaling. Flies July–August. Larva feeds on violets. Status Scarce and rather endangered, found mainly in W and NW England; favours meadows and open, grassy woodlands.
    144920.jpg
  • Grayling Hipparchia semele Wingspan 50mm. An active, sun-loving butterfly. Typically rests with its wings folded and angled to sun to cast the least shadow. Adult has well patterned underwings: hindwing is marbled grey and brown while forewing has an orange patch with two eyespots. Forewings are seldom revealed at rest, but are buffish brown with a yellowish submarginal band marked with eyespots. Flies June–August. Larva feeds on grasses. Widespread but only locally common, favouring warm, dry places including sea cliffs, heaths and dunes.
    144914.jpg
  • Chalkhill Blue Polyommatus coridon Wingspan 40mm. Iconic downland butterfly, males of which are a unique colour amongst British blues. Adult male has pale sky-blue upperwings; female’s are dark brown with orange submarginal spots. Underwings of both sexes are grey-brown with spots. Flies July–August. Larva feeds on Horseshoe Vetch; sometimes discovered at dusk being attended by ants. Very local and restricted to chalk and limestone grassland in southern England.
    144893.jpg
  • Brown Hairstreak Thecla betulae Wingspan 40-50mm. A lethargic butterfly and a sluggish flier; often prefers to walk over foliage rather than fly. Adult has dark brown upperwings; male has orange patch on forewing. Underwings are orange-brown with white line. Flies August. Larva is slug-like and feeds on Blackthorn. Very local in southern and central England and Wales. Favours Blackthorn scrub and hedgerows.
    144891.jpg
  • Adonis Blue Polyommatus bellargus Wingspan 32mm. A classic chalk downland butterfly, males of which are dazzling. Adult male has iridescent blue upperwings with black and white margins; female’s upperwings are brown with orange submarginal spots. Underwings of both sexes are grey-brown with spots. Double brooded: flies May–June and July–August. Larva feeds on Horseshoe Vetch; can sometimes be found in short turf being attended by ants. Very local in southern England but entirely restricted to chalk downs.
    144879.jpg
  • Adonis Blue Polyommatus bellargus Wingspan 32mm. A classic chalk downland butterfly, males of which are dazzling. Adult male has iridescent blue upperwings with black and white margins; female’s upperwings are brown with orange submarginal spots. Underwings of both sexes are grey-brown with spots. Double brooded: flies May–June and July–August. Larva feeds on Horseshoe Vetch; can sometimes be found in short turf being attended by ants. Very local in southern England but entirely restricted to chalk downs.
    144878.jpg
  • Adonis Blue Polyommatus bellargus Wingspan 32mm. A classic chalk downland butterfly, males of which are dazzling. Adult male has iridescent blue upperwings with black and white margins; female’s upperwings are brown with orange submarginal spots. Underwings of both sexes are grey-brown with spots. Double brooded: flies May–June and July–August. Larva feeds on Horseshoe Vetch; can sometimes be found in short turf being attended by ants. Very local in southern England but entirely restricted to chalk downs.
    144877.jpg
  • Adonis Blue Polyommatus bellargus Wingspan 32mm. A classic chalk downland butterfly, males of which are dazzling. Adult male has iridescent blue upperwings with black and white margins; female’s upperwings are brown with orange submarginal spots. Underwings of both sexes are grey-brown with spots. Double brooded: flies May–June and July–August. Larva feeds on Horseshoe Vetch; can sometimes be found in short turf being attended by ants. Very local in southern England but entirely restricted to chalk downs.
    144876.jpg
  • Yellow-barred Brindle Acasis viretata Wingspan 26-29mm. An attractive moth whose rounded wings are spread flat at rest. Adult has greenish-yellow wings overall when fresh although colours soon fade. Forewing has a dark central band and outer margin is usually pale. Flies May-June, with sometimes a second brood in August in the south. Larva feeds on range of shrubs including Holly and Ivy. Widespread but local.
    141355.jpg
  • The Herald Scoliopteryx libratrix Length 19-21mm. A colourful and unmistakable moth that rests with its wings spread flat. It hibernates in sheds and barns. Adult has forewings with ragged outer margins; they are brown with orange patches and white cross lines. Flies August–November, then March–April after hibernation. Larva feeds on willows and poplars. Widespread and locally common in southern and central Britain; range is much more patchy further north.
    141344.jpg
  • The Herald Scoliopteryx libratrix Length 19-21mm. A colourful and unmistakable moth that rests with its wings spread flat. It hibernates in sheds and barns. Adult has forewings with ragged outer margins; they are brown with orange patches and white cross lines. Flies August–November, then March–April after hibernation. Larva feeds on willows and poplars. Widespread and locally common in southern and central Britain; range is much more patchy further north.
    141342.jpg
  • Garden Tiger Arctia caja Wingspan 50-65mm. A stunning and distinctive moth. Usually rests with its wings spread flat, the forewings covering the hindwings. Adult has a variable pattern of brown and white on forewings; if startled, these are spread to reveal the dark-spotted orange hindwings. Flies July–August. Larva is hairy and feeds on a wide range of herbaecous plants. Widespread but these days it is scarce as a garden species; seems to be commonest in coastal areas.
    140992.jpg
  • Red Admiral Vanessa atalanta Wingspan 60mm. An active, fast-flying butterfly that is also fond of basking in the sun. Adult has marbled dark-grey underwings and black upperwings with red bands and white spots. Commonest in July–August, but also seen in many other months. Larva is spiny and brown with yellow markings; feeds on Common Nettle, hidden inside ‘tent’ of woven-together leaves. Mainly a summer migrant from southern Europe, but adults hibernate in small numbers and emerge on sunny days in early spring.
    140940.jpg
  • Poplar Grey Acronicta megacephala Length 20mm. A subtly-patterned moth with a slightly powdery look to its wings; it rests with its wings held flat or in a shallow tent-like manner. Adult has grey forewings with a dark-ringed pale circle and subtle dark lines. Flies May–August. Larva feeds on poplars and willows. Widespread and common only in southern and central Britain.
    140840.jpg
  • Sallow Kitten Furcula furcula Length 20mm. A dainty moth that rests with its wings held in tent-like manner and looks a bit like a tiny Puss Moth. Adult has whitish forewings with an orange-bordered grey cross band ac. Outer margin of wings has black spots and dorsal surface of thorax is dark grey and orange. Double-brooded: flies May–June and again in August. Larva is plump and greenish, with an orange-brown ‘saddle’ and two tail appendages. Larva feeds mainly on sallows. Widespread and common in central and southern England and Wales, and lowland Scotland.
    140810.jpg
  • Small White Pieris rapae  Wingspan 45mm. Appreciably smaller than Large White. Adult upperwings are creamy-white with dark tip to forewing; female has two dark spots on forewing. Underwings are yellowish. Adult flies April–May and July–August. Larva is green, speckled with tiny pale dots; feeds on cultivated cabbage and related plants. Common and widespread, and often seen in the garden.
    140788.jpg
  • Straw Underwing Thalpophila matura Length 19-22mm. An aptly-named moth that rests with its forewings held flat, covering the straw-yellow hindwings. Adult has brown forewings with a central pale-bordered, dark cross band and a pale-ringed eyespot. Flies July–August. Larva feeds on a range of grasses. Widespread and fairly common in southern and central Britain; much more local further north.
    140786.jpg
  • The Vapourer Orgyia antiqua Length 16mm. An unusual autumn moth only males of which have wings. Males fly mostly in the daytime but sometimes at night. Females are downy and almost wingless; they are sometimes found near clusters of eggs laid on tree bark. Adult male has chestnut forewings with a white spot on the trailing edge. Flies August–September. Larva is bristly with tufts of yellow and black hairs. Larva feeds on deciduous trees. Widespread and common in lowland Britain.
    140751.jpg
  • The Vapourer Orgyia antiqua Length 16mm. An unusual autumn moth only males of which have wings. Males fly mostly in the daytime but sometimes at night. Females are downy and almost wingless; they are sometimes found near clusters of eggs laid on tree bark. Adult male has chestnut forewings with a white spot on the trailing edge. Flies August–September. Larva is bristly with tufts of yellow and black hairs. Larva feeds on deciduous trees. Widespread and common in lowland Britain.
    140752.jpg
  • Straw Underwing Thalpophila matura Length 19-22mm. An aptly-named moth that rests with its forewings held flat, covering the straw-yellow hindwings. Adult has brown forewings with a central pale-bordered, dark cross band and a pale-ringed eyespot. Flies July–August. Larva feeds on a range of grasses. Widespread and fairly common in southern and central Britain; much more local further north.
    140730.jpg
  • The V-Pug Chlorclystis v-ata Wingspan 15-19mm. A colourful little moth, easily recognised by its colour and diagnostic markings. Rests with wings spread flat, forewings mostly covering hindwings. Adult is bright green overall, with distinct black ‘V’ mark near leading edge of forewing. Flies May-June, with a second brood in the south, in August. Larva feeds on Elder, Hawthorn and Bramble. Widespread but commonest in south.
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  • Red Underwing Catocala nupta Wingspan 65-75mm. A large moth that rests with its wings spread flat. The forewing colours and markings are a good match for weathered timber; at rest they conceal the colourful hindwings, but these are revealed as a shock tactic if the moth is alarmed. Adult has grey and brown forewings and black-barred red underwings. Flies August–September. Larva feeds on willows and poplars. Widespread and fairly common only in southern and central England.
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  • Oak Hook-tip Watsonalla binaria Wingspan 25-35mm. A distinctive moth with hook-tipped forewings. Adult male has rich brown wings with pale cross lines and dark spots on forewing. Female is larger, with similar markings but buffish forewings and yellow hindwings. Double-brooded: flies May–June, and again in August.  Larva has an angular appearance and feeds on oak leaves. Common only in southern and central Britain.
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  • Red Underwing Catocala nupta Wingspan 65-75mm. A large moth that rests with its wings spread flat. The forewing colours and markings are a good match for weathered timber; at rest they conceal the colourful hindwings, but these are revealed as a shock tactic if the moth is alarmed. Adult has grey and brown forewings and black-barred red underwings. Flies August–September. Larva feeds on willows and poplars. Widespread and fairly common only in southern and central England.
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  • Grey Dagger Acronicta psi Length 23mm. An aptly-named moth that rests with wings held in shallow tent-like manner. Adult has pale grey forewings with a slightly powdery look and striking black dagger-like markings. Flies June–August. Larva has a dark lateral band containing red spots on each segment, bordered above and below by a yellowish bands; note the prominent tuft of hairs. Larva feeds on deciduous shrubs and trees. Widespread and common. Similar species Dark Dagger A. tridens is virtually indistinguishable as an adult; larva is very different, with orange-yellow bands bordering a black lateral band containing white spots.
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  • Pale Prominent Pterostoma palpina Length 30mm. A distinctive, elongated moth that resembles a fragment of wood. Adult has pale greyish-buff forewings; seen sideways on it has prominences along the back, palps that project at head end, and a projecting tufted tip to the abdomen. Double-brooded in the south: flies May–June, and again in August. Larva feeds on sallows and Aspen. Widespread and common in southern and central England and Wales; more local further north.
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  • Small White Pieris rapae  Wingspan 45mm. Appreciably smaller than Large White. Adult upperwings are creamy-white with dark tip to forewing; female has two dark spots on forewing. Underwings are yellowish. Adult flies April–May and July–August. Larva is green, speckled with tiny pale dots; feeds on cultivated cabbage and related plants. Common and widespread, and often seen in the garden.
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  • Red Underwing Catocala nupta Wingspan 65-75mm. A large moth that rests with its wings spread flat. The forewing colours and markings are a good match for weathered timber; at rest they conceal the colourful hindwings, but these are revealed as a shock tactic if the moth is alarmed. Adult has grey and brown forewings and black-barred red underwings. Flies August–September. Larva feeds on willows and poplars. Widespread and fairly common only in southern and central England.
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  • Red Underwing Catocala nupta Wingspan 65-75mm. A large moth that rests with its wings spread flat. The forewing colours and markings are a good match for weathered timber; at rest they conceal the colourful hindwings, but these are revealed as a shock tactic if the moth is alarmed. Adult has grey and brown forewings and black-barred red underwings. Flies August–September. Larva feeds on willows and poplars. Widespread and fairly common only in southern and central England.
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  • Red Underwing Catocala nupta Wingspan 65-75mm. A large moth that rests with its wings spread flat. The forewing colours and markings are a good match for weathered timber; at rest they conceal the colourful hindwings, but these are revealed as a shock tactic if the moth is alarmed. Adult has grey and brown forewings and black-barred red underwings. Flies August–September. Larva feeds on willows and poplars. Widespread and fairly common only in southern and central England.
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  • Double-striped Pug Gymnoscelis rufifasciata Wingspan 16-19mm. A beautifully patterned moth whose narrow wings are spread flat at rest. Adult is usually brownish overall, the wings marked with concentric dark bands and lines, two of which are bold and give species its name. Double brooded: flies April-May and again in August. Larva feeds on various shrubs including Holly, Ivy, gorses and buddleias. Widespread and fairly common.
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  • Small White Pieris rapae  Wingspan 45mm. Appreciably smaller than Large White. Adult upperwings are creamy-white with dark tip to forewing; female has two dark spots on forewing. Underwings are yellowish. Adult flies April–May and July–August. Larva is green, speckled with tiny pale dots; feeds on cultivated cabbage and related plants. Common and widespread, and often seen in the garden.
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  • Silver-washed Fritillary Argynnis paphia Wingspan 60mm. An iconic woodland butterfly associated with sunny rides and clearing; adults are often seen feeding on flowers of Bramble and thistles. Adult has orange-brown upperwings with black markings; underside of hindwing has silvery sheen. Flies June–August. Larva feed on violets.  Status Locally common woodland species in S and SW England and Ireland.
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  • Garden Tiger Arctia caja Wingspan 50-65mm. A stunning and distinctive moth. Usually rests with its wings spread flat, the forewings covering the hindwings. Adult has a variable pattern of brown and white on forewings; if startled, these are spread to reveal the dark-spotted orange hindwings. Flies July–August. Larva is hairy and feeds on a wide range of herbaecous plants. Widespread but these days it is scarce as a garden species; seems to be commonest in coastal areas.
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  • Chalkhill Blue Polyommatus coridon Wingspan 40mm. Iconic downland butterfly, males of which are a unique colour amongst British blues. Adult male has pale sky-blue upperwings; female’s are dark brown with orange submarginal spots. Underwings of both sexes are grey-brown with spots. Flies July–August. Larva feeds on Horseshoe Vetch; sometimes discovered at dusk being attended by ants. Very local and restricted to chalk and limestone grassland in southern England.
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  • Poplar Hawk-moth  Laothoe populi Wingspan 70mm. An interesting moth whose wing shape and colouration is a good match for dry, crumpled leaves. Adult has grey-brown forewings with darker central band containing white crescent mark. At rest, hindwings project slightly in front of forewings; a reddish patch on the hindwing is exposed if the moth is startled. Double-brooded: flies May–August. Larva is bright green with a pale diagonal stripe on each segment and a ‘horn’ at the tail end. Feeds on poplar and willows. Common and widespread.
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  • The Spectacle Abrostola tripartita Length 17-19mm. A well-marked moth that rests with its wings held in a tent-like manner, showing projecting hair tufts when viewed in profile. Viewed head-on, distinctive white ‘spectacle’ markings can be seen. Adult has greyish-brown forewings with a dark central band. Flies May–August. Larva feeds on Common Nettle. Widespread and locally common throughout.
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  • Poplar Hawk-moth  Laothoe populi Wingspan 70mm. An interesting moth whose wing shape and colouration is a good match for dry, crumpled leaves. Adult has grey-brown forewings with darker central band containing white crescent mark. At rest, hindwings project slightly in front of forewings; a reddish patch on the hindwing is exposed if the moth is startled. Double-brooded: flies May–August. Larva is bright green with a pale diagonal stripe on each segment and a ‘horn’ at the tail end. Feeds on poplar and willows. Common and widespread.
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  • Garden Tiger Arctia caja Wingspan 50-65mm. A stunning and distinctive moth. Usually rests with its wings spread flat, the forewings covering the hindwings. Adult has a variable pattern of brown and white on forewings; if startled, these are spread to reveal the dark-spotted orange hindwings. Flies July–August. Larva is hairy and feeds on a wide range of herbaecous plants. Widespread but these days it is scarce as a garden species; seems to be commonest in coastal areas.
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  • Poplar Hawk-moth  Laothoe populi Wingspan 70mm. An interesting moth whose wing shape and colouration is a good match for dry, crumpled leaves. Adult has grey-brown forewings with darker central band containing white crescent mark. At rest, hindwings project slightly in front of forewings; a reddish patch on the hindwing is exposed if the moth is startled. Double-brooded: flies May–August. Larva is bright green with a pale diagonal stripe on each segment and a ‘horn’ at the tail end. Feeds on poplar and willows. Common and widespread.
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  • Poplar Hawk-moth  Laothoe populi Wingspan 70mm. An interesting moth whose wing shape and colouration is a good match for dry, crumpled leaves. Adult has grey-brown forewings with darker central band containing white crescent mark. At rest, hindwings project slightly in front of forewings; a reddish patch on the hindwing is exposed if the moth is startled. Double-brooded: flies May–August. Larva is bright green with a pale diagonal stripe on each segment and a ‘horn’ at the tail end. Feeds on poplar and willows. Common and widespread.
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  • High Brown Fritillary Argynnis adippe Wingspan 60mm. Fast-flying butterfly associated with windswept, open country. Adult has orange-brown upperwings with dark spots; underside of hindwing has brownish scaling. Flies July–August. Larva feeds on violets. Status Scarce and rather endangered, found mainly in W and NW England; favours meadows and open, grassy woodlands.
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  • High Brown Fritillary Argynnis adippe Wingspan 60mm. Fast-flying butterfly associated with windswept, open country. Adult has orange-brown upperwings with dark spots; underside of hindwing has brownish scaling. Flies July–August. Larva feeds on violets. Status Scarce and rather endangered, found mainly in W and NW England; favours meadows and open, grassy woodlands.
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  • Silver-washed Fritillary Argynnis paphia Wingspan 60mm. An iconic woodland butterfly associated with sunny rides and clearing; adults are often seen feeding on flowers of Bramble and thistles. Adult has orange-brown upperwings with black markings; underside of hindwing has silvery sheen. Flies June–August. Larva feed on violets.  Status Locally common woodland species in S and SW England and Ireland.
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  • Small Skipper Thymelicus sylvestris Wingspan 25mm. An active butterfly with a buzzing flight. Fond of sunbathing with its wings held at an angle; often visits thistles and knapweed flowers. Adult has orange-brown upperwings and orange-buff underwings. Brown underside to antennal tip distinguishes it from similar Essex skipper. Flies July–August. Larva is nocturnal and feeds on various grasses. A common and widespread meadow species.
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  • Adonis Blue Polyommatus bellargus Wingspan 32mm. A classic chalk downland butterfly, males of which are dazzling. Adult male has iridescent blue upperwings with black and white margins; female’s upperwings are brown with orange submarginal spots. Underwings of both sexes are grey-brown with spots. Double brooded: flies May–June and July–August. Larva feeds on Horseshoe Vetch; can sometimes be found in short turf being attended by ants. Very local in southern England but entirely restricted to chalk downs.
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  • Small Heath Coenonympha pamphilus Wingspan 30mm. A tiny grassland butterfly that invariably rests with its wings closed; upperwings are almost never revealed. Underside of forewing is orange with an eyespot; hindwing is marbled grey, brown and buff. Double-brooded: flies May–June and August–September. Larva feeds on grasses and is nocturnal. Widespread but locally common only in southern England; range has contracted because it is restricted to unimproved grassland and does not tolerate modern agricultural practices.
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  • Brown Hairstreak Thecla betulae Wingspan 40-50mm. A lethargic butterfly and a sluggish flier; often prefers to walk over foliage rather than fly. Adult has dark brown upperwings; male has orange patch on forewing. Underwings are orange-brown with white line. Flies August. Larva is slug-like and feeds on Blackthorn. Very local in southern and central England and Wales. Favours Blackthorn scrub and hedgerows.
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  • Small Heath Coenonympha pamphilus Wingspan 30mm. A tiny grassland butterfly that invariably rests with its wings closed; upperwings are almost never revealed. Underside of forewing is orange with an eyespot; hindwing is marbled grey, brown and buff. Double-brooded: flies May–June and August–September. Larva feeds on grasses and is nocturnal. Widespread but locally common only in southern England; range has contracted because it is restricted to unimproved grassland and does not tolerate modern agricultural practices.
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  • Chalkhill Blue Polyommatus coridon Wingspan 40mm. Iconic downland butterfly, males of which are a unique colour amongst British blues. Adult male has pale sky-blue upperwings; female’s are dark brown with orange submarginal spots. Underwings of both sexes are grey-brown with spots. Flies July–August. Larva feeds on Horseshoe Vetch; sometimes discovered at dusk being attended by ants. Very local and restricted to chalk and limestone grassland in southern England.
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  • Red Underwing Catocala nupta Wingspan 65-75mm. A large moth that rests with its wings spread flat. The forewing colours and markings are a good match for weathered timber; at rest they conceal the colourful hindwings, but these are revealed as a shock tactic if the moth is alarmed. Adult has grey and brown forewings and black-barred red underwings. Flies August–September. Larva feeds on willows and poplars. Widespread and fairly common only in southern and central England.
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  • Lesser Swallow Prominent Pheosia gnoma Length 27mm. A well-marked moth that is similar to Swallow Prominent. Rests with its wings held in a tent-like manner. Adult has pale grey-buff forewings with dark stripes; the distinct white wedge on the outer margin of the forewing allows separation from Swallow Prominent. Double-brooded: flies May–June and again in August. Larva feeds on birches. Widespread and common in lowland Britain.
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  • Silver-washed Fritillary Argynnis paphia Wingspan 60mm. An iconic woodland butterfly associated with sunny rides and clearing; adults are often seen feeding on flowers of Bramble and thistles. Adult has orange-brown upperwings with black markings; underside of hindwing has silvery sheen. Flies June–August. Larva feed on violets.  Status Locally common woodland species in S and SW England and Ireland.
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  • Dark Green Fritillary Argynnis aglaia Wingspan 60mm. An active, fast-flying butterfly, seen skimming and gliding over open ground and feeding on the flowers of thistles and knapweeds. Adult has orange-brown upperwings; underside of hindwing is suffused with olive-green scaling. Flies July–August. Larva is black with spiky hairs; feeds on violets. Widespread but local on chalk downland and sand dunes in Britain and Ireland; commonest near coasts and in western half of region.
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  • Chalkhill Blue Polyommatus coridon Wingspan 40mm. Iconic downland butterfly, males of which are a unique colour amongst British blues. Adult male has pale sky-blue upperwings; female’s are dark brown with orange submarginal spots. Underwings of both sexes are grey-brown with spots. Flies July–August. Larva feeds on Horseshoe Vetch; sometimes discovered at dusk being attended by ants. Very local and restricted to chalk and limestone grassland in southern England.
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  • Red Admiral Vanessa atalanta Wingspan 60mm. An active, fast-flying butterfly that is also fond of basking in the sun. Adult has marbled dark-grey underwings and black upperwings with red bands and white spots. Commonest in July–August, but also seen in many other months. Larva is spiny and brown with yellow markings; feeds on Common Nettle, hidden inside ‘tent’ of woven-together leaves. Mainly a summer migrant from southern Europe, but adults hibernate in small numbers and emerge on sunny days in early spring.
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  • Marbled White Melanargia galathea Wingspan 50mm. Unmistakable meadow butterfly with a rather sluggish flight; feeds on the flowers of knapweeds and thistles. Adult has distinctive black and white patterns on upperwings; pattern is repeated on underwing although markings are subdued and there is an overall yellowish suffusion. Flies July–August. Larva feeds on grasses; strictly nocturnal. Locally common in southeast and central-southern England. Favours undisturbed meadows and downs, often on chalk but also on neutral soils.
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  • Chinese Character Cilix glaucata Length 12-13mm. An interesting moth: at rest on a leaf it looks remarkably like a bird-dropping. Adult has whitish forewings, blotched with brown and purplish-blue. Double-brooded: flies May-June, and again in August. Larva feeds on Hawthorn, Blackthorn and Bramble. Locally common in southern and central England.
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  • The Herald Scoliopteryx libatrix Length 19-21mm. A colourful and unmistakable moth that rests with its wings spread flat. It hibernates in sheds and barns. Adult has forewings with ragged outer margins; they are brown with orange patches and white cross lines. Flies August–November, then March–April after hibernation. Larva feeds on willows and poplars. Widespread and locally common in southern and central Britain; range is much more patchy further north.
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