Nature Photographers Ltd

  • Portfolio
  • About
  • Contact
  • Archive
    • All Galleries
    • Search
    • Cart
    • Lightbox
    • Client Area
  • NPL Blog
Show Navigation

Search Results

Refine Search
Match all words
Match any word
Prints
Personal Use
Royalty-Free
Rights-Managed
(leave unchecked to
search all images)
Next
{ 142 images found }
twitterlinkedinfacebook

Loading ()...

  • Heath Fritillary Melitaea athalia Wingspan 45mm. A rather sluggish and slow-flying butterfly. Adult has dark orange brown upperwings with bold dark markings; underwings are creamy-white with chestnut-brown markings. Flies June–July. Larva is blackish with bristly orange spikes; feeds on Common Cow-wheat, Wood-sage or plantains. Rare and local, mainly in southeast and southwest England; favours sunny woodland rides.
    156279.jpg
  • Heath Fritillary Melitaea athalia Wingspan 45mm. A rather sluggish and slow-flying butterfly. Adult has dark orange brown upperwings with bold dark markings; underwings are creamy-white with chestnut-brown markings. Flies June–July. Larva is blackish with bristly orange spikes; feeds on Common Cow-wheat, Wood-sage or plantains. Rare and local, mainly in southeast and southwest England; favours sunny woodland rides.
    144918.jpg
  • Heath Fritillary Melitaea athalia Wingspan 45mm. A rather sluggish and slow-flying butterfly. Adult has dark orange brown upperwings with bold dark markings; underwings are creamy-white with chestnut-brown markings. Flies June–July. Larva is blackish with bristly orange spikes; feeds on Common Cow-wheat, Wood-sage or plantains. Rare and local, mainly in southeast and southwest England; favours sunny woodland rides.
    144751.jpg
  • Green-veined White Pieris napi  Wingspan 45-50mm. Adult recalls a Small White but has striking veins on wings: these are dark on upperwings, and greyish-green on underwings. Double-brooded: adult flies in spring and again in mid-summer. Larva is green with tiny white spots; feeds on Hedge Mustard, Garlic Mustard and related plants. Locally common, sometimes seen in gardens, but mainly associated with verges and open margins and rides in woodland.
    140376.jpg
  • Green-veined White Pieris napi  Wingspan 45-50mm. Adult recalls a Small White but has striking veins on wings: these are dark on upperwings, and greyish-green on underwings. Double-brooded: adult flies in spring and again in mid-summer. Larva is green with tiny white spots; feeds on Hedge Mustard, Garlic Mustard and related plants. Locally common, sometimes seen in gardens, but mainly associated with verges and open margins and rides in woodland.
    136153.jpg
  • Heath Fritillary Melitaea athalia Wingspan 45mm. A rather sluggish and slow-flying butterfly. Adult has dark orange brown upperwings with bold dark markings; underwings are creamy-white with chestnut-brown markings. Flies June–July. Larva is blackish with bristly orange spikes; feeds on Common Cow-wheat, Wood-sage or plantains. Rare and local, mainly in southeast and southwest England; favours sunny woodland rides.
    127401.jpg
  • Green-veined White Pieris napi  Wingspan 45-50mm. Adult recalls a Small White but has striking veins on wings: these are dark on upperwings, and greyish-green on underwings. Double-brooded: adult flies in spring and again in mid-summer. Larva is green with tiny white spots; feeds on Hedge Mustard, Garlic Mustard and related plants. Locally common, sometimes seen in gardens, but mainly associated with verges and open margins and rides in woodland.
    102310.jpg
  • COMMON DOG-VIOLET Viola riviniana (Violaceae) Height to 12cm. Familiar perennial herb of woodland rides and grassland. FLOWERS are 15-25mm across and bluish violet with a blunt, pale spur that is notched at the tip, and pointed sepals (Mar-May). FRUITS are egg-shaped. LEAVES are long-stalked, heart-shaped and mainly hairless. STATUS-Widespread and locally common throughout.
    141368.jpg
  • DEVIL’S-BIT SCABIOUS Succisa pratensis (Dipsacaceae) Height to 75cm. Upright perennial with hairy or hairless stems. Grows in damp grassland, woodland rides and marshes. FLOWERS are pinkish lilac to violet blue with projecting anthers (like tiny mallets); borne in dense, domed terminal heads, 15-25mm across, on long, slender stalks (Jun-Oct). FRUITS are dry and papery. LEAVES are spoon-shaped at the base of the plant, and narrow on the stem. STATUS-Widespread and common throughout.
    132205.jpg
  • SAW-WORT Serratula tinctoria (Asteraceae) Height to 75cm<br />
Slender, hairless and spineless perennial with grooved and rather stiff stems. Grows in damp meadows and along woodland rides. FLOWERS are borne in heads, 15-20mm long, that comprise pinkish purple florets and close-pressed purplish bracts; heads are carried in open, terminal clusters (Jul-Oct). FRUITS have unbranched pappus hairs. LEAVES vary from undivided to deeply lobed, but the edges are always saw-toothed. STATUS-Locally common only in SW England; scarce or absent elsewhere.
    132077.jpg
  • GREATER BURDOCK Arctium lappa (Asteraceae) Height to 1m. Branched and downy biennial of hedgerows, woodland rides, verges and waste ground. FLOWERS are borne in egg-shaped heads, 20-40mm across, with purplish florets and greenish yellow, hooked and spiny bracts; carried in few-flowered inflorescences (Jul-Sep). FRUITS are burs, armed with hooked spines (flower bracts) that cling to animal fur and aid dispersal. LEAVES are heart-shaped with solid stalks; basal leaves are longer than wide. STATUS-Locally common in England and Wales; scarce elsewhere.
    131994.jpg
  • GREATER STITCHWORT Stellaria holostea (Caryophyllaceae) Height to 50cm. Familiar perennial of open woodland, woodland rides and hedgerows. Note the rough-edged stems. FLOWERS are white, with 5 notched petals; borne on slender stems (Apr-Jun). FRUITS are capsules. LEAVES are narrow, fresh green, rough-edged and grass-like; easily overlooked in the absence of flowers. STATUS-Widespread and common.
    131977.jpg
  • SNEEZEWORT Achillea ptarmica (Asteraceae) Height to 60cm<br />
Upright and branched or unbranched perennial with stiff, angular stems, the upper parts of which are downy. Grows in damp situations in meadows, and woodland rides and clearings, almost always on acid soils. FLOWERS are borne in heads, 1-2cm across, comprising greenish yellow disc florets and white ray florets; heads are carried in open clusters (Jul-Sep). FRUITS are achenes. LEAVES are narrow, undivided, untoothed and stalkless. STATUS-Locally common throughout the region.
    131641.jpg
  • COMMON HAWKWEED Hieracium vulgatum (Asteraceae) Height to 80cm. Upright, variable perennial. Stems produce a milky latex when broken and are hairy towards the base. Grows in grassy places, along woodland rides, on verges and banks, and on heaths. FLOWERS are borne in heads, 2-3cm across, with yellow florets; carried on hairy stalks, in clusters (Jul-Sep). FRUITS have unbranched hairs. LEAVES are ovate, toothed; basal leaves are stalked and form a rosette; stem leaves are unstalked. STATUS-Widespread and fairly common in N Britain; scarce or absent in S.
    131359.jpg
  • COCK’S-FOOT Dactylis glomerata Height to 1m<br />
Tufted, tussock-forming perennial of grassland and woodland rides. FLOWERS are borne in an inflorescence of long-stalked, dense and egg-shaped heads that spread and then fancifully resemble a bird’s foot (Jun-Jul). FRUITS are small, dry nutlets. LEAVES are rough with slightly inrolled margins. STATUS-Widespread and common.
    130925.jpg
  • GREATER CELANDINE Chelidonium majus (Papaveraceae) Height to 80cm. Tall, brittle-stemmed perennial. Found in hedgerows and along woodland rides. FLOWERS are 2-3cm across and comprise 4 non-overlapping bright yellow petals (Apr-Oct). FRUITS are narrow capsules that split from below when ripe. LEAVES are grey-green and pinnately divided. STATUS-Native in most areas; also naturalised as a garden escape.
    130864.jpg
  • YELLOW FIGWORT Scrophularia vernalis (Scrophulariaceae) Height to 50cm. Upright, downy perennial of verges, rough ground and woodland rides. FLOWERS are 8-10mm long and yellow; borne in small clusters on stalks arising from upper leaf axils (Apr-Jun). FRUITS are greenish capsules, like small figs. LEAVES are oval, pointed and wrinkled, overall rather nettle-like. STATUS-Naturalised and occasional in the S.
    129853.jpg
  • YELLOW ARCHANGEL Lamiastrum galeobdolon (Lamiaceae) Height to 45cm. Attractive and hairy perennial with long, leafy runners and upright flowering stems. Grows in woodland rides and hedgerows, mainly on basic soils. FLOWERS are 17-20mm long and rich yellow adorned with reddish streaks, the lip divided into 3 equal lobes; borne in whorls (Apr-Jun). FRUITS are nutlets. LEAVES are oval to triangular, toothed and similar to those of Common Nettle or White Dead-nettle. STATUS-Locally common in England and Wales but scarce or absent elsewhere.
    145305.jpg
  • Green-veined White - Pieris napi.  Wingspan 45-50mm. Adult recalls a Small White but has striking veins on wings: these are dark on upperwings, and greyish-green on underwings. Double-brooded: adult flies in spring and again in mid-summer. Larva is green with tiny white spots; feeds on Hedge Mustard, Garlic Mustard and related plants. Locally common, sometimes seen in gardens, but mainly associated with verges and open margins and rides in woodland.
    156980.jpg
  • Heath Fritillary Melitaea athalia Wingspan 45mm. A rather sluggish and slow-flying butterfly. Adult has dark orange brown upperwings with bold dark markings; underwings are creamy-white with chestnut-brown markings. Flies June–July. Larva is blackish with bristly orange spikes; feeds on Common Cow-wheat, Wood-sage or plantains. Rare and local, mainly in southeast and southwest England; favours sunny woodland rides.
    145227.jpg
  • Heath Fritillary Melitaea athalia Wingspan 45mm. A rather sluggish and slow-flying butterfly. Adult has dark orange brown upperwings with bold dark markings; underwings are creamy-white with chestnut-brown markings. Flies June–July. Larva is blackish with bristly orange spikes; feeds on Common Cow-wheat, Wood-sage or plantains. Rare and local, mainly in southeast and southwest England; favours sunny woodland rides.
    144980.jpg
  • Heath Fritillary Melitaea athalia Wingspan 45mm. A rather sluggish and slow-flying butterfly. Adult has dark orange brown upperwings with bold dark markings; underwings are creamy-white with chestnut-brown markings. Flies June–July. Larva is blackish with bristly orange spikes; feeds on Common Cow-wheat, Wood-sage or plantains. Rare and local, mainly in southeast and southwest England; favours sunny woodland rides.
    144916.jpg
  • Green-veined White Pieris napi  Wingspan 45-50mm. Adult recalls a Small White but has striking veins on wings: these are dark on upperwings, and greyish-green on underwings. Double-brooded: adult flies in spring and again in mid-summer. Larva is green with tiny white spots; feeds on Hedge Mustard, Garlic Mustard and related plants. Locally common, sometimes seen in gardens, but mainly associated with verges and open margins and rides in woodland.
    140395.jpg
  • Green-veined White Pieris napi  Wingspan 45-50mm. Adult recalls a Small White but has striking veins on wings: these are dark on upperwings, and greyish-green on underwings. Double-brooded: adult flies in spring and again in mid-summer. Larva is green with tiny white spots; feeds on Hedge Mustard, Garlic Mustard and related plants. Locally common, sometimes seen in gardens, but mainly associated with verges and open margins and rides in woodland.
    136614.jpg
  • Green-veined White Pieris napi  Wingspan 45-50mm. Adult recalls a Small White but has striking veins on wings: these are dark on upperwings, and greyish-green on underwings. Double-brooded: adult flies in spring and again in mid-summer. Larva is green with tiny white spots; feeds on Hedge Mustard, Garlic Mustard and related plants. Locally common, sometimes seen in gardens, but mainly associated with verges and open margins and rides in woodland.
    136196.jpg
  • Heath Fritillary Melitaea athalia Wingspan 45mm. A rather sluggish and slow-flying butterfly. Adult has dark orange brown upperwings with bold dark markings; underwings are creamy-white with chestnut-brown markings. Flies June–July. Larva is blackish with bristly orange spikes; feeds on Common Cow-wheat, Wood-sage or plantains. Rare and local, mainly in southeast and southwest England; favours sunny woodland rides.
    125205.jpg
  • WOOD DOCK Rumex sanguineus (Polygonaceae) Height to 1m. Upright, straggly and branched perennial of grassy woodland rides and shady meadows. FLOWERS are borne in spikes; leafy only at the base (Jun-Aug). FRUITS have a single elongated wart. LEAVES are oval; basal ones are heart-shaped at base, sometimes red-veined and never waisted. STATUS-Widespread and common, mainly absent from Scotland.
    141472.jpg
  • YELLOW ARCHANGEL Lamiastrum galeobdolon (Lamiaceae) Height to 45cm. Attractive and hairy perennial with long, leafy runners and upright flowering stems. Grows in woodland rides and hedgerows, mainly on basic soils. FLOWERS are 17-20mm long and rich yellow adorned with reddish streaks, the lip divided into 3 equal lobes; borne in whorls (Apr-Jun). FRUITS are nutlets. LEAVES are oval to triangular, toothed and similar to those of Common Nettle or White Dead-nettle. STATUS-Locally common in England and Wales but scarce or absent elsewhere.
    132219.jpg
  • SAW-WORT Serratula tinctoria (Asteraceae) Height to 75cm<br />
Slender, hairless and spineless perennial with grooved and rather stiff stems. Grows in damp meadows and along woodland rides. FLOWERS are borne in heads, 15-20mm long, that comprise pinkish purple florets and close-pressed purplish bracts; heads are carried in open, terminal clusters (Jul-Oct). FRUITS have unbranched pappus hairs. LEAVES vary from undivided to deeply lobed, but the edges are always saw-toothed. STATUS-Locally common only in SW England; scarce or absent elsewhere.
    132078.jpg
  • DEVIL’S-BIT SCABIOUS Succisa pratensis (Dipsacaceae) Height to 75cm. Upright perennial with hairy or hairless stems. Grows in damp grassland, woodland rides and marshes. FLOWERS are pinkish lilac to violet blue with projecting anthers (like tiny mallets); borne in dense, domed terminal heads, 15-25mm across, on long, slender stalks (Jun-Oct). FRUITS are dry and papery. LEAVES are spoon-shaped at the base of the plant, and narrow on the stem. STATUS-Widespread and common throughout.
    132069.jpg
  • GREATER BURDOCK Arctium lappa (Asteraceae) Height to 1m. Branched and downy biennial of hedgerows, woodland rides, verges and waste ground. FLOWERS are borne in egg-shaped heads, 20-40mm across, with purplish florets and greenish yellow, hooked and spiny bracts; carried in few-flowered inflorescences (Jul-Sep). FRUITS are burs, armed with hooked spines (flower bracts) that cling to animal fur and aid dispersal. LEAVES are heart-shaped with solid stalks; basal leaves are longer than wide. STATUS-Locally common in England and Wales; scarce elsewhere.
    131995.jpg
  • WOOD DOCK Rumex sanguineus (Polygonaceae) Height to 1m. Upright, straggly and branched perennial of grassy woodland rides and shady meadows. FLOWERS are borne in spikes; leafy only at the base (Jun-Aug). FRUITS have a single elongated wart. LEAVES are oval; basal ones are heart-shaped at base, sometimes red-veined and never waisted. STATUS-Widespread and common, mainly absent from Scotland.
    131963.jpg
  • BETONY Stachys officinalis (Lamiaceae) Height to 50cm<br />
Upright, unbranched and downy or hairless perennial. Grows along woodland rides and in grassy waysides and hedgerows, typically on sandy or chalky soils. FLOWERS are 12-18mm long and reddish purple; borne in showy, dense and terminal heads, reminiscent of marsh-orchid spikes (Jun-Sep). FRUITS are nutlets. LEAVES are stalked and oblong, typically heart-shaped at the base but narrower up the stem. STATUS-Widespread and fairly common in England and Wales but scarce or absent elsewhere.
    131584.jpg
  • BETONY Stachys officinalis (Lamiaceae) Height to 50cm<br />
Upright, unbranched and downy or hairless perennial. Grows along woodland rides and in grassy waysides and hedgerows, typically on sandy or chalky soils. FLOWERS are 12-18mm long and reddish purple; borne in showy, dense and terminal heads, reminiscent of marsh-orchid spikes (Jun-Sep). FRUITS are nutlets. LEAVES are stalked and oblong, typically heart-shaped at the base but narrower up the stem. STATUS-Widespread and fairly common in England and Wales but scarce or absent elsewhere.
    131582.jpg
  • COMMON HAWKWEED Hieracium vulgatum (Asteraceae) Height to 80cm. Upright, variable perennial. Stems produce a milky latex when broken and are hairy towards the base. Grows in grassy places, along woodland rides, on verges and banks, and on heaths. FLOWERS are borne in heads, 2-3cm across, with yellow florets; carried on hairy stalks, in clusters (Jul-Sep). FRUITS have unbranched hairs. LEAVES are ovate, toothed; basal leaves are stalked and form a rosette; stem leaves are unstalked. STATUS-Widespread and fairly common in N Britain; scarce or absent in S.
    131372.jpg
  • YELLOW ARCHANGEL Lamiastrum galeobdolon (Lamiaceae) Height to 45cm. Attractive and hairy perennial with long, leafy runners and upright flowering stems. Grows in woodland rides and hedgerows, mainly on basic soils. FLOWERS are 17-20mm long and rich yellow adorned with reddish streaks, the lip divided into 3 equal lobes; borne in whorls (Apr-Jun). FRUITS are nutlets. LEAVES are oval to triangular, toothed and similar to those of Common Nettle or White Dead-nettle. STATUS-Locally common in England and Wales but scarce or absent elsewhere.
    130236.jpg
  • LEOPARD’S-BANE Doronicum pardalianches (Asteraceae) Height to 70cm. Upright and downy or hairy perennial that grows on roadside verges, and in woodland rides. FLOWERS are borne in heads, 3-5cm across, comprising orange-yellow disc florets and bright yellow ray florets; carried in branched inflorescences of 2-5 heads (May-Jun). FRUITS are achenes. LEAVES are heart-shaped, toothed and stalked at the base of the plant; stem leaves are increasingly unstalked up the plant. STATUS-Introduced as a garden plant, and naturalised locally across the region.
    129904.jpg
  • WOOD DOCK Rumex sanguineus (Polygonaceae) Height to 1m. Upright, straggly and branched perennial of grassy woodland rides and shady meadows. FLOWERS are borne in spikes; leafy only at the base (Jun-Aug). FRUITS have a single elongated wart. LEAVES are oval; basal ones are heart-shaped at base, sometimes red-veined and never waisted. STATUS-Widespread and common, mainly absent from Scotland.
    129828.jpg
  • Heath Fritillary - Melitaea athalia - male (top) - typical female (middle) - aberrant female underwing (bottom). Wingspan 45mm. A rather sluggish and slow-flying butterfly. Adult has dark orange brown upperwings with bold dark markings; underwings are creamy-white with chestnut-brown markings. Flies June–July. Larva is blackish with bristly orange spikes; feeds on Common Cow-wheat, Wood-sage or plantains. Rare and local, mainly in southeast and southwest England; favours sunny woodland rides.
    157046.jpg
  • Heath Fritillary Melitaea athalia Wingspan 45mm. A rather sluggish and slow-flying butterfly. Adult has dark orange brown upperwings with bold dark markings; underwings are creamy-white with chestnut-brown markings. Flies June–July. Larva is blackish with bristly orange spikes; feeds on Common Cow-wheat, Wood-sage or plantains. Rare and local, mainly in southeast and southwest England; favours sunny woodland rides.
    144919.jpg
  • Green-veined White Pieris napi  Wingspan 45-50mm. Adult recalls a Small White but has striking veins on wings: these are dark on upperwings, and greyish-green on underwings. Double-brooded: adult flies in spring and again in mid-summer. Larva is green with tiny white spots; feeds on Hedge Mustard, Garlic Mustard and related plants. Locally common, sometimes seen in gardens, but mainly associated with verges and open margins and rides in woodland.
    140480.jpg
  • Heath Fritillary Melitaea athalia Wingspan 45mm. A rather sluggish and slow-flying butterfly. Adult has dark orange brown upperwings with bold dark markings; underwings are creamy-white with chestnut-brown markings. Flies June–July. Larva is blackish with bristly orange spikes; feeds on Common Cow-wheat, Wood-sage or plantains. Rare and local, mainly in southeast and southwest England; favours sunny woodland rides.
    105136.jpg
  • WOOD SAGE Teucrium scorodonia (Lamiaceae) Height to 40cm. Downy perennial of woodland rides, heaths and coastal cliffs, mainly on acid soils. FLOWERS are 5-6mm long, yellowish and with the upper lip (as seen in other Lamiaceae) absent; borne in leafless spikes (Jun-Sep). FRUITS are nutlets. LEAVES are oval, heart-shaped at the base, and wrinkled. STATUS-Widespread and locally common.
    141393.jpg
  • SELFHEAL Prunella vulgaris (Lamiaceae) Height to 20cm<br />
Creeping, downy perennial with leafy runners that root at intervals and upright flowering stems. Grows in grassy places and woodland rides, on calcareous and netural soils. FLOWERS are 10-15mm long and bluish violet; borne in dense, cylindrical and terminal heads adorned with purplish bracts and calyx teeth (Apr-Jun). FRUITS are nutlets. LEAVES are paired and oval. STATUS-Widespread but commonest in the S.
    117954.jpg
  • Heath Fritillary Melitaea athalia Wingspan 45mm. A rather sluggish and slow-flying butterfly. Adult has dark orange brown upperwings with bold dark markings; underwings are creamy-white with chestnut-brown markings. Flies June–July. Larva is blackish with bristly orange spikes; feeds on Common Cow-wheat, Wood-sage or plantains. Rare and local, mainly in southeast and southwest England; favours sunny woodland rides.
    144917.jpg
  • Green-veined White Pieris napi  Wingspan 45-50mm. Adult recalls a Small White but has striking veins on wings: these are dark on upperwings, and greyish-green on underwings. Double-brooded: adult flies in spring and again in mid-summer. Larva is green with tiny white spots; feeds on Hedge Mustard, Garlic Mustard and related plants. Locally common, sometimes seen in gardens, but mainly associated with verges and open margins and rides in woodland.
    140412.jpg
  • Heath Fritillary Melitaea athalia Wingspan 45mm. A rather sluggish and slow-flying butterfly. Adult has dark orange brown upperwings with bold dark markings; underwings are creamy-white with chestnut-brown markings. Flies June–July. Larva is blackish with bristly orange spikes; feeds on Common Cow-wheat, Wood-sage or plantains. Rare and local, mainly in southeast and southwest England; favours sunny woodland rides.
    137661.jpg
  • WILD TULIP Tulipa sylvestris (Liliaceae) Height to 40CM<br />
Attractive bulbous perennial that grows in meadows and along grassy woodland rides. FLOWERS are 3-4cm across (when fully open) and fragrant, with yellow petals that are sometimes tinged green below; solitary and borne on slender stems (May-Jun). FRUITS are capsules. LEAVES are grey-green, narrow and up to 25cm long. STATUS-Introduced and now widely, but locally, naturalised, mainly in S England.
    130468.jpg
  • COMMON DOG-VIOLET Viola riviniana (Violaceae) Height to 12cm. Familiar perennial herb of woodland rides and grassland. FLOWERS are 15-25mm across and bluish violet with a blunt, pale spur that is notched at the tip, and pointed sepals (Mar-May). FRUITS are egg-shaped. LEAVES are long-stalked, heart-shaped and mainly hairless. STATUS-Widespread and locally common throughout.
    144466.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
  • 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
  • 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.
    156682.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.
    145007.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.
    145006.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.
    145005.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.
    145004.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.
    140263.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.
    136180.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.
    127436.jpg
  • Scotch Argus Erebia aethiops Wingspan 40mm. A hardy butterfly, adapted to cool climates. Adult recalls a broad-winged Ringlet but has rich brown upperwings with an orange band marked with eyespots. Underwings are brown, hindwing with a grey band, forewing with a yellowish band marked with eyespots. Flies July–September but only active in sunshine. Larva feeds on Purple Moor-grass. Local and restricted to northern England and southern and central Scotland. Favours woodland rides and clearings, and moorland where its larval foodplant is common.
    105146.jpg
  • SELFHEAL Prunella vulgaris (Lamiaceae) Height to 20cm<br />
Creeping, downy perennial with leafy runners that root at intervals and upright flowering stems. Grows in grassy places and woodland rides, on calcareous and netural soils. FLOWERS are 10-15mm long and bluish violet; borne in dense, cylindrical and terminal heads adorned with purplish bracts and calyx teeth (Apr-Jun). FRUITS are nutlets. LEAVES are paired and oval. STATUS-Widespread but commonest in the S.
    138042.jpg
  • BASTARD BALM Melittis melissophyllum (Lamiaceae) Height to 60cm. Attractive, hairy and strong-smelling perennial that grows along woodland rides and in shady hedgerows and areas of scrub. FLOWERS are 25-40mm long, fragrant, mainly white and variably adorned with pink or purple, the length of the corolla tube greater exceeding that of the calyx; borne in whorls (May-Jul). FRUITS are nutlets. LEAVES are ovate, toothed and stalked. STATUS-Local and rather scarce in S England (mainly the SW) and S Wales; scarce or absent elsewhere.
    137877.jpg
  • BASTARD BALM Melittis melissophyllum (Lamiaceae) Height to 60cm. Attractive, hairy and strong-smelling perennial that grows along woodland rides and in shady hedgerows and areas of scrub. FLOWERS are 25-40mm long, fragrant, mainly white and variably adorned with pink or purple, the length of the corolla tube greater exceeding that of the calyx; borne in whorls (May-Jul). FRUITS are nutlets. LEAVES are ovate, toothed and stalked. STATUS-Local and rather scarce in S England (mainly the SW) and S Wales; scarce or absent elsewhere.
    137876.jpg
  • COMMON HAWKWEED Hieracium vulgatum (Asteraceae) Height to 80cm. Upright, variable perennial. Stems produce a milky latex when broken and are hairy towards the base. Grows in grassy places, along woodland rides, on verges and banks, and on heaths. FLOWERS are borne in heads, 2-3cm across, with yellow florets; carried on hairy stalks, in clusters (Jul-Sep). FRUITS have unbranched hairs. LEAVES are ovate, toothed; basal leaves are stalked and form a rosette; stem leaves are unstalked. STATUS-Widespread and fairly common in N Britain; scarce or absent in S.
    131838.jpg
  • TUFTED HAIR-GRASS Deschampsia cespitosa Height to 1.5m<br />
Tufted, clump-forming perennial of damp grassland, woodland rides and marshes. FLOWERS are borne in a long-stemmed inflorescence comprising spreading clusters of 2-flowered, silvery purple spikelets (Jun-Jul). FRUITS are small, dry nutlets. LEAVES are dark green, wiry and narrow with rough edges. STATUS-Widespread and common.
    131830.jpg
  • HEATH CUDWEED Gnaphalium sylvaticum (Asteraceae) Height to 50cm. Greyish perennial with rather prostrate, leafy non-flowering stalks and upright, leafy flowering stems. Grows in dry, grassy places on heaths and along woodland rides. FLOWERS are carried in heads, 5-7mm long, with yellow-brown florets and brown-tipped bracts; in clusters or leafy spikes (Jul-Sep). FRUITS are achenes. LEAVES are green and hairless above but white-woolly below. STATUS-Locally common.
    131827.jpg
  • WOOD DOCK Rumex sanguineus (Polygonaceae) Height to 1m. Upright, straggly and branched perennial of grassy woodland rides and shady meadows. FLOWERS are borne in spikes; leafy only at the base (Jun-Aug). FRUITS have a single elongated wart. LEAVES are oval; basal ones are heart-shaped at base, sometimes red-veined and never waisted. STATUS-Widespread and common, mainly absent from Scotland.
    131391.jpg
  • COMMON COW-WHEAT - Melampyrum pratense (Scrophulariaceae) Height to 35cm. Variable but typically straggly annual that is semi-parasitic on the roots of other plants. Grows on heaths and along woodland rides, and found mainly on acid soils. FLOWERS are 10-18mm long, the corolla pale yellow and flattened laterally, 2-lipped but with the mouth almost closed; in pairs, arising from axils of toothed, leaf-like bracts, these borne in spikes (May-Sep). FRUITS are capsules. LEAVES are narrow, shiny and in opposite pairs. STATUS-Widespread and locally common throughout.
    131213.jpg
  • COCK’S-FOOT Dactylis glomerata Height to 1m<br />
Tufted, tussock-forming perennial of grassland and woodland rides. FLOWERS are borne in an inflorescence of long-stalked, dense and egg-shaped heads that spread and then fancifully resemble a bird’s foot (Jun-Jul). FRUITS are small, dry nutlets. LEAVES are rough with slightly inrolled margins. STATUS-Widespread and common.
    131172.jpg
  • COMMON DOG-VIOLET Viola riviniana (Violaceae) Height to 12cm. Familiar perennial herb of woodland rides and grassland. FLOWERS are 15-25mm across and bluish violet with a blunt, pale spur that is notched at the tip, and pointed sepals (Mar-May). FRUITS are egg-shaped. LEAVES are long-stalked, heart-shaped and mainly hairless. STATUS-Widespread and locally common throughout.
    130710.jpg
  • BARREN STRAWBERRY Potentilla sterilis (Rosaceae) Height to 15cm. Hairy perennial with long, rooting runners. Favours dry, grassy places and woodland rides. FLOWERS are 10-15mm across with 5 white and widely separated petals (Mar-May). FRUITS are dry and papery. LEAVES are bluish green and trifoliate, the terminal tooth of end leaflet is shorter than adjacent ones. STATUS-Widespread and common.
    130570.jpg
  • SNEEZEWORT Achillea ptarmica (Asteraceae) Height to 60cm<br />
Upright and branched or unbranched perennial with stiff, angular stems, the upper parts of which are downy. Grows in damp situations in meadows, and woodland rides and clearings, almost always on acid soils. FLOWERS are borne in heads, 1-2cm across, comprising greenish yellow disc florets and white ray florets; heads are carried in open clusters (Jul-Sep). FRUITS are achenes. LEAVES are narrow, undivided, untoothed and stalkless. STATUS-Locally common throughout the region.
    130044.jpg
  • HEATH LOBELIA Lobelia urens (Campanulaceae) Height to 50cm. Upright, hairless perennial with angled stems. Grows on damp, grassy heaths and along woodland rides, on acid soils. FLOWERS are 10-15mm long, the corolla bluish purple and 2-lipped, with 2 narrow upper lobes and 3 narrow lower lobes; in open spikes on long stalks (Jul-Aug). FRUITS are capsules. LEAVES are dark green, oval at the base of the plant, narrow on the stem. STATUS-Local and scarce, mainly Sussex to Devon.
    128381.jpg
  • CRESTED COW-WHEAT Melampyrum cristatum (Scrophulariaceae)  Height less than 50cm<br />
Upright, downy annual that is semi-parasitic on the roots of other plants. Grows on verges and along grassy, woodland rides. FLOWERS are 12-16mm long, the corolla yellow and purple, and 2-lipped; borne in 4-sided spikes with triangular, toothed bracts tinged purple at the base (Jun-Sep). FRUITS are capsules. LEAVES are lanceolate, unstalked and in opposite pairs.
    112937.jpg
  • BASTARD BALM Melittis melissophyllum (Lamiaceae) ** Height to 60cm<br />
Attractive, hairy and strong-smelling perennial that grows along woodland rides and in shady hedgerows and areas of scrub. FLOWERS are 25-40mm long, fragrant, mainly white and variably adorned with pink or purple, the length of the corolla tube greater exceeding that of the calyx; borne in whorls (May-Jul). FRUITS are nutlets. LEAVES are ovate, toothed and stalked.
    106283.jpg
  • WOOD SAGE Teucrium scorodonia (Lamiaceae) Height to 40cm. Downy perennial of woodland rides, heaths and coastal cliffs, mainly on acid soils. FLOWERS are 5-6mm long, yellowish and with the upper lip (as seen in other Lamiaceae) absent; borne in leafless spikes (Jun-Sep). FRUITS are nutlets. LEAVES are oval, heart-shaped at the base, and wrinkled.
    106272.jpg
  • COCK’S-FOOT Dactylis glomerata Height to 1m<br />
Tufted, tussock-forming perennial of grassland and woodland rides. FLOWERS are borne in an inflorescence of long-stalked, dense and egg-shaped heads that spread and then fancifully resemble a bird’s foot (Jun-Jul). FRUITS are small, dry nutlets. LEAVES are rough with slightly inrolled margins. STATUS-Widespread and common.
    144464.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 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.
    145003.jpg
  • Scotch Argus Erebia aethiops Wingspan 40mm. A hardy butterfly, adapted to cool climates. Adult recalls a broad-winged Ringlet but has rich brown upperwings with an orange band marked with eyespots. Underwings are brown, hindwing with a grey band, forewing with a yellowish band marked with eyespots. Flies July–September but only active in sunshine. Larva feeds on Purple Moor-grass. Local and restricted to northern England and southern and central Scotland. Favours woodland rides and clearings, and moorland where its larval foodplant is common.
    144760.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.
    140394.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.
    140162.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.
    102309.jpg
  • WOOD SAGE Teucrium scorodonia (Lamiaceae) Height to 40cm. Downy perennial of woodland rides, heaths and coastal cliffs, mainly on acid soils. FLOWERS are 5-6mm long, yellowish and with the upper lip (as seen in other Lamiaceae) absent; borne in leafless spikes (Jun-Sep). FRUITS are nutlets. LEAVES are oval, heart-shaped at the base, and wrinkled. STATUS-Widespread and locally common.
    136638.jpg
  • COMMON COW-WHEAT Melampyrum arvense (Scrophulariaceae) Height to 35cm. Variable but typically straggly annual that is semi-parasitic on the roots of other plants. Grows on heaths and along woodland rides, and found mainly on acid soils. FLOWERS are 10-18mm long, the corolla pale yellow and flattened laterally, 2-lipped but with the mouth almost closed; in pairs, arising from axils of toothed, leaf-like bracts, these borne in spikes (May-Sep). FRUITS are capsules. LEAVES are narrow, shiny and in opposite pairs. STATUS-Widespread and locally common throughout.
    131224.jpg
  • COCK’S-FOOT Dactylis glomerata Height to 1m<br />
Tufted, tussock-forming perennial of grassland and woodland rides. FLOWERS are borne in an inflorescence of long-stalked, dense and egg-shaped heads that spread and then fancifully resemble a bird’s foot (Jun-Jul). FRUITS are small, dry nutlets. LEAVES are rough with slightly inrolled margins. STATUS-Widespread and common.
    144463.jpg
  • Scotch Argus - Erebia aethiops - male (top row) - female (bottom row). Wingspan 40mm. A hardy butterfly, adapted to cool climates. Adult recalls a broad-winged Ringlet but has rich brown upperwings with an orange band marked with eyespots. Underwings are brown, hindwing with a grey band, forewing with a yellowish band marked with eyespots. Flies July–September but only active in sunshine. Larva feeds on Purple Moor-grass. Local and restricted to northern England and southern and central Scotland. Favours woodland rides and clearings, and moorland where its larval foodplant is common.
    157238.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
  • 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
  • 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.
    140227.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.
    136179.jpg
  • SELFHEAL Prunella vulgaris (Lamiaceae) Height to 20cm<br />
Creeping, downy perennial with leafy runners that root at intervals and upright flowering stems. Grows in grassy places and woodland rides, on calcareous and netural soils. FLOWERS are 10-15mm long and bluish violet; borne in dense, cylindrical and terminal heads adorned with purplish bracts and calyx teeth (Apr-Jun). FRUITS are nutlets. LEAVES are paired and oval. STATUS-Widespread but commonest in the S.
    138043.jpg
  • COMMON DOG-VIOLET Viola riviniana (Violaceae) Height to 12cm. Familiar perennial herb of woodland rides and grassland. FLOWERS are 15-25mm across and bluish violet with a blunt, pale spur that is notched at the tip, and pointed sepals (Mar-May). FRUITS are egg-shaped. LEAVES are long-stalked, heart-shaped and mainly hairless. STATUS-Widespread and locally common throughout.
    130668.jpg
  • WOOD FORGET-ME-NOT Myosotis sylvatica (Boraginaceae) Height to 50cm. Much branched and leafy, hairy perennial of damp soils in shady woodland rides and margins. Note the spreading hairs on the stem and leaves. FLOWERS are 6-10mm across, 5-lobed and pale blue, the calyx with hooked hairs; borne in curved clusters (Apr-Jul). FRUITS are brown nutlets. Fruit stalks are twice the calyx length. LEAVES are oblong. STATUS-Locally common in SE and E England; scarce or absent elsewhere.
    130540.jpg
  • MEADOW SAFFRON Colchicum autumnale (Liliaceae)  Height to 10cm. Bulbous perennial. Flowers appear in autumn, long after the leaves have withered. Can be confused with Autumn Crocus. Grows in undisturbed meadows and woodland rides. FLOWERS are pinkish purple and 6-lobed with orange anthers and 6 stamens; borne on slender stalks (in fact the extended perianth tube) (Aug-Oct). FRUITS are capsules. LEAVES are long, ovate and appear in spring.
    106474.jpg
  • Greater Stitchwort - Stellaria holostea
    162317.jpg
  • Yellow Archangel - Lamiastrum galeobdolon, Stoke Woods, Bicester, Oxfordshire owned by the Woodland Trust
    162470.jpg
  • Greater Stitchwort - Stellaria holostea, Stoke Woods, Bicester, Oxfordshire owned by the Woodland Trust
    162467.jpg
  • Greater Stitchwort - Stellaria holostea
    164097.jpg
  • Yellow Archangel - Lamiastrum galeobdolon, Stoke Woods, Bicester, Oxfordshire owned by the Woodland Trust
    162471.jpg
Next