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
{ 1053 images found }
twitterlinkedinfacebook

Loading ()...

  • Northern Brown Argus Aricia artaxerxes Wingspan 25mm. A distinctive butterfly and the northern counterpart of the Brown Argus. Adult has rich brown upperwings and orange submarginal spots; compared to Brown Argus note the white spot on the upper forewing. Underwings are grey-brown with white-ringed black spots, and orange submarginal spots. Flies June-July. Larva is grub-like and feeds on Common Rock-rose. Very local in calcareous grassland in northern England and Scotland.
    156281.jpg
  • 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.
    140441.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. 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
  • Yellow-legged Gull - Larus michahellis - 3rd winter. L 52-60cm. Similar plumage to Herring Gull but adult has yellow legs. Typically, consorts with other large gull species. Sexes are similar. Adult in summer has grey back and upperwings (darker than Herring Gull) with more black and less white in wingtips. In winter, similar, sometimes with small dark streaks on head. Juvenile and 1st winter have grey-brown back and wing coverts, and otherwise dark wings. Head, neck and underparts are streaked, are paler than similar age Herring Gull. Adult plumage acquired over 3 years. Voice Similar to Herring Gull but perhaps more nasal. Status S European counterpart of Herring Gull and a rather scarce non-breeding visitor to Britain and Ireland. Most frequent in winter.
    157392.jpg
  • Northern Brown Argus - Aricia artexerxes - ssp. artaxerxes (top and middle row) - <br />
ssp. salmacis = Durham Argus (bottom row).  Wingspan 25mm. A distinctive butterfly and the northern counterpart of the Brown Argus. Adult has rich brown upperwings and orange submarginal spots; compared to Brown Argus note the white spot on the upper forewing. Underwings are grey-brown with white-ringed black spots, and orange submarginal spots. Flies June-July. Larva is grub-like and feeds on Common Rock-rose. Very local in calcareous grassland in northern England and Scotland.
    157169.jpg
  • 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.
    127397.jpg
  • Yellow-legged Gull - Larus michahellis - summer adult. L 52-60cm. Similar plumage to Herring Gull but adult has yellow legs. Typically, consorts with other large gull species. Sexes are similar. Adult in summer has grey back and upperwings (darker than Herring Gull) with more black and less white in wingtips. In winter, similar, sometimes with small dark streaks on head. Juvenile and 1st winter have grey-brown back and wing coverts, and otherwise dark wings. Head, neck and underparts are streaked, are paler than similar age Herring Gull. Adult plumage acquired over 3 years. Voice Similar to Herring Gull but perhaps more nasal. Status S European counterpart of Herring Gull and a rather scarce non-breeding visitor to Britain and Ireland. Most frequent in winter.
    157394.jpg
  • Northern Brown Argus Aricia artaxerxes Wingspan 25mm. A distinctive butterfly and the northern counterpart of the Brown Argus. Adult has rich brown upperwings and orange submarginal spots; compared to Brown Argus note the white spot on the upper forewing. Underwings are grey-brown with white-ringed black spots, and orange submarginal spots. Flies June-July. Larva is grub-like and feeds on Common Rock-rose. Very local in calcareous grassland in northern England and Scotland.
    155570.jpg
  • Small Copper Lycaena phlaeas Wingspan 25mm. A colourful butterfly associated with open, grassy habitats. Adult has striking orange upperwings, variably marked with dark brown; underwings have similar pattern to upperwings but grey-buff replaces the dark brown. Has two or three broods: seen on the wing May-September. Larva feeds on Sheep’s Sorrel. Locally common in undisturbed meadows, grassy heaths and sea cliffs.
    145013.jpg
  • Purple Hairstreak - Neozephyrus quercus = Favonius quercus. Male (top) - female  (centre and bottom (underside)). Wingspan 38mm. A rather enigmatic butterfly that can be hard to observe closely. As an adult it usually remains close to the top of the mature tree where its life-cycle began. Lives in colonies. Adults have brown upperwings; males have purple sheen on both wings, in females it is restricted to hindwings. Underwings are grey with hairstreak line. Larva is brown and rather slug-like; feeds on oak buds. Widespread but locally common only in southern England and Wales.
    156706.jpg
  • Speckled Wood - Pararge aegeria - male (top row) - female (middle row) - ssp. insula from Scilly (bottom row). Wingspan 45mm. A familiar woodland and hedgerow butterfly that favours sunny glades; fond of basking. Adult has dark brown upperwings with pale markings; underwings are rufous brown with similar pattern to that seen on upperwings. Double-brooded: adults fly April–June and July–September. Larva feeds on grasses and is strictly nocturnal. Widespread but common only in southern England; local or absent further north and in Ireland.
    157269.jpg
  • Silver-studded Blue - Plebejus argus - male (top row) - female (middle row) - N Wales ssp. caernensis (bottom row). Wingspan 25-30mm. An iconic heathland butterfly whose fate is inextricably linked to appropriate habitat management. Flight is buzzing and hard to follow but adults are also fond of sunbathing on Heather. Adult male has blue upperwings with a white margin and dark submarginal band; female upperwings are brown with orange submarginal spots. Underwings are grey adorned with orange and black spots, with shiny spots at the centre of orange and black spots adorning the underwings. Flies June-July. Their larvae feed on Heather and gorse species.
    157240.jpg
  • Small Heath - Coenonympha pamphilus - male (top row) - female (bottom row). 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.
    157056.jpg
  • Yellow-legged Gull - Larus michahellis - 2nd winter. L 52-60cm. Similar plumage to Herring Gull but adult has yellow legs. Typically, consorts with other large gull species. Sexes are similar. Adult in summer has grey back and upperwings (darker than Herring Gull) with more black and less white in wingtips. In winter, similar, sometimes with small dark streaks on head. Juvenile and 1st winter have grey-brown back and wing coverts, and otherwise dark wings. Head, neck and underparts are streaked, are paler than similar age Herring Gull. Adult plumage acquired over 3 years. Voice Similar to Herring Gull but perhaps more nasal. Status S European counterpart of Herring Gull and a rather scarce non-breeding visitor to Britain and Ireland. Most frequent in winter.
    157393.jpg
  • Comma - Polygonia c album - male (top row) - female (middle row) - form hutchinsoni (bottom row; left=female, right=male). 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.
    157171.jpg
  • Pearl-bordered Fritillary - Boloria euphrosyne - male (top row) - female (bottom row). Wingspan 42mm. A classic woodland butterfly whose fate is linked to appropriate habitat management. Adult has orange brown upperwings with dark markings; underside of hindwing is beautifully patterned with seven silver spots on the margin and two in the middle. Flies May-June. Larva is black with a pale lateral band, and yellow, hairy spikes on dorsal surface; feeds on violets. Widespread but local in British Isles; hotspots are southern England and west Scotland.
    157193.jpg
  • Green Hairstreak - Callophrys rubi - Upperwing (top) Underwing (bottom) Wingspan 25mm. A small butterfly whose buzzing flight is hard to follow. Adult seldom reveals brown upperwings; underwings are bright green and an extremely good match for the leaves on which it rests. Flies May–June. Larva feeds on gorses, Heather and trefoils. Locally common on heaths, cliffs and downland scrub.
    156981.jpg
  • Small Tortoiseshell - Nymphalis urticae  Wingspan 42mm. A colourful butterfly associated with waste and wayside areas where larval foodplant flourishes. Fond of basking in the sun, usually on bare ground. Adult has marbled orange, yellow and black upperwings; underwings are grey-brown. Double- or triple-brooded: flies March–October. Also hibernates. Larva is yellow and black and spiny; typically they are gregarious and feed on Common Nettle. Fairly common and widespread but much reduced in numbers in recent years.
    156727.jpg
  • White-letter Hairstreak - Strymondia w-album. Male (top) - female (bottom). Wingspan 35mm. Small, active butterfly that is hard to observe closely. Usually flies around treetops but also visits Bramble flowers to feed. Adult seldom reveals upperwings. Underwings are brown with jagged orange band and white ‘w’ on hindwing. Flies July-Aug. Larva is rather slug-like and feeds on elms. Widespread loss of larval foodplants from Dutch elm disease has caused decline. Today it is very local, in central and southern England and Wales.
    156713.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
  • 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.
    144895.jpg
  • Small Copper Lycaena phlaeas Wingspan 25mm. A colourful butterfly associated with open, grassy habitats. Adult has striking orange upperwings, variably marked with dark brown; underwings have similar pattern to upperwings but grey-buff replaces the dark brown. Has two or three broods: seen on the wing May-September. Larva feeds on Sheep’s Sorrel. Locally common in undisturbed meadows, grassy heaths and sea cliffs.
    136176.jpg
  • White Admiral Limenitis camilla Wingspan 50mm. Glides with ease, flies swiftly and visits Bramble flowers along woodland rides. Adult has blackish upperwings with white bands; chestnut underwings have similar pattern of white to upperwings. Flies June-July. Larva is mainly green with tufts of spiny, orange hairs; feeds on Honeysuckle. Locally common in broadleaved woodland in southern England.
    127394.jpg
  • Yellow-legged Gull - Larus michahellis - summer adult. L 52-60cm. Similar plumage to Herring Gull but adult has yellow legs. Typically, consorts with other large gull species. Sexes are similar. Adult in summer has grey back and upperwings (darker than Herring Gull) with more black and less white in wingtips. In winter, similar, sometimes with small dark streaks on head. Juvenile and 1st winter have grey-brown back and wing coverts, and otherwise dark wings. Head, neck and underparts are streaked, are paler than similar age Herring Gull. Adult plumage acquired over 3 years. Voice Similar to Herring Gull but perhaps more nasal. Status S European counterpart of Herring Gull and a rather scarce non-breeding visitor to Britain and Ireland. Most frequent in winter.
    157329.jpg
  • Speckled Wood Pararge aegeria Wingspan 45mm. A familiar woodland and hedgerow butterfly that favours sunny glades; fond of basking. Adult has dark brown upperwings with pale markings; underwings are rufous brown with similar pattern to that seen on upperwings. Double-brooded: adults fly April–June and July–September. Larva feeds on grasses and is strictly nocturnal. Widespread but common only in southern England; local or absent further north and in Ireland.
    145024.jpg
  • Painted Lady Vanessa cardui Wingspan 60mm. A beautifully patterned butterfly. Adult upperwings are pinkish-buff, with white and black markings. Underwings are buffish, marked with a similar pattern to the upperwings. Larva is spiny and hairy, brown with yellow and red markings; feeds on thistles, usually concealed within ‘tent’ of woven-together leaves. A migrant from southern Europe, from late spring to autumn, mostly near coasts; numbers vary from year to year. Sometimes breeds but does not survive the winter.
    144972.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
  • Silver-studded Blue Plebejus argus Wingspan 25-30mm. An iconic heathland butterfly whose fate is inextricably linked to appropriate habitat management. Flight is buzzing and hard to follow but adults are also fond of sunbathing on Heather. Adult male has blue upperwings with a white margin and dark submarginal band; female upperwings are brown with orange submarginal spots. Underwings are grey adorned with orange and black spots, with shiny spots at the centre of orange and black spots adorning the underwings. Flies June-July. Their larvae feed on Heather and gorse species.
    136181.jpg
  • Brown Argus - Aricia agestis - male (top row) - female (bottom row). Wingspan 25mm. A well-marked butterfly of grassy habitats. Adult recalls a female Common Blue but note the smaller size and that orange submarginal spots on brown upperwings are much more striking. Underwings are grey-brown with white-ringed black spots, and orange submarginal spots. Double-brooded: flies May-Aug. Larva is grub-like and feeds on Common Rock-rose and storksbills. A distinctly local species, restricted to southern and central England, and often on chalk downland.
    157168.jpg
  • Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary Boloria selene Wingspan 40mm. Similar to Pearl-bordered Fritillary and close attention to underwing markings is needed to confirm identification; typically flies later in the season than Pearl-bordered. Adult has orange brown upperwings with dark markings: on underside of hindwing note seven silver marginal spots and several silver central spots (just two in Pearl-bordered). Flies in June. Larva is black and hairy; feeds on violets. Local in woodland and grassland where violets are common, mainly in western half of Britain.
    145018.jpg
  • Pearl-bordered Fritillary Boloria euphrosyne Wingspan 42mm. A classic woodland butterfly whose fate is linked to appropriate habitat management. Adult has orange brown upperwings with dark markings; underside of hindwing is beautifully patterned with seven silver spots on the margin and two in the middle. Flies May-June. Larva is black with a pale lateral band, and yellow, hairy spikes on dorsal surface; feeds on violets. Widespread but local in British Isles; hotspots are southern England and west Scotland.
    144977.jpg
  • Large White Pieris brassicae Wingspan 60mm. As its name suggests, this the largest British ‘white’ butterfly. Adult upperwings are creamy-white with black tip to forewing; female has additional two spots on forewing. Underwings are yellowish. Adult flies May–September. Larva is black and yellow and feeds on cabbages and related plants; usually found in groups. Common and widespread, and often seen in the garden.
    140946.jpg
  • Large Skipper Ochlodes venatus Wingspan 34mm. Colourful little butterfly that typically holds its wings angled in a moth-like manner. Adult has dark brown upperwings with pale markings. Underwings are buffish orange with paler spots. Flies June–July. Larva is nocturnal and feeds on various grasses. Common and widespread in England and Wales in a wide range of grassy habitats.
    140090.jpg
  • Essex Skipper Thymelicus lineola Wingspan 25mm. Like the very similar Small Skipper, this species has buzzing flight and visits knapweed and thistle flowers to feed. For certain identification look at the underside to the antennal tips: these are black, not brown. Adult has orange-brown upperwings and orange-buff underwings. Flies June–July. Larva is nocturnal feeds on various grasses. Locally common in meadows in southeast England but easily overlooked.
    136195.jpg
  • Northern Brown Argus Aricia artaxerxes Wingspan 25mm. A distinctive butterfly and the northern counterpart of the Brown Argus. Adult has rich brown upperwings and orange submarginal spots; compared to Brown Argus note the white spot on the upper forewing. Underwings are grey-brown with white-ringed black spots, and orange submarginal spots. Flies June-July. Larva is grub-like and feeds on Common Rock-rose. Very local in calcareous grassland in northern England and Scotland.
    136185.jpg
  • Small Tortoiseshell Nymphalis urticae  Wingspan 42mm. A colourful butterfly associated with waste and wayside areas where larval foodplant flourishes. Fond of basking in the sun, usually on bare ground. Adult has marbled orange, yellow and black upperwings; underwings are grey-brown. Double- or triple-brooded: flies March–October. Also hibernates. Larva is yellow and black and spiny; typically they are gregarious and feed on Common Nettle. Fairly common and widespread but much reduced in numbers in recent years.
    136174.jpg
  • Yellow-legged Gull - Larus michahellis - summer adult. L 52-60cm. Similar plumage to Herring Gull but adult has yellow legs. Typically, consorts with other large gull species. Sexes are similar. Adult in summer has grey back and upperwings (darker than Herring Gull) with more black and less white in wingtips. In winter, similar, sometimes with small dark streaks on head. Juvenile and 1st winter have grey-brown back and wing coverts, and otherwise dark wings. Head, neck and underparts are streaked, are paler than similar age Herring Gull. Adult plumage acquired over 3 years. Voice Similar to Herring Gull but perhaps more nasal. Status S European counterpart of Herring Gull and a rather scarce non-breeding visitor to Britain and Ireland. Most frequent in winter.
    157399.jpg
  • Purple Emperor - Apatura iris - male (top row) - female (bottom row). Wingspan 65mm. An impressive and iconic butterfly of broadleaved woodlands with tall oaks and mature Goat Willows (the larval foodplant). Adult has brown upperwings marked with a white band; the male has the purple sheen, only seen at certain angles. Underwings of both sexes are chestnut with a white band. Flies July-August. Larva is green with diagnostic ‘horns’ at head end. Rare and local, restricted to a few good woodlands in southern England.
    157239.jpg
  • Large Heath - Coenonympha tullia - male, ssp. davus - Lake District (top row); <br />
female, ssp. davus - Lake District (2nd row); male, ssp. polydama - Scottish borders (3rd row); male, ssp. scotica - N Scotland (4th row). Hardy, upland butterfly. Adult seldom reveals upperwings; underside of hindwing is grey-brown while orange-brown forewing has a small eyespot. Flies June-July. Only flies in sunny weather and drops into vegetation the instant a cloud obscures the sun. Larva feeds on White Beak-sedge. Status Local on waterlogged acid moors from central Wales northwards; most widespread in Scotland, very local in Ireland.
    157179.jpg
  • Wall Brown - Lasiommata megera - male (top row) - female (middle row) - female in natural pose (bottom row). Wingspan 45mm. A well-marked, sun-loving butterfly. Adult has orange-brown upperwings; patterns and colour recall a fritillary butterfly but note the small eyespots on the wings. Double-brooded: flies April–May and July–September. Larva feeds on grasses and is strictly nocturnal. Widespread in England and Wales but declining and now rather scarce; easiest to see on grassy heaths and on coasts.
    157058.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
  • Clouded Yellow - Colias croceus. Male (top) - female (bottom). Wingspan 50mm. A fast-flying migrant visitor to Britain, from mainland Europe. Adult has dark-bordered upperwings that are rich orange-yellow in male, pale yellow in female. Both sexes have yellow underwings with a few dark markings. Larva is green with pale yellow lateral line; feeds on Lucerne and other members of the pea family. A summer visitor to Britain, seen mainly in coastal areas; generally scarce but common in some years.
    156704.jpg
  • Yellow-legged Gull - Larus michahellis - 1st winter. L 52-60cm. Similar plumage to Herring Gull but adult has yellow legs. Typically, consorts with other large gull species. Sexes are similar. Adult in summer has grey back and upperwings (darker than Herring Gull) with more black and less white in wingtips. In winter, similar, sometimes with small dark streaks on head. Juvenile and 1st winter have grey-brown back and wing coverts, and otherwise dark wings. Head, neck and underparts are streaked, are paler than similar age Herring Gull. Adult plumage acquired over 3 years. Voice Similar to Herring Gull but perhaps more nasal. Status S European counterpart of Herring Gull and a rather scarce non-breeding visitor to Britain and Ireland. Most frequent in winter.
    157398.jpg
  • Small Copper - Lycaena phlaeas - male (top row) - form caeruleopunctata (top right) - female (bottom row). Wingspan 25mm. A colourful butterfly associated with open, grassy habitats. Adult has striking orange upperwings, variably marked with dark brown; underwings have similar pattern to upperwings but grey-buff replaces the dark brown. Has two or three broods: seen on the wing May-September. Larva feeds on Sheep’s Sorrel. Locally common in undisturbed meadows, grassy heaths and sea cliffs.
    157267.jpg
  • Large Skipper - Ochlodes venatus. (Male - top; Female - bottom) Wingspan 34mm. Colourful little butterfly that typically holds its wings angled in a moth-like manner. Adult has dark brown upperwings with pale markings. Underwings are buffish orange with paler spots. Flies June–July. Larva is nocturnal and feeds on various grasses. Common and widespread in England and Wales in a wide range of grassy habitats.
    156973.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
  • Marsh Fritillary Euphydryas aurinia Wingspan 40-50mm. A rather lethargic butterfly, that is fond of basking in sunshine. Adult is beautifully marked with reddish-orange, buff and yellow; upperwings are more colourful than underwings. Flies May–June. Larva is black with tufts of spiny hairs; feeds on Devil’s-bit Scabious and plantains. Widespread but very local on heaths and chalk grassland; mainly in southwest England and Wales, and southwest Scotland.
    145235.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
  • 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
  • Common Blue Polyommatus icarus Wingspan 32mm. Britain’s commonest and most widespread blue butterfly. Adult male has blue upperwings; female’s are usually brown (sometimes tinged blue in the middle) with submarginal orange spots. Underwings of both sexes are grey-brown with white-ringed dark spots and orange submarginal spots on hindwing. Flies April–September in two or three successive broods. Larva feeds on Bird’s-foot Trefoil and related plants. Common in grassy places where larval foodplant grows.
    140315.jpg
  • Grizzled Skipper Pyrgus malvae Wingspan 20mm. A well-marked skipper. Adult has dark grey-brown upperwings with striking white spots; underwings are reddish-brown with numerous pale spots. Flies May–June. Larva feeds on Wild Strawberry and various cinquefoils. Locally common in southern England and south Wales. Associated with undisturbed grassland and woodland clearings where larval foodplants thrive.
    136193.jpg
  • Yellow-legged Gull - Larus michahellis - 2nd winter. L 52-60cm. Similar plumage to Herring Gull but adult has yellow legs. Typically, consorts with other large gull species. Sexes are similar. Adult in summer has grey back and upperwings (darker than Herring Gull) with more black and less white in wingtips. In winter, similar, sometimes with small dark streaks on head. Juvenile and 1st winter have grey-brown back and wing coverts, and otherwise dark wings. Head, neck and underparts are streaked, are paler than similar age Herring Gull. Adult plumage acquired over 3 years. Voice Similar to Herring Gull but perhaps more nasal. Status S European counterpart of Herring Gull and a rather scarce non-breeding visitor to Britain and Ireland. Most frequent in winter.
    157396.jpg
  • Common Blue - Polyommatus icarus - male (top row) - female (middle and bottom row). Wingspan 32mm. Britain’s commonest and most widespread blue butterfly. Adult male has blue upperwings; female’s are usually brown (sometimes tinged blue in the middle) with submarginal orange spots. Underwings of both sexes are grey-brown with white-ringed dark spots and orange submarginal spots on hindwing. Flies April–September in two or three successive broods. Larva feeds on Bird’s-foot Trefoil and related plants. Common in grassy places where larval foodplant grows.
    157173.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
  • 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
  • Black Hairstreak - Satyriuim pruni. Wingspan 35mm. A rather sluggish butterfly with lethargic flight. Easiest to see when feeding on Privet flowers or honeydew on leaves. Adult seldom reveals upperwings. Underwings are rich brown with orange band white line on both wings. Upperwings are dark grey-brown. Flies July. Larva is rather slug-like and feeds on Blackthorn. Pupa has markings that make it look like a bird dropping. A rare butterfly, found in open woods with Blackthorn thickets; mainly in the East Midlands.
    156989.jpg
  • Clouded Yellow - Colias croceus - Male (top) - female - (middle) - female, form helice (bottom). Wingspan 50mm. A fast-flying migrant visitor to Britain, from mainland Europe. Adult has dark-bordered upperwings that are rich orange-yellow in male, pale yellow in female. Both sexes have yellow underwings with a few dark markings. Larva is green with pale yellow lateral line; feeds on Lucerne and other members of the pea family. A summer visitor to Britain, seen mainly in coastal areas; generally scarce but common in some years.
    156725.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.
    145181.jpg
  • Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary Boloria selene Wingspan 40mm. Similar to Pearl-bordered Fritillary and close attention to underwing markings is needed to confirm identification; typically flies later in the season than Pearl-bordered. Adult has orange brown upperwings with dark markings: on underside of hindwing note seven silver marginal spots and several silver central spots (just two in Pearl-bordered). Flies in June. Larva is black and hairy; feeds on violets. Local in woodland and grassland where violets are common, mainly in western half of Britain.
    145072.jpg
  • Grizzled Skipper Pyrgus malvae Wingspan 20mm. A well-marked skipper. Adult has dark grey-brown upperwings with striking white spots; underwings are reddish-brown with numerous pale spots. Flies May–June. Larva feeds on Wild Strawberry and various cinquefoils. Locally common in southern England and south Wales. Associated with undisturbed grassland and woodland clearings where larval foodplants thrive.
    145067.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
  • Silver-studded Blue Plebejus argus Wingspan 25-30mm. An iconic heathland butterfly whose fate is inextricably linked to appropriate habitat management. Flight is buzzing and hard to follow but adults are also fond of sunbathing on Heather. Adult male has blue upperwings with a white margin and dark submarginal band; female upperwings are brown with orange submarginal spots. Underwings are grey adorned with orange and black spots, with shiny spots at the centre of orange and black spots adorning the underwings. Flies June-July. Their larvae feed on Heather and gorse species.
    136564.jpg
  • Brown Argus Aricia agestis Wingspan 25mm. A well-marked butterfly of grassy habitats. Adult recalls a female Common Blue but note the smaller size and that orange submarginal spots on brown upperwings are much more striking. Underwings are grey-brown with white-ringed black spots, and orange submarginal spots. Double-brooded: flies May-Aug. Larva is grub-like and feeds on Common Rock-rose and storksbills. A distinctly local species, restricted to southern and central England, and often on chalk downland.
    136361.jpg
  • Meadow Brown Maniola jurtina Wingspan 50mm. Britain’s most familiar and widespread grassland butterfly. Adult has brown upperwings; male has a small orange patch on the forewing containing eyespot; orange patch is larger in female. Underside of hindwing is brown with a grey-brown band; forewing is orange and buff with an eyespot. Flies June-Aug. Larva feeds on grasses and is nocturnal. Generally common throughout the region but least so in northern Scotland and Ireland. Favours a wide range of grassland habitats.
    136186.jpg
  • Purple Emperor Apatura iris Wingspan 65mm. An impressive and iconic butterfly of broadleaved woodlands with tall oaks and mature Goat Willows (the larval foodplant). Adult has brown upperwings marked with a white band; the male has the purple sheen, only seen at certain angles. Underwings of both sexes are chestnut with a white band. Flies July-August. Larva is green with diagnostic ‘horns’ at head end. Rare and local, restricted to a few good woodlands in southern England.
    128156.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
  • Holly Blue - Celastrina argiolus - male (top row) - female (bottom row). Wingspan 30mm. A familiar sight in mature gardens, especially if the larval foodplants (Holly and Ivy) grow nearby. In flight, looks rather silvery and can be hard to follow. Adult has violet-blue upperwings (seldom revealed at rest) and black-dotted white underwings. Double brooded: flies April-May and August-September. Eggs from spring brood are laid on Holly; in autumn they are laid on Ivy. Larva is green and grub-like. Fairly common in southern England, south Wales and southern Ireland.
    157177.jpg
  • Duke of Burgundy - Hamearis lucina - male (top row) - female (bottom row). Wingspan 25mm. A tiny butterfly, unrelated to true fritillary butterflies. Flight is rapid and buzzing. Adult has upperwings that are beautifully patterned with orange and brown; underwings, particularly hindwings, have striking white spots. Flies May–June. Larva is brown and is nocturnal; feeds mainly on Cowslip but also Primrose. Local and declining, confined to chalk downs in southern England where larval foodplants grow.
    157174.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
  • Purple Emperor Apatura iris Wingspan 65mm. An impressive and iconic butterfly of broadleaved woodlands with tall oaks and mature Goat Willows (the larval foodplant). Adult has brown upperwings marked with a white band; the male has the purple sheen, only seen at certain angles. Underwings of both sexes are chestnut with a white band. Flies July-August. Larva is green with diagnostic ‘horns’ at head end. Rare and local, restricted to a few good woodlands in southern England.
    144984.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
  • 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.
    105167.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
  • White Admiral - Limenitis camilla. Wingspan 50mm. Glides with ease, flies swiftly and visits Bramble flowers along woodland rides. Adult has blackish upperwings with white bands; chestnut underwings have similar pattern of white to upperwings. Flies June-July. Larva is mainly green with tufts of spiny, orange hairs; feeds on Honeysuckle. Locally common in broadleaved woodland in southern England.
    157159.jpg
  • Glanville Fritillary - Melitaea cinxia - male (top row) - female (bottom row). Wingspan 40mm. A beautifully marked butterfly that is active only in sunshine; remains concealed in cover on overcast days. Adult has orange-brown upperwings; underwings are creamy-white and orange-buff. Flies May–June. Larva is black and bristly, with a red head; feeds gregariously on Sea Plantain. Very locally common on undercliffs on Isle of Wight and south Hampshire.
    157045.jpg
  • Essex Skipper Thymelicus lineola Wingspan 25mm. Like the very similar Small Skipper, this species has buzzing flight and visits knapweed and thistle flowers to feed. For certain identification look at the underside to the antennal tips: these are black, not brown. Adult has orange-brown upperwings and orange-buff underwings. Flies June–July. Larva is nocturnal feeds on various grasses. Locally common in meadows in southeast England but easily overlooked.
    156720.jpg
  • Painted Lady Vanessa cardui Wingspan 60mm. A beautifully patterned butterfly. Adult upperwings are pinkish-buff, with white and black markings. Underwings are buffish, marked with a similar pattern to the upperwings. Larva is spiny and hairy, brown with yellow and red markings; feeds on thistles, usually concealed within ‘tent’ of woven-together leaves. A migrant from southern Europe, from late spring to autumn, mostly near coasts; numbers vary from year to year. Sometimes breeds but does not survive the winter.
    156732.jpg
  • Duke of Burgundy Hamearis lucina Wingspan 25mm. A tiny butterfly, unrelated to true fritillary butterflies. Flight is rapid and buzzing. Adult has upperwings that are beautifully patterned with orange and brown; underwings, particularly hindwings, have striking white spots. Flies May–June. Larva is brown and is nocturnal; feeds mainly on Cowslip but also Primrose. Local and declining, confined to chalk downs in southern England where larval foodplants grow.
    144905.jpg
  • Purple Hairstreak Neozephyrus quercus Wingspan 38mm. A rather enigmatic butterfly that can be hard to observe closely. As an adult it usually remains close to the top of the mature tree where its life-cycle began. Lives in colonies. Adults have brown upperwings; males have purple sheen on both wings, in females it is restricted to hindwings. Underwings are grey with hairstreak line. Larva is brown and rather slug-like; feeds on oak buds. Widespread but locally common only in southern England and Wales.
    144758.jpg
  • Speckled Wood Pararge aegeria Wingspan 45mm. A familiar woodland and hedgerow butterfly that favours sunny glades; fond of basking. Adult has dark brown upperwings with pale markings; underwings are rufous brown with similar pattern to that seen on upperwings. Double-brooded: adults fly April–June and July–September. Larva feeds on grasses and is strictly nocturnal. Widespread but common only in southern England; local or absent further north and in Ireland.
    140340.jpg
  • Painted Lady Vanessa cardui Wingspan 60mm. A beautifully patterned butterfly. Adult upperwings are pinkish-buff, with white and black markings. Underwings are buffish, marked with a similar pattern to the upperwings. Larva is spiny and hairy, brown with yellow and red markings; feeds on thistles, usually concealed within ‘tent’ of woven-together leaves. A migrant from southern Europe, from late spring to autumn, mostly near coasts; numbers vary from year to year. Sometimes breeds but does not survive the winter.
    138090.jpg
  • Silver-studded Blue Plebejus argus Wingspan 25-30mm. An iconic heathland butterfly whose fate is inextricably linked to appropriate habitat management. Flight is buzzing and hard to follow but adults are also fond of sunbathing on Heather. Adult male has blue upperwings with a white margin and dark submarginal band; female upperwings are brown with orange submarginal spots. Underwings are grey adorned with orange and black spots, with shiny spots at the centre of orange and black spots adorning the underwings. Flies June-July. Their larvae feed on Heather and gorse species.
    136567.jpg
  • Common Blue Polyommatus icarus Wingspan 32mm. Britain’s commonest and most widespread blue butterfly. Adult male has blue upperwings; female’s are usually brown (sometimes tinged blue in the middle) with submarginal orange spots. Underwings of both sexes are grey-brown with white-ringed dark spots and orange submarginal spots on hindwing. Flies April–September in two or three successive broods. Larva feeds on Bird’s-foot Trefoil and related plants. Common in grassy places where larval foodplant grows.
    136202.jpg
  • Common Blue Polyommatus icarus Wingspan 32mm. Britain’s commonest and most widespread blue butterfly. Adult male has blue upperwings; female’s are usually brown (sometimes tinged blue in the middle) with submarginal orange spots. Underwings of both sexes are grey-brown with white-ringed dark spots and orange submarginal spots on hindwing. Flies April–September in two or three successive broods. Larva feeds on Bird’s-foot Trefoil and related plants. Common in grassy places where larval foodplant grows.
    136198.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
  • Brown Argus Aricia agestis Wingspan 25mm. A well-marked butterfly of grassy habitats. Adult recalls a female Common Blue but note the smaller size and that orange submarginal spots on brown upperwings are much more striking. Underwings are grey-brown with white-ringed black spots, and orange submarginal spots. Double-brooded: flies May-Aug. Larva is grub-like and feeds on Common Rock-rose and storksbills. A distinctly local species, restricted to southern and central England, and often on chalk downland.
    136170.jpg
  • Wall Brown Lasiommata megera Wingspan 45mm. A well-marked, sun-loving butterfly. Adult has orange-brown upperwings; patterns and colour recall a fritillary butterfly but note the small eyespots on the wings. Double-brooded: flies April–May and July–September. Larva feeds on grasses and is strictly nocturnal. Widespread in England and Wales but declining and now rather scarce; easiest to see on grassy heaths and on coasts.
    115827.jpg
  • Yellow-legged Gull - Larus michahellis - 2nd winter. L 52-60cm. Similar plumage to Herring Gull but adult has yellow legs. Typically, consorts with other large gull species. Sexes are similar. Adult in summer has grey back and upperwings (darker than Herring Gull) with more black and less white in wingtips. In winter, similar, sometimes with small dark streaks on head. Juvenile and 1st winter have grey-brown back and wing coverts, and otherwise dark wings. Head, neck and underparts are streaked, are paler than similar age Herring Gull. Adult plumage acquired over 3 years. Voice Similar to Herring Gull but perhaps more nasal. Status S European counterpart of Herring Gull and a rather scarce non-breeding visitor to Britain and Ireland. Most frequent in winter.
    157397.jpg
  • Marsh Fritillary - Euphydryas aurinia - male (top) - female (bottom). Wingspan 40-50mm. A rather lethargic butterfly, that is fond of basking in sunshine. Adult is beautifully marked with reddish-orange, buff and yellow; upperwings are more colourful than underwings. Flies May–June. Larva is black with tufts of spiny hairs; feeds on Devil’s-bit Scabious and plantains. Widespread but very local on heaths and chalk grassland; mainly in southwest England and Wales, and southwest Scotland.
    157043.jpg
  • Duke of Burgundy Hamearis lucina Wingspan 25mm. A tiny butterfly, unrelated to true fritillary butterflies. Flight is rapid and buzzing. Adult has upperwings that are beautifully patterned with orange and brown; underwings, particularly hindwings, have striking white spots. Flies May–June. Larva is brown and is nocturnal; feeds mainly on Cowslip but also Primrose. Local and declining, confined to chalk downs in southern England where larval foodplants grow.
    145214.jpg
  • Painted Lady Vanessa cardui Wingspan 60mm. A beautifully patterned butterfly. Adult upperwings are pinkish-buff, with white and black markings. Underwings are buffish, marked with a similar pattern to the upperwings. Larva is spiny and hairy, brown with yellow and red markings; feeds on thistles, usually concealed within ‘tent’ of woven-together leaves. A migrant from southern Europe, from late spring to autumn, mostly near coasts; numbers vary from year to year. Sometimes breeds but does not survive the winter.
    144974.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.
    119655.jpg
  • Silver-spotted Skipper Hesperia comma Wingspan 34mm. An iconic butterfly that is restricted to chalk downland. Adult recalls a Large Skipper but the dark brown upperwings have distinctive pale spots; the greenish-brown underwings have silvery-white spots after which the species is named. Flies August-September. Larva is nocturnal and feeds on grasses. Very local in southern England, and only on chalk downs.
    105190.jpg
  • Small Blue - Cupido minimus - male (top row) - female (bottom row). Wingspan 25mm. Britain’s smallest butterfly; extremely active in sunshine, lethargic on overcast days. Adults have smoky-brown upperwings, those of males having a purplish iridescence; underwings of both sexes are grey with small black dots. Flies June–July. Larva is grub-like and feeds on Kidney Vetch. Very locally common in England, Wales and southern Ireland; usually associated with chalk grassland because of  larval foodplant’s requirements.
    157261.jpg
  • Marsh Fritillary - Euphydryas aurinia -ssp. hibernica from Ireland. Wingspan 40-50mm. A rather lethargic butterfly, that is fond of basking in sunshine. Adult is beautifully marked with reddish-orange, buff and yellow; upperwings are more colourful than underwings. Flies May–June. Larva is black with tufts of spiny hairs; feeds on Devil’s-bit Scabious and plantains. Widespread but very local on heaths and chalk grassland; mainly in southwest England and Wales, and southwest Scotland.
    157172.jpg
  • Large White - Pieris brassicae. Male (top) - female (bottom). Wingspan 60mm. As its name suggests, this the largest British ‘white’ butterfly. Adult upperwings are creamy-white with black tip to forewing; female has additional two spots on forewing. Underwings are yellowish. Adult flies May–September. Larva is black and yellow and feeds on cabbages and related plants; usually found in groups. Common and widespread, and often seen in the garden.
    156707.jpg
  • Chequered Skipper - Carterocephalus palaemon. Male (top) - female (bottom). Wingspan 25mm. An attractive little butterfly that attracts conservation interest. Hides in deep cover on dull days; active and fast-flying on sunny days but fond of sunbathing. Adult has rich brown upperwings with orange-yellow spots; underwings are paler brown than upperwings, with pale spots. Flies May–June. Larva is nocturnal and feeds on various grasses. Very locally common in open birchwoods in northwest Scotland; used to live in England but now extinct there.
    156715.jpg
  • Essex Skipper Thymelicus lineola Wingspan 25mm. Like the very similar Small Skipper, this species has buzzing flight and visits knapweed and thistle flowers to feed. For certain identification look at the underside to the antennal tips: these are black, not brown. Adult has orange-brown upperwings and orange-buff underwings. Flies June–July. Larva is nocturnal feeds on various grasses. Locally common in meadows in southeast England but easily overlooked.
    156310.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.
    156279.jpg
Next