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  • Ringlet - Aphantopus hyperantus - male (top row) - female (bottom row). Wingspan 48mm. A distinctively dark grassland butterfly. Adult has sooty-brown wings that are darker in males than females; both upper and lower wings are marked with eyespots but the size and number are variable. Flies June–July. Larva feeds on grasses and is strictly nocturnal. Widespread and fairly common in Britain and Ireland as far north as southern Scotland. Associated with a wide range of grassland habitats.
    157194.jpg
  • Swallowtail Papilio machaon ssp. britannicus Wingspan 70mm. Iconic and unmistakable butterfly with mainly yellow and black wings; hind wings have blue and red spots, and tail streamers. Double-brooded: adults are on the wing May–June, and again in August. Larva is yellow-green with black and red markings; feeds on Milk-parsley. Restricted to a few fens and marshes in East Anglia, mainly in the Norfolk Broads; easiest to see at Strumpshaw Fen and Hickling Broad.
    145033.jpg
  • Swallowtail Papilio machaon ssp. britannicus Wingspan 70mm. Iconic and unmistakable butterfly with mainly yellow and black wings; hind wings have blue and red spots, and tail streamers. Double-brooded: adults are on the wing May–June, and again in August. Larva is yellow-green with black and red markings; feeds on Milk-parsley. Restricted to a few fens and marshes in East Anglia, mainly in the Norfolk Broads; easiest to see at Strumpshaw Fen and Hickling Broad.
    145027.jpg
  • Swallowtail - Papilio machaon britannicus - female. Wingspan 70mm. Iconic and unmistakable butterfly with mainly yellow and black wings; hind wings have blue and red spots, and tail streamers. Double-brooded: adults are on the wing May–June, and again in August. Larva is yellow-green with black and red markings; feeds on Milk-parsley. Restricted to a few fens and marshes in East Anglia, mainly in the Norfolk Broads; easiest to see at Strumpshaw Fen and Hickling Broad.
    156733.jpg
  • Swallowtail - Papilio machaon britannicus - female. Wingspan 70mm. Iconic and unmistakable butterfly with mainly yellow and black wings; hind wings have blue and red spots, and tail streamers. Double-brooded: adults are on the wing May–June, and again in August. Larva is yellow-green with black and red markings; feeds on Milk-parsley. Restricted to a few fens and marshes in East Anglia, mainly in the Norfolk Broads; easiest to see at Strumpshaw Fen and Hickling Broad.
    155547.jpg
  • Swallowtail Papilio machaon ssp. britannicus Wingspan 70mm. Iconic and unmistakable butterfly with mainly yellow and black wings; hind wings have blue and red spots, and tail streamers. Double-brooded: adults are on the wing May–June, and again in August. Larva is yellow-green with black and red markings; feeds on Milk-parsley. Restricted to a few fens and marshes in East Anglia, mainly in the Norfolk Broads; easiest to see at Strumpshaw Fen and Hickling Broad.
    145026.jpg
  • Swallowtail Papilio machaon ssp. britannicus Wingspan 70mm. Iconic and unmistakable butterfly with mainly yellow and black wings; hind wings have blue and red spots, and tail streamers. Double-brooded: adults are on the wing May–June, and again in August. Larva is yellow-green with black and red markings; feeds on Milk-parsley. Restricted to a few fens and marshes in East Anglia, mainly in the Norfolk Broads; easiest to see at Strumpshaw Fen and Hickling Broad.
    144759.jpg
  • Swallowtail Papilio machaon ssp. britannicus Wingspan 70mm. Iconic and unmistakable butterfly with mainly yellow and black wings; hind wings have blue and red spots, and tail streamers. Double-brooded: adults are on the wing May–June, and again in August. Larva is yellow-green with black and red markings; feeds on Milk-parsley. Restricted to a few fens and marshes in East Anglia, mainly in the Norfolk Broads; easiest to see at Strumpshaw Fen and Hickling Broad.
    136580.jpg
  • Swallowtail Papilio machaon ssp. britannicus Wingspan 70mm. Iconic and unmistakable butterfly with mainly yellow and black wings; hind wings have blue and red spots, and tail streamers. Double-brooded: adults are on the wing May–June, and again in August. Larva is yellow-green with black and red markings; feeds on Milk-parsley. Restricted to a few fens and marshes in East Anglia, mainly in the Norfolk Broads; easiest to see at Strumpshaw Fen and Hickling Broad.
    101708.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
  • Ringlet Aphantopus hyperantus Wingspan 48mm. A distinctively dark grassland butterfly. Adult has sooty-brown wings that are darker in males than females; both upper and lower wings are marked with eyespots but the size and number are variable. Flies June–July. Larva feeds on grasses and is strictly nocturnal. Widespread and fairly common in Britain and Ireland as far north as southern Scotland. Associated with a wide range of grassland habitats.
    140117.jpg
  • Ringlet Aphantopus hyperantus Wingspan 48mm. A distinctively dark grassland butterfly. Adult has sooty-brown wings that are darker in males than females; both upper and lower wings are marked with eyespots but the size and number are variable. Flies June–July. Larva feeds on grasses and is strictly nocturnal. Widespread and fairly common in Britain and Ireland as far north as southern Scotland. Associated with a wide range of grassland habitats.
    140091.jpg
  • Ringlet Aphantopus hyperantus Wingspan 48mm. A distinctively dark grassland butterfly. Adult has sooty-brown wings that are darker in males than females; both upper and lower wings are marked with eyespots but the size and number are variable. Flies June–July. Larva feeds on grasses and is strictly nocturnal. Widespread and fairly common in Britain and Ireland as far north as southern Scotland. Associated with a wide range of grassland habitats.
    136182.jpg
  • Ringlet Aphantopus hyperantus Wingspan 48mm. A distinctively dark grassland butterfly. Adult has sooty-brown wings that are darker in males than females; both upper and lower wings are marked with eyespots but the size and number are variable. Flies June–July. Larva feeds on grasses and is strictly nocturnal. Widespread and fairly common in Britain and Ireland as far north as southern Scotland. Associated with a wide range of grassland habitats.
    144994.jpg
  • Ringlet Aphantopus hyperantus Wingspan 48mm. A distinctively dark grassland butterfly. Adult has sooty-brown wings that are darker in males than females; both upper and lower wings are marked with eyespots but the size and number are variable. Flies June–July. Larva feeds on grasses and is strictly nocturnal. Widespread and fairly common in Britain and Ireland as far north as southern Scotland. Associated with a wide range of grassland habitats.
    140172.jpg
  • Ringlet Aphantopus hyperantus Wingspan 48mm. A distinctively dark grassland butterfly. Adult has sooty-brown wings that are darker in males than females; both upper and lower wings are marked with eyespots but the size and number are variable. Flies June–July. Larva feeds on grasses and is strictly nocturnal. Widespread and fairly common in Britain and Ireland as far north as southern Scotland. Associated with a wide range of grassland habitats.
    105155.jpg
  • Snow Bunting Plectrophenax nivalis L 16-17cm. Confiding, plump-bodied bunting. All birds have extensive white on inner wing, rump and tail. Sexes are dissimilar. Adult male in summer has mainly white plumage with blackish back, black on wings, and black bill and legs. Adult female in summer is similar but back is brownish and has brown and buff streaking on head, neck and sides of breast. Winter birds have mainly white underparts and buffish orange upperparts. Adult males are whitest on wings, face and underparts. Bill is yellowish and legs are black. Voice Has tinkling flight call. Song is twittering. Status Small numbers breed in Scottish mountains but best known as winter visitor, commonest on E coast; saltmarshes, coastal grassland and beach strandlines are favoured.
    137337.jpg
  • Brimstone - Gonepteryx rhamni. Male (top) - female (bottom). Wingspan 60mm. A colourful butterfly and a harbinger of spring. Adult has distinctive wings: rounded overall with pointed tips; those on the forewings are hooked. Male is brimstone-yellow; female is much paler and could be mistaken for a Large White in flight. Single-brooded: adults hatch in August, then hibernate and emerge on sunny spring days. Larva is green with pale lateral line; feeds on Buckthorn and Alder Buckthorn. Locally common in England and Wales.
    156705.jpg
  • Snow Bunting - Plectrophenax nivalis. L 16-17cm. Confiding, plump-bodied bunting. All birds have extensive white on inner wing, rump and tail. Sexes are dissimilar. Adult male in summer has mainly white plumage with blackish back, black on wings, and black bill and legs. Adult female in summer is similar but back is brownish and has brown and buff streaking on head, neck and sides of breast. Winter birds have mainly white underparts and buffish orange upperparts. Adult males are whitest on wings, face and underparts. Bill is yellowish and legs are black. Voice Has tinkling flight call. Song is twittering. Status Small numbers breed in Scottish mountains but best known as winter visitor, commonest on E coast; saltmarshes, coastal grassland and beach strandlines are favoured.
    158016.jpg
  • Grayling - Hipparchia semele - male (top) - female (bottom). Wingspan 50mm. An active, sun-loving butterfly. Typically rests with its wings folded and angled to sun to cast the least shadow. Adult has well patterned underwings: hindwing is marbled grey and brown while forewing has an orange patch with two eyespots. Forewings are seldom revealed at rest, but are buffish brown with a yellowish submarginal band marked with eyespots. Flies June–August. Larva feeds on grasses. Widespread but only locally common, favouring warm, dry places including sea cliffs, heaths and dunes.
    157060.jpg
  • 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
  • Orange-tip - Anthocharis cardamines. Male (top) - female (bottom). Wingspan 40mm. A familiar spring butterfly, males of which are unmistakable. Adult has rounded wings. Forewing is dark-tipped but male has an adjacent orange patch. Underside of hindwing of both sexes is marbled green and white. Adult flies April–June. Larva is green with whitish counter shading; feeds mainly on Cuckoo-flower. Widespread in southern Britain and Ireland; associated with open woodland, verges, and rural gardens.
    156709.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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • Svensson's Copper Underwing Amphipyra berbera Length 24-26mm. A well-marked moth that is very similar to Copper Underwing. Rests with its wings held flat, or with one forewing partly overlapping the other. Often congregates communally in dark places in the daytime. ADULT has brown forewings overall, marked with jagged white and dark lines, and showing a pale central eyespot. The hindwing underside has an orange flush that extends towards the base of wing on the trailing edge (more extensive than in Copper Underwing). Seen head-on, the palps are dark with whitish tips. Flies July-September. Larva feeds on deciduous trees and shrubs. Widespread and generally common in southern and central Britain.
    158774.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
  • Small Heath Coenonympha pamphilus Wingspan 30mm. A tiny grassland butterfly that invariably rests with its wings closed; upperwings are almost never revealed. Underside of forewing is orange with an eyespot; hindwing is marbled grey, brown and buff. Double-brooded: flies May–June and August–September. Larva feeds on grasses and is nocturnal. Widespread but locally common only in southern England; range has contracted because it is restricted to unimproved grassland and does not tolerate modern agricultural practices.
    145015.jpg
  • 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
  • Six-belted Clearwing Bembecia ichneumoniformis Length 11-14mm. An unusual day-flying moth that recalls a small wasp. Adult has a black body with six yellow bands on the abdomen. Wings are mainly clear with dark veins, yellow tips and orange patches. Flies June-August. Larva feeds on roots of Bird’s-foot Trefoil and Kidney Vetch.
    132829.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
  • Garden Tiger Arctia caja Wingspan 50-65mm. A stunning and distinctive moth. Usually rests with its wings spread flat, the forewings covering the hindwings. Adult has a variable pattern of brown and white on forewings; if startled, these are spread to reveal the dark-spotted orange hindwings. Flies July–August. Larva is hairy and feeds on a wide range of herbaecous plants. Widespread but these days it is scarce as a garden species; seems to be commonest in coastal areas.
    158655.jpg
  • The Cinnabar Tyria jacobaeae Length 20-25mm. A striking and colourful moth whose colours warn potential predators of its distasteful nature. Flies mainly at night but also when disturbed in the daytime. Rests with wings folded or flat. Adult has sooty-black forewings with red stripes and spots. Larva is ringed with orange and black; feeds on ragworts. Widespread and common in lowland England and Wales; local and mainly coastal in Scotland.
    158659.jpg
  • Red-tipped Clearwing - Synanthedon formicaeformis. Length 11-14mm. A fly-like, day-flying moth. Adult has mainly black body with red band on abdomen. Wings are mainly clear but note the red tips and red leading edge to forewing. Larva feeds in stems of sallows and willows. Widespread but commonest in southern England.
    157410.jpg
  • Red-tipped Clearwing - Synanthedon formicaeformis. Length 11-14mm. A fly-like, day-flying moth. Adult has mainly black body with red band on abdomen. Wings are mainly clear but note the red tips and red leading edge to forewing. Larva feeds in stems of sallows and willows. Widespread but commonest in southern England.
    157407.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
  • 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
  • Brimstone - Gonepteryx rhamni - female. Wingspan 60mm. A colourful butterfly and a harbinger of spring. Adult has distinctive wings: rounded overall with pointed tips; those on the forewings are hooked. Male is brimstone-yellow; female is much paler and could be mistaken for a Large White in flight. Single-brooded: adults hatch in August, then hibernate and emerge on sunny spring days. Larva is green with pale lateral line; feeds on Buckthorn and Alder Buckthorn. Locally common in England and Wales.
    156603.jpg
  • Brimstone - Gonepteryx rhamni - female. Wingspan 60mm. A colourful butterfly and a harbinger of spring. Adult has distinctive wings: rounded overall with pointed tips; those on the forewings are hooked. Male is brimstone-yellow; female is much paler and could be mistaken for a Large White in flight. Single-brooded: adults hatch in August, then hibernate and emerge on sunny spring days. Larva is green with pale lateral line; feeds on Buckthorn and Alder Buckthorn. Locally common in England and Wales.
    156603.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
  • Orange-tip Anthocharis cardamines Wingspan 40mm. A familiar spring butterfly, males of which are unmistakable. Adult has rounded wings. Forewing is dark-tipped but male has an adjacent orange patch. Underside of hindwing of both sexes is marbled green and white. Adult flies April–June. Larva is green with whitish counter shading; feeds mainly on Cuckoo-flower. Widespread in southern Britain and Ireland; associated with open woodland, verges, and rural gardens.
    145789.jpg
  • Orange-tip Anthocharis cardamines Wingspan 40mm. A familiar spring butterfly, males of which are unmistakable. Adult has rounded wings. Forewing is dark-tipped but male has an adjacent orange patch. Underside of hindwing of both sexes is marbled green and white. Adult flies April–June. Larva is green with whitish counter shading; feeds mainly on Cuckoo-flower. Widespread in southern Britain and Ireland; associated with open woodland, verges, and rural gardens.
    145242.jpg
  • Brimstone Gonepteryx rhamni Wingspan 60mm. A colourful butterfly and a harbinger of spring. Adult has distinctive wings: rounded overall with pointed tips; those on the forewings are hooked. Male is brimstone-yellow; female is much paler and could be mistaken for a Large White in flight. Single-brooded: adults hatch in August, then hibernate and emerge on sunny spring days. Larva is green with pale lateral line; feeds on Buckthorn and Alder Buckthorn. Locally common in England and Wales.
    145202.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.
    145200.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.
    145199.jpg
  • Six-belted Clearwing Bembecia ichneumoniformis Length 11-14mm. An unusual day-flying moth that recalls a small wasp. Adult has a black body with six yellow bands on the abdomen. Wings are mainly clear with dark veins, yellow tips and orange patches. Flies June-August. Larva feeds on roots of Bird’s-foot Trefoil and Kidney Vetch.
    145073.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.
    145070.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.
    145056.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.
    145055.jpg
  • Small Skipper Thymelicus sylvestris Wingspan 25mm. An active butterfly with a buzzing flight. Fond of sunbathing with its wings held at an angle; often visits thistles and knapweed flowers. Adult has orange-brown upperwings and orange-buff underwings. Brown underside to antennal tip distinguishes it from similar Essex skipper. Flies July–August. Larva is nocturnal and feeds on various grasses. A common and widespread meadow species.
    145023.jpg
  • Small Heath Coenonympha pamphilus Wingspan 30mm. A tiny grassland butterfly that invariably rests with its wings closed; upperwings are almost never revealed. Underside of forewing is orange with an eyespot; hindwing is marbled grey, brown and buff. Double-brooded: flies May–June and August–September. Larva feeds on grasses and is nocturnal. Widespread but locally common only in southern England; range has contracted because it is restricted to unimproved grassland and does not tolerate modern agricultural practices.
    145017.jpg
  • Small Heath Coenonympha pamphilus Wingspan 30mm. A tiny grassland butterfly that invariably rests with its wings closed; upperwings are almost never revealed. Underside of forewing is orange with an eyespot; hindwing is marbled grey, brown and buff. Double-brooded: flies May–June and August–September. Larva feeds on grasses and is nocturnal. Widespread but locally common only in southern England; range has contracted because it is restricted to unimproved grassland and does not tolerate modern agricultural practices.
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  • 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.
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  • 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.
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  • 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.
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  • Grayling Hipparchia semele Wingspan 50mm. An active, sun-loving butterfly. Typically rests with its wings folded and angled to sun to cast the least shadow. Adult has well patterned underwings: hindwing is marbled grey and brown while forewing has an orange patch with two eyespots. Forewings are seldom revealed at rest, but are buffish brown with a yellowish submarginal band marked with eyespots. Flies June–August. Larva feeds on grasses. Widespread but only locally common, favouring warm, dry places including sea cliffs, heaths and dunes.
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  • 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.
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  • 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.
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  • Orange-tip Anthocharis cardamines Wingspan 40mm. A familiar spring butterfly, males of which are unmistakable. Adult has rounded wings. Forewing is dark-tipped but male has an adjacent orange patch. Underside of hindwing of both sexes is marbled green and white. Adult flies April–June. Larva is green with whitish counter shading; feeds mainly on Cuckoo-flower. Widespread in southern Britain and Ireland; associated with open woodland, verges, and rural gardens.
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  • 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.
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  • 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.
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  • 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.
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  • Red-tipped Clearwing Synanthedon formicaeformis Length 11-14mm. A fly-like, day-flying moth. Adult has mainly black body with red band on abdomen. Wings are mainly clear but note the red tips and red leading edge to forewing. Larva feeds in stems of sallows and willows. Widespread but commonest in southern England.
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  • Red-tipped Clearwing Synanthedon formicaeformis Length 11-14mm. A fly-like, day-flying moth. Adult has mainly black body with red band on abdomen. Wings are mainly clear but note the red tips and red leading edge to forewing. Larva feeds in stems of sallows and willows. Widespread but commonest in southern England.
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  • 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.
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  • Brimstone Gonepteryx rhamni Wingspan 60mm. A colourful butterfly and a harbinger of spring. Adult has distinctive wings: rounded overall with pointed tips; those on the forewings are hooked. Male is brimstone-yellow; female is much paler and could be mistaken for a Large White in flight. Single-brooded: adults hatch in August, then hibernate and emerge on sunny spring days. Larva is green with pale lateral line; feeds on Buckthorn and Alder Buckthorn. Locally common in England and Wales.
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  • Brimstone Gonepteryx rhamni Wingspan 60mm. A colourful butterfly and a harbinger of spring. Adult has distinctive wings: rounded overall with pointed tips; those on the forewings are hooked. Male is brimstone-yellow; female is much paler and could be mistaken for a Large White in flight. Single-brooded: adults hatch in August, then hibernate and emerge on sunny spring days. Larva is green with pale lateral line; feeds on Buckthorn and Alder Buckthorn. Locally common in England and Wales.
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  • 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.
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  • 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.
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  • Orange-tip Anthocharis cardamines Wingspan 40mm. A familiar spring butterfly, males of which are unmistakable. Adult has rounded wings. Forewing is dark-tipped but male has an adjacent orange patch. Underside of hindwing of both sexes is marbled green and white. Adult flies April–June. Larva is green with whitish counter shading; feeds mainly on Cuckoo-flower. Widespread in southern Britain and Ireland; associated with open woodland, verges, and rural gardens.
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  • Small Skipper Thymelicus sylvestris Wingspan 25mm. An active butterfly with a buzzing flight. Fond of sunbathing with its wings held at an angle; often visits thistles and knapweed flowers. Adult has orange-brown upperwings and orange-buff underwings. Brown underside to antennal tip distinguishes it from similar Essex skipper. Flies July–August. Larva is nocturnal and feeds on various grasses. A common and widespread meadow species.
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  • 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.
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  • Six-belted Clearwing Bembecia ichneumoniformis Length 11-14mm. An unusual day-flying moth that recalls a small wasp. Adult has a black body with six yellow bands on the abdomen. Wings are mainly clear with dark veins, yellow tips and orange patches. Flies June-August. Larva feeds on roots of Bird’s-foot Trefoil and Kidney Vetch.
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  • Small Heath Coenonympha pamphilus Wingspan 30mm. A tiny grassland butterfly that invariably rests with its wings closed; upperwings are almost never revealed. Underside of forewing is orange with an eyespot; hindwing is marbled grey, brown and buff. Double-brooded: flies May–June and August–September. Larva feeds on grasses and is nocturnal. Widespread but locally common only in southern England; range has contracted because it is restricted to unimproved grassland and does not tolerate modern agricultural practices.
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  • Six-belted Clearwing Bembecia ichneumoniformis Length 11-14mm. An unusual day-flying moth that recalls a small wasp. Adult has a black body with six yellow bands on the abdomen. Wings are mainly clear with dark veins, yellow tips and orange patches. Flies June-August. Larva feeds on roots of Bird’s-foot Trefoil and Kidney Vetch.
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  • Six-belted Clearwing Bembecia ichneumoniformis Length 11-14mm. An unusual day-flying moth that recalls a small wasp. Adult has a black body with six yellow bands on the abdomen. Wings are mainly clear with dark veins, yellow tips and orange patches. Flies June-August. Larva feeds on roots of Bird’s-foot Trefoil and Kidney Vetch.
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  • Six-belted Clearwing Bembecia ichneumoniformis Length 11-14mm. An unusual day-flying moth that recalls a small wasp. Adult has a black body with six yellow bands on the abdomen. Wings are mainly clear with dark veins, yellow tips and orange patches. Flies June-August. Larva feeds on roots of Bird’s-foot Trefoil and Kidney Vetch.
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  • Six-belted Clearwing Bembecia ichneumoniformis Length 11-14mm. An unusual day-flying moth that recalls a small wasp. Adult has a black body with six yellow bands on the abdomen. Wings are mainly clear with dark veins, yellow tips and orange patches. Flies June-August. Larva feeds on roots of Bird’s-foot Trefoil and Kidney Vetch.
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  • Six-belted Clearwing Bembecia ichneumoniformis Length 11-14mm. An unusual day-flying moth that recalls a small wasp. Adult has a black body with six yellow bands on the abdomen. Wings are mainly clear with dark veins, yellow tips and orange patches. Flies June-August. Larva feeds on roots of Bird’s-foot Trefoil and Kidney Vetch.
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  • Six-belted Clearwing Bembecia ichneumoniformis Length 11-14mm. An unusual day-flying moth that recalls a small wasp. Adult has a black body with six yellow bands on the abdomen. Wings are mainly clear with dark veins, yellow tips and orange patches. Flies June-August. Larva feeds on roots of Bird’s-foot Trefoil and Kidney Vetch.
    128416.jpg
  • Six-belted Clearwing Bembecia ichneumoniformis Length 11-14mm. An unusual day-flying moth that recalls a small wasp. Adult has a black body with six yellow bands on the abdomen. Wings are mainly clear with dark veins, yellow tips and orange patches. Flies June-August. Larva feeds on roots of Bird’s-foot Trefoil and Kidney Vetch.
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  • Six-belted Clearwing Bembecia ichneumoniformis Length 11-14mm. An unusual day-flying moth that recalls a small wasp. Adult has a black body with six yellow bands on the abdomen. Wings are mainly clear with dark veins, yellow tips and orange patches. Flies June-August. Larva feeds on roots of Bird’s-foot Trefoil and Kidney Vetch.
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  • Six-belted Clearwing Bembecia ichneumoniformis Length 11-14mm. An unusual day-flying moth that recalls a small wasp. Adult has a black body with six yellow bands on the abdomen. Wings are mainly clear with dark veins, yellow tips and orange patches. Flies June-August. Larva feeds on roots of Bird’s-foot Trefoil and Kidney Vetch.
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  • Six-belted Clearwing Bembecia ichneumoniformis Length 11-14mm. An unusual day-flying moth that recalls a small wasp. Adult has a black body with six yellow bands on the abdomen. Wings are mainly clear with dark veins, yellow tips and orange patches. Flies June-August. Larva feeds on roots of Bird’s-foot Trefoil and Kidney Vetch.
    128365.jpg
  • Six-belted Clearwing Bembecia ichneumoniformis Length 11-14mm. An unusual day-flying moth that recalls a small wasp. Adult has a black body with six yellow bands on the abdomen. Wings are mainly clear with dark veins, yellow tips and orange patches. Flies June-August. Larva feeds on roots of Bird’s-foot Trefoil and Kidney Vetch.
    128363.jpg
  • Six-belted Clearwing Bembecia ichneumoniformis Length 11-14mm. An unusual day-flying moth that recalls a small wasp. Adult has a black body with six yellow bands on the abdomen. Wings are mainly clear with dark veins, yellow tips and orange patches. Flies June-August. Larva feeds on roots of Bird’s-foot Trefoil and Kidney Vetch.
    128362.jpg
  • Red-tipped Clearwing Synanthedon formicaeformis Length 11-14mm. A fly-like, day-flying moth. Adult has mainly black body with red band on abdomen. Wings are mainly clear but note the red tips and red leading edge to forewing. Larva feeds in stems of sallows and willows. Widespread but commonest in southern England.
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  • Red-tipped Clearwing Synanthedon formicaeformis Length 11-14mm. A fly-like, day-flying moth. Adult has mainly black body with red band on abdomen. Wings are mainly clear but note the red tips and red leading edge to forewing. Larva feeds in stems of sallows and willows. Widespread but commonest in southern England.
    128288.jpg
  • Six-belted Clearwing Bembecia ichneumoniformis Length 11-14mm. An unusual day-flying moth that recalls a small wasp. Adult has a black body with six yellow bands on the abdomen. Wings are mainly clear with dark veins, yellow tips and orange patches. Flies June-August. Larva feeds on roots of Bird’s-foot Trefoil and Kidney Vetch.
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  • Six-belted Clearwing Bembecia ichneumoniformis Length 11-14mm. An unusual day-flying moth that recalls a small wasp. Adult has a black body with six yellow bands on the abdomen. Wings are mainly clear with dark veins, yellow tips and orange patches. Flies June-August. Larva feeds on roots of Bird’s-foot Trefoil and Kidney Vetch.
    128249.jpg
  • Orange-tip Anthocharis cardamines Wingspan 40mm. A familiar spring butterfly, males of which are unmistakable. Adult has rounded wings. Forewing is dark-tipped but male has an adjacent orange patch. Underside of hindwing of both sexes is marbled green and white. Adult flies April–June. Larva is green with whitish counter shading; feeds mainly on Cuckoo-flower. Widespread in southern Britain and Ireland; associated with open woodland, verges, and rural gardens.
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  • 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.
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  • 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.
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