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Brimstone - Gonepteryx rhamni
Wide ranging in habitat, this is often one of the first butterflies to be seen each year.
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Brown Argus -
I�ve found two Latin names for this butterfly so if you can give me more information I would appreciate the clarification. I have found Aricia Agestis and Plebeius Agestis.
Identification tip : If the upper surface of the wings is distinctly blue, it could be a female Common Blue instead of a Brown Argus
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Comma - Polygonia C-album
The comma gets its� name from the C or Comma shaped mark on the underside of the wing
Primarily a woodland or hedgerow species, they can also be found in gardens and on sheltered grassland
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Common blue - Polyommatus icarus
The most common �blue� butterfly in the UK with a very wide range.
This particular one was deep inside a flower but it does show the under-wing markings common to both male and female.
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Gatekeeper - Pyronia tithonus
Possibly getting its common name from a favoured habitat in the sheltered corners of fields, which is normally where the gate is! (although this could be just a myth)
The larvae feed on grasses and the adult can often be seen feeding on bramble flowers |
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Holly blue - Celastrina argiolus
Mainly found in the southern half of the UK, the blue underside of the wings fades to grey as the butterfly matures.
It�s numbers vary from year to year, possibly as a result of being the target for a parasitic wasp. |
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Large Skipper - Ochlodes Venatum
This is a slightly tentative identification since I haven�t found a definitive list of characteristics to identify the various skippers, if you can assist, then please email me |
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Large White - Pieris brassicae
As the latin name suggests, the larvae are often to be found on, and eating, brassica plants such as cabbage and Brussels sprouts.
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Meadow brown - Maniola jurtina
These can frequently be seen flying around meadows and grassland, and are often seen feeding on thistle flowers. Common across much of Europe and not regarded as threatened |
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Orange Tip - Anthocharis cardamines
One of the few butterflies that has increased numbers in recent years (UK). It is only the male that has the distinctive orange markings |
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Painted Lady - Cynthia cardui
This is a migrant from North Africa and the larvae feed on thistles, mallows and nettles.
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Peacock - Inachis io
Fairly common in most of England and Wales although not often seen in Scotland. The larva feed primarily on nettles and the adults hibernate late September to Spring
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Red Admiral - Vanessa atalanta
Primarily a migrant from southern Europe and northern Africa, some can survive winter in the southern UK.
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Ringlet - Aphantopus hyperantus
Caterpillars hatch in September, then hibernate through the winter until the grasses on which they feed start into new growth
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Small Copper - Lycaena phlaeas
A true UK resident, the larvae over-winter in a silken web under the leaves of sorrel and dock before the butterflies emerge in May/June
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Small skipper - Thymelicus sylvestris
This is another slightly tentative identification and any information would be appreciated
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Small Tortoiseshell - Aglais Urticae
It�s a UK resident and also a migrant from Europe. The adults hibernate in winter, often in sheds or farm buildings.
The caterpillars feed mainly on stinging nettles
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Speckled wood - Pararge Aegeria
As it�s name suggests this can often be found around the edges of woodland, or along country lanes. The larvae are grass eaters.
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White letter hairstreak - Satyrium W-album
Named for the white W on the underside of the wings, This is a butterfly that breeds on Elm trees. The Dutch elm outbreak seriously depleted the food plants and the butterfly is seldom seen in many of its� former habitats.
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This page last updated 16/08/2009
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