30 Butterfly Species in United Kingdom

Welcome to a journey through the fascinating world of butterflies in the United Kingdom.

These beautiful and diverse creatures are found at every corner of the nation, each with their own unique characteristics.

In this article, we will explore 30 different butterfly species and learn about their distinctive traits and habits.

Large White (Pieris brassicae)

The Large White, also known as the Cabbage Butterfly, is one of the most common and widespread butterfly species in the United Kingdom.

These butterflies are not only easy to spot due to their size, but also their preference for gardens and agricultural lands.

Let’s explore some fascinating details about this beautiful creature:

• Habitat: They are found in gardens, agricultural fields, meadows, and a variety of other habitats throughout the UK.
• Appearance: The Large White has white wings with black tips on the forewings and a dusting of black or gray scales on the hindwings.
• Size: The wingspan of a Large White ranges from 63 to 75 mm, making it one of the largest white butterflies in the UK.
• Diet: Adult butterflies feed on nectar from various flowers, while caterpillars feed primarily on the leaves of Brassica plants (cabbage, kale, broccoli, etc.).
• Reproduction: The Large White has two or three generations per year, laying eggs primarily on Brassica plants from April to September.
• Lifespan: The adult butterfly has a short lifespan of 2 to 3 weeks, from emerging to the end of its reproductive cycle.
• Host Plants: Brassica plants, including cabbage, kale, and broccoli, serve as primary host plants for the caterpillars to feed on and grow.

This fascinating butterfly not only adds beauty to your garden but also helps with pollination, making it an essential part of the ecosystem.

Small White (Pieris rapae)

You might be familiar with the Small White butterfly, one of the most common butterflies in the United Kingdom.

This species is frequently seen fluttering around gardens and parks in search of nectar-filled flowers.

Here are some fascinating details about the Small White:

• Habitat: They are found in a variety of habitats, including gardens, meadows, hedgerows, and woodland edges.
• Appearance: The wings are predominantly white, with a delicate touch of black on the wingtips.
• Size: The average wingspan ranges from 3.5 to 4.8cm.
• Diet: Adults feed on flowering plants, such as dandelions, clovers, and thistles, while caterpillars feed on plants from the Brassicaceae family.
• Reproduction: During the breeding season, females lay eggs on the leaves of host plants, ensuring a food source for their offspring.
• Lifespan: Small Whites have a short life expectancy of 3 weeks during their adult stage.
• Host Plants: Cruciferous vegetables like cabbage, kale, and mustard are some of their preferred host plants.

The Small White butterfly is a delightful species that brightens up the UK’s habitats with its elegant presence and plays an important role in pollination.

Green-veined White (Pieris napi)

Green-veined White butterflies are a common sight in the United Kingdom, bringing beauty and charm to gardens and natural habitats.

Below are some fascinating details about this gorgeous butterfly species:

• Habitat: Green-veined Whites can be found in various habitats including meadows, woodland edges, parklands, and gardens.
• Appearance: These butterflies have a pale yellow or white base color with distinctive green veins on their wings, giving them their name.
• Size: The wingspan of a Green-veined White is typically between 44 to 52 mm.
• Diet: Adults feed primarily on nectar from flowers like dandelions and other wildflowers.
• Reproduction: Green-veined Whites produce two or three generations per year, with eggs laid singly on suitable host plants.
• Lifespan: Adult butterflies live for around two weeks during favorable weather conditions.
• Host Plants: Green-veined Whites lay their eggs on plants like Cuckooflower (Cardamine pratensis), Garlic Mustard (Alliaria petiolata), and Hedge Mustard (Sisymbrium officinale).

Admiring this beautiful creature in your garden or local park can certainly brighten up your day.

With their striking colors and delicate movement, Green-veined Whites are a delightful addition to the UK butterfly scene.

Orange-tip (Anthocharis cardamines)

The Orange-tip is a fascinating butterfly species that is known for its vibrant colors and unique patterns.

Here’s some information about this charming creature:

• Habitat: Orange-tips are found mainly in meadows, hedgerows, and woodland clearings, where their host plants are plentiful.
• Appearance: Males have distinctive bright orange wingtips, while females have black wingtips. Both sexes have green-marbled undersides to their wings, which help them blend in while resting in flora.
• Size: These butterflies generally have a wingspan of around 45-50 millimeters, making them a fairly small species.
• Diet: The Orange-tip mainly feeds on nectar from flowers such as garlic mustard, cuckooflower, and lady’s smock.
• Reproduction: Adult butterflies emerge in spring, mate, and lay eggs on the host plants. The caterpillars hatch and feed on these plants before pupating and overwintering in the chrysalis stage.
• Lifespan: Adult Orange-tips have a short life of about three weeks, but the complete life cycle from egg to adult takes approximately one year.
• Host Plants: The primary host plants for Orange-tip caterpillars are members of the Brassicaceae family, such as garlic mustard, lady’s smock, and hedge mustard.

This captivating butterfly species is a true delight to spot fluttering around in the wild, adding bright splashes of color to the UK’s natural landscape.

Small Copper (Lycaena phlaeas)

The Small Copper butterfly is a wonderfully bright and beautiful species, instantly recognizable due to its vibrant colors and markings.

This butterfly can be found fluttering around various habitats across the United Kingdom.

Such a unique and charming creature is certainly worth getting to know.

In this section, we’ll explore the different aspects of the Small Copper’s life, including its habitat, appearance, size, diet, reproduction, lifespan, and host plants.

• Habitat: Small Copper butterflies inhabit diverse environments such as grasslands, heathlands, meadows, and open woodland clearings.
• Appearance: The upper side of their wings is covered in bright orange with dark brown edges. Additionally, they have small black spots and a row of blue spots along their wing borders.
• Size: Their wingspan ranges from 25 to 35mm, making them a relatively small butterfly species.
• Diet: Adult Small Coppers feed on nectar from various flowering plants, while their larvae feed on the leaves of sorrel and docks.
• Reproduction: Females lay eggs singly on host plants, and these hatch after about 10 days. The larvae then pass through several stages (instars) before forming a chrysalis.
• Lifespan: Adult Small Copper butterflies typically live for 3-4 weeks, while the entire life cycle from egg to adult can take 5-6 weeks.
• Host Plants: Common Sorrel (Rumex acetosa) and Sheep’s Sorrel (Rumex acetosella) are their primary host plants, where the females lay their eggs and the larvae feed on the leaves.

Common Blue (Polyommatus icarus)

The Common Blue is a stunning butterfly species found across the United Kingdom.

Known for its vibrant blue color, this butterfly is widespread and can frequently be spotted in grasslands, meadows, and other open habitats.

Let’s take a closer look at some of the key aspects of the Common Blue butterfly:

• Habitat: Prefers grasslands, meadows, and open spaces in the UK.
• Appearance: Males have bright blue upper wings with a white fringe, while females have brown upper wings with orange crescents and blue scales.
• Size: Wingspan of 29 – 36 mm.
• Diet: Adult butterflies feed on nectar from flowers like thistles, knapweed, and bird’s-foot trefoil.
• Reproduction: Females lay eggs on host plants, and the eggs hatch within a week into caterpillars.
• Lifespan: Adult butterflies live for 2 – 3 weeks, while the entire lifecycle takes around 1 year.
• Host Plants: Caterpillars feed on plants like bird’s-foot trefoil, white clover, and black medick.

The Common Blue butterfly is a beautiful and well-known species of butterfly native to the UK.

With its vibrant colors and varied habitats, it truly adds beauty to the natural world.

Get outdoors and try to catch a glimpse of these spectacular creatures in your local area!

Holly Blue (Celastrina argiolus)

The Holly Blue is a beautiful butterfly species that you can commonly spot in the United Kingdom.

This distinct butterfly has various characteristics that make it fascinating to admire and exciting to discover in the wild.

Here are some essential details about the Holly Blue:

• Habitat: Holly Blues are usually found in woodlands, gardens, and hedgerows. They tend to fly high around trees but also get attracted to flowers at ground level.
• Appearance: The upper side of their wings is a bright, iridescent blue with narrow black borders, while the underside is a pale, silvery-blue with discrete black spots.
• Size: With a wingspan of about 28-34 mm, Holly Blue is a relatively small species of butterfly.
• Diet: Adult butterflies feed on nectar from various types of flowers such as holly, ivy, and bramble.
• Reproduction: The mating season occurs in late spring, and females lay their eggs individually on flower buds of the host plants.
• Lifespan: Holly Blue butterflies have a short life span of 3 to 4 weeks, with two generations emerging between April and September.
• Host Plants: Holly blues lay eggs on holly (Ilex) during the first brood, while in the second brood, they utilize ivy (Hedera helix) as their host plant.

With its captivating blue color and fascinating life cycle, the Holly Blue butterfly is truly a remarkable species that adds charm and beauty to the United Kingdom’s various habitats.

Red Admiral (Vanessa atalanta)

The Red Admiral is a striking butterfly species that is commonly found throughout the United Kingdom.

It is well-known for its beautiful coloration and interesting behaviors.

Let’s explore more about this fascinating butterfly:

• Habitat: Red Admirals can be found in various habitats, including gardens, woodlands, and even urban areas, making them a familiar sight for many people.
• Appearance: Their upper wings display stunning dark brown-black color, with bold red bands and white spots. When resting with wings closed, their underside pattern is beautifully camouflaged.
• Size: The average wingspan of an adult Red Admiral ranges between 64-78mm, making it one of the UK’s larger butterfly species.
• Diet: Adults primarily feed on nectar from flowers. However, they also enjoy rotting fruit and tree sap, providing essential nutrients for their development.
• Reproduction: The females lay their eggs singly on the leaves of the host plants to ensure the caterpillars have ample food.
• Lifespan: The life expectancy of these butterflies is relatively short, with adult Red Admirals living for approximately 5-6 weeks.
• Host Plants: Caterpillars feed on plants in the nettle family, such as the stinging nettle, which helps keep the ecosystem in balance and encourages plant diversity.

Red Admiral is a beautiful and versatile butterfly species that can be found throughout the United Kingdom. It is an essential part of the ecosystem, providing pollination for various native plants and serving as a food source for other wildlife.

Painted Lady (Vanessa cardui)

The Painted Lady, a beautiful and widespread butterfly, is an undeniable sight to behold.

Commonly found across the United Kingdom, this species has a fascinating mix of features and habits.

Here’s what you need to know about the Painted Lady:

• Habitat: Painted Ladies are known to inhabit gardens, meadows, roadside verges, and waste grounds.
• Appearance: They exhibit eye-catching shades of orange, brown, and white, while their underwings boast a cryptic grey coloration with five small eyespots.
• Size: These butterflies generally have a wingspan of 58 to 76 mm.
• Diet: As adults, the Painted Ladies primarily feed on nectar from various plants, while their caterpillars munch on thistle leaves.
• Reproduction: Painted Ladies breed throughout the year, laying tiny greenish eggs on suitable host plants.
• Lifespan: Adult butterflies have a lifespan of approximately 2-4 weeks.
• Host Plants: Thistles are the preferred host plants for Painted Lady caterpillars, but they may also use other plants, such as mallows and nettles.

With their striking appearance and widespread presence, Painted Ladies are a delight to observe both in the wild and in your own back garden.

So, keep your eyes peeled, and you might just spot one of these beautiful butterflies.

Small Tortoiseshell (Aglais urticae)

The Small Tortoiseshell is a vivid and eye-catching butterfly, found widely throughout the United Kingdom.

It is particularly known for its striking colors and patterns.

Let’s take a closer look at the characteristics and features of this beautiful species:

• Habitat: The Small Tortoiseshell prefers open, sunny habitats such as gardens, meadows, wastelands, and woodland clearings.
• Appearance: The upperwings of this butterfly display striking orange and black patterns, with blue crescents along the edges. The underwings possess a mottled, cryptic pattern, resembling dead leaves for camouflage.
• Size: This species has a wingspan of around 50-56mm, making it a medium-sized butterfly.
• Diet: Adults feed on nectar from flowering plants, with a preference for thistles, knapweeds, and buddleia.
• Reproduction: Small Tortoiseshells produce one or two broods per year, with eggs laid in clusters on leaves of the host plant.
• Lifespan: Adult butterflies can live up to three weeks, while the entire life cycle takes around two months.
• Host Plants: The primary host plant is the common nettle (Urtica dioica), which provides essential nutrients for the caterpillars.

As you can see, the Small Tortoiseshell is an interesting and distinctive butterfly that brings life and color to gardens and meadows across the United Kingdom.

Peacock Butterfly (Aglais io)

The Peacock butterfly is one of the most remarkable and easily recognizable butterflies in the United Kingdom.

With its vibrant colors and distinctive eyespots, it’s hard not to stop and admire its beauty when you catch a glimpse of it in your garden.

Here’s some information on the Peacock butterfly:

• Habitat: It can be found in various habitats, including gardens, woodlands, parks, and meadows, where there’s an abundance of wildflowers.
• Appearance: The Peacock has striking maroon wings with four large and colorful eyespots that serve to deter predators. The underside of their wings is dark and camouflaged.
• Size: The wingspan of a Peacock butterfly ranges from 50 to 55 mm, making it a medium-sized butterfly.
• Diet: Adults feed primarily on nectar from flowers, while caterpillars munch on common nettle (Urtica dioica) and sometimes small nettle (Urtica urens).
• Reproduction: The females lay eggs in small clusters on the leaves of nettles, which serve as food for the caterpillars hatching from them.
• Lifespan: The adult Peacock butterfly can live up to eleven months, allowing it to survive hibernation through winter.
• Host Plants: The primary host plant for the caterpillars is the common nettle, but they may also be found on small nettle and occasionally hops.

Comma (Polygonia c-album)

The Comma butterfly is a fascinating species native to the United Kingdom, with distinctively unique features separating it from other British butterflies.

Let’s dive deeper into this intriguing insect:

• Habitat: Generally, you can find these butterflies frequenting woodlands, hedgerows, and gardens. They prefer areas with a mix of sun and shade to favor their basking and resting needs.
• Appearance: Comma butterflies boast eye-catching jagged wing edges and a bright orange and brown mosaic wing pattern, which mimics dead leaves while resting. They also have a white comma-shaped mark on their underwings, giving them their name.
• Size: These medium-sized butterflies have a wingspan ranging between 45mm to 64mm.
• Diet: Adult Commas primarily feed on nectar from flowers such as bramble, thistles, and ivy, and occasionally enjoy sipping on rotting fruit juices.
• Reproduction: They lay single, pale green eggs on the underside of leaves, mainly on nettle and hops. After hatching, the caterpillar is camouflaged as bird droppings and undergoes four molts before pupating.
• Lifespan: Adults can live around one month during the summer, but those emerging in late summer can live up to eight months, hibernating through the winter.
• Host Plants: Nettle and hops are the primary host plants for Comma caterpillars.

Speckled Wood (Pararge aegeria)

The Speckled Wood is a fascinating butterfly species native to the United Kingdom.

This attractive creature can be found throughout woodlands and other shaded areas, making it a pleasant sight for nature enthusiasts.

Let’s dive into some of the specifics about this interesting butterfly:

• Habitat: The Speckled Wood prefers wooded areas, hedgerows, and gardens, where it thrives in dappled sunlight.
• Appearance: Its brown wings are decorated with cream-colored spots, giving the butterfly its “speckled” look.
• Size: The average wingspan of this species is between 35 and 42 mm.
• Diet: Adult Speckled Woods feed on nectar from flowers such as bramble, dandelions, and ivy.
• Reproduction: The larvae emerge from eggs laid on grasses like Yorkshire fog and false brome.
• Lifespan: The adult butterfly lives for around three weeks, while the caterpillar stage lasts around five weeks before transforming into a pupa.
• Host Plants: The larvae feed on various coarse grasses, making these plants essential for the Speckled Wood’s survival.

Speckled Wood is a beautiful butterfly species to look out for when exploring the British countryside.

Its intriguing characteristics and unique habitat preferences make it a captivating sight for nature lovers.

Gatekeeper (Pyronia tithonus)

The Gatekeeper, also known as the Hedge Brown, is a delightful butterfly commonly found in the United Kingdom.

This butterfly species is an essential part of the ecosystem and contributes to the pollination process.

Here are some interesting facts about the Gatekeeper:

• Habitat: Gatekeepers prefer grassy meadows, woodland clearings, and hedgerows, making them a widely seen species across the UK countryside.
• Appearance: Their wings display warm shades of orange and brown, with two white spots on the forewings enclosing a dark brown dot, and a singular white spot with a brown circle on the hindwings.
• Size: The wingspan of a Gatekeeper is around 35-40mm, making them relatively small butterflies.
• Diet: Adult Gatekeepers feed primarily on nectar from flowers such as Bramble and Thistle to gain vital energy.
• Reproduction: Female Gatekeepers lay their eggs singly on grasses and leaves, with new generations hatching in the summer months.
• Lifespan: Although the adult butterfly has a short life of 2-3 weeks, the complete life cycle from egg to adult takes approximately 2-3 months.
• Host Plants: The caterpillars feed upon several grass species, with Meadow Grass and Cocksfoot being some of their favorites.

Keep an eye out for this charming butterfly as you explore meadows and hedgerows across the United Kingdom!

Meadow Brown (Maniola jurtina)

The Meadow Brown butterfly is a widely distributed and common species that can be found across the United Kingdom. Its presence is usually marked by the arrival of summer.

Despite being quite ordinary in appearance, this butterfly plays an essential role in the ecosystem and fascinates butterfly enthusiasts.

Below, you’ll find key information about the Meadow Brown:

• Habitat: Prefers grasslands, meadows, and roadside verges, but can also be found in gardens, parks, and woodland clearings.
• Appearance: Exhibits a brown and orange color pattern with dark eyespots on its wings, which can vary between individuals.
• Size: With a wingspan of 45-55mm, it’s categorized as a medium-sized butterfly.
• Diet: Adult Meadow Browns primarily feed on nectar from various flowers, including clovers, thistles, and knapweeds.
• Reproduction: The female lays eggs singly on grass blades, which subsequently hatch into caterpillars that later develop into butterflies.
• Lifespan: The adult Meadow Brown lives for about two to six weeks during the summer months.
• Host Plants: Grasses such as fescues, bents, and meadow grasses serve as the primary food sources for the caterpillars, which are the larvae stage of their development.

Ringlet (Aphantopus hyperantus)

The Ringlet is a fascinating butterfly species that you’re likely to come across in the United Kingdom.

Let’s delve into some of the unique characteristics of this butterfly, including its habitat, appearance, and more.

• Habitat: The Ringlet is commonly found in damp grasslands, hedgerows, and woodland clearings; they thrive in cool, shaded areas.
• Appearance: Ringlets boast a dark brown/black color with a series of yellowish circles, resembling rings, on both the upper and lower wings, creating a beautiful pattern.
• Size: Their wingspan typically ranges from 35-42 mm, making them moderately sized compared to other butterfly species.
• Diet: Adult Ringlets are frequent visitors to flowers where they feed on nectar; they particularly enjoy bramble flowers.
• Reproduction: The female Ringlet lays her eggs individually, usually on the underside of grass blades in late summer.
• Lifespan: The average lifespan of an adult Ringlet is around three weeks.
• Host Plants: The caterpillar of this species mainly feeds on different types of grasses, including Cock’s-Foot, Meadow Foxtail, and False Brome.

Observe these mesmerizing butterflies as they flutter through the grasslands, a perfect example of nature’s beauty in the United Kingdom.

Small Heath (Coenonympha pamphilus)

The Small Heath is a charming butterfly species that resides across the United Kingdom.

Despite its small size, it possesses unique characteristics that set it apart from other butterflies.

Let’s dive into the various aspects of the Small Heath:

• Habitat: Small Heaths can be found in a range of habitats, such as grasslands, moorlands, and woodland clearings. They prefer areas with a mix of short grass and taller vegetation.
• Appearance: The Small Heath features a distinct pale brown color on the upperside of its wings, with an orange-yellow patch and dark spots on the edges. The underside of their wings is beige-brown with a thin, white, wavy stripe.
• Size: These butterflies are relatively small, with a wingspan between 25 and 34 mm.
• Diet: Adult Small Heaths feed primarily on flower nectar, especially from wildflowers like clovers, daisies, and trefoil.
• Reproduction: Females lay their eggs individually on grass blades, where they overwinter before hatching in the following spring.
• Lifespan: The Small Heath has a short lifecycle, living for approximately two to three weeks as adults.
• Host Plants: The caterpillars feed on various grass species, such as Fescues, Bentgrasses, and Sheep’s Fescue.

Small Heath is a uniquely beautiful species of butterfly that thrives in a range of UK habitats with its distinct appearance and fascinating life cycle.

Large Skipper (Ochlodes sylvanus)

The Large Skipper is a fascinating butterfly species found in the United Kingdom.

Its distinct appearance and behavior set it apart from the other species on this list.

Below are some essential facts about the Large Skipper:

• Habitat: The Large Skipper inhabits grasslands, meadows, woodland clearings, and gardens across the UK, mostly residing in the south of England and Wales.
• Appearance: This butterfly has a unique appearance, with orange-brown, patterned wings featuring black markings. When resting, they hold their wings in a V-shape.
• Size: With a wingspan of around 30-34 millimeters, the Large Skipper is a relatively small butterfly.
• Diet: The adult Large Skipper primarily feeds on flowers such as thistles, knapweed, and bramble.
• Reproduction: Females lay their eggs on grass blades, particularly those of the cock’s-foot grass species. They repeat this cycle throughout their lifespan.
• Lifespan: The Large Skipper’s typical lifespan ranges from June to August in the UK. Their lifespan highly depends on the availability of suitable habitats and host plants.
• Host Plants: This butterfly’s caterpillars feed on various grass species such as cock’s-foot, false broom, and Yorkshire fog. These plants play an essential role in the development and life cycle of the Large Skipper.

Small Skipper (Thymelicus sylvestris)

The Small Skipper, scientifically known as Thymelicus sylvestris, is a striking butterfly species found across the United Kingdom.

This charming creature can be easily spotted thanks to its tawny-orange wings and distinctive dark tips.

Let’s discover more about the Small Skipper:

• Habitat: Habitats for the Small Skipper include grasslands, meadows, roadside verges, and woodland clearings where grasses grow tall and abundant.
• Appearance: Its wings boast bright tawny-orange hues with dark brown tips and a faint white spot on the forewing – a combination that makes it easily distinguishable from other butterfly species.
• Size: The Small Skipper has a wingspan of around 25-30 mm, making it one of the smaller butterflies in the UK butterfly species list.
• Diet: Adult Small Skippers feed primarily on nectar from various flowers such as thistles, knapweeds, and clovers.
• Reproduction: The female Small Skipper lays her eggs on the underside of grass blades, from June to August. The caterpillars hatch in about 10 days and overwinter as larvae.
• Lifespan: The adult Small Skipper butterfly has a relatively short life span of around 2-3 weeks.
• Host Plants: The main host plants for the Small Skipper’s larvae are Yorkshire Fog (Holcus lanatus) and other coarse grasses.

Brimstone (Gonepteryx rhamni)

The Brimstone butterfly, scientific name Gonepteryx rhamni, is one of the most elusive species found in the United Kingdom.

It is well known for its unique appearance as well as its fascinating life cycle.

Here are some key features and facts about this beautiful butterfly:

• Habitat: Brimstone butterflies predominantly reside in woodlands, hedgerows, and grasslands where their primary host plants are found.
• Appearance: The Brimstone species flaunts a distinguished pale yellow-green hue on its wings, which is more pronounced in males than females. The wing shape is also unique, resembling leaves.
• Size: A medium-sized butterfly with a wingspan ranging between 60-70mm, making it an impressive sight in the natural landscape.
• Diet: Mainly nectaring on a variety of wildflowers, these butterflies have a sweet tooth and prefer plants with high sugar content in their nectar.
• Reproduction: Brimstone butterflies typically lay their eggs singly on the leaves of their host plants, mainly buckthorn and alder buckthorn.
• Lifespan: Adult Brimstone butterflies can live up to 12 months, and they hibernate during the winter in foliage.
• Host Plants: Buckthorn and Alder buckthorn are the primary host plants for the Brimstone butterfly, where they lay their eggs and caterpillars feed on the leaves until they form a chrysalis.

Silver-washed Fritillary (Argynnis paphia)

The Silver-washed Fritillary is a brightly coloured, fast-flying butterfly that can be found across the United Kingdom.

This eye-catching species has experienced a recent resurgence in numbers after suffering a decline in the past.

Here’s all you need to know about this fascinating butterfly:

• Habitat: They prefer warm, sunny woodland clearings and rides, where their primary food source, nectar-rich flowers like brambles and thistles, can be found.
• Appearance: Males have a distinctive bright orange colour with black markings, while females are a pale, yellowish-orange. Both sexes have a distinct silvery sheen on the underside of their wings, giving them their name.
• Size: With a wingspan between 54 to 70mm, they are one of the larger fritillaries found in the UK.
• Diet: The adult fritillaries primarily feed on nectar from flowers, while their caterpillars primarily eat the leaves of their host plants.
• Reproduction: They lay clusters of eggs on the underside of tree trunks and branches. Upon hatching, the caterpillars make their way to the host plant to feed.
• Lifespan: The Silver-washed Fritillary adults have a short lifespan, living for just a few weeks during the summer months.
• Host Plants: They mainly rely on the Common Dog-violet (Viola riviniana) as their host plant, on which their caterpillars feed.

Dark Green Fritillary (Speyeria aglaja)

The Dark Green Fritillary is a captivating butterfly species that can be found in the United Kingdom.

Known for its bold, orange wings, this butterfly can be quite a sight to behold.

Let’s dive into more specifics about the enthralling Dark Green Fritillary:

• Habitat: Prefers grasslands, meadows, and coastal dunes where its host plants grow.
• Appearance: Sports bold orange wings adorned with dark spots and a green underside, giving it its name.
• Size: This medium-sized butterfly boasts a wingspan of around 50-60mm.
• Diet: Nectar from flowers such as thistles and knapweed serves as its primary food source.
• Reproduction: Males exhibit vigorous territorial behavior during courtship, often attempting to mate with multiple females.
• Lifespan: On average, the Dark Green Fritillary lives for about a month.
• Host Plants: For caterpillars, host plants include various species of violets such as common dog-violet and marsh violet.

Dark Green Fritillary is a fascinating butterfly found in the UK. With its vivid orange wings and striking green underside, it is a real treat for butterfly enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.

White Admiral (Limenitis camilla)

The White Admiral is an elegant butterfly that is a delight to spot in the woodlands of the United Kingdom.

Their graceful flight and striking appearance make them a favorite among butterfly enthusiasts.

In this section, we delve into the interesting aspects of their life cycle.

• Habitat: These butterflies inhabit moist deciduous woodlands, typically flying close to the canopy, making them somewhat challenging to observe.
• Appearance: The White Admiral showcases a striking pattern of white bands on a dark brown background, with a series of orange and blue spots along the edges of their wings.
• Size: Medium to large, with a wingspan ranging from 60 to 65 mm.
• Diet: They primarily feed on nectar from bramble flowers and honeydew produced by aphids.
• Reproduction: White Admirals have one generation per year, with the adults flying in June through August. Females lay eggs on honeysuckle leaves, which provide an essential food source for the larvae.
• Lifespan: Adults typically live for around 2-3 weeks in the summer months. The larvae overwinter in their first instar stage and continue feeding and growing in the spring.
• Host Plants: Honeysuckle plants are the primary host plants for both the egg-laying and larval stages of the White Admiral butterfly.

Purple Emperor (Apatura iris)

The Purple Emperor is a sought-after and stunning butterfly species that can be found in the United Kingdom.

This impressive butterfly is admired for its iridescent purple-blue wings and elusive nature, making it a favorite among butterfly enthusiasts.

Let’s delve into some fascinating facts about this captivating butterfly:

• Habitat: Purple Emperors prefer deciduous woodlands, particularly those with oak and sallow trees, as well as sunny, sheltered clearings.
• Appearance: The upper side of the male’s wings displays a striking iridescent purple-blue sheen, while the female is mostly dark brown with a few white markings. Both sexes have orange-ringed eyespots on the underside of their wings.
• Size: This is a relatively large butterfly, with a wingspan ranging from 65mm to 75mm.
• Diet: Adults primarily feed on tree sap, aphid honeydew, and sometimes even carrion and animal droppings!
• Reproduction: Males are known to be territorial and will perch on trees, defending their territory from rivals. Females lay their eggs in the upper branches of sallow trees.
• Lifespan: Adult Purple Emperors have a short life, typically living for about two weeks.
• Host Plants: The main host plant for the Purple Emperor caterpillar is the sallow tree, which provides an ideal environment for egg-laying and caterpillar feeding.

The Purple Emperor is an enchanting and mesmerizing species to observe, making it a true highlight of the UK’s butterfly population.

High Brown Fritillary (Fabriciana adippe)

The High Brown Fritillary is a striking butterfly species that is sadly on the decline in the United Kingdom.

However, you can still have the chance to spot them in certain areas if you know what to look for.

Here are some key facts about this butterfly:

• Habitat: Primarily found in Northern England and extremely rare in the rest of the UK; prefers woodland clearings and limestone grasslands with tall vegetation.
• Appearance: Highly distinctive and easily recognizable by the orange wings with black markings, with an underside displaying a kaleidoscope of silver streaks.
• Size: One of the larger fritillaries with a wingspan ranging from 54 to 70 millimeters.
• Diet: Adult High Brown Fritillaries feed on nectar from various plants such as bramble, thistle, and knapweed.
• Reproduction: The female lays her eggs on or near host plants and the caterpillars hatch the following spring.
• Lifespan: Adults have a relatively short life span of approximately 3 weeks.
• Host Plants: The primary requirement for this butterfly is the availability of violets (especially common dog-violet), which serve as the main food source for the caterpillars.

The High Brown Fritillary is a beautiful and unique butterfly that needs our help in preserving its habitat and ensuring its survival in the United Kingdom.

Marsh Fritillary (Euphydryas aurinia)

The Marsh Fritillary is a striking butterfly species found in the United Kingdom.

This fascinating species is known for its intricately patterned wings and its preference for damp, marshy habitats.

Here are some key facts about the Marsh Fritillary:

• Habitat: These butterflies prefer wet and marshy grasslands, specifically where their host plants can be found.
• Appearance: The Marsh Fritillary has intricately patterned wings with a unique combination of orange and yellow, with dark brown and black markings that create a mosaic of colors.
• Size: The adults have a wingspan of approximately 40-50mm.
• Diet: The larvae feed on particular host plants, while adults feed on nectar from a variety of flowers.
• Reproduction: The female Marsh Fritillary lays her eggs on the underside of the host plant leaves, producing a batch of 100 to 350 eggs.
• Lifespan: The adult butterfly has a short life, typically lasting only about three weeks.
• Host Plants: The larval foodplant is primarily the Devil’s-bit Scabious (Succisa pratensis), although they can also feed on Saw-wort (Serratula tinctoria) and Field Scabious (Knautia arvensis).

As you can tell, the Marsh Fritillary is a fascinating species with many unique qualities that make them a true gem of the United Kingdom’s butterfly fauna.

Pearl-bordered Fritillary (Boloria euphrosyne)

The Pearl-bordered Fritillary is a stunning butterfly species native to the United Kingdom.

With its distinctive markings and vibrant coloring, it’s no wonder that this butterfly has captured the hearts of many nature enthusiasts.

Below are some key aspects of the Pearl-bordered Fritillary to help you better understand and appreciate this beautiful creature:

• Habitat: The primary habitat of this butterfly species is woodland clearings, specifically those with plenty of violets, their preferred host plants.
• Appearance: The wings of the Pearl-bordered Fritillary are orange with black markings and feature a row of white “pearls” along the outer edge of the hindwing.
• Size: This medium-sized butterfly has a wingspan of about 38-46mm.
• Diet: As adults, Pearl-bordered Fritillaries feed mainly on nectar from flowers like bluebells, bugle, and willowherb.
• Reproduction: Mating occurs in May, and the females lay their eggs on or near violets and dog-violets.
• Lifespan: The adult butterflies typically live for around two weeks.
• Host Plants: The caterpillars feed exclusively on violets, primarily common dog-violet and marsh violet.

Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary (Boloria selene)

The Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary, also known as Boloria selene, is a captivating butterfly species that graces the countryside of the United Kingdom.

Here are some key features that make this butterfly species unique:

• Habitat: They prefer wet and damp environments like woodland clearings, fens, and moorland.
• Appearance: Their wings display a stunning combination of orange and brown, adorned with a pattern of white and black spots, and a row of silver-bordered pearl-like spots on the outer edge of the hindwing.
• Size: They are relatively small with a wingspan ranging from 35-45mm.
• Diet: The adults feed on nectar from various flowers such as Bugle, Marsh Thistle, and Heath Spotted Orchid.
• Reproduction: Females lay eggs on the leaves of host plants, and the caterpillars emerge after about two weeks.
• Lifespan: Adults tend to live for around two to three weeks during their flight period between May and July.
• Host Plants: The caterpillars feed on leaves of specific plants, mainly Common Dog-violet and Marsh Violet.

Next time you’re on a countryside walk, see if you can spot this delicate, brightly-colored butterfly fluttering about in its natural habitat.

Duke of Burgundy (Hamearis lucina)

The Duke of Burgundy is a fascinating butterfly species that can be found in specific areas around the United Kingdom.

Below are some important facts about this unique butterfly:

• Habitat: Found in woodland clearings, grassland habitats, and scrubby areas. They occur in low densities and are often locally restricted to certain regions.
• Appearance: Males have dark brown wings with orange spots, while females have a more muted brown color and larger orange markings. Both sexes have a series of white spots on their wings.
• Size: This small butterfly has a wingspan of 2.8-3.2 centimeters, making it one of the smaller species in the UK.
• Diet: Adults feed on nectar from flowers like bugle, primrose, and cowslip, while caterpillars feed on cowslip and primrose leaves.
• Reproduction: The females lay their eggs singly on host plants, and the caterpillars emerge and feed on their host plants’ leaves.
• Lifespan: Adult butterflies live for about three weeks, while the entire life cycle from egg to adult takes around a year.
• Host Plants: They mainly use cowslip and primrose plants as host plants for their larvae.

This stunning butterfly species deserves protection and conservation efforts to ensure its survival in the United Kingdom, so future generations can witness their beauty.

Brown Argus (Aricia agestis)

The Brown Argus is a fascinating butterfly species that can be found in the United Kingdom.

Let’s delve into its characteristics and explore what makes this butterfly special:

• Habitat: Brown Argus butterflies prefer sunny spots in limestone and chalk grasslands, coastal dunes, and occasionally heathlands.
• Appearance: Their wings are dark brown with orange-brown markings near the edges. The underside of the wings displays similar markings, but with intricate white patterns, creating a mesmerizing look.
• Size: This small butterfly has a wingspan of about 29-33mm, giving it a delicate and charming appearance.
• Diet: Adult Brown Argus butterflies primarily feed on nectar from various flowering plants, while their caterpillars feed on the leaves of rockrose and Geranium species.
• Reproduction: The females lay their eggs singly on the underside of young leaves. The caterpillars emerge, feeding on the leaves and remaining hidden during the day.
• Lifespan: The adult butterflies have a relatively short life span of 2-3 weeks, during which they mate and lay eggs.
• Host Plants: The main host plants for the Brown Argus are rockrose (Helianthemum nummularium) and common stork’s-bill (Erodium cicutarium).

As you explore the diverse butterfly species in the United Kingdom, don’t forget to appreciate the captivating beauty and distinct characteristics of the Brown Argus.

Conclusion

In summary, the United Kingdom is home to a diverse range of beautiful butterfly species, each with their own unique features and habitats.

By taking the time to learn about and appreciate these creatures, we can become better stewards for their conservation.

We hope you enjoyed this journey of discovery and invite you to share your thoughts on these fascinating insects in the comments below.