The Butterflies

Here are the three main species of butterfly which we are looking at on this project. We are interested in their range expansion and the differences between the populations at established and new sites.

Brown Argus (Aricia agestis)

This small, delicate butterfly is distinctive for its rich brown colour and bright orange edges. Its underwings have similar markings to the common blue (Polyommatus Icarus). It looks silvery when it flies and frequently stops to bask. They are most commonly found on chalk downlands with wildflowers in the South, although they are also found in some northern counties. For more information see: http://butterfly-conservation.org/679-1301/brown-argus.html

Silver Spotted Skipper (Hesperia comma)

The Silver Spotted Skipper is small with a distinctive fuzzy body and burnt orange wings with silver spots on the underside. Its shape reminds me of a paper aeroplane and its flight differs from other butterflies; it is faster and does not ‘flutter’. It also frequently stops on wildflowers and is found in chalk downlands in areas of short turf. For more information see: http://butterfly-conservation.org/679-790/silver-spotted-skipper.html

 Speckled Wood (Pararge aegeria)

The Speckled Wood is a large butterfly with markings favouring its camouflage in the dappled light of the woodlands in which it lives. A Speckled Wood can sit contentedly on a fern or bramble and blend in perfectly with the interplay of light and shade. They fly upwards in circles and rest in sunny spots, also flying in tree tops and feeding on honeydew there. They are found in woodlands and hedgerows all over the country and are not considered threatened. For more information please see: http://butterfly-conservation.org/679-746/speckled-wood.html

For more information on all the butterflies, their ranges and sightings, please see the UK Butterfly Monitoring Scheme (BMS) at http://www.ukbms.org/