The  Insects of the British Isles

by Dave Hatton

SPECIES SEARCH

TO SEARCH THIS WEBSITE

 CLICK HERE

COPYRIGHT RESERVED

© 2008

HOME PAGE

NYMPHALIDAE FAMILY LIST

MAIN FAMILY LIST

CLICK TO ENLARGE

NEXT SPECIES

<BACKWARD ..... FORWARD>

PICTURE: Seen in the BC Garden in Chambers Farm Wood, near Bardney, Lincolnshire, September 2011.

DISTRIBUTION: This species is migrant to the British Isles and is very common some years. This butterfly arrives on our shores in about late May. By the autumn, after breeding throughout the summer, they can be very abundant. The range of these butterflies can be as far as the northern Scottish Isles. There is increasing evidence that this butterfly attempts to hibernate in Britain. Adults have a wingspan of 64mm to 72mm.

WING SPAN: 64mm to 78mm.                                     STATUS: Resident, migrant and hibernates.       

FLIGHT PERIOD: This butterfly is at the least double brooded in Britain, and some years can be seen on the wing well into November.

LARVAL PERIOD: Eggs are laid singly on the upper surfaces of the Common Stinging Nettle. Larvae can range in colour from blackish through to yellowish, and are covered with short spines. The pupa is attached to a leaf, or stem of the food plant.

HABITAT: Habitats are open sunny area's where flowers or the food plants are present.

FOOD PLANT/S: Common Stinging Nettle.

SIMILAR SPECIES: None.

Please send your comments and feedback on the email address below

COPYRIGHT RESERVED

webmaster@dhlepidoptera.org.uk

© 2011