Butterflies are one of the most enchanting creatures in the natural world, and the UK is home to a wide variety of stunning species. From the common but beautiful Peacock to the rare and elusive Purple Emperor, here are 12 beautiful British butterflies to look out for.
1. Peacock
The Peacock is one of the most recognizable and widely distributed butterflies in the UK. With its striking red and black eyespots on a dark background, this butterfly is a sight to behold. Peacocks can be found in gardens, woodland edges, and even in city parks, and are most active from July to September.
2. Red Admiral
The Red Admiral is another common but beautiful butterfly in the UK. With its deep red and black wings and distinctive white markings, this butterfly is easy to spot. Red Admirals are strong fliers and can be found in a variety of habitats, including gardens, hedgerows, and woodland edges, from spring through to autumn.
3. Small Tortoiseshell
The Small Tortoiseshell is a bright and colorful butterfly that is commonly found in gardens and parks throughout the UK. With its orange and black wings and distinctive blue spots, this butterfly is a favorite among many butterfly enthusiasts. Small Tortoiseshells are most active from March to October and can often be seen basking in the sun on warm days.
4. Comma
The Comma is a distinctive butterfly with its ragged wing edges and unique comma-shaped marking on the underside of its hindwing. This butterfly is a master of camouflage and can be difficult to spot when resting on tree bark or dead leaves. Commas are most active from July to October and can be found in woodland, hedgerows, and gardens.
5. Brimstone
The Brimstone is a large, pale yellow butterfly that is one of the first to emerge in spring. Males have a distinctive sulphur-yellow color, while females are pale green. Brimstones are strong fliers and can be found in a variety of habitats, including woodland, hedgerows, and gardens, from March to June.
6. Orange Tip
The Orange Tip is a delicate butterfly with white wings and distinctive orange tips on the forewings of males. This butterfly is a spring specialist and can be found in woodland edges, meadows, and gardens from April to June. Orange Tips are particularly fond of Cuckooflower and Garlic Mustard, which are important food plants for their caterpillars.
7. Green Hairstreak
The Green Hairstreak is a small but striking butterfly with bright green undersides to its wings. This butterfly is a master of camouflage and can be difficult to spot when resting on green leaves. Green Hairstreaks are most active from May to June and can be found in a variety of habitats, including heathland, woodland, and even coastal cliffs.
8. Purple Emperor
The Purple Emperor is a large and impressive butterfly with dark, iridescent purple wings. This butterfly is a true woodland specialist and can be found in the treetops of oak woodlands in southern England. Purple Emperors are most active in July and are known for their elusive behavior, making them a prized sighting for many butterfly enthusiasts.
9. Silver-washed Fritillary
The Silver-washed Fritillary is a large and striking butterfly with orange and black wings and distinctive silver streaks on the underside of its hindwings. This butterfly is a woodland specialist and can be found in deciduous woodlands throughout much of the UK. Silver-washed Fritillaries are most active in July and August and are known for their fast, powerful flight.
10. Marbled White
The Marbled White is a distinctive black and white butterfly that is a common sight in grasslands and meadows throughout much of the UK. With its checkerboard pattern and delicate flight, this butterfly is a favorite among many butterfly watchers. Marbled Whites are most active in June and July and are often found in large numbers in suitable habitats.
11. Chalk Hill Blue
The Chalk Hill Blue is a small but stunning butterfly with bright blue wings and distinctive black and white checkered fringes. This butterfly is a specialist of chalk and limestone grasslands and can be found in southern England and parts of Wales. Chalk Hill Blues are most active in July and August and are often found in large numbers on warm, sunny days.
12. Painted Lady
The Painted Lady is a large and colorful butterfly that is a long-distance migrant to the UK. With its orange, black, and white wings, this butterfly is a striking sight in gardens, parks, and meadows throughout the country. Painted Ladies arrive in the UK in spring and summer and can be seen feeding on a variety of nectar-rich flowers, including thistles and buddleia.
Becky is a fervent wildlife enthusiast and pet care expert with a diploma in canine nutrition. Her love for animals stretches beyond the domestic, embracing the wild tapestry of global fauna. With over a decade of experience in animal welfare, Becky lends her expertise to OutlandishOwl through insightful articles, captivating wildlife information, and invaluable guidance on pet nutrition. Her work embodies a deep commitment to understanding the intricate lives of animals and a passion for educating others on sustaining natural habitats. Becky's hands-on conservation efforts and her knack for translating complex dietary science into practical pet feeding tips make her an indispensable voice for creatures great and small.
