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Wild Animals
Butterflies
The butterfly is undoubtedly the most popular of all insects. The incredible patterns formed by their brightly coloured wings and their erratic, yet graceful flight have made butterfly watching a popular pastime through the ages.
The common name ‘butterfly’ is believed to have originated in England. In previous times the English thought that the yellow colour of the early spring Brimstone species looked very similar to the colour of butter that they churned and that’s this insect has the name ‘butter-fly’.
Butterflies are part of a family of insects (along with moths) called ‘lepidoptera’ meaning scaled wings. Lepidoptera is from the Greek words lepis (meaning scale) and pteron (meaning wing). Tiny dust-like scales on the wings of butterflies give them their beautiful colouration. Some poets describe butterflies as ‘clothed in colour’.
Butterflies are generally active during the day and this general behaviour separates them from moths. If in doubt, butterflies can be distinguished from moths by their antennae. Butterflies generally have clubbed antennae, moths do not.
‘Skippers’ seem to have characteristics of both butterflies and moths, but most experts agree that, on balance, creatures such as our native Small Skipper is in fact a butterfly. We have over 50 native butterflies in England of which 10 are described in our website.
Butterfly (Brimstone)
Brimstone Butterflies are one of the first species of butterflies to be seen in spring. They can be seen in gardens and meadows where there are lots of flowers. They are one of the
Butterfly (Cabbage White)
The Cabbage White Butterfly is sometimes known as the Small White Butterfly. It is also called the ‘Summer Snowflake’ because it is white and bounces up and down when it flies.
Butterfly (Holly Blue)
Holly Blue Butterflies can mainly be seen in the Midlands and in the north of England in early spring and it is not uncommon to see two generations of Holly Blue Butterflies in a ye
Butterfly (Large Blue)
The Large Blue Butterfly is the largest of our native blue butterflies. It is one of the rarest butterflies in England. It became extinct in 1979, but was reintroduced in Cornwall i
Butterfly (Meadow Brown)
The Meadow Brown Butterfly is one of the most common butterflies found in England. It can be found throughout the country in meadows, fields, along roadsides and also on the edges
Butterfly (Peacock)
Peacock Butterflies are one of the first species of butterflies to be first seen in spring. They are commonly seen in parks and gardens where there are lots of flowers. They are
Butterfly (Purple Emperor)
Purple Emperor Butterflies are the second largest butterflies in England, after Swallowtail Butterflies. They are also quite scarce and can only be found in the south of Englan
Butterfly (Red Admiral)
Red Admiral Butterflies are migratory butterflies that arrive in England around spring, although it is believed that more and more Red Admiral Butterflies overwinter in the south of
Butterfly (Small Skipper)
The Small Skipper Butterfly is very common throughout England and can be found in rough grassland where there is tall grass, on roadside verges, woodland clearings, meadows and hedg
Butterfly (Swallowtail)
The Swallowtail Butterfly is our largest native butterfly. It is very rare in England where it can only be found in the wetlands of the Norfolk Broads. It is restricted to this area
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