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Exploring the vibrant world of butterflies and moths is a delightful way to connect with nature and understand the biodiversity of the UK. These winged wonders can be found in gardens, meadows, woodlands, and urban areas. Here are ten British butterflies and moths to know and identify, each with its unique characteristics and charm.
Butterflies
1 Red Admiral (Vanessa atalanta)
Red Admirals are migratory butterflies, often traveling from North Africa and Southern Europe to the UK in spring and summer.
- Appearance: Black wings with striking red bands and white spots.
- Size: Wingspan of 6-7 cm.
- Habitat: Gardens, parks, and woodlands.
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2 Peacock (Aglais io)
The eye spots on their wings are used to startle and deter predators.
- Appearance: Richly colored with eye-catching eye spots on each wing.
- Size: Wingspan of 6-7 cm.
- Habitat: Gardens, meadows, and woodland clearings.
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3 Small Tortoiseshell (Aglais urticae)
This butterfly hibernates in buildings and can be seen flying on warm winter days.
- Appearance: Bright orange and black with blue spots along the wing edges.
- Size: Wingspan of 4.5-6.2 cm.
- Habitat: Gardens, hedgerows, and open countryside.
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4 Comma (Polygonia c-album)
The jagged wings provide excellent camouflage against leaves and bark.
- Appearance: Orange and brown with a distinctive ragged wing edge and a white comma-shaped mark on the underwing.
- Size: Wingspan of 4.4-6.4 cm.
- Habitat: Woodland edges, gardens, and hedgerows.
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5 Brimstone (Gonepteryx rhamni)
Brimstones are often the first butterflies to be seen in spring, as they emerge from hibernation.
- Appearance: Males are bright yellow, females pale greenish-white, with leaf-shaped wings.
- Size: Wingspan of 6-7 cm.
- Habitat: Woodlands, hedgerows, and gardens.
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Moths
6 Emperor Moth (Saturnia pavonia)
The large eye spots on their wings are used to scare off predators.
- Appearance: Males are reddish-brown with eye spots on all four wings; females are larger and more greyish.
- Size: Wingspan of 6-8 cm.
- Habitat: Heathlands, moorlands, and open woodland.
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7 Hummingbird Hawk-Moth (Macroglossum stellatarum)
This moth can hover in front of flowers to feed on nectar, much like a hummingbird.
- Appearance: Brown and orange body with a distinctive hovering flight, similar to a hummingbird.
- Size: Wingspan of 4-5 cm.
- Habitat: Gardens, parks, and open countryside.
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8 Garden Tiger Moth (Arctia caja)
The striking coloration is a warning to predators of their unpalatability.
- Appearance: Brightly coloured with white and brown forewings and orange hindwings with blue-black spots.
- Size: Wingspan of 4.5-6.5 cm.
- Habitat: Gardens, grasslands, and woodland edges.
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9 Elephant Hawk-Moth (Deilephila elpenor)
The caterpillar resembles an elephant’s trunk, which helps deter predators.
- Appearance: Pink and olive-green wings with a streamlined body.
- Size: Wingspan of 6-8 cm.
- Habitat: Gardens, woodlands, and heathlands.
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10 Cinnabar Moth (Tyria jacobaeae)
The bright colours of both the moth and its caterpillar are a warning of their toxicity.
- Appearance: Black forewings with red spots and red hindwings.
- Size: Wingspan of 3.2-4.5 cm.
- Habitat: Grasslands, heathlands, and coastal areas.
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Knowing and identifying these ten British butterflies and moths can enhance your appreciation for the natural world and contribute to conservation efforts. Each species has its unique role in the ecosystem, and observing their behaviours and characteristics can be both relaxing and educational. So, grab your guide, head outdoors, and start spotting these beautiful creatures in their natural habitats!
