Butterflies and day-flying moths of Tayside & Fife
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Butterflies and day-flying
moths of Tayside & Fife
an identification guide
Butterfly Conservation is a UK charity, with 15,000 members (over 1000 in Scotland).
We work closely with local communities, landowners, the Scottish Government,
Scottish Natural Heritage and other conservation partners to safeguard Scotland’s
butterflies and moths and their habitats, by:
Advising landowners on managing land for butterflies and moths.
Carrying out surveys, monitoring and research on our most threatened species.
Training volunteers to enable them to take action for butterflies and moths.
Making recommendations to the Scottish Government on its environmental policies.
Encouraging everyone to cherish and enjoy butterflies and moths.
Join us!
You can support us in this vital work by joining Butterfly Conservation. With an
annual membership you will receive an interesting and informative welcome pack,
a colourful magazine Butterfly three times a year and membership of your local
branch of Butterfly Conservation. Our local branches run public butterfly and moth
events throughout the year. To join on-line or for further information, please go
to www.butterfly-conservation.org. To find out what is going on in your area,
go to www.eastscotland-butterflies.org.uk
Dark Green Fritillary
Butterflies and moths are beautiful insects and a joy to
Scotland Office observe. This guide will help you identify all the butterflies
Balallan House 24 Allan Park Stirling FK8 2QG and some of the common day-flying moths that occur in
Tel: 01786 447753 Email: scotland@butterfly-conservation.org Perthshire and Angus (outside of the Cairngorms National
www.butterfly-conservation.org
Park), Fife and Dundee.
Butterfly Conservation
Company, limited by guarantee, registered in England (2206468).
Registered Office: Manor Yard, East Lulworth, Wareham, Dorset, BH20 5QP. The chart inside shows which species are on the wing at a
Charity registered in England & Wales (254937) and in Scotland (SCO39268) given time, and suggests some of the best and most easily
Photographs by: Jim Asher, Ken Barry, Peter Burgess, Peter Eeles, Dave Green, Neil Gregory, Paul Kirkland, Tony Mainwood, accessible places in the region for you to see them. We hope
Richard Mearns, Mark Parsons, Nicolas Picozzi, Paul Pugh, Scott Shanks, Robert Thompson, Martin Warren and David Whitaker. this leaflet will encourage you to learn more about these
Map: © Ashworth Maps and Interpretation Ltd 2011
beautiful insects, and to send us your records.
Printed on 100% recycled paper made from post-consumer waste bc0125
1 2 2
YELLOWS & WHITES
1. Clouded Yellow 4. Green-veined White
Colias croceus Pieris napi
57-62mm 40-52mm
A migrant to the UK from Generally this is the most
the Continent, this butterfly is common species of the whites
seen in low numbers in most to be seen in the countryside.
years, but occasionally it Unlike the two “cabbage whites”
arrives in very large numbers. above, the Green-veined White
It is most frequently seen feeds on wild crucifers and is
between May and September not a garden pest. The green
along the coast, but it cannot veins on the underside of the
survive the winter. wing distinguish this from other
3 3 4 white butterflies and moths,
2. Large White but they can fade with wear
Pieris brassicae and are less distinct in second
63-70mm generation butterflies. One of
This is our largest white the first butterflies of spring,
butterfly and a strong flier. it flies all summer.
The caterpillars feed on
brassicas such as Cabbage 5. Orange-tip
and Broccoli, and are therefore Anthocharis cardamines
disliked by gardeners. It is 45-50mm
distinguishable from the Small Males are unmistakable with
White by its larger size, darker their bright orange wing-tips,
black wing-tips extending but females have no orange
further down the wing edge, so could be confused with
and bolder spots. It can be Small or Green-veined Whites.
4 5 5 seen on the wing from June However, Orange-tips have
to September, when local more rounded wing tips and
populations are supplemented distinctive mottled green
by migrants from further undersides that can be seen
south and the Continent. faintly through the upperwing.
Their distinctive orange eggs
3. Small White can be found on the caterpillars’
Pieris rapae food plants - crucifers such as
38-57mm Cuckoo Flower, Garlic Mustard,
The caterpillars feed on Honesty and Dame’s Violet.
brassicas, but they cause less Flies mid-April to June.
damage than those of the
Large White. Easily confused
with the Green-veined White
which is similar in size, but the
‘UK Biodiversity Action Plan Species’ are those listed in the UK Biodiversity Action Plan upperside has dark tips to
(UK BAP). These are the most threatened species in the UK, and are either undergoing the forewings, and it lacks the
rapid declines, or have UK populations of European or international importance. What action green veins on the underside
is needed for each species and habitat is determined at a combination of UK, country, of the wing. It is one of the
regional and local levels. first butterflies to be seen in
spring and flies all summer.
Local Biodiversity Action Plans co-ordinate action to conserve wildlife at the local level.
Action on the ground cannot take place without the enthusiasm of local people, and often
depends on partnerships between communities, landowners, businesses, voluntary
and public organisations, and the Council. www.taysidebiodiversity.co.uk or
www.fifecoastandcountrysidetrust.com/biodiversity_1_2_25.html
6 7 8
HAIRSTREAKS AND BLUES
6. Green Hairstreak 9. Small Blue 11. Common Blue
Callophrys rubi Cupido minimus Polyommatus icarus
27-34mm 20-30mm 29-36mm
Despite the bright green UK Biodiversity Action Plan Species A widespread butterfly found
appearance of this small butterfly, The smallest butterfly in the UK, in a variety of grassy habitats
which sits with its wings closed, this dusky-coloured species almost anywhere its caterpillar's
it is often difficult to spot. It now occurs at just a few sites foodplant, Bird's-foot Trefoil,
prefers warm, sheltered sites along the Angus coast and at occurs. The beautiful and
near woodland or along the just one or two remaining inland brightly-coloured males are very
scrubby edges of moorland sites. It once occurred on the conspicuous, while the females
where its caterpillars feed on disused railway lines around are generally blue-brown with
Blaeberry (Bilberry), Gorse and Friockheim. It was recorded distinctive orange spots. It
8 9 9 heathers. The Green Hairstreak many years ago from usually has just one generation
flies from mid-April to June. Carlingnose but is now almost a year, the adults flying between
certainly extinct in Fife. The sole June and September.
7. Purple Hairstreak caterpillar foodplant is Kidney
Favonius (=Neozephyrus) quercus Vetch. The day-flying and 12. Holly Blue
37-39mm much more common Chimney Celastrina argiolus
A striking butterfly, but very Sweeper moth is rather similar, 30-35mm
difficult to see as it feeds on but the Small Blue has a white This species has been
honeydew in the canopy of border extending all around the recorded sporadically on
oak and other trees. The adult wing. Flies from mid-May to the Fife coast in recent years,
butterflies are best looked for late July. and now seems to be now
in late afternoon or early well-established across the
evening on warm days when 10. Northern Brown Argus Forth in Edinburgh. The
they can be seen by scanning Plebeius (= Aricia) artaxerxes records suggest it is moving
the tops of the oak trees with 26-35mm northwards, so one to look
10 10 11 binoculars. Occasionally they UK Biodiversity Action Plan Species out for! Check its silvery-blue
fly down to nectar on bramble When newly-emerged this small underwings for identification.
and other flowers. The butterfly has beautiful deep, Of the blue butterflies it is the
caterpillars feed only on Oak. velvety brown upper wings. It one most likely to be seen
Flies from late July to early could be confused with a female in gardens or parks, as it is
September. There are few Common Blue, which can occur not dependent on flower-rich
records from the area, probably in the same habitats, but the grasslands, like the Common
due to under-recording, but pattern on the undersides and and Small Blues. There are
records show it is present the white spot on each forewing two generations per year and
near Auchterarder and Perth. distinguish it. Adults fly from it is on the wing primarily in
early June to August. Colonies April/May and August. In early
8. Small Copper can be found by searching for spring the caterpillars feed
Lycaena phlaeas its conspicuous white eggs laid on Holly, while in the summer
32-35mm on the upper side of the leaves Ivy is the main foodplant.
This dainty butterfly is a of its sole food plant, Common
11 12 12 widespread species found in Rock-rose. It occurs widely in
a range of habitats, including Perthshire and Angus wherever
gardens. Its caterpillars feed on the food plant occurs, primarily
Common and Sheep's Sorrel. on steep, open sunny slopes
The spring and summer broods where there is plenty of bare
can overlap, so adults can be ground. It can also be found
seen from late April to late at one or two isolated sites
September, although they are along Fife’s south coast.
rarely abundant. The butterfly
can often be seen nectaring
on ragwort in the late summer.
13 13 14
VANESSIDS AND FRITILLARIES
13. Red Admiral 16. Peacock 19. Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary
Vanessa atalanta Aglais (=Inachis) io Boloria selene
67-72mm 63-69mm 41-44mm
This is a familiar and distinctive An unmistakable butterfly and UK Biodiversity Action Plan Species
garden butterfly that migrates to a regular garden visitor, the This species is very similar
the UK every year from southern Peacock has become a very in appearance to the Pearl-
Europe and North Africa. It can common butterfly in recent bordered Fritillary, but occurs in
breed in Scotland but rarely years. Often one of the first a much wider range of habitats,
survives our winters. The major butterflies to be seen in the including damp, flower-rich
influx starts in late May and is spring having overwintered as grassland, woodland clearings
reinforced until August, with an adult, its summer brood can and the edges of bogs and
adults being seen until November be seen from July to September, moorlands. The caterpillars
14 15 16 in good years. The caterpillars in much larger numbers. Its feed on Marsh and Dog Violets,
feed on Stinging Nettles. caterpillars feed on the young and the adults fly from late May
leaves of Stinging Nettles. to late August.
14. Painted Lady
Vanessa cardui 17. Comma 20. Dark Green Fritillary
64-70mm Polygonia c-album Argynnis aglaja
Another migrant, this species 55-60mm 63-69mm
is unable to over-winter in any An unmistakeable butterfly This is a large butterfly that
part of the UK and re-colonises with ragged wings, the feeds on Dog and Heath Violets
each year from mainland Europe Comma hibernates over winter as a caterpillar. It is widespread
and Africa, sometimes in and emerges in early spring, and is often found in flower-rich
spectacular numbers, as in producing a second generation habitats with patches of scrub,
2009. Painted Ladies can often from July to early October. The especially along the coast.
be seen congregating in areas caterpillars feed on Elm, Nettles It flies from June to August,
with thistles, which serve as and Hop. The Comma has at about the same time as the
17 18 18 both a foodplant for the rapidly spread northwards in Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary,
caterpillars and a nectar source recent years and is a distinctive but is a more powerful flier
for the adults. The peak of new addition to the butterfly and much larger. The green
immigration usually occurs in fauna of southern Scotland. background to the underside
June, and adults can be seen of its hind wing can be seen
until October or November. 18. Pearl-bordered Fritillary when the butterfly is at rest or
Boloria euphrosyne nectaring (see leaflet cover).
15. Small Tortoiseshell 41-47mm
Aglais urticae UK Biodiversity Action Plan Species
50-56mm This butterfly is one of the most
This well-known butterfly threatened in the UK, and in
can be seen in most months this region is only known from
of the year in almost any sites in Perthshire, primarily
habitat. The caterpillars feed around Rannoch and Tummel,
on Stinging Nettles growing in but with a few isolated colonies
19 19 20 sunny conditions, favouring near Aberfeldy, Dunkeld and
fresh young leaves. It over- Comrie. It occurs in dry, flower-
winters as an adult and is one rich habitats in woodland or
of the first butterflies to emerge plantation clearings, or in grassy
in the spring. In autumn adults areas, often with bracken. The
are regularly found in houses, best sites are usually south-
sheds and outbuildings seeking facing slopes with abundant
hibernation sites. It has been Dog Violets, upon which the
much less common in recent caterpillars feed. The adults fly
years, the reasons for which from early May to mid-June.
are being researched.
PERTH & KINROSS FIFE
1 Trinafour/Errochty 5 Auchtermuchty Common
A fascinating area of upland limestone pavement and A valuable remnant of species-rich grassland,
limestone grassland that grades into species-rich acid managed by the local community with the help of the
grassland, heath and bog as you head north and west. Fife Coast and Countryside Trust. As well as supporting
The limestone areas support Northern Brown Argus and Grey Partridge, Skylark and Yellowhammer, the Common
Dark Green Fritillary, while towards Dubh Lochan you can is home to several species of butterfly including Small
see Mountain Ringlet and Large Heath. Parking is along Pearl-bordered and Dark Green Fritillaries, Common Blue
the roadside at NN725 656, on the section of General and Small Heath. The Green Hairstreak was recorded
Wade’s Military Road that links the A9 to Trinafour. here for the first time in 2010. Day-flying moths include
Six-spot Burnet and Chimney Sweeper. Car park and
2 Tummel, Rannoch and the Tay Forest Park information board at NO236 134, but it is a pleasant
Stunning scenery and wonderful wildlife make this area walk from Auchtermuchty.
worth a visit at any time of year. Limestone influenced www.fifecoastandcountrysidetrust.co.uk
habitats merge with acid ones and bog to support good
colonies of Pearl, Small Pearl-bordered and Dark Green 6 Cullaloe Local Nature Reserve
Fritillaries, Northern Brown Argus and, in late summer, Cullaloe LNR contains the former reservoir for
abundant Scotch Argus. The best areas to search are Burntisland, which has long since been drained.
the northern sides of Lochs Rannoch and Tummel, The reserve now has a variety of habitats including a
along the B8019. Excellent FC visitor centre at small loch, willow scrub and grassland, and supports
Queen’s View, NN863 597. Buses from Pitlochry. rare plants, woodland birds and wildfowl. Butterflies
www.perthshirebigtreecountry.co.uk include Orange-tip, Small Copper, Common Blue and
Ringlet. Six-spot Burnet moths are common and a
3 Schiehallion Lunar Hornet Moth was seen on the reserve in 2010.
One of Scotland’s most recognisable mountains, The car park is at NT186 871, down a narrow road
Schiehallion supports a rich variety of upland habitats. by Cullaloe Cottage off the B9157. Most of the site
Moorland on the lower slopes is interspersed with bracken, is wheelchair-accessible.
bog, base-rich flushes and limestone pavement. At higher www.swt-fife.org.uk
altitudes are species-rich acid grassland and Blaeberry www.fifecoastandcountrysidetrust.co.uk
heath, while the summit is quartzite with much bare rock.
Mountain Ringlet occurs on the acid grassland between 7 Kincraig Point
500 and 800m, while lower down you may see Small Kincraig Point is a promontory with sea cliffs between
Pearl-bordered and Dark Green Fritillaries. Car park and Shell Bay and Earlsferry near Elie. The species-rich
well-marked path at the Braes of Foss (NN753 557), about grassland supports a wide variety plant species, plus
8km (5 miles) from Tummel Bridge. Buses from Pitlochry. a good colony of Northern Brown Argus as well as
www.jmt.org Dark Green Fritillary, Common Blue and Small Heath.
Day-flying moths include Six-spot Burnet, Latticed
4 Ben Lawers National Nature Reserve Heath and Cinnabar. There is car parking at NO469 004,
Ben Lawers has the most celebrated mountain flora in alternatively walk the coastal path from Earlsferry taking
East Schiehallion Ben Lawers Tentsmuir
Britain. Several plants are relict and isolated arctic and care when passing the golf course.
alpine species and a few are found only here in the UK. www.fifecoastalpath.co.uk
Restoration programmes are enhancing montane scrub, DUNDEE
woodland, and the species-rich grassland to be found 8 Tentsmuir Point National Nature Reserve 9 Grassy Beach 11 Barry Buddon/Barry Links
along the nature trail where grazing has been excluded. Tentsmuir possesses a range of coastal habitats ‘Grassy Beach’ is one of the last remaining sections This dune system is a Ministry of Defence site, not
The Mountain Ringlet is abundant at Ben Lawers between stretching from the beach, through the fore dunes of original coastal grassland left in the Dundee area, accessible when live firing is taking place. It exhibits
about 300 and 850m, and can be seen (in warm sunshine!) and slacks to dune grassland and older dune heath, and can be followed via a pleasant 1.6 km (1 mile) path a fine succession of habitats, from foredunes to dune
above the nature trail. It is also present in good numbers backed by the more recent Forestry Commission (FC) along the estuarine river front, from the Stannergate grassland, heath and scrub. There are at least 16 species
on the slopes above the Loch na Lairige Reservoir with plantation. The dune slacks particularly are rich in plant (NO438 310) at the eastern end of the port area, to the of butterfly including Small Blue, Dark Green Fritillary
their numerous flushes and species-rich flora. Ben Lawers species. The site is also famous for its wading birds edge of Broughty Ferry at Douglas Terrace (NO454 311). and Grayling. Moths include Cinnabar and Six-spot
is 9km (6 miles) north east of Killin on the north shore of and seals, and the pine plantation has a good Red Species include Common Blue and Six-spot Burnet. Burnet. Access to the site can be via Monifieth (NO503
Loch Tay. There is a car park at NN608 378, 3km (2 miles) Squirrel population. The reserve is one of the region’s www.dundeecity.gov.uk 324), Barry (NO541 336), or Carnoustie (NO562 340),
up the hill road that leads off the A827 to Glen Lyon, best butterfly sites, home to Small Pearl-bordered and both easily reached by publioc transport.
with more parking by the dam. Dark Green Fritillaries, Small Copper, Common Blue, ANGUS www.mod.uk
www.nts.org Green Hairstreak and Grayling. Day-flying moths are 10 Sidlaw Hills
www.nnr-scotland.org.uk well-represented, with Cinnabar and Six-spot Burnet. The Auchterhouse and Craigowl Hills overlooking 12 Coastal path, Arbroath to Montrose
Car park, information panels and trails, toilets and a Dundee have a range of habitats including species-rich A stretch of cliffs with a narrow strip of coastal grassland,
picnic area are located at Kinshaldy (NO498 242) where grassland, wet grassland, deciduous woodland, conifer running north from Arbroath to Auchmithie and beyond to
entry is via a toll barrier. Access to the NNR is by foot plantation and moorland. Butterflies present include Montrose. Rich in colourful plants, with some rarities such
or bicycle through about 3km (1½ miles) of forest track. Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary and Northern Brown as Nottingham Catchfly and Maiden Pink. A good range
Alternatively, walk along the foreshore from Tayport Argus. Access is via the Balkello Community Woodland of butterflies can be seen e.g. Small Blue, Grayling and
2km (1½ miles) to reach Tentsmuir Point. For more info car park on the Kirkton of Auchterhouse to Newlandhead Dark Green Fritillary. The coastal path is easily accessible
contact SNH on 01382 553704 or FC on 01350 727284 road (NO365 383). Buses run from Dundee city centre. from the car park at Arbroath (NO658 412). The section
www.tentsmuir.org www.walkscotland.com at Seaton is managed by Scottish Wildlife Trust.
www.swt.org.uk
21 21 22
BROWNS
21. Speckled Wood 23. Scotch Argus 25. Grayling
Pararge aegeria Erebia aethiops Hipparchia semele
47-50mm 35-40mm 55-60mm
Early naturalists recorded this The Scotch Argus breeds UK Biodiversity Action Plan Species
woodland butterfly as a Tayside in tall, damp grassland, and The Grayling needs warm,
resident but for some reason it open, wet woodland, where the sunny sites with bare ground
disappeared in the early 20th caterpillars feed on a variety of and fine-leaved grasses, upon
century. It has however, recently grasses. In sunshine the adult which the caterpillars feed. Its
made a welcome return and butterflies can be very active, natural habitats include coastal
can be seen in the Kenmore but cloudy weather can cause and inland cliffs (e.g. Kinnoull
area. (It is more common to the them to stop flying completely. Hill), dunes and heaths, but in
north around the Moray Firth It is the last butterfly of the the past it has colonised many
22 23 23 and to the west in Argyll). Males season to emerge, flying from ‘brownfield’ sites, such as old
are often seen perched in sunlit late July until early September, quarries and railway lines. Many
spots ready to defend their and can be very abundant. of these sites have now been
territory or intercept females, Lowland Tayside and Fife seem lost as they are developed or
which are on the wing, as to be too dry, sunny and warm scrub over. The adult butterflies
several broods, from late April for it, and the only records can be hard to see at rest due
to late October. The caterpillars for the region outside of the to their superb camouflage,
feed on various grasses. Cairngorms National Park are and are on the wing from late
in Perthshire from Glen Lyon June to early September.
22. Wall Brown north to Rannoch and as far
Lasiommata megera east as Pitlochry. 26. Meadow Brown
44-46mm Maniola jurtina
UK Biodiversity Action Plan Species 24. Mountain Ringlet 50-55mm
The Wall Brown is steadily Erebia epiphron The Meadow Brown can be
moving north, presumably due 28-36mm seen in a variety of flower-rich
24 24 25 to climate change, and is now in Our only true montane butterfly, grassland habitats, often in
East Lothian, although has not this species is usually found large numbers. The caterpillars
yet been reported in Fife or above 350m and is associated feed on a variety of grasses.
Tayside. Strangely, at the same with species-rich grassland, Males tend to be darker than
time this species has undergone often with flushes. It only flies females, but the amount of
a massive decline over most of in bright sunshine, but can be orange on both is variable. A
England - we do not know why. disturbed while at rest in quite strong flier, it is on the wing from
However it may appear in the dull weather. The Breadalbane late June to early September.
region soon, and the best place Mountains are one of the UK
to look for it is along the coast, strongholds for the butterfly, and 27. Small Heath
as it requires warm grasslands it is abundant and easy to see Coenonympha pamphilus
with patches of bare ground. at Ben Lawers. It is also found 34-38mm
It is on the wing in May and on Schiehallion, and at relatively UK Biodiversity Action Plan Species
June, and again, in greater low altitude near Trinafour. It is An inconspicuous butterfly
numbers, in August and early similar to the Scotch Argus, that tends to fly only in bright
26 26 27 September. The caterpillars but is smaller and does not conditions, and always keeps its
feed on a variety of grasses. have white eyespots. The flight wings closed at rest. It occurs
periods of the two species mostly on grasslands where the
overlap as the Mountain Ringlet sward is short and where there
is on the wing from mid-June are fine-leaved grasses upon
to mid-August. which the caterpillar feeds.
Although widespread in Scotland,
it has undergone substantial
declines in other parts of the UK.
It has one generation per year,
the adults being on the wing
from mid-May to early August.
28 29 29
BROWNS (continued) DAY-FLYING MOTHS
28. Large Heath The day-flying moths shown are sometimes mistaken
Coenonympha tullia for butterflies. There are probably several hundred
35-40mm species of moth that could be seen in the region,
UK Biodiversity Action Plan Species but most only fly at night.
The Large Heath is restricted
to wet, peaty habitats (e.g. 30. Six-spot Burnet 32. Chimney Sweeper
lowland raised bogs) where Zygaena filipendulae Odezia atrata
Hare's-tail Cottongrass, its main 25-40mm 24-30mm
foodplant, grows. It always rests The striking red and black This little moth is sometimes
with its wings closed, but can colour of the adults mean mistaken for the Small Blue
be distinguished from the Small ‘predators beware’ because butterfly. The Chimney Sweeper
Heath by its duller colour and the moth is packed with a is entirely black, apart for the
30 30 31 larger size. The Large Heath chemical defence in the form white edges of its wing tips.
is very rare over much of this of cyanide! The caterpillars The adults are on the wing
region, but becomes more are also poisonous and they between June and early
common to the north and west are thought to derive these August. The caterpillars feed
in Highland Perthshire, e.g. chemicals from their foodplant, on the flowers and seeds of
Trinafour and Ben Lawers. It Common Bird’s-foot Trefoil. Pignut, and the moth can
can have prominent spots on It flies from late June to be found in open woodlands
the hindwing, but they are not August in sunny, grassy places, and flower-rich grasslands.
always present. It is on the wing especially along the coast.
from mid-June to mid-August. 33. Mother Shipton
31. Cinnabar Callistege mi
29. Ringlet Tyria jacobaeae 26-32mm
Aphantopus hyperantus 34-46mm This moth gets its strange
48-52mm The adult Cinnabar has name from the wing pattern
The Ringlet has a very dark, similar coloration to the which is reputed to resemble
31 32 32 velvety appearance and a white unrelated Six-spot Burnet, an old witch. The caterpillars
‘fringe’ to its wings when newly and is also poisonous to birds. feed on grasses. The adults
emerged. The ‘ringlets’ on the In this case the poison, again are on the wing from early
under-wings vary in number obtained by the caterpillars, May through to early July,
and size and can be virtually comes from their foodplant, and found in sunny habitats
absent. It favours tall, damp Common Ragwort. The with flowery grasslands.
grassland, where the caterpillars Cinnabar occurs in dry, grassy
feed on a variety of grasses, habitats, especially in coastal 34. Latticed Heath
and has colonised much of the areas. The adults fly in June Chiasmia clathrata
region in recent years. It flies, and July and can overlap 22-30mm
even in dull conditions, from with the conspicuous yellow This moth rests like a butterfly,
late June to August, and can and black caterpillars, which with its wings partly raised
be very common. feed during July and August. and the fine network of dark
lines and veins on its wings is
striking. It can be very active
33 34 34 This information has been provided in good faith from a variety in sunshine and is found in
of sources, and Butterfly Conservation Scotland cannot be grassy places, both at the
responsible for errors. For information on public transport go to coast and inland, especially
www.travelinescotland.com where its foodplants - clovers,
lucerne and trefoils - grow.
Be aware of ticks! All visitors to the countryside should check for It flies during June, July
ticks afterwards, carefully removing them as soon as possible. and early August.
www.lymediseaseaction.org.uk
‘Know the Code before you go’ For information on access rights
and responsibilities go to www.outdooraccess-scotland.com
Flight Periods Get involved! What?
There is still much to find out about Butterfly recording comprises monitoring and
BUTTERFLIES Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec surveying. Monitoring is used to collect information
Clouded Yellow how butterfly and moth populations about changes to individual populations or sites over
Large White are changing and everyone can time, normally annually. Surveying is concerned with
collecting records from a number of different sites to
Small White help - we really do need your try and gain a true picture of butterfly distributions.
Green-veined White
butterfly and moth sightings.
Orange-tip To send us a record you need to provide the
Green Hairstreak Why? following information; species name, how many
Purple Hairstreak Recording is the foundation upon which wildlife you saw, location name, grid reference from an
Small Copper conservation is based. It helps us to identify Ordnance Survey map, date, and your contact
Small Blue population trends, identify important sites, and can details. Records should be sent to your local
assess the effectiveness of habitat management. volunteer butterfly or moth recorder (see below)
Northern Brown Argus
Butterflies and moths can be quick to respond who verifies and collates them and then sends
Common Blue to changes to their environment. They therefore them to a national database, where they will be
Holly Blue make excellent indicator species, reacting to analysed. One day your records could appear
Red Admiral new habitat management or the effects of climate as dots on distribution maps.
Painted Lady change. You can record them in your garden or
Small Tortoiseshell venture to parts of the countryside you would Butterfly records:
Peacock otherwise not visit. Above all though, it is easy, Duncan Davidson, 140 Pitcorthie Drive,
great fun, and very rewarding! Dunfermline, KY11 8BJ
Comma
duncan@dwwd.freeserve.co.uk
Pearl-bordered Fritillary When? (or Fife Nature Records Centre)
Small Pearl-b'd Fritillary Choose warm, sunny days to look for butterflies
Dark Green Fritillary and moths, when they are most active. Always Moth records:
Speckled Wood take a map. Many paths are uneven so wear Angus & Dundee: David Lampard,
Wall Brown footwear with good ankle support and for longer 51 Johnston Avenue, Dundee DD3 8HA
walks take warm, waterproof clothing as weather dlampard@clara.co.uk
Scotch Argus
conditions can change quickly. A mobile phone,
Mountain Ringlet
sun hat, snack and drink are good safety Fife: Duncan Davidson, 140 Pitcorthie Drive,
Grayling precautions. Let someone know where you Dunfermline, KY11 8BJ
Meadow Brown have gone and what time you expect to be duncan@dwwd.freeserve.co.uk
Small Heath back. Remember to take a notebook and pen
Large Heath too, to record your sightings. Binoculars and Mid Perthshire: Dr John Thorpe (acting recorder)
Ringlet a butterfly net can also be useful. Pipers Croft, Killiecrankie, Perthshire, PH16 5LW
johnethorpe@btinternet.com
DAY-FLYING MOTHS Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Where?
Six-spot Burnet Most butterflies prefer sheltered sunny locations Want to know more?
Cinnabar with plenty of nectar. Several are specialists and The following books are recommended:
Chimney Sweeper are restricted to a particular habitat. Other species Britain’s Butterflies (2010) 2nd edition.
Mother Shipton are very mobile, such as Red Admiral and Painted Newland & Still. Wildguides.
Latticed Heath Lady, and can be seen almost anywhere. Your ISBN No. 978-1-903657-30-0
local park will almost certainly have a variety of Guide to Butterflies of Britain and Ireland (2007)
Please note flight periods will vary depending on the weather. butterflies, such as Peacock, Orange-tip, and Thomas. Excellent pocket guide. Philip’s.
Large, Small and Green-veined White, especially ISBN No. 13 978-0-540-08980-2
if there are areas that have developed naturally, The State of Butterflies in Britain and Ireland
or the local Council has sown an area with native Fox et al (2006). Distribution maps and species
flowers and grasses. Moths will probably not be so accounts. Pisces. ISBN No. 1-874357-31-5
obvious, but why not learn about them at events Concise Guide to the Moths of Great Britain
run by the local Butterfly Conservation Branch? and Ireland (2007) Townsend & Waring. British
www.eastscotland-butterflies.org.uk Wildlife Publishing. ISBN 978-0-9531399-6-5.
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