Blog
Common UK butterfly identification and facts
Amy Lewis • 22 Jul 2019
Butterflies
Butterflies are some of the most thrilling and colourful woodland animals. But with a 55% decrease between 1999 and 2015, protecting and increasing their woodland habitats is more important than ever.
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Trees woods and wildlife
Brimstone
A common master of disguise, the brimstone blends perfectly into the alder leaves it lays its eggs on. Spot them in early spring when they emerge from hibernation.
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Trees woods and wildlife
Comma
Tough, charming, rough around the edges. The comma is one of the few butterflies that is becoming more widespread, likely due to global warming.
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Trees woods and wildlife
Gatekeeper
Named for its rigorous patrol of hedges and woodland rides, the gatekeeper butterfly is a prime pollinator. Look for them sipping nectar on sunny days in the summer.
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Trees woods and wildlife
Green hairstreak
The only green butterfly in the UK, this small but spectacular species can be seen fluttering through woodland clearings during the spring months.
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Trees woods and wildlife
Holly blue
A delicate holly-lover with some unsavoury tastes. Find the holly blue on its foodplant in woodland, or feeding on juices from rotting fruit or carrion.
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Trees woods and wildlife
Orange-tip
Subtle, delicate and well-disguised – that is until the male flashes a splash of bright orange. Orange-tips are a butterfly of grassland and woodland edges.
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Trees woods and wildlife
Peacock
Big. Bold. Beautiful. This stunning showstopper is instantly recognisable, with its captivating azure ‘eyes’ and orange-brown wings. Widespread and common throughout the UK, it is one of our most-loved butterflies.
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Trees woods and wildlife
Purple emperor
Despite its exotic appearance, the purple emperor is as typical of UK woodland as the mighty oak. It’s elusive and beautiful, but has quite the unsavoury appetite.
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Trees woods and wildlife
Purple hairstreak
Small yet stunning, the purple hairstreak is rarely seen as it spends much of its time fluttering high up in the tree canopy. Reliant on oak woodland, this little butterfly is never far from oak trees.
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Trees woods and wildlife
Ringlet
With chocolate brown velvety wings and a delicate trim, the ringlet is an understated yet attractive butterfly. Look out for its trademark bobbing flight as it travels through woodland glades.
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Trees woods and wildlife
Silver-washed fritillary
These flashy butterflies are strong fliers with a flair for the dramatic. Spot the silver-washed fritillary charging through the air along woodland rides in search of a mate, or the caterpillars munching on their favourite flowers: violets.
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Trees woods and wildlife
Speckled wood
Understated yet headstrong, the speckled wood spends its time basking in sun-dappled woodland and fiercely patrolling its patch.
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Trees woods and wildlife
White admiral
Found exclusively in woodland, the white admiral is a stunning butterfly with a delicate gliding flight. Unlike its sun-loving peers, this black and white beauty prefers shady spots to relax in.
Keep exploring
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Journal
Wood Wise – woodland management for sun-loving butterflies
PDF (1.55 MB)
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British caterpillars: how to identify 10 common species
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11 types of day-flying moth in the UK: an identification guide
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Endangered wildlife appeal
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