Clouded Yellow (Colias croceus)
Ballard Down, Dorset
Clouded Yellows are not (as yet) resident in Britain, although with a warming climate they may end up gaining a foothold in the far south.
Every summer this butterfly arrives as occasional migrants or strays and it can be seen almost anywhere in hot summers. The most reliable areas to find it are along the south coast, where it is seen every year.
The Clouded Yellow is very striking in flight, when its bright yellow wings with black tips can be seen. When at rest, it always keeps its wings closed and the much paler undersides are all the can be seen.
Every summer this butterfly arrives as occasional migrants or strays and it can be seen almost anywhere in hot summers. The most reliable areas to find it are along the south coast, where it is seen every year.
The Clouded Yellow is very striking in flight, when its bright yellow wings with black tips can be seen. When at rest, it always keeps its wings closed and the much paler undersides are all the can be seen.
Brimstone (Gonepteryx rhamni)
Arnside Knott NR, Cumbria
Fontmell Down NR, Dorset
Martin Down NNR, Dorset
One of the first butterflies to emerge in spring, the Brimstone is a large, handsome species and considered by many to be the origin of the word 'butterfly', with its pale yellow wings. It is a species of woodland and scrub and can be approached closely when at rest.
The Brimstone is along-lived species and hibernates as an adult over winter. It is unusual among British species in that it can be seen on the wing in any month of the year, depending on temperature.
The Brimstone is along-lived species and hibernates as an adult over winter. It is unusual among British species in that it can be seen on the wing in any month of the year, depending on temperature.
Large White (Pieris brassicae)
female, Crockford Stream, New Forest, Hampshire
One of three species commonly called Cabbage Whites' by gardeners, the Large White is a common species across much of Britain. Despite its name, it is only a little larger than other white species in our country.
The best distinguishing features are the prominent and extensive black tips to the forewings.
The best distinguishing features are the prominent and extensive black tips to the forewings.
Small White (Pieris rapae)
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Green-veined White (Pieris napi)
Cronkley Fell, Teesdale
Askham Bog NR, North Yorkshire
Perhaps our most handsome white butterfly, the Green-Veined White is named for the very distinctive pattern on the underwings. A good view of this will allow easy identification.
This butterfly is the most widespread of our Pieris species, occurring in damp pastures and woodland margins. Adults emerge in mid-April, with a second generation on the wi
This butterfly is the most widespread of our Pieris species, occurring in damp pastures and woodland margins. Adults emerge in mid-April, with a second generation on the wi
Orange-Tip (Anthocharis cardamines)
Coombs Dale SSSI, Derbyshire
Gordon Moss SSSI, Scottish Borders
female, Coombes Valley RSPB Reserve, Staffordshire
For me, the first sight of this species is a sure sign that summer is well and truly on its way and the chilly days of early spring have gone.
The Orange-tip is one of our most distinctive butterflies, emerging in the warm sunshine of April. Only males have orange on their wings - females have black wing tips, but both have the distinctive green and white blotched underwing pattern.
The Orange-tip is one of our most distinctive butterflies, emerging in the warm sunshine of April. Only males have orange on their wings - females have black wing tips, but both have the distinctive green and white blotched underwing pattern.
Wood White (Leptidea sinapis)
Powerstock Common NR, Dorset
Our rarest white butterfly has in recent years become something of a conservation success story, with targeted habitat management allowing it to make a comeback from what was a catastrophic decline in the late 20th century.
The Wood White is a delicate species, with a distinctive weak, fluttering flight. It has subtle grey markings, which allow easy identification.
The classic sites for the rare butterfly are southern England and the south Midlands, where it inhabits woodland rides and clearings.
The Wood White emerges in early May and can be seen until early July.
The Wood White is a delicate species, with a distinctive weak, fluttering flight. It has subtle grey markings, which allow easy identification.
The classic sites for the rare butterfly are southern England and the south Midlands, where it inhabits woodland rides and clearings.
The Wood White emerges in early May and can be seen until early July.