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Medium-sized butterfly, with black and white checked wings.
The Marbled White is a distinctive and attractive black and white butterfly, unlikely to be mistaken for any other species. In July it flies in areas of unimproved grassland and can occur in large numbers on southern downland. It shows a marked preference for purple flowers such as Wild Marjoram, Field Scabious, thistles, and knapweeds. Adults may be found roosting halfway down tall grass stems.
Found in flowery grassland but may stray into gardens. This species is widespread in southern Britain and has expanded northwards and eastwards over the last twenty years, despite some losses within its range.
Size and Family
Family – Browns
Medium Sized
Wing Span Range (male to female) - 53-58mm
Conservation status
UK BAP status: Not listed
Butterfly Conservation priority: Low
European status: Not threatened
Caterpillar Foodplants
Red Fescue (Festuca rubra) is thought to be essential in the diet of larvae but Sheep's-fescue (F. ovina), Yorkshire-fog (Holcus lanatus), and Tor-grass (Brachypodium pinnatum) are also eaten. It is thought that several other grasses may be used, but the full range is not known.
Distribution
Countries – England, and Wales
Southern and central England, north to Yorkshire, and South Wales
Distribution Trend Since 1970’s = +11%.
Habitat
Unimproved grassland with tall sward. The strongest populations are found on chalk or limestone grasslands but other habitats such as; woodland rides and clearings, coastal grassland, road verges and railway embankments are also used.
