
Cryptic Wood White
Rare in south England and the Burren region of western Ireland, this small butterfly with a slow flight is usually encountered in sheltered situations, such as woodland glades or scrub.
The upper wings are white with rounded edges. Males have a black mark on the edge of the forewing. The undersides are white, with indistinct grey markings.
Males fly almost continuously throughout the day in fine weather, patrolling to find a mate. Females spend much of their time feeding on flowers and resting.
In the characteristic courtship display, the male lands opposite the female and waves his head and antennae backwards and forwards with his proboscis extended.
Various legumes are used, commonly Meadow Vetchling (Lathyrus pratensis), Bitter-vetch (L. linifolius), Tufted Vetch (Vicia cracca), Common Bird’s-foot-trefoil (Lotus corniculatus) and Greater Bird’s-foot-trefoil (L. pedunculatus). (Note that some vetches are not used, notably Bush Vetch, V. sepium, and Common Vetch, V. sativa).
The Wood White breeds in tall grassland or light scrub, in partially shaded or edge habitats. In Britain, most colonies breed in woodland rides and clearings, though a few large colonies occur on coastal undercliffs. A few smaller colonies occur on disused railway lines and around rough, overgrown field edges (for example in north Devon).
In Ireland, more open habitats are used, often far from woodland, including rough grassland with scrub, road verges, hedges, and disused railway lines.
Wood White (underwing) - Bob Eade
Bob Eade
Wood White (underwing) - Bob Eade
Bob Eade
Wood White (underwing) - Bob Eade
Bob Eade
Wood White (underwing) - Mike McKenzie
Mike McKenzie
Wood White (underwing) - Patrick Clement
Patrick Clement
Wood White (underwing) - Bob Eade
Bob Eade
Wood White (underwing) - Bob Eade
Bob Eade
Wood White (courtship) - Peter Eeles
Peter Eeles
Wood White (male & female) - Bob Eade
Wood White (male & female) - Bob Eade
Wood White (egg) - Peter Eeles
Peter Eeles
Wood White (caterpillar) - Peter Eeles
Peter Eeles
Wood White (pupa) - Peter Eeles
Peter Eeles