The English population has two generations, with adults at large in April and May, and again in August and September. In Scotland the species is single-brooded, flying from June to July.
The caterpillars feed on poplar (Populus), especially aspen (P. tremula) as well as sallow (Salix).
Woodland
Not found in the UK.
Until recently, and as its name suggests, this butterfly was confined to southern and especially south-eastern Europe, but it is now spreading rapidly in a north-westerly direction, at the rate over 100 km per year. It was first found north of the Alps in France and in Germany in 2008 and has since gradually extended its range and was first sighted in the southern Netherlands in 2015. In 2019 it was reliably recorded near Calais in France. So there is only the matter of the 22 miles of English Channel to cross before it arrives on our shores!
Extinct from the UK. The Black-veined White was first listed as a British species in 1667 but this large butterfly became extinct in the British Isles around 1925 with its last remaining stronghold in the south-east of England.
It was always considered a rarity in the British Isles but on the continent, it is often very common.
The female is known to rub her wings together and loses many of her scales by doing so, resulting in an almost-transparent look when compared with the white wings of the male. The reason behind this unusual behaviour is not known.
Not found in the UK.
Caterpillars feed on leaves of the Nettle-tree (Celtis australis)
Open light woodland but also shrubs and even urban places
Not found in the UK. Adults fly in a single brood from late May through to August. Winter is spent as an egg or young caterpillar.
Caterpillars feed on Bramble.
Not found in the UK. This striking butterfly exhibits seasonal dimorphism, having two forms, levana and prorsa that represent the spring and summer broods. levana individuals are primarily orange in colour, giving them the appearance of a small fritillary, whereas prorsa individuals look more like a small White Admiral.
An unmistakable and attractive moth whose English name comes from the heart-shaped markings in the central part of the forewings. The scientific names refer to the two circular markings next to the ‘heart’ on the forewings, Dicycla meaning ‘two-circle’, and oo literally meaning ‘double O’.
The Feathered Thorn is unlike any other moth likely to be flying very late in the year. The rich reddish-brown adults rest with wings flat and have a slightly hooked tip ti the forewing, males have broadly feathered antennae.
Can occasionally be found below trees and bushes or low on trunks, the male is often seen on the wing after dark and comes to light, often in numbers, usually several hours after dusk. Females are seen less frequently.
The Rosy Underwing is superficially similar to the native Red Underwing but is slightly smaller and paler looking. Comes to sugar and sometimes to light.
No evidence of breeding in the British Isles but in Europe, the caterpillars can be found between May and June.
There are less than two dozen records from the UK with the first from Shoreham, Sussex in 1875. First recorded on the Channel Islands in 2002 where it is now thought to be resident.
Flies from July to September in one generation, immigrants to the UK can be seen from August.
A rather long-winged species, the Black Rustic is a distinctive moth that is common in the south with a scattered distribution in the north.
Adults come to light and sugar but can also be seen feeding on the flowers of Ivy and even overripe Blackberries.
Caterpillars can be found between October and May, overwintering as small larvae and feeding at night, hiding low down by day. Pupates underground.
Flies in one generation from September to October, slightly earlier in the north.
