Insects - Butterflies

Small Tortoiseshell

Familiar in gardens and feeds on stinging nettles as a caterpillar. It overwinters as an adult and is one of the first butterflies to emerge in the spring. Flies until late autumn.

Orange Tip

Males are unmistakable with their bright orange wingtips. Caterpillars feed on wild crucifers such as Cuckoo Flower and Garlic Mustard. Flies mid April to early June.

Green Veined White

The most common of the whites in Glenlivet. The caterpillars feed on wild crucifers. Flies April to June and July to September.

Small Copper

A widespread species which can be found in a range of habitats. Its caterpillars feed on common and sheeps sorrel. Flies from May to June and August to September.

Common Blue

Found anywhere that it's caterpillars foodplant, birds foot trefoil occurs. Flies between June and September.

Peacock

A regular garden visitor which feeds on nettles as a caterpillar. One of the first butterflies to be seen in spring having overwintered as an adult. Can be seen from July to September in larger numbers.

Northern Brown Argus

Easily identified by the gleaming white spot on each forewing. Caterpillars feed on rock rose found at Craig Hulkie quarry. Flies from late June to August.

Painted Lady

A migrant species which is unable to overwinter in Glenlivet. Can often be seen congregating near thistles which serve as a food plant for the caterpillars. Flies from June to October.

Red Admiral

Migrates from mainland Europe each year. It can breed in Glenlivet where the caterpillars feed on stinging nettles, although it does not survive the winter. Flies from May to November.

Small Pearl Bordered Fritillary

Found in damp grassy places. The caterpillars feed on the Marsh Violet. Flies from early June to late July.

Small Heath

A bright but inconspicuous butterfly that flies only on sunny days. It occurs on grasslands in dry places where there are fescues and bents upon which the caterpillar feeds. Flies from mid June to mid August.

Meadow Brown

Seen in grassy places flying even in dull weather when many other butterflies are inactive. The caterpillar feeds on a variety of grasses. Flies from late June to early September.

Scotch Argus

Widespread in Glenlivet and can be found up to 500m. Breeds in tall damp grassland where the caterpillars feed on a variety of grasses. Flies from late July to early September

Ringlet

Favours tall, damp grassland where it's caterpillars feed on coarse grasses. Flies even in dull conditions July - August

Dark Green Fritillary

Found in flower rich places with patches of scrub. The caterpillar feeds on violets. Flies during July and August.

Large White

Our largest white butterfly. Caterpillars feed on cultivated brassicas. Flies from April to September.

Small White

One of the first butterflies to be seen. The caterpillars feed on cultivated brassicas. Flies all summer.