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introduction

the four features

wildflowers

grasses

the hedgerow

the pond

the all-in-one garden

conclusions

The Butterflies

And now, having established your wildlife-friendly garden, you can await the arrival of the butterflies.  Of the 59 species of British butterflies 22 are recorded as being residents of London.
They are:

 

Small Skipper

Small Skipper
Favoured nectar plants:
Lavender, Marjoram, Red Valerian,
Hebe
Larval food plants:
Yorkshire Fog, False Brome

Essex Skipper

Essex Skipper
Favoured nectar plants:
Bramble
Larval food plants:
Cock's Foot

Large Skipper

Large Skipper
Favoured nectar plants:
Bramble
Larval food plants:
Cock's Foot, False Brome

Clouded Yellow

Clouded Yellow
Favoured nectar plants:
Verbena
Larval food plants:
Bird's Foot Trefoil

Brimstone

Brimstone
Favoured nectar plants:
Aubretia, Buddleia, Lavender
Larval food plants:
Buckthorn, Alder Buckthorne

Large White

Large White
Favoured nectar plants:
Aubretia, Buddleia, Candytuft
Larval food plants:
Nasturtium

Small White

Small White
Favoured nectar plants:
Aubretia, Buddleia, Lavender
Larval food plants:
Nasturtium

Green-veined White

Green-veined White
Favoured nectar plants:
Aubretia, Buddleia, Lavender
Larval food plants:
Lady's Smock, Sweet Rocket

Orange Tip

Orange Tip
Favoured nectar plants:
Aubretia, Bugle, Honesty
Larval food plants:
Lady's Smock, Sweet Rocket

Small Copper

Small Copper
Favoured nectar plants:
Lavender, Aster, Marjoram
Larval food plants:
Common & Sheep's Sorrel

Common Blue

Common Blue
Favoured nectar plants:
Buddleia, Lavender, Marjoram
Larval food plants:
Bird's Foot Trefoil

Holly Blue

Holly Blue
Favoured nectar plants:
Bramble, Holly, Ivy
Larval food plants:
Holly Flower Buds (Spring)
Ivy Flower Buds (Autumn brood)

Red Admiral

Red Admiral
Favoured nectar plants:
Aubretia, Buddleia, Thistle, Ivy
Larval food plants:
Stinging Nettles

Painted Lady

Painted Lady
Favoured nectar plants:
Aubretia, Buddleia, Hebe
Larval food plants:
Stinging Nettles

Small Tortoiseshell

Small Tortoiseshell
Favoured nectar plants:
Aubretia, Buddleia, Candytuft
Larval food plants:
Stinging Nettles

Peacock

Peacock
Favoured nectar plants:
Buddleia, Thistle
Larval food plants:
Stinging Nettles

Comma

Comma
Favoured nectar plants:
Bramble, Buddleia, Sedum
Larval food plants:
Stinging Nettles

Gatekeeper

Gatekeeper
Favoured nectar plants:
Bramble, Buddleia, Candytuft
Larval food plants:
False Brome, Cock's Foot

Speckled Wood

Speckled Wood
Favoured nectar plants:
Buddleia, Marjoram
Larval food plants:
False Brome, Cock's Foot

Meadow Brown

Meadow Brown
Favoured nectar plants:
Bramble, Buddleia, Lavender
Larval food plants:
False Brome, Cock's Foot

Small Heath

Small Heath
Favoured nectar plants:
Buddleia, Lavender
Larval food plants:
False Brome, Cock's Foot

Wall Brown

Wall Brown
Favoured nectar plants:
Buddleia, Lavender, Red Valerian
Larval food plants:
False Brome, Cock's Foot

 

The Butterfly Life Cycle

The Life Cycle of the Swallowtail

Life Cycle

 

Copies of the Schools Education Pack can be obtained from:

  • Butterfly Conservation
  • Manor Yard
  • East Lulworth
  • Wareham
  • Dorset
  • BH20 5QP

 

London Butterfly Flight Periods

Due to changes in local weather patterns, especially over the last four years, and the problems associated with global warming, these butterfly flight times are best used as a guide only.  However, they do show that our butterflies are active at different times of the year.  The main activity period being the height of summer when most of the nectar plants are available.

Butterfly Flight Times