Alcea (Hollyhock)
Achillea
Agapanthus
Agastache
Aquilegia
Astrantia
Buddliea
Buddliea Altternifolia
Butterfly Weed
Catananche caerulea
Canna Lily
Carnation
Delphinium
Echinacea
Echinops
Eryngium
Geranium
Gerbera
Geum
Gypsophila
Helenium
Herbs
Hosta
Iris
Lantana
Leucanthemum
Lupins
Monarda
Penstemon
Peonies
Phlox
Polemonium
Rudbeckia
Sidalcea
Tanacetum (Pyrethrum)
Thalictrum
Trollius
Verbena
Veronica
British Butterflies
Ringlet
The Ringlet is a medium-sized, sooty-brown butterfly.
It is commonly found along woodland rides, edges
and hedgerows, and on damp grassland from June to
August. The adults prefer Bramble and Wild privet
flowers as nectar sources and can be seen flying with
a characteristic bobbing movement even on dull
days. The caterpillars feed on a variety of grasses
including Cock's-foot and False broom
Purple Emperor
A strikingly beautiful butterfly, the purple emperoris only
on the wing for a short period in late summer. A large
butterfly of woodlands, it is well known for spending
much of its time in the treetops feeding on aphid
honeydew, so a pair of binoculars is handy if you want
so spot this dazzling insect. Males may be seen flying to
the ground mid-morning to feed on salts and sugars in
damp puddles, on animal droppings or road surfaces, or
even on rotting carcases. The caterpillars feed on
mainly on goat willow, although crack-willow and grey
willow are also used
White Admiral
The White admiral is a medium-sized butterfly found in
shady woodlands, clearings and rides in late summer.
Adults are often found on the flowers of Bramble and lay
their eggs on Honeysuckle leaves, which the caterpillars
feed on. Usually seen in ones or twos, it is never very
common, but is widespread in southern England
There is usually only one brood of White admirals per
year, with adults emerging in June and July. Eggs are
laid in late summer, and the new larvae wrap themselves
in a silken leaf shelter for the winter
Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary
The small pearl-bordered fritillary is widespread and
sometimes abundant in Scotland and Wales, but has
undergone severe declines. It occurs in damp, grassy
habitats, as well as in woodland clearings and on
moorland. The adults fly low to the ground using a
flutter-and-glide pattern, stopping to nectar at bramble
and thistle flowers. The caterpillar feeds on violets,
typically common dog-violet and marsh violet
The small pearl-bordered fritillary first emerges in
South West England in May. The timing of emergence
moves gradually northwards, and it does not appear
until June in Scotland. Its early appearance in the
south means a second brood is possible
Swallow Tail
Swallowtail butterflies are large, colorful butterflies that form
the family Papilionidae. Swallowtails differ from all other
butterflies in a number of anatomical traits. Most notably, their
caterpillars possess a unique organ behind their heads, called
the osmeterium. Normally hidden, this forked structure can be
everted when the caterpillar is threatened, and emits smelly
secretions containing terpenes. The adults are often tailed like
the forked tail of some swallows, giving the insect its name.
Today active management of the fenland, where reed and
sedge are cut to allow other plants to grow, plays an important
part in the survival of the swallowtail in Norfolk. With this
continued fenland management, the future for the swallowtail
looks brighter
Brown Argus
The Brown argus is a small butterfly that is on the wing
throughout the summer, between May and September. Adults
feed on Common Rock-rose, which is also the caterpillars'
foodplant, together with various species like Crane's-bills. The
Brown argus is found in dry, sunny and open habitats,
including heathland and downland, and seems to be
expanding its range as the climate warms up
Found across southern and central England and parts of the
Welsh coast.
Wall Brown
The Wall brown is a medium-sized butterfly which is on
the wing in two or three broods, between the middle of
April and the end of October. It is a widespread, but
declining, butterfly of hot, sunny places such as open
grassland, sand dunes and rocky foreshores, disused
quarries and railway cuttings, and even gardens.
Caterpillars feed on a variety of grasses including False
Broom and Tor-grass
A scarce butterfly found in England, Wales, Northern Ireland
and southern Scotland, particularly around the coast
