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The orange-tip butterfly (Anthocharis cardamines) is a common species found throughout Europe and temperate Asia. Here are some key facts about its habitat, life cycle, and diet: Habitat Orange-tip butterflies prefer damp habitats such as: They are often found in areas where their larval food plants grow, particularly near patches of cuckooflower or garlic mustard. Life Cycle The orange-tip has a single generation per year in most areas, with the following life cycle: The entire life cycle from egg to adult takes about 12 months, with the butterfly spending around 10 months as a pupa. Diet The caterpillars mainly eat … Read more

Monarch Butterfly: Habitat, Life Cycle, and Diet Facts Habitat Monarch butterflies (Danaus plexippus) are found across North America, from southern Canada to northern South America. They are particularly known for their incredible migratory patterns. Monarchs are divided into two main populations: A rare migrant to the UK but in North America, the butterfly can be found almost anywhere that their foodplant grows, including farmland, gardens and even roadsides. The Monarch overwinters in sheltered forests made up of Eucalyptus trees, Monterey pines and Monterey cypresses. Monarchs require specific habitats for different stages of their life cycle: Life Cycle Monarch butterflies undergo … Read more

The Meadow Brown butterfly (Maniola jurtina) is one of the most common and widespread butterfly species in the British Isles and Europe. Here are key facts about its life cycle, diet, and habitat: Life Cycle The Meadow Brown has a single brood per year with a protracted flight period:There is one generation each year and the flight period can be quite protracted, with adults being seen from the middle of June to the end of September in most years. Diet Habitat The Meadow Brown butterfly is highly adaptable and can be found in various grassy habitats: They prefer areas with … Read more

　　The marsh fritillary (Euphydryas aurinia) is a butterfly of the family Nymphalidae. Commonly distributed in the Palearctic region, the marsh fritillary’s common name derives from one of its several habitats, marshland. The prolonged larval stage lasts for approximately seven to eight months and includes a period of hibernation over the winter. The larvae are dependent on the host food plant Succisa pratensis not only for feeding but also for hibernation, because silken webs are formed on the host plant as the gregarious larvae enter hibernation. Females lay eggs in batches on the host plant and are, like other batch-layers, selective … Read more

The Marbled White is a distinctive and attractive black and white butterfly, unlikely to be mistaken for any other species. In July it flies in areas of unimproved grassland and can occur in large numbers on southern downland. It shows a marked preference for purple flowers such as Wild Marjoram, Field Scabious, thistles, and knapweeds. Adults may be found roosting halfway down tall grass stems.  Found in flowery grassland but may stray into gardens. This species is widespread in southern Britain and has expanded northwards and eastwards over the last twenty years, despite some losses within its range, with outlying populations … Read more

　　Distribution and habitat 　　This species occurs from Europe to the East Palearctic realm (northern Asia, China and Japan). In the British Isles it occurs in England, Wales, and south western and southeastern Scotland. It can be found anywhere where wild grasses are allowed to grow tall. Hedgerows, woodland clearings and edges are favourites. 　　Life cycle and foodplants 　　In northern Europe these butterflies have a single brood, but in the south they may have up to three broods.Eggs are laid singly on the underside of foodplant leaves and hatch after about two weeks. They are normally laid on cocksfoot (Dactylis glomerata) … Read more

The large blue butterfly (Phengaris arion) is a rare and fascinating species with a complex life cycle and unique ecological relationships. Here’s an overview of its life cycle, habitat, diet, and interesting facts: Life Cycle The large blue butterfly goes through several distinct stages in its life cycle: Habitat The large blue butterfly inhabits specific types of grasslands: The butterfly is very rare and currently found only in southwestern England, where it has been reintroduced through conservation efforts. Diet The large blue’s diet varies throughout its life cycle: Interesting Facts This remarkable butterfly demonstrates the intricate relationships that can exist … Read more

　　The Glanville fritillary (Melitaea cinxia) is a butterfly of the family Nymphalidae. It is named for the naturalist who discovered it and the checkerboard pattern on its wings. These butterflies live in almost all of Europe, especially Finland, and in parts of northwest Africa. They are absent from the far north of Europe and parts of the Iberian Peninsula. To the east they are found across the Palearctic (in Turkey, Russia, northern Kazakhstan, and Mongolia). 　　It has been discovered that this butterfly only mates one time in June or July and lays its eggs. It does not provide any protection … Read more

How do comma butterflies breed? Female comma butterflies mate with several males to fertilise their eggs. They are able to distinguish between males that have fed on high-quality and low-quality plants and will favour the former. The fertilised female lays her eggs on the leaves of stinging nettles and other larval food plants. The eggs hatch after around five days and the caterpillars will feed on the leaves before undergoing pupation. Hibernation The comma hibernates in woodland, usually in hollow trees or log piles. They leave their hibernation spot on warmer winter days and emerge completely in March. Where do … Read more