About
The Grayling butterfly much prefers to sit rather than fly. Always sitting with wings closed, whether it is sunny or over cast. The colours and markings of the undersides the hind-wings, give almost perfect camouflage with the ground. When disturbed it will fly just a short distance before landing, and doing the amazing disappearing trick once again.
Where
A widespread butterfly mainly found around the coastal regions of England and Wales, and a small number of inland locations.
Grayling Butterfly (Hipparchia semele) showing eye spot © Urban Butterfly Garden 2010-2017
Grayling Butterfly (Hipparchia semele)
When
June-September with numbers of individuals peaking around August although it may vary slightly from year to year and the colonies location.
Quick Info
- Family Group– Browns – Nymphalidae
- Size around – 50mm
- Larval Food Plant: Various Grasses .
- Adult Nectar Plant: Hawkweeds, thyme and heather
- Population Status– Vulnerable with falling numbers due to continued habitat loss
- Photographed – Wiveton Downs, Norfolk
© Urban Butterfly Garden 2010-2024