Found mainly in the southern half of the UK, in the Midlands and the south-west preferring the chalk and limestone grassland. Marbled white butterflies are usually seen flying from July-August, sometimes in large numbers emerging once a year in a single brood.
The Marbled White butterfly has distinctive black and white markings on the on the upper-wings, the male also has black markings the under-wings, in the female they are light brown. Both sexes have eye-spots on the underside of the hind-wings.
Marbled-White (Melanargia galathea)- Male showing underwings
Quick Info
- Name: Marbled White (Melanargia galathea)
- Family Group: Nymphalidae, Browns.
- Flight Period: July-August.
- Habitat: Chalk or limestone soils with flower rich Grassy Slopes, Meadows, Roadsides Verges.
- Adult nectar plants: Brambles, Common Ragwort, Thistles, Knapweed and others.
- Caterpillar feeds on: Grasses like Sheep’s Fescue, Cocksfoot and others
- Wingspan: around 50mm
- Photographed: – 4th and 5th July 14
- Location: Barnack Hills and Holes.
Marbled White (Melanargia galathea)Butterfly wings open
Flighty and active on bright sunny days, the Males are always busy searching for newly emerging females, breifly resting to take nectar from Brambles, Ragwort Thistles or Knapweed, their distinctive colouration makes these butterflies visible even in flight, making them stand out from some distance.
During broken sunshine they may be seen more leisurely, resting on tall stems of grasses or nectaring from wildflowers, although they will quickly take flight if disturbed.
Marbled-White (Melanargia galathea) Butterfly- Female showing underwings