pieridae

Wood White Butterfly (Leptidea sinapis)

Information

A fragile looking white butterfly most often only found on woodland tracks and rides flying low to the ground on bright sunny days. Although able to fly some distance it’s slow lumbering flight makes it stand out from a distance from the other the species of white butterfly

During even short periods of cloud cover even on sunny days the butterfly will often quickly seek an inconspicuous place to rest.

Courtship Dance

One of the most unusual things about the Wood White butterfly is their unusual courtship dance. When a male meets a possible mate, they will both rest on foliage or the ground head to head for their exquisite display.

Wood White Butterfly

Wood White Butterflies

Quick Info

Name: Wood White (Leptidea sinapis)
Family Group: Pieridae – Whites
Wingspan: around 40mm.
When to see: May to July
Larval food Plants: Greater birds-foot trifoil (Lotus pedunculatus).
Adult nectar plant: Bramble Flowers, Black Medick (Medicago lupulina), Greater birds-foot trifoil (Lotus pedunculatus), Stichwort.
Location: Northamptonshire
Photographed: 5th July 2013

Brimstone Butterfly (Gonepteryx rhamni)

about

The most unusual looking of all British butterflies the Brimstone Butterfly can sometimes be seen as early in the year as February, although it is mostly seen May-June after emerging in late spring from its winter hibernation.

The male Brimstone is an unmistakable Bright Yellow Butterfly, when seen in flight, the female is similar in size and shape but much paler in colour sometimes mistaken from a distance for the Large White Butterfly.

where

The Brimstone butterfly can be found in a broad range of habitats such as open woodlands, parks and gardens mostly on bright sunny days.

Its most unusual wing shape, gives the Brimstone the perfect camouflage from predators when nectaring or hibernating.

Brimstone Butterfly (Gonepteryx rhamni)

Quick Info

Family group: pieridae – Whites
Subfamily: Coliadinae
Status: UK resident
Caterpillars feed on: Buckthorn and Alder Buckthorn.
Adult Nectar Plant: Dandelions, Knapweed, Teasils, Spurge Laural (Daphne laureola)
Wingspan: approx 60mm
Photographed: 7th August 2010
Location :

Small White Butterfly (Pieris rapae)

A Common UK resident butterfly seen almost everywhere, in a wide range of habitats, such as Gardens, Hedgerows, Meadows and Roadside Verges.The small white butterfly is double brooded, the adult butterflies emerge twice a year peaking in numbers in April – May and July – August.

The Small White is also known as the “Cabbage White” and shares this name with Large White Butterfly, the caterpillars of both butterflies, annoy many vegetable gardeners across the country.

Small White Butterfly (Pieris rapae) with open wings

Small White Butterfly-male- (Pieris rapae) with open wings

Small White Butterfly (Pieris rapae)

The upper-wings of the male are white, with a grey tips whereas the female has two black dots on the fore-wings. The under-wings are pale yellow.

Quick Info

Family Group: Pieridae – whites
Wingspan: approx 45mm.
Larval food Plants: Brassicas inc Cabbage, Cauliflower, Field Mustard(Sinapis arvensis), Nasturtium (Tropaeolum majus)
Location: South Lincolnshire
Photographed: Top – 27th June 2011, Bottom – on a windy 3rd July 2010.