Butterflies at Woolston Eyes

The varied habitats and relatively unpolluted environment make Woolston Eyes an excellent location for observing most of the more common species of butterfly to be found in the region. Whilst no rarities breed on the Reserve butterflies can be found in good numbers throughout the summer months. Permit holders are requested to record sightings in the logbook in the Sybil Hogg Hide with details of numbers seen and locations.

The following species are regularly present and of course there is always the chance of unusual species such as the Camberwell Beauty seen in 2003!

Small Skipper

Found in good numbers (up to 40 in 2005) in areas of uncut grassland. Favours Nos 1 and 4 beds with some on the Canal Track in 2005. Flight period from June to August.

Large Skipper

Uncommon but annual and can be found in small numbers in June and July.

Brimstone

Relatively uncommon but small numbers are seen annually mostly in April.

Large White

Never plentiful but can be found anywhere on the Reserve in small numbers during the summer months.

Small White

Can be found across the Reserve in good numbers throughout the summer months.

Green-veined White

Probably the most common of the “whites” at Woolston but not always easily identified.

Orange Tip

Small numbers (usually in single figures) are present during April and May.

Small Copper

Uncommon but seen annually in single figure numbers throughout the summer. The favoured area is No.1 bed but butterflies can be found across the Reserve in suitable habitat. Some were seen on the Canal Track in 2005.

Common Blue

Variable numbers but can be found in areas of short grass, preferably with Bird’s Foot Trefoil. Again the Canal Track is a good area to search for this species.

Holly Blue

An uncommon species at Woolston with only one butterfly recorded in the last two years.

Red Admiral

This common migrant can be found in small numbers anywhere on the Reserve with maximum numbers usually present in the autumn.

Painted Lady

A summer migrant present in variable numbers from June onwards.

Small Tortoiseshell

Present in good numbers with maximum counts normally in April and May on emergence from hibernation. Found across the reserve but particularly favours Nos 3 and 4 beds where large areas of nettles can be found.

Peacock

Very common with good numbers in the spring and also from late July when maximum numbers are usually found.

Comma

Seen in small numbers from spring onwards.

Speckled Wood

As this butterfly continues to expand its range northwards it is seen in increasing numbers at Woolston. Seen across the reserve it prefers areas of dappled shade. In 2005 a record count of 75 was made in September when peak numbers occur.

Gatekeeper

As this species extends its range northwards it can be found in huge numbers during July and August. In 2005 numbers in excess of 1200 were on the Reserve at the end of July.

Meadow Brown

Plentiful from June to early September with maximum numbers in late July. Found in grassy areas in all parts of the Reserve.