Some common Butterflies
The butterflies shown here are the more common species that can be found around Bexhill. Many can be found in parks and gardens but some are more likely to be found in woodland or open fields. A few species hibernate as adults over winter so can be seen all year round in warm spells, but most spend the winter as a pupa and only hatch out in spring or summer. The numbers of some butterflies, notably the Painted Lady, vary considerably from year to year as they visit us from Africa and are very dependant on such factors as the weather over Europe.
Large White
Our largest 'white' has extensive black edges to the wing tips. The male doesn't have the black dots on the upper side of the wings that can be seen on this female.
Small White
Our other common 'white' has less black at the wing tips. This male has one black spot on the upper side of the wing, whereas the female has two.
Red Admiral
Often seen in our parks and gardens, the Red Admiral is easily recognised by the bold red stripes across the wings.
Peacock
Perhaps the easiest butterfly to identify as it has these very obvious eye-like markings on all four wings. They hibernate so can sometimes be seen on warm winter days.
Meadow Brown
Our commonest 'brown' this one favours grasslands, has black spots on the underwing and usually has a single white dot in the 'eye'.
Gatekeeper
The Gatekeeper prefers shrubs so is sometimes common in our gardens, It has white dots on the underwings and usually two dots in each 'eye'.
Common Blue
Easily the 'blue' that you are most likely to see although there are several other less common species that are very similar.
Ringlet
A woodland butterfly that is fairly common although often overlooked at rest as its subdued colouring is a good camouflage and fades with age.
Speckled Wood
Another woodland butterfly, but more often seen than the Ringlet, it has more distinctive markings and can often be found sunbathing with its wings spread.
Orange Tip
One of the first butterflies to appear in the spring, usually at the beginning of April. Only the male has the orange wing tips but both have the green mottled underwings.
Large Skipper
Only the Skippers hold their upper wings at an angle like this. Small Skippers and Essex Skippers are less common and both have less dark markings on the wings.
Comma
The scalloped wing shape is unmistakeable and with its wings closed it resembles a dead leaf. It gets its name from a comma-shaped white mark on the underwing.