Butterflies - Scottish Natural Heritage

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BUTTERFLIES
Butterflies
naturally scottish
There are 30 resident species of butterflies found in
Scotland, as well as three regular migrants. The colourful
adults may survive for just a few weeks but they certainly
brighten up our lives.
About other books in the series:
British Wildlife
NATURALLY SCOTTISH
Bumblebees
“This is a short readable account of bumblebee lives, with special reference to Scottish habitats.
The photographs are first-rate and the text is pleasantly written, with some interesting
snippets. You can read it in half an hour, and it will probably leave you wanting more –
the mark of a successful introduction.”
About the author:
Paul Kirkland is Butterfly Conservation’s Director for
Scotland, and has worked for the charity since 1994.
Caterpillars, beetles and other insects first sparked his
interest in the natural world. He has also helped
conserve amphibians and plants.
ISBN 1 85397 446 8
A CIP record is held at the British Library.
SNH & BCS
Price £4.95
Scottish Natural Heritage. Visit our website on www.snh.org.uk
s c o t t i s h
18/4/06
n a t u r a l l y
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Butterflies
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Butterflies
N A T U R A L L Y
S C O T T I S H
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© Scottish Natural Heritage 2006
ISBN 1 85397 446 8 paperback
A CIP record is held at the British Library
W2.5K0406
Acknowledgements
Author: Paul Kirkland (Butterfly Conservation Scotland)
Series editor: Lynne Farrell (SNH)
Design and production: SNH Design and Publications
Photography:
Jim Asher/Butterfly Conservation Scotland back cover top, 9, 17 bottom left; Alan P Barnes
/NHPA 2 top; Laurie Campbell opposite 1, 10, 25 bottom; Laurie Campbell/SNH 13 top right, 15;
David Cantrille 20 left; David Cayless/OSF 14; Lorne Gill/SNH 7, 11, 16, 17 bottom right, 19, 19
inset, 21, 22, 28; Natural History Museum frontispiece, 27 bottom, 29; Glasgow City Council
(Museums) 32 bottom right, 32 bottom right inset; Frank Greenaway/Natural History Museum 27
top; Richard Revels 13 bottom; Robert Thompson contents; David Whitaker front cover, 2 bottom, 13
top left, 17 top, 20 right, 23 top, 23 bottom, 24, 25 top, 30, 32 bottom left, 32 top left.
Illustrations:
Clare Hewitt 6.
Illustration of "The Zinnia Fairy" on page 3 from "Flower Fairies of the Alphabet" by Cicely Mary Barker
© The Estate of Cicely Mary Barker, 1934, 1990. Reproduced with permission by Frederick Warne & Co., Ltd.
Scottish Natural Heritage
Design and Publications
Battleby
Redgorton
Perth PH1 3EW
Tel: 01738 458530
Fax: 01738 458613
E-mail: pubs@snh.gov.uk
www.snh.org.uk
Cover photograph:
Marsh fritillary on bugle
Frontispiece:
Magnified wing scales of the female Common blue
Back cover photograph:
Peacock butterfly
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Butterflies
N A T U R A L L Y
S C O T T I S H
by
Paul Kirkland
(Butterfly Conservation Scotland)
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F oreword
Scotland is a great place for butterflies. Every time I
This booklet introduces you to some of the 30 or so
come north of the border in spring or summer I
species that occur in Scotland and describes the
appreciate how well blessed the area is with these
habitats in which they live. Even here several species
'flying flowers'.
are in urgent need of active conservation. Thanks to the
efforts of organisations like Scottish Natural Heritage
Many species that are in rapid decline in England and
and Butterfly Conservation Scotland many habitats are
Wales, such as the Pearl-bordered fritillary and the
being protected and managed to enhance the survival
Small pearl-bordered fritillary appear to be thriving
rate of butterflies and other wildlife.
north of the border. Scotland also supports the last
remaining UK populations of the Chequered skipper (it
Many visitors to Scotland come, as I do, because of the
died out suddenly in England in the 1970s), and has the
splendid scenery, but I hope this booklet opens their
majority of colonies of several northern species such as
eyes to the joys of Scotland’s butterflies as well. Come
the Scotch argus, the Northern brown argus and the
to think of it, this wealth of species might surprise the
Mountain ringlet. Scotland’s extensive and beautiful
locals, too!
landscapes play a crucial role in the survival of these
otherwise rare species.
I called them 'flying flowers' but the significance of
butterflies extends way beyond their dazzling
splendour. They are important because they are
Alan Titchmarsh MBE VMH
indicators of a healthy environment: where they flourish,
Vice President of Butterfly Conservation
nature is thriving. They are also especially sensitive to
climate change. Several species have spread rapidly
north in recent years, noticeably the Orange-tip and
Speckled wood, and it seems certain that climate
change is responsible.
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C ontents
Introduction
1
What is special about butterflies?
3
Scottish butterflies
4
How they breed – the life-cycle
7
How they feed and providing food
8
Scotland’s special butterflies and where to find them
10
Open woodland
10
Species-rich grassland
15
Wetlands – damp meadows, moorlands and bogs
18
Coastal habitats, wild rivers and post-industrial sites
21
Threats
24
Conservation – what is being done and how you can help 26
Green-veined white Pieris napi resting on a bluebell
Biodiversity Action Plan and Red Data Book
31
Finding out more about butterflies
33
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VIII
Small tortoiseshell Aglais urticae, one of our commonest butterflies, here sitting on ragwort. It often survives the winters by
seeking refuge in garden sheds
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I ntroduction
For most of us, the word 'butterfly' conjures up a sunny,
happy, positive image of a beautiful, coloured insect
flapping lazily in the sunshine. We welcome these
vibrant 'flying flowers' into our increasingly wildlifefriendly gardens.
Butterfly imagery is also often used to portray
childhood innocence, butterflies being thought of as
fragile, delicate things, easily harmed by handling and
at the mercy of the weather and predators.
“Here lies, now a prey to insulting neglect,
What once was a butterfly, gay in life’s beam:
Want only of wisdom denied her respect,
Want only of goodness denied her esteem”.
Robert Burns, 1794,
Monody on a Lady Famed for her Caprice (Epitaph)
Fairy with butterfly wings from "Flower Fairies of
the Alphabet" by Cicely Mary Barker
On the other hand, two of our familiar 'garden'
butterflies, the Small tortoiseshell and Peacock,
somehow survive our cold, wet winter months as adults,
One of the aims of this booklet is to try and dispel some
re-appearing in good numbers every spring. Even
of the myths about our butterflies. We will see that
more amazing is the fact that thousands of butterflies
Scotland’s butterflies are even more fascinating than we
migrate to our shores from the Continent every year
might imagine!
across seas and mountains, passing over hundreds of
miles of farmland.
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Butterflies
• Fly during the day
• Have clubbed antennae
• Rest with wings vertical
• Body of adult usually slightly hairy
• Pupae not normally encased in silken cocoons
• Caterpillar covered in spines, never hairy
Large heath Coenonympha tullia on cross-leaved heath
Garden tiger moth Arctia caja, one of our most striking moths
Moths
• Most fly at night
• Antennae not clubbed
• Rest with wings flat
• Body of adult usually hairy
• Pupae often protected by silken cocoons
• Caterpillar can be hairy, spiny or hairless
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W hat is special about butterflies?
Butterflies and moths both belong to the insect order
hind wings, the result of an unsuccessful attack by a bird.
Lepidoptera, meaning 'scale-winged'. This refers to the
The Peacock has a different sort of eyespot, a large one
thousands of tiny scales that cover the wings.
on each wing that is flashed suddenly when the butterfly
is disturbed in an attempt to frighten off a predator.
In some languages the same word is used for both
butterflies and moths, and in others, moths are simply
Adult male and female Scottish butterflies generally look
called 'butterflies of the night'.
rather similar, although most exhibit some small
differences. In two species however, the sexes are very
“You ask what is the use of butterflies?
different, so much so that the common names only really
I reply to adorn the world
and delight the eyes of men…”
apply to the males. Only the male Orange-tip has the
John Ray, Historia Insectorum, 1710
conspicuous orange wing tips, while the female never
does, and as a result is much less frequently noticed.
The spectacular colours of butterfly wings have evolved
over millennia to protect them from predators and attract
The male Common blue has dazzling electric-blue wings,
mates, so their beauty is in reality a matter of survival. It
whereas the female is normally brown with very few blue
is the wing scales that produce the colours, either by their
scales. However, females with large amounts of blue
pigmentation or by the way they refract light.
scales do occasionally occur, and these particularly
Camouflage colours are common, the undersides in
beautiful 'blue' females are reputed to be more common
particular often mimicking vegetation. The Comma is
in north and west Scotland.
remarkable in having wings that resemble ragged leaves.
There are some general differences between butterflies
The eyespots of the Northern brown argus, Common
and moths, but exceptions occur for all of these. For
blue and Scotch argus are thought to have arisen in
example, burnet moths fly by day, some skipper
order to deflect the attack of a predator away from the
butterflies rest with wings flat, and some moths rest with
head to a less crucial part of the body. In the wild, you
wings vertical. Occasionally the Purple hairstreak
can often see symmetrical, beak-shaped damage to the
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butterfly has been caught in moth traps at night!
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S cottish
butterflies
Scotland has 30 'resident' butterflies, species with long-established colonies that can be seen every year. In addition, three
regular migrants from the Continent - Red admiral, Painted lady and Clouded yellow, appear in varying numbers every
year, but cannot survive the winter, so do not establish colonies. The Camberwell beauty is a much rarer migrant from
northern Europe.
Vernacular name
Scientific name
Scottish Status
Gaelic name
Chequered skipper
Carterocephalus palaemon
Rare resident, confined to Lochaber and north Argyll
An leumadair breac-bhallach
Large skipper
Ochlodes venata
Resident, in south Scotland
Dingy skipper
Erynnis tages
Rare resident, confined to north east
and south west Scotland
Clouded yellow
Colias croceus
Rare migrant from the Continent
Large white
Pieris brassicae
Widespread resident
Dearbadan-dè mòr geal
Small white
Pieris rapae
Widespread resident
Dearbadan-dè beag geal
Green-veined white
Pieris napi
Widespread resident
Orange-tip
Anthocharis cardamines
Widespread resident
Green hairstreak
Callophrys rubi
Widespread resident
An roinne stiallach uaine
Purple hairstreak
Neozephyrus quercus
Resident, confined to central and southwest Scotland
An roinne stiallach chorcurach
Small copper
Lycaena phlaeas
Widespread resident
An t-umhach beag
Small blue
Cupido minimus
Rare resident, confined to parts of north
and east coast, and the Cairngorms
An gorman beag
Northern brown argus
Aricia artaxerxes
Widespread resident in the south and east
Argus donn tuathanach
Common blue
Polyommatus icarus
Widespread resident
An gorman
Holly blue
Celastrina argiolus
Rare resident, only on the Solway and Fife coasts
Red admiral
Vanessa atalanta
Migrant from the Continent
Painted lady
Vanessa cardui
Migrant from the Continent and North Africa
Small tortoiseshell
Aglais urticae
Widespread resident
Camberwell beauty
Nymphalis antiopa
Rare migrant
Peacock
Inachis io
Widespread resident
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An leumadair lachdunn
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Vernacular name
Scientific name
Scottish status
Comma
Polygonia c-album
Resident, recently re-colonised
Gaelic name
Small pearl-bordered fritillary Boloria selene
Widespread resident
Dearbadan-dè beag na h-oirean neamhnaid
Pearl-bordered fritillary
Boloria euphrosyne
Widespread resident
Dearbadan-dè na h-oirean neamhnaid
Dark green fritillary
Argynnis aglaja
Widespread resident
Dearbadan-dè dòrch-uaine
Marsh fritillary
Euphydryas aurinia
Resident, confined to Argyll
Dearbadan-dè nam boglach
Speckled wood
Pararge aegeria
Resident, north and west Scotland
Wall
Lasiommata megera
Resident, southern Scotland
Mountain ringlet
Erebia epiphron
Resident, central Scotland, above 450m
Faineag a’ mhonaidh
Scotch argus
Erebia aethiops
Widespread resident
Argus albannach
Grayling
Hipparchia semele
Resident, mostly around the coast
An glaisean
Meadow brown
Maniola jurtina
Widespread resident
An t-ailean donn
Ringlet
Aphantopus hyperantus
Resident, south and east Scotland
Am faineag
Small heath
Coenonympha pamphilus
Widespread resident
Dealbhan beag an fhraoich
Large heath
Coenonympha tullia
Widespread resident
Dealbhan mòr an fhraoich
An donnag bhallach
The names of butterflies
The common names given to butterflies have changed
The Northern brown argus has had a very confusing
over time and evolved into the accepted ones that are
time, being variously called the 'Brown whitespot', the
now in use. For example the Small copper was first
'Brown argus blue', the 'Scotch brown blue' and the
called the 'Small golden black-spotted meadow
'Scotch whitespot'! 'Argus' was the name of the
butterfly' in 1699, thankfully, by 1766, this had been
mythical Greek monster reputed to have a hundred
simplified to the 'Copper'. It later became the Small
eyes, and refers to the numerous eyespots on the wings.
copper after the discovery of a larger and closelyrelated butterfly (subsequently known as the
The Gaelic for butterfly is Dearbadan-dè, while for
Large copper).
caterpillar it is Ailseag, Bratag, Bratag a' chàil or
Cnuimh-chàil. The Doric (NE Scotland) for butterfly is
The Orange-tip started out as the 'Common white
Butterflee, Buttery or Butterie, which is also the name
marbled butterfly' but, while the male soon gained its
for a flat morning-roll. The Scottish name for chrysalis is
familiar and very apt name of Orange-tip, the female
Tammy-nid-nod, or Tammie-noddie-heid.
(which does not have orange-wing tips) was called for
many years 'Our Lady of the woods'.
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The adults emerge in late April and
May. The striking colours of the male
warns birds that it is distasteful
The Orange-tip spends the
winters as a pupa, attached
by a silken thread to the
vegetation. The pupa can
be either green or brown
The eggs laid on lady’s smock
The caterpillars feed on the developing
are white at first but soon turn
seed pods until fully-grown in July, when
bright orange, hatching after a
they leave the foodplant to find taller
couple of weeks
vegetation in which to pupate
The life-cycle of the Orange-tip Anthocharis cardamines
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H ow
t h ey b r e e d –
t h e l i f e - c yc l e
Most Scottish butterflies only live for a few days, or
Most species lay between many tens and a few
perhaps three or four weeks at the most. During this
hundred eggs. However, this is their maximum potential
time they need to mate, avoid predators, shelter from
output, as poor nutrition, bad weather or the attentions
poor weather and find good nectar sources and places
of predators can all seriously reduce the lifespan of
to bask. In addition, the females must find somewhere
females and thus the actual number of eggs laid.
to lay their eggs. The distance the butterflies need to
fly to achieve all these things varies greatly between
Although the size of a pin head, the eggs of the
species. Some will cover many kilometres during their
Northern brown argus and Small blue are so easy to
brief lives, others may just fly a few hundred metres.
find on their respective foodplants (if you know
So, despite appearances, butterfly flight is anything but
where to look), that they are often used in surveys
aimless meandering.
and monitoring.
For many species, the place where the female lays her
eggs is one of the most crucial stages in their life-cycle.
For example, the Pearl-bordered fritillary will only lay
her eggs in 'hot spots' which also have abundant
violets, the caterpillar foodplant, while the Northern
brown argus and Chequered skipper select high
quality, protein-rich foodplants for egg-laying. The
Orange-tip and Small blue seek out plants that have no
other eggs on them in order to avoid competition.
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Eggs of the Large white on a cabbage leaf
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H ow
t h ey f e e d a n d
p r ov i d i n g f o o d
The caterpillars of the three familiar 'garden' butterflies,
There are just two species that can sometimes be pests
the Peacock, Small tortoiseshell and Red admiral, all
in gardens and allotments. Often called 'Cabbage
feed solely on nettles. The caterpillars of the Comma,
whites', the caterpillars of the Small white and Large
which has recently recolonised southern Scotland from
white can rapidly devastate a good crop of brassicas,
England, can also feed on nettles, but prefer hop when
such as broccoli, cabbage and sprouts.
it is available. The caterpillars of the Small blue and
the Northern brown argus also have just one species of
Mustard oils give cabbages their particular smell, and
foodplant, kidney vetch and common rock-rose
are used as a chemical defence against herbivores.
respectively, and their distribution is closely tied to the
But Large and Small whites have taken advantage of
occurrence of these relatively scarce plants.
these defences, not only using mustard oils to find
cabbages on which to lay their eggs, but also
However, the caterpillars of most Scottish butterflies
incorporating them into their bodies. This makes both
feed on a range of plants, some of which are very
the caterpillars and the adults distasteful to birds, which
widespread. The Green hairstreak probably feeds on
quickly learn to avoid them.
more plant species than any other, but strangely this
doesn’t make it our commonest butterfly. Moreover the
The caterpillars of the Orange-tip and Small blue are
Marsh fritillary and Chequered skipper both feed on
highly cannibalistic when very young, while the
two of the commonest plants in Scotland (devil’s-bit
caterpillars of the Green hairstreak will apparently
scabious and purple moor-grass respectively), and yet
attack and eat each other throughout their lives. The
both species are very rare!
caterpillars of other Scottish butterflies are not known to
be cannibals.
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Many parasitic wasps specialise in attacking
caterpillars. Adult wasps lay their eggs inside living
caterpillars, which then hatch, the grubs developing
initially without killing their host. Eventually the grubs
burst out of the unfortunate caterpillar, which then dies.
There are even wasp 'hyper-parasites' that lay their
eggs inside the parasitic wasp grubs that feed inside
the host caterpillar – so some caterpillars end up
supporting a whole food web themselves. These wasps
are sometimes rarer than the butterflies they parasitise,
so are worthy of conserving in their own right.
The importance of nectar is a matter of some debate
amongst butterfly ecologists. While some butterflies
spend a large proportion of their brief lives nectaring,
others survive with very little in the way of nectar
sources. Therefore nectar seems essential for some
species’ survival, yet others can do without it.
Butterflies are a very important part of the 'food web'.
Adult butterflies have many predators, especially birds,
but also dragonflies, lizards and spiders. Even bats will
take roosting butterflies. Caterpillars also form a crucial
Peacock caterpillars feeding on nettle
food source for many birds, especially their young. A
high proportion also fall prey to beetles, ants, small
mammals and pathogens.
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S c o t l a n d ’s
special butterflies
and where to find them
O pen
wo o d l a n d
Woodlands can support many species of butterfly. The
In recent times, a combination of the loss of traditional
richest woodlands are those with a varied structure – a
management and the planting of dense conifer stands,
combination of tall, mature trees, sunny flower-rich
has often resulted in more shady woods. Many
glades, areas of smaller shrubs and regrowth, wet
woodland butterflies have declined as a result. Some
patches and burns. Larger woods, which have been
species such as the Chequered skipper and Pearl-
providing suitable conditions for many years, and those
bordered fritillary cannot survive in shady woods.
dominated by native trees, usually support more
species than small, young, non-native woods.
Sunny rides and glades are particularly important for
many butterflies as they provide warm, sheltered
conditions for flight and breeding, a variety of nectar
sources for adults and also foodplants for caterpillars.
In the past, when our woodlands were actively
managed for a variety of purposes such as timber,
game or grazing, this created a varied structure which
benefited many woodland species including butterflies.
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Chequered skipper Carterocephalus palaemon
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1111
11 and Pearl-bordered fritillary. There are small open glades in
Glasdrum, NNR Argyll – a typical habitat for both Chequered skipper
the woodland, on sheltered, southeast-facing facing slopes
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Chequered skipper
only digest the leaves if its body temperature is around
30 degrees centigrade. To become this warm, it finds
This is a very rare butterfly in the UK, now only found in
a place to sunbathe. The ground must be warm and
Scotland. As it is fast-flying and rather small it is often
dry – leaf litter provides the ideal sunbed.
difficult to see. The adults are more easily observed
whilst drinking nectar from bugle, bluebell and marsh
So Pearl-bordered fritillaries are almost always found
thistles. They spend a great deal of time nectaring, and
on sheltered, south-facing slopes, usually in open,
the presence near breeding sites of nectar-producing
grazed woodland, or along wide, sunny woodland
plants growing in the sunshine is important.
rides. Plenty of violets are essential.
The caterpillars feed on purple moor-grass growing in
Other species found in
wo o d l a n d
tussocks in sunny, sheltered, damp sites. They live for
much of the time in a protective tube made by rolling a
grass blade and fastening it together with silk.
Two other butterflies associated with woodland are the
Speckled wood and Purple hairstreak. Both can occur
The Chequered skipper is now only found in parts of
in shadier woodland than other species but, even so,
Lochaber near Fort William and northern Argyll, where
they seek out the sunnier parts. Thus the Purple
there are about a dozen strong, large colonies and
hairstreak lives high up in the canopy of oak woodland,
many smaller colonies.
feeding on the honeydew produced
by aphids, while male Speckled woods fight
Pearl-bordered fritillar y
for possession of scattered sunlit glades on the
woodland floor.
This butterfly is even more dependent on warm, sunny
sites than the Chequered skipper. The butterfly
overwinters as a caterpillar, which emerges in the early
spring and begins to feed on violet leaves. But it can
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Pearl-bordered fritillary Boloria euphrosyne
Speckled wood Parage aegeria
Female (left) and male (right) Purple hairstreak Neozeophyrus quercus
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14
Meadow browns Maniola jurtina feeding in a flower-rich grassland
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S pecies-rich
grassland
Small pearl-bordered fritillary
Natural grasslands consist of a wide variety of native
grasses and herbs and have developed over hundreds
of years. They are beautiful when in flower and can
This species is a close cousin of the Pearl-bordered
support many thousands of insects and other
fritillary but it is found in a wider range of habitats. It
invertebrates. They are called 'species-rich' because
can breed in warm, dry, open woodlands, but it can
they have such a wide variety of plants and animals.
also thrive on a variety of species-rich grasslands,
Such grasslands are now uncommon, although
including much wetter sites. As a result, it is far more
Scotland does still have some excellent examples.
widespread than the Pearl-bordered fritillary. The
These ancient grasslands cannot easily be re-created.
caterpillars can feed on marsh or dog violets, whilst
Most of them survive where it is physically impossible or
thistles are the favourite nectar plants of the adults.
economically impractical to 'improve' them. They occur
often as small patches in very wet, rocky or relatively
The future of the Small pearl-bordered fritillary seems
inaccessible areas and are rarer in the lowlands.
reasonably secure in Scotland provided its damp
The butterflies and other species associated with
habitats are not drained, its grassland areas are not
species-rich grassland are therefore also restricted
ploughed up and its woodland sites remain open. It is
and uncommon.
a very different picture in other parts of the UK
however, as it is now a very rare butterfly over most of
southern England.
It appears to be a poor coloniser, as, surprisingly it
occurs only on a few Scottish islands and has never
been recorded on the Isle of Man or in Ireland.
Small pearl-bordered fritillary Boloria selene
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N o r t h e r n b r ow n a r g u s
Mountain ringlet
The Northern brown argus has scattered colonies
This is our only montane butterfly, found mainly
throughout eastern and southern Scotland, although it is
between 350 and 700 metres. Little is known about its
not plentiful anywhere. Many small, previously -
ecology, but there is evidence that it favours areas of
overlooked colonies have been discovered in recent
species-rich grassland within the huge expanses of
years by surveys of species-rich grassland known to
more acid, species-poor grassland in the central Scottish
support the caterpillar’s sole foodplant, common
Highlands.
rockrose.
The caterpillars are thought to feed only at night, and
This butterfly species is the only one in the world to be
the adults only fly in sunshine, so it is difficult to study.
first described from a Scottish specimen, probably taken
We need to understand more about its requirements
from Arthur’s Seat in 1793. Sadly that colony
because, if climate change predictions come true and
no longer exists and, although collecting has been
temperatures rise, this butterfly could be forced
blamed for its disappearance around 1870, habitat
higher up the hills and eventually may have nowhere
loss may have been the main reason for its demise:
left to exist.
“I have not diminished their numbers, having always a
wholesome dread of exterminating species; but I believe a
dealer has, and a host of small boys who come out of
Edinburgh, with orange-coloured nets, and bottle them up
wholesale, five or six together, alive, in the same receptacle,
generally a match-box, along with Blues and anything else
they can find.
In addition to this, Government has agreed to construct a
carriage-road between Edinburgh and Duddingston, much to
The Breadalbane hills are a stronghold for the
Mountain Ringet, which seems to prefer sunny,
species-rich montane grassland
my disgust, as it is to come along the line of the present
footpath, and will destroy all the best localities…”
Letter from R.F. Logan to H.T. Stainton, 1857.
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Mountain ringlet Erebia epiphron on wild thyme
Northern brown argus Aricia artaxerxes
Small copper Lycaena phlaeas on ragwart
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We t l a n d s
– d a m p m e a d ows ,
moorland and bogs
Because of Scotland’s oceanic climate, damp
Marsh fritillary numbers fluctuate widely from year to
meadows, moorlands and bogs form a large
year, partly due to the weather and the growth of the
proportion of our good butterfly habitats. These
scabious, but also due to a parasitic wasp that attacks
habitats are mainly found in the west.
the caterpillars. This wasp can develop very fast, so in
a good year it can fit in two or three generations to the
single generation of caterpillars and, as dozens of
Marsh fritillary
wasps can emerge from each caterpillar, colonies can
be severely depleted. However, once the size of the
One of Europe’s most threatened butterflies, the Marsh
butterfly colony falls below a certain level, the wasp
fritillary, is also one the most attractive and intriguing.
can become locally extinct, and this allows the Marsh
The caterpillar’s foodplant, devil’s-bit scabious, is one of
fritillary colony to increase again. This complex and
Scotland’s commonest plants, occurring in a wide
dynamic system can only persist where sufficiently large
variety of damp habitats, but its distribution clearly
expanses of scabious-rich grassland remain.
does not determine that of the Marsh fritillary, which is
now found only in parts of Argyll.
Large heath
The caterpillars are unusual amongst Scottish butterflies
in that they live communally in webs they spin from silk.
The Large heath is our only true peatland specialist,
They need large quantities of scabious and so are only
equally at home on the blanket bogs of north and west
found where the plant is abundant – in damp
Scotland, as on the few remaining raised bogs in the
grassland, damp heathland, moorland and on the
east and south of the country. The caterpillars feed on
edges of peat bogs. The caterpillars sunbathe using
cotton grass and, not surprisingly, can withstand short
their silk web as a sunbed.
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spells under water!
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Prime habitat for the Marsh fritillary in Argyll
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A Marsh fritillary larval web
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Marsh fritillary Euphydryas aurinia perched on a sedge
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Large heath resting on heather
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C oastal
h a b i t a t s , w i l d r i ve r s
and post-industrial sites
To our eyes there is very little in common between
Dingy skipper and Grayling, which require, respectively,
coastal cliffs and grasslands, wild rivers and post-
kidney vetch, bird’s-foot trefoil and fine-leaved grasses.
industrial or 'brownfield' sites. But to some butterfly
species they all possess just the right essentials for their
Coastal and riverine colonies benefit from the natural
survival, i.e. sunny, open habitats, plenty of bare
dynamics of periodic soil disturbance, which maintain
ground and caterpillar foodplants. Three Scottish
areas of bare ground, providing the females of the three
species are associated with such sites, the Small blue,
species with warm micro-climates for egg-laying.
River shingle with birch scrub at Glen Feshie
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On post-industrial sites the soils are often very poorly
developed and this can severely limit plant growth. Soil
nutrients can be very low, or the soils compacted and
dry. Sometimes the soils are toxic to plants. This means
that there is often plenty of bare ground, and the taller
vegetation, which would swamp low-growing herbs and
fine-leaved grasses, is kept in check.
Unfortunately, the colonies of these butterflies on postindustrial sites are disappearing fast as such land is often
reclaimed for other uses. Sometimes the contaminated
soils that created the bare ground are removed or
treated and turned into sanitised 'greenspace'.
Although it can be claimed that these areas are highly
artificial, they are vital habitats for dwindling species of
a wide variety of wildlife. The last colonies of the Small
blue in the Borders were all on abandoned railway lines
and, when these became too shady, the butterfly
became extinct in the whole of southern Scotland.
Bird’s-foot trefoil on Seaton Cliffs near Arbroath
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Mating Small blues Cupido minimus perched on kidney vetch
Dingy skipper Erynnis tages
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T hreats
Habitat loss
The best places for butterflies are those with a variety
of extensive natural habitats. Many butterflies fare
better where there is a mosaic of habitats, of which the
Chequered skipper is a good example. Most of the
countryside used to have such areas, before intensive
agriculture and forestry created uniformity replacing
diverse grasslands, scrub and woodlands with
monocultures of either ryegrass or spruce. Fortunately
there has been much progress made by agriculture and
forestry departments in recent years to protect surviving
species-rich habitat and provide encouragement for
sensitive management.
Isolation
Sadly, for many species of butterfly, the remnants of
good quality habitat are often too small and isolated to
support colonies in the long term. Thus, as well as
protecting these patches and managing them as
sympathetically as possible, we must also make them
larger and less isolated, by trying to create 'stepping
stones' and 'wildlife corridors' between them. Many
species will not cross areas of unsuitable habitat such
as arable farmland and conifer plantations. Increasing
the diversity of these habitats could dramatically help
butterflies and other wildlife move about and survive in
the countryside.
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Orange-tip on bugle. This species has spread in
Scotland over the last 20 years
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Climate change
Another threat facing Scotland’s butterflies is one that
seems almost overwhelming, and is indeed a global
problem. Some species are able to take advantage of
the warmer weather of recent years and have
expanded their range, but others will come under
increasing stress as their habitats become hotter and
possibly drier too. Removing barriers to dispersal will
allow species to move more freely so that they may be
able to track changes in climate by changing their
distribution.
Scotch argus Erebia aethiops. Still abundant in western
Scotland, but many colonies have been lost in the Borders
As insects that so obviously enjoy the sun and warm
Ringlet Aphantopus hyperantus. In the last ten years this
species has spread rapidly northwards
temperatures, you might think that 'global warming'
must be a good thing for butterflies. Certainly the run
of recent warm years we have experienced in Britain
has allowed several species to expand their Scottish
range northwards, including the Orange-tip, Peacock,
Ringlet and Comma.
However, there is evidence that other species are
suffering. Some lose out as their habitats become too
dry and caterpillar foodplants shrivel, while others will
simply find it too warm or sunny, and will be forced
higher into the hills to seek cooler habitats. Distinctively
Scottish species such as Mountain ringlet, Scotch argus,
Northern brown argus and Large heath could all suffer
in years to come.
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C o n s e r va t i o n
– what is being
d o n e a n d h ow yo u c a n h e l p
G e t t i n g i n vo l ve d
Gardeners
There are many excellent conservation projects
In your garden you can help by growing a selection of
happening throughout Scotland that are benefiting
nectar-bearing plants in sunny, sheltered places, to
butterflies and their habitats. Organisations such as
provide nectar from early spring to early autumn.
Butterfly Conservation Scotland, Scottish Wildlife Trust,
Good nectar plants include:
the Forestry Commission and SNH are all working to
Spring
Summer/Autumn
conserve Scotland’s wildlife. Large parts of the country
Aubretia
Buddleia
are still under-recorded, so efforts are being
Bluebell
Clover
concentrated on finding out more about butterfly
Bugle
Ice plant
distribution and trends.
Lady’s smock
Knapweed
Forget-me-not
Lavender
Specific ways to become involved include helping with
Honesty
Marjoram
surveys of particular species, monitoring, and
Pansy
Michaelmas daisy
managing nature reserves. Conserving butterflies
Violet
Mint
probably helps to conserve other species, especially
Primrose
Red valerian
other sun-loving insects, such as hoverflies, dragonflies,
Sweet rocket
Scabious
solitary wasps and bees.
Wallflower
Thyme
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Avoid using peat (which destroys butterfly habitats) and
insecticides. Grow caterpillar food plants such as
lady’s smock (also known as cuckoo flower) for
Orange-tip, and bird’s-foot trefoil for Common blue.
However, improving gardens will only really help the
more common and mobile species. For our rarer
species to survive we must conserve large areas of
natural and semi-natural habitat – meadows,
woodlands, heaths and wetlands. Supporting
Scotland’s voluntary conservation bodies in this task is
Small tortoiseshell nectaring on Ice plant Sedum spectabile
an excellent way of helping to ensure our special
butterflies have a future.
Close-up of Small tortoiseshell's head and tongue
L a n d ow n e r s
Farmers and crofters are increasingly able to help
butterfly populations in the countryside through the
availability of European and government funding.
These grants can be used to support traditional
agricultural methods, which are often beneficial, or for
the creation of wildlife friendly margins using native
wildflowers and grasses.
Foresters can also obtain grant-aid to help improve
conditions for butterflies on their land. This can be
through encouraging natural regeneration of native
trees, by opening up shady woodland through thinning
and clearing glades, or by carefully controlling the
amount of grazing.
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V i s i t i n g n a t u r e r e s e r ve s
There are many reserves in Scotland which are
Other superb sites include Mabie Forest near Dumfries,
excellent places to see butterflies. The first Butterfly
Glasdrum National Nature Reserve north of Oban,
Conservation Scotland reserve at Allt Mhuic, on the
Argyll, and Ben Lawers, near Killin, National Trust for
shores of Loch Arkaig near Spean Bridge, was opened
Scotland. On the east coast, the Scottish Wildlife
in 2003. It is managed in partnership with Forestry
Trust’s nature reserve at Seaton Cliffs north of
Commission Scotland and Forest Research. The best
Arbroath, has a cliff walk with superb views where you
time to visit is from mid-May until the end of June.
may see both native and migrant butterflies.
28
Surveying wet grassland areas rich in scabious for the Marsh fritillary
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29
Look closely and see the two butterflies feeding on the rich nectar provided by the herbaceous plants
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Chequered skipper on bluebell
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30
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B i o d i ve r s i t y
Action Plan
and Red Data Book
T h e U K B i o d i ve r s i t y A c t i o n
Plan (UK BAP)
Red Data Book
A Red Data Book of European Butterflies was published
At the Earth Summit on Sustainable Development in
in 1999. This showed that many European butterflies
1992, over 150 Governments including the UK
were under serious threat, primarily from rapidly
Government signed up to the UN Convention on
changing land use and the intensification of agriculture
Biological Diversity.
and forestry. Abandonment of agricultural land,
however, is the biggest threat in some countries.
In response, the UK Biodiversity Action Plan was
published in 1994 and identifies the most important
Scottish species threatened across Europe are the
species for conservation in the UK. It is divided into
Marsh fritillary and Large heath. Interestingly, the
'priority' species and 'species of conservation concern'.
Scotch argus nearly qualified for the Red List owing
Action Plans for priority species have been prepared,
to declines in many European countries, and it is
including eleven butterflies, four of which occur in
very likely that Scotland’s large population is of
Scotland. These are the Northern brown argus,
European importance.
Chequered skipper, Marsh fritillary and
Pearl-bordered fritillary.
The UK Biodiversity Action Plan process has come
to be an important way in which activity to conserve
biodiversity is co-ordinated and undertaken across
the UK.
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The butterfly in Scottish art
Ernest Archibald Taylor, was a follower of the Glasgow
Style. Born in Greenock, he worked in a variety of
The Celtic integration of mankind and nature was most
different media achieving a successful balance between
apparent in Scottish art at the turn of the last century in
naturalism and stylisation. Between 1900 and 1910 as
the work of the members of an art movement established
well as painting, he worked for the Glasgow
in Glasgow called the Glasgow Style.
cabinetmakers Wylie and Lochead. He used stylised
butterfly motifs to great effect in the cabinet pictured
The use of natural, and in particular organic flower
below. The butterfly motif, the repeating flower and the
forms, was one of their characteristics. Butterflies,
heart shapes - which appear in the handles and glass of
dragonflies and other insects were often used in stylised
the cabinet are all part of Taylor's design vocabulary.
forms particularly on fabrics and jewellery.
mm
Co
a
blu
e
Cl o
se
-u
Common
p
sty
of
lised
butterfly m otif
Art Nouveau cabinet with butterfly motifs designed
by Ernest Archibald Taylor (1874–1951),
Kelvingrove Art Gallery, Glasgow
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F inding
out more about
butterflies
Conservation and gardening
Identification
Baines, C. 1984. How to make a wildlife garden. Elm
Books, London.
Chinery, M. 1989. Butterflies and Day-flying Moths of
Great Britain and Europe. Collins.
Steel, J. 2003. Butterfly Gardening. Webbs Barn
Designs, Oxfordshire.
Lewington, R. 2003. Pocket Guide to the Butterflies of
Great Britain and Ireland. British Wildlife Publishing,
Hampshire.
Van Swaay, C. and Warren, M.S. 1999. Red Data
Book of European Butterflies (Rhopalocera). Council of
Europe Publishing, Strasbourg (Nature and
Environment Series No 99).
Tolman, T. and Lewington, R. 1997. Butterflies of Britain
and Europe. HarperCollins, London.
Tomlinson, D. and Still, R. 2002. Britain’s Butterflies.
Wild Guides, Hampshire.
Warren, M.S. and Fuller, R.J. 1993. Woodland rides
and glades – their management for wildlife (second
edition). JNCC, Peterborough.
Useful addresses
Butterfly Conservation Scotland
Balallan House, 24 Allan Park, Stirling FK8 2QG
0870 7706151
e-mail: scotland@butterfly-conservation.org
www.butterfly-conservation.org
Ecology and distribution
Asher, J. et al. 2001. The Millennium Atlas of Butterflies
in Britain and Ireland. Oxford University Press.
Dennis, R.L.H. (ed.) 1992. The Ecology of Butterflies in
Britain. Oxford University Press.
Pullin, A.S. (ed.) 1995. Ecology and Conservation of
Butterflies. Chapman and Hall, London.
33
Kindrogan Field Centre
Enochdu, Blairgowrie, Perthshire PH10 7PG
01250 870150
e-mail: kindrogan@btinternet.com
www.field-studies-council.org/kindrogan
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Also in the Naturally Scottish series...
If you have enjoyed Butterflies why not find out more about Scotland's wildlife in our Naturally Scottish series. The clear and informative text is illustrated with exceptional
photographs, showing the species in their native habitats and illustrating their relationships with man. They also provide information on conservation and the law.
Amphibians & Reptiles
Lichens
Although there are only six amphibians and three reptiles
native to Scotland, these delightful animals have been part
of our culture for a long time. They feature on Pictish stones
and in a play – 'The Puddock and the Princess'.
John Buckley
ISBN 1 85397 401 3 pbk 40pp £4.95
There are more than 1700 species of lichen occuring
throughout the British Isles, and many grow in Scotland
where the air is purer. Several different species may be
found on a single rock or tree, resulting in lichenologists
spending hours in one spot!
Oliver Gilbert
ISBN 1 85397 373 4 pbk 52pp £4.95
Bumblebees
Did you know that Bummiebee, Droner and Foggie-toddler
are all Scottish names for the bumblebee? Find out what
these names mean and why bumblebees are so special
inside this beautifully illustrated booklet. Also discover how
you can help the bumblebee by planting appropriate
flowers for their continued survival.
Murdo Macdonald
ISBN 1 85397 364 5 pbk 40pp £4.95
Mosses & Liverworts
Burnet Moths
Red Kites
There are almost 1,000 species of moss and liverwort
growing in Scotland, representing more than 60% of the
European bryophyte flora. Although they are small
plants, they are certainly important ecologically and are
also very beautiful.
Gordon Rothero
ISBN 1 85397 446 3 pbk 52pp £4.95
This graceful and distinctive bird was absent from
Scotland’s skies for more than a century. Now with the
help of a successful programme of reintroduction, its
russet plumage and forked tail can once again be
seen in Scotland.
David Minns and Doug Gilbert
ISBN 1 85397 210 X pbk 24pp £3.95
Unlike many other species of moth, burnet moths fly by day.
They can be easily recognised by their beautiful, glossy
black wings with crimson spots. Their striking colouring is a
very real warning to predators.
Mark Young
ISBN 1 85397 209 6 pbk 24pp £3.00
Corncrakes
Red Squirrels
Secretive, skulking, rasping, loud, tuneless, scarce . . . all
these words have been used to describe the corncrake. But
once you could have added plentiful and widespread to the
list. Now only a few birds visit Scotland each year. This
booklet brings you the latest information on the corncrake
and reveals this elusive and noisy bird in its grassy home.
Helen Riley and Rhys Greena
ISBN 1 85397 049 2 pbk 40pp £3.95
The red squirrel is one Scotland’s most endearing
mammals. This booklet provides an insight into their
ecology and some of the problems facing red squirrels in
Scotland today.
Peter Lurz & Mairi Cooper
ISBN 1 85397 298 4 pbk 20pp £3.00
River Runners
Scotland’s clean, cascading rivers contain a fascinating
array of species. The Atlantic salmon is the best known of
our riverine species but others, such as lampreys and
freshwater pearl mussels, are frequently overlooked but
no less captivating. This booklet aims to illuminate aspects
of their intriguing and largely unseen life-cycles, habitats
and conservation measures.
Iain Sime
ISBN 1 85397 353 X pbk 44pp £4.95
Fungi
Fungi belong to one of the most varied, useful and ancient
kingdoms in the natural world. Scotland may have almost
2000 larger species with some of the most interesting found
in our woodlands and grasslands. This booklet provides an
introduction to their life-cycles, habitats and conservation.
Discover the fascinating forms of earthstars, truffles and
waxcaps.
Roy Watling MBE and Stephen Ward
ISBN 1 85397 341 6 pbk 40pp £4.95
Sea Eagles
34
34
A well-organised reintroduction programme has brought
the sea eagle back to Scotland. This colourful booklet
tells a wonderful story, which is illustrated by some of the
finest natural history photographers in Europe.
John Love
ISBN 1 85397 461 7 pbk 48pp £4.95
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SNH Publications Order Form:
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35
www.snh.org.uk
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Page 1
BUTTERFLIES
Butterflies
naturally scottish
There are 30 resident species of butterflies found in
Scotland, as well as three regular migrants. The colourful
adults may survive for just a few weeks but they certainly
brighten up our lives.
About other books in the series:
British Wildlife
NATURALLY SCOTTISH
Bumblebees
“This is a short readable account of bumblebee lives, with special reference to Scottish habitats.
The photographs are first-rate and the text is pleasantly written, with some interesting
snippets. You can read it in half an hour, and it will probably leave you wanting more –
the mark of a successful introduction.”
About the author:
Paul Kirkland is Butterfly Conservation’s Director for
Scotland, and has worked for the charity since 1994.
Caterpillars, beetles and other insects first sparked his
interest in the natural world. He has also helped
conserve amphibians and plants.
ISBN 1 85397 446 8
A CIP record is held at the British Library.
SNH & BCS
Price £4.95
Scottish Natural Heritage. Visit our website on www.snh.org.uk
s c o t t i s h
18/4/06
n a t u r a l l y
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Butterflies