Butterflies and mothsof Falkirk and Lanarkshirean identification guide

Butterflies and moths are beautiful insects anda joy to observe as well as identify. This guidewill help you identify all the butterflies, and somemoths that occur in Falkirk and Lanarkshire.It also has a table so you can easily see which species areon the wing at a given time, and suggests some of the bestand most easily accessible places in the region for you to seethem. We hope this leaflet will encourage you to learn moreabout these beautiful insects.

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YELLOWS & WHITES1 Clouded Yellow 57-62mmColias croceusA migrant to the UK from theContinent, this butterfly is wellknown for its mass immigrationswhen they arrive in largenumbers in “Clouded Yellowyears”. It is most frequently seenbetween May and September.

2 Large White 63-70mmPieris brassicaeThis is our largest white butterflyand a strong flier. The caterpillarsfeed on brassicas such asCabbage, Broccoli andNasturtiums, and are thereforedisliked by gardeners. It isdistinguishable from the SmallWhite by its larger size, darkerblack wing tips extending furtherdown the wing edge, and bolderspots. Flies June-September.

3 Small White 38-57mmPieris rapaeThe caterpillars feed on brassicas,but they cause less damage thanthose of the Large White. Easilyconfused with the Green-veinedWhite which is similar in size, butthe upperside has dark tips tothe forewings, and it lacks thegreen veins on the undersideof the wing. It is one of the firstbutterflies to be seen in springand flies all summer.

4 Green-veined White 40-52mmPieris napiGenerally this is the most commonspecies of white to be seen inthe countryside. Unlike the two“cabbage whites”, the Green-veinedWhite feeds on wild crucifers (e.g.Garlic Mustard) and is not a gardenpest. The green veins on theunderside of the wing distinguishthis from other white butterfliesand moths, but they can fadewith wear and are less distinctin second generation butterflies.One of the first butterflies ofspring, it flies all summer.

5 Orange-tip 45-50mmAnthocharis cardaminesMales are unmistakable withtheir bright orange wing-tips, butfemales have no orange so couldbe confused with Small or Green-veined Whites. However, Orange-tips have more rounded wing tipsand distinctive mottled greenundersides that can also be seenfaintly through the upperwing.Their distinctive orange eggs canbe found on the caterpillars’ foodplants - crucifers such as CuckooFlower, Garlic Mustard, Honestyand Dame’s Violet. It flies midApril to June and is widespreadin moist grassland areas.

HAIRSTREAKS,COPPERS AND BLUES6 Green Hairstreak 27-34mmCallophrys rubiDespite the bright greenappearance of this small butterfly,which always sits with its wingsclosed, it is often difficult to spot.It prefers warm, sheltered sitesnear woodland or along thescrubby edges of moorland whereits caterpillars feed on Blaeberry(bilberry). The Green Hairstreakflies from mid April to June.

7 Purple Hairstreak 37-39mmNeozephyrus quercusA striking butterfly, but verydifficult to see, as it feeds onHoneydew in the canopy ofOak and other trees. The adultbutterflies are best looked for inlate afternoon or early eveningon warm days when they canbe seen by scanning the topsof the Oak trees with binoculars.Occasionally they fly down fromthe canopy to nectar on flowers.The caterpillars feed only on Oak.Flies late July to mid-September.

8 Small Copper 32-35mmLycaena phlaeasThis dainty butterfly is awidespread species found ina range of habitats, includinggardens. Its caterpillars feed onCommon and Sheep’s Sorrel. Thespring and summer broods canoverlap, so it can be seen from lateApril through to late September,although it is rarely abundant.

9 Common Blue 29-36mmPolyommatus icarusA widespread butterfly foundin a variety of grassy habitatsalmost anywhere that itscaterpillar’s food plant, Bird’s-foot-Trefoil, occurs. The beautifuland brightly-coloured males arevery conspicuous, while thefemales are generally blue-brownwith distinctive orange spots. Itusually has just one generationa year, the adults flying betweenJune and September.

VANESSIDSAND FRITILLARIES10 Red Admiral 67-72mmVanessa atalantaA familiar and distinctive ‘garden’butterfly that migrates to the UKevery year from Southern Europeand North Africa. It can breed inScotland but rarely survives ourwinters. The major influx startsin late May and is reinforced untilAugust, with adults being seenuntil November in good years.The caterpillars feed on StingingNettles, adults are often seenon Buddleia.

11 Painted Lady 64-70mmVanessa carduiAnother migrant, this species isunable to over-winter in any part ofthe UK and re-colonises each yearfrom mainland Europe, sometimesin spectacular numbers. They canoften be seen congregating inareas with Thistles, which serveas both a food plant for thecaterpillars and a nectar sourcefor the adults. The peak ofimmigration usually occurs inJune, and adults can be seenuntil October or November, butthere appears to be no reversemigration South in autumn.

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Day-flying Night-flying

12 Small Tortoiseshell 50-56mmAglais urticaeThis well-known butterfly canbe seen in virtually any monthof the year in almost any habitat.The caterpillars feed on StingingNettles growing in sunnyconditions, favouring freshyoung leaves. It over-winters asan adult and is one of the firstbutterflies to emerge in the spring.Adults can be seen feeding onThistles and Buddleia. In autumnadults are regularly found inhouses, sheds and outbuildingsseeking hibernation sites.

13 Peacock 63-69mmInachis ioAn unmistakable butterfly andnow a regular garden visitor,its range has rapidly expandednorthwards in recent years.Often one of the first butterfliesto be seen in the spring havingover-wintered as adults, itssummer brood can be seen from July to September, in muchlarger numbers. The caterpillarsfeed on the young leaves ofStinging Nettles.

14 Comma 55-60mmPolygonia c-albumA very distinctive butterfly thathas rapidly spread North throughthe region in recent years. Thecaterpillars feed on Elm, Nettlesand Hop. The adults may beseen in spring, with a summergeneration flying from Julyto October.

15 Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary41-44mm Boloria seleneUK Biodiversity Action Plan SpeciesThis species occurs in damp,flower-rich habitats, woodlandclearings and the edges of bogs,marshes and moorlands, butoccurs at only a few sites in theregion. The caterpillars feed onMarsh and Dog Violets and itflies from late May to August.

16 Dark Green Fritillary 63-69mmArgynnis aglajaThis is a large butterfly that feedson Violets as a caterpillar. Foundin flower-rich habitats with patchesof scrub. It could possibly beconfused with the Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary but is a morepowerful flier, is much larger andhas a green background to theunderside of its hind wing. It fliesfrom June to August.

BROWNS17 Meadow Brown 50-55mmManiola jurtinaThe Meadow Brown can be seenin a variety of flower-rich habitats,grasslands and woodland edgesand often occurs in largenumbers. The caterpillars feedon a variety of grasses. Malestend to be darker than females,but the amount of orange on bothis variable. A strong flier, it is seenon the wing from late June toearly September.

18 Small Heath 34-38mmCoenonympha pamphilusUK Biodiversity Action Plan SpeciesAn inconspicuous butterflythat tends to fly only in brightconditions, and always keepsits wings closed at rest. It occursmostly on dry grasslands andheaths, where the sward is shortand where there are fine-leavedgrasses upon which thecaterpillar feeds. Althoughwidespread in Scotland, it hasundergone massive declines inother parts of the UK. It only hasone generation per year, frommid May to early August.

19 Large Heath 35-40mmCoenonympha tulliaUK Biodiversity Action Plan SpeciesThe Large Heath is restrictedto wet, boggy habitats whereits main food plant, Hare’s-tailCottongrass grows. It alwayssits with its wings closed, butcan be distinguished from theSmall Heath by its duller Colourand larger size. It usually hasmore prominent spots on thehindwing, but they are not alwayspresent. Flies from early Juneto mid August.

20 Ringlet 48-52mmAphantopus hyperantusThe Ringlet has been expandingits range in Scotland. It has avery dark, velvety appearanceand a white ‘fringe’ to its wingswhen newly emerged. The“ringlets” on the under-wingsvary in number and size and canbe virtually absent. It favours tall,damp grassland, where thecaterpillars feed on a variety ofgrasses. It flies, even in dullconditions, from late June toAugust, and can be abundant.

21 Grayling 55-60mmHipparchia semeleUK Biodiversity Action Plan SpeciesThe Grayling needs warm,sunny sites with bare groundand fine-leaved grasses, uponwhich the nocturnal caterpillarsfeed. Its natural habitats includecoastal cliffs, dunes and heaths,but it has been able to colonisemany so-called ‘brownfield’sites such as old quarries andindustrial sites, and railway lines.The adult butterflies can be hardto see at rest due to their superbcamouflage. They are on the wingfrom late June to early September.

MOTHSThe moths shown are allconspicuous and attractive,and some are mistaken forbutterflies. There are a largenumber of moths which canbe found throughout the regionbut most only fly at night.

22 Six-spot Burnet 25-40mmZygaena fillipendulaThe bright red and blackcolours of the adults mean ‘birdsbeware’ because the moth ispacked with a chemical defencein the form of cyanide! Thecaterpillars are also poisonousand they are thought to derivethese chemicals from theirfood plant, Common Bird’s-footTrefoil. Flies from late June toAugust in sunny, grassy places.

23 Cinnabar 34-46mmTyria jacobaeaThe adult Cinnabar has similarcoloration to the unrelatedSix-spot Burnet, and is alsopoisonous to birds. In this casethe poison, again obtained bythe caterpillars, comes fromCommon Ragwort. The adultsfly from mid-May to Augustin dry, grassy habitats. Thecaterpillars are also conspicuous,having orange and black stripes.This moth has become muchrarer in recent years.

24 Chimney SweeperThis unusual species flies inthe daytime, and prefers brightsunshine. It is completely blackexcept for the white fringes at thetips of the forewings. It can beseen flying in June and July, andthe larvae feed mainly on theflowers of pignut.

25 Silver Y 35-40mmAutographa gammaStriking when in flight, comes toBuddleia and often a numerousimmigrant. The adults can befound from spring through tilllate autumn, and can be seenby both day and night. Thelarvae feed on a wide rangeof low growing plants.

26 Oak Eggar 45-75mmLasiocampa quercusThe red-brown males fly duringthe day, especially in sunshine,whereas the larger, paler femalesare nocturnal. Adults fly from lateMay to early July. The OakEggar, despite its name, doesnot feed on Oak, but is so-calledbecause the shape of its cocoonis acorn-like. The foodplants aremainly heather (Calluna) andbilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus),but also include a number ofother species such as bramble(Rubus), hawthorn (Crataegus)and hazel (Corylus).

27 Garden Tiger 45-65mmArctia cajaFamiliar and widespread. Foundin most habitats with caterpillars(often known as “woolly bears”)feeding on a variety of herbaceousplants. Orange hindwings withdark spots are concealed byforewings unless disturbed.Flies July-August.

28 Elephant Hawk-moth 45-60mmDeilephila elpenorThe adults are attractively colouredwith pink and green markings.They fly from May to July, visitingflowers such as honeysuckle(Lonicera) for nectar.The larvaefeed mainly on rosebay willowherb(Epilobium angustifolium), but alsoother plants as well, includingbedstraw (Galium).

29 Poplar Hawk-moth 65-90mmLaothoe populiAdopts a strange posture when atrest, with hindwings held forwardof the grey-brown forewings, andthe abdomen curved upwards atthe rear. If alarmed, will flash redmarkings on hindwings. Adultsare on the wing from May to July.Bright green caterpillars withdiagonal stripes and “horn” attail-end feed on poplar (Poplar),aspen (P. tremula) and willow (Salix).

30 Puss Moth (caterpillar) 45-70mmCerura vinulaNamed after the cat-like, furryappearance of the adult moth whichhas pale grey and white wings. Thestriking caterpillar feeds from July toSeptember on Aspen, poplar andwillow. When disturbed, it raises itshead and waves its twin tails, whichhave pinkish whip-like appendages.They are also able to eject an acidspray from a gland situated justbehind the head. The mothsfly May-July.

31 Latticed Heath 20-25mmChiasmia clathrataQuite a variable species, with colourvarying from yellowish to white. Itoccurs in a range of open habitats,including moorland, grassland andwaste ground. There are usually twogenerations flying in May and June,and August and September. Flies atboth day and night. The larvae feedon Lucerne (Medicago sativa) andClover (Trifolium).

32 The Snout 25-38mmHypena proboscidalisA common species, this moth canoften be found in numbers arounddusk, flying over patches of itsfoodplant, nettle (Urtica dioica). Itoccurs on waste ground, gardens,woodland and other places wherenettle occurs. It is on the wing fromJune to August, and again later inthe autumn.

33 Convolvulus Hawk-moth80-120mmA large species, with a wingspanof over 10cm, this is a migrant inBritain, appearing sometimes infairly good numbers. It most oftenoccurs in late summer and autumn,usually with influxes of othermigrant species, when it can befound feeding at garden flowers.

34 Emperor Moth 40-60mmSaturnia pavoniaMales with bright orange hindwingsfly during the day, whilst the greyerfemales are active at night.Caterpillars are green with blackhoops and yellow spots. Found inmoorland and heathland, withcaterpillars feeding on moorlandplants such as Heather (Calluna).

Want to get involved?There are significant gaps in ourknowledge of the current distributionand changes in butterfly and mothpopulations. Everyone can contributeand we really do need your butterflyand moth sightings.

Why?Butterfly recording is the foundation uponwhich the conservation of butterflies is based.It allows an assessment of population trends,helps identify priorities and can measure theeffectiveness of conservation action. Butterfliescan be quick to respond to changes to theirenvironment, they therefore make excellentindicator species, capable of detecting changesdue to new management or the effects ofclimate change. Populations are also rarelystatic making their study more interesting. Youcan record them in your garden or venture toparts of the countryside you would otherwisenot visit. Above all, though, it is easy, great funand very rewarding!

When?Choose warm, sunny days to look forbutterflies, when they are more active.Always take a map. Many paths are unevenso wear footwear with good ankle supportand for longer walks take warm, waterproofclothing as weather conditions can changequickly. A mobile phone, sun hat, snack anddrink are good safety precautions. Let someoneknow where you have gone and what timeyou expect to be back. Remember to takea notebook and pen too, to recordyour butterfly and moth sightings!.

What?Butterfly recording comprises of monitoringand surveying. Monitoring is used to collectinformation about changes to individualpopulations or sites over time, normally annually.Surveying is concerned with collecting distributiondata and requires visits to several sites to gaina true picture of butterfly distributions. However,if surveys are repeated (e.g. five years later) thiscould be regarded as monitoring! Rememberto take a notebook and pencil into the fieldto record your sightings. Binoculars and abutterfly net can also be useful.

Where?Most butterflies prefer sheltered sunnylocations with plenty of nectar. Several arespecialists and will only be found in, ornear to, their niche habitat. Other species,particularly the larger and more mobilespecies e.g. Red Admiral and Painted Lady,can be seen almost anywhere.

How?To record butterflies you need to provide thefollowing information; species name, howmany you saw, location name, grid referencefrom an Ordnance Survey map, date, andyour contact details. Butterfly records shouldbe sent to your local butterfly recorder (seebelow) who verifies and collates them beforethey appear as dots in distribution maps.

Send your records to:LanarkshireRichard Weddle, Glasgow Museum ResourceCentre, 200 Woodhead Road, South NitshillIndustrial Estate, Glasgow, G53 7NNEmail: richard.weddle@tiscali.co.uk

Stirlingshire, West PerthshireJohn Knowler, 3 Balfleurs Street, Milngavie,Glasgow, G62 8HWEmail: john.knowler@ntlworld.com

AccessPlease follow theOutdoor Access Codewhen visiting sites:

www.outdooraccess-scotland.com

Please do not obstruct any roads oraccess points if taking your car. Usepublic transport where possible.

Want to know more? The following books are recommended.Britain’s Butterflies. David Tomlinson and Rob Still (2002).A photographic guide to the butterflies of Britain and Ireland. ISBN No. 1-903657-01-6

Guide to butterflies of Britain and Ireland. Jeremy Thomas (2007)A well-tried guide that fits into the pocket; latest edition reflects current distributions.ISBN No. 13 978-0-540-08980-2Pocket Guide to the Butterflies of Britain and Ireland. Richard Lewington (2003).A handy guide with excellent illustrations and clear descriptions. ISBN No. 0-953139-91-6

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Flight PeriodsBUTTERFLIESClouded YellowLarge WhiteSmall WhiteGreen-veined WhiteOrange-tipGreen HairstreakPurple HairstreakSmall CopperCommon BlueRed AdmiralPainted LadySmall TortoiseshellPeacockSmall Pearl-b'd FritillaryDark Green FritillaryMeadow BrownRingletSmall HeathLarge HeathCommaGraylingMOTHSSix-spot burnetCinnabarOak eggarEmperorGarden TigerElephant Hawk-mothSilver YLatticed HeathPoplar Hawk-mothPuss MothSnoutChimney SweeperConvolvulus Hawk-moth

1 Kinneil Foreshore, Bo’ness Kinneil Foreshore is located to the west of Bo’ness, just to the north of the A904,Kinneil Road, and extends out into the Firth of Forth. Car parking is found on Snab Land at OS grid ref NT 98509 81122 l.

2 Callendar Woods, Falkirk Leave M9 motorway by junctions 4, 5 or 6 and follow signs for Callendar House. Falkirk ison the main railway line between Edinburgh and Glasgow. Falkirk High Station is only 250 yards from the western entranceto Callendar Wood. There is a regular bus service to Callendar Park to the immediate north of the wood and to Hallglen tothe south of the wood. OS grid Ref: NS 907 788. For more information on the site please phone: 01555 660190.

3 Roughcastle, Falkirk Lying to the southeast of Bonnybridge, immediately to the south of RoughcastleFort on the Antonine Wall is Roughcastle Community Woodland OS grid reference: NS 845 793.

4 Bonnyfield, Bonnywood www.falkirk.gov.uk - search under ‘B’ in the A-Z for more information.The Narrow-bordered Five Spot Burnet Moth has been spotted here. OS grid ref NS 815 803.

5 Palacerigg Country Park, Cumbernauld The Chimney Sweeper Moth, Ringlets and Peacock butterflies arecommon here. You may also see the interesting cocoons of the Oak Eggar moth, sometimes mistaken for snake eggs.Palacerigg Country Park is signposted off the A801 Cumbernauld Town Centre road. It is less than half an hours drivefrom Glasgow, Stirling, Motherwell and Falkirk. Train and Bus: Cumbernauld Railway Station and Town Centre bus stopare approximately three and a half miles from Palacerigg Country Park and it should be noted that there is no publictransport from either of the above stations to the park. However taxis are readily available. OS grid reference:NS 786 732. Car parking facilities available. For more information on the site please phone: 01236 780 636.

6 Dumbreck Marsh, Kilsyth Dumbreck Marsh Local Nature Reserve is near Kilsyth and Queenzieburn.,on the A803, Kilsyth, Parking on Gavell Road by the gate. For more information please phone: 01236 780 636.

7 Drumpellier Country Park, Coatbridge Look out for the colourful Comma butterfly here, as well as theSmall Pearl-bordered Fritillary. The park is situated on the A752, two miles north of the A8/M8 Glasgow/Edinburghtrunk road and is easily found close to Junction 2A on the M73 Motorway, follow signs for Coatbridge. Car parkingfacilities are available within the park. Train: The park is close to the main Glasgow/Airdrie line at Blairhill Station.Bus: Regular bus services run along Townhead Road and Blair Road, stopping close to the park entrances.For more information phone: 01236 780 636.

8 Kingshill Plantation (Allanton Woods), Allanton The Kingshill Plantation, or Allanton Woods can be foundjust South of the A71, as it passes through Allanton OS grid ref NS 85188 57692. If you come into Allanton fromthe East, take your first left onto Houldsworth Cresent. Take the next left into the cul de sac of Kingshill Road,parking is available here. Walk down the track into the woodland, a variety of butterfly species can be found here.Parking on Kingshill Road. For more information please phone: 01698 402 090.

9 Greenhead Moss, Wishaw Greenhead Moss is found North of the A71, to the east of Wishaw (Grid refNS 81028 55339). From the Newmains roundabout, where the A71 meets the A73, take the A722 (Manse Rd),leading to Wishaw town centre. Follow the road into Cambusnethan and take the sixth left onto East Gate.Car park is next to earthship at Creamery road. Butterfly species found here include Common Blue andSmall Pearl Bordered Fritillary. For more information phone: 01698 402 097 or go to www.greenheadmoss.org.uk

10 Dalzell and Barons Haugh, Motherwell Situated at the end of Dalzell Drive, close to Fir Park Football Stadiumand the North Lanarkshire Civic Centre in Motherwell. The beautiful Comma butterfly has been spotted here. Thereare a limited number of car parking spaces available. For information on the site please phone: 01698 402090or go to www.dalzellandbaronshaugh.co.uk

11 South Haugh, Hamilton Turn off Carlisle Road into Smithcroft, take the first left and then a right at the endof the road which will bring you into South Haugh carpark. OS grid ref: NS 730 551. For more informationplease phone: 01698 426 213.

12 Calderglen Country Park & Langlands Moss Local Nature Reserve Strathaven Road (A726), East Kilbride,G75 0QZ. You may see Comma and Common Blue here. 2km from East Kilbride town centre heading South.LNR is to the South of the main entrance to Calderglen and is accessible by foot from the country park.For more information please phone: 01355 236 644.

13 The Glen Forth You may see the Chimney Sweeper Moth here. Leave the M8 at junction 4 and head alongthe A801. Take the A706 at the roundabout and head through Whitburn heading south towards Lanark. Take theB7016 and the first left. Car parking and waymarked trails available. OS grid ref: NS 950 565. For more informationplease phone: 01555 660 190.

14 West Forth Woodland Many species are present on this site. West Forth Woodland spans both sides of theA706 Lanark to Linlithgow road, about 7 miles north of Lanark. For more information please phone: 01555 660 190.

15 Beattock Summit (forest rides), South Lanarkshire Leave M74 at J14 or J15 and follow B719.Beattock Summit is at OS grid ref: NS 989 153. Fritillaries & Small Heath can be spotted here.

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MotherwellWishaw

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Key Butterfly Sites

Scotland OfficeBalallan House 24 Allan Park Stirling FK8 2QGTel: 01786 447753 Email: scotland@butterfly-conservation.orgwww.butterfly-conservation.orgButterfly Conservation is a registered charity and non-profit making company, limited by guarantee.Registered Office: Manor Yard, East Lulworth, Wareham, Dorset, BH20 5QP Registered inEngland No. 2206468 Charity registered in in Scotland (SCO39268) and in England & Wales (254937)

Photographs by: Colin Dunlop, Jackie Gilliland, Jamie Scott, Emilie Wadsworth, Jim Asher, Rob Wolton,Peter Eeles, Robert Thompson, Paul Pugh, Dave Green

This leaflet has been funded by Scottish Natural Heritage, North Lanarkshire Council,Falkirk Council and Central Scotland Forest Trust.

Thanks to South Lanarkshire Council for their kind contribution.

Designed and produced by nectarcreative 01942 681648Printed on 100% recycled paper made from post-consumer waste

Local Biodiversity Action Plan (LBAP)LBAPs are an excellent way of co-ordinating action to conserve wildlife at the local level.Local action cannot take place without the enthusiasm and interest of local people, anddepends on partnerships between local communities, landowners, businesses, a rangeof voluntary and public organisations, and the local Council. Contact your local councilto see how you can get involved.

This area is covered by three Local Biodiversity Action Plans,these are listed below with contact details:

North Lanarkshire Biodiversity Action Plan: Contact Laura Whyte on 01236 780636or whytela@northlan.gov.uk Palacerigg House, Cumbernauld, G67 3HU.

South Lanarkshire Biodiversity Action Plan: Contact Biodiversity Officer on 01698 426213.Countryside and Greenspace Service, Community Resources, South Lanarkshire Council,Chatelherault Country Park Carlisle Road, Hamilton, ML3 7UE.

Falkirk Biodiversity Action Plan: Contact Biodiversity Officer: 01324 504863.Falkirk Council, Abbotsford House, David’s Loan, Falkirk, FK2 7YZ.