Support a species: Identify the butterfly

Butterflies are a welcome sign that Spring has arrived and Summer is on the way.

Common Blue butterfly
Photo: Common Blue Butterfly. ©Matthew Cawrey.

Butterfly facts

Butterflies are found on every continent except Antarctica.
The largest butterfly is the Queen Alexandra’s Birdwing with a 25cm wingspan and is native to Papua New Guinea.
Butterflies can see in the ultraviolet spectrum, meaning they can see patterns in flowers that humans can’t.
A group of butterflies is called a flutter.

How you can help

Plant butterfly (and other pollinator) friendly plants such as Lavender, Dahlia and Cosmos.

  • Don’t use insecticides and pesticides.
  • Leave fallen fruit under trees, in late autumn butterflies such as the Red Admiral and Painted Lady will feed on over-ripe fallen fruit.
  • Grow plants suitable for caterpillars such as Milkweed and Fennel.
  • Place rocks and other flat surfaces in your garden in full sun for butterflies to rest on.

Threats to butterflies

  • The largest threat to butterflies is loss of habitat.
  • Some butterflies are considered threats due to their caterpillars eating crops. Pesticides not only deter these ‘pest’ species, but other species of butterfly as well.

Spotting butterflies

The University campus has over 60 recorded species of butterfly. Brimstones can be found in winter in ivy, and Small-Tortoiseshell and Peacocks in garden sheds. All these species can be found flying between early spring and late autumn. Holly Blue and Comma butterflies are found in two bursts throughout the year as they have two generations over the course of a year.

To spot these butterflies and others, spend a sunny afternoon in one of the wildflower meadows on campus