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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 Conservations 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

48523_Butterflies_Cover

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 Scotlands 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. Scotlands 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

What is special about butterflies?

Scottish butterflies

How they breed the life-cycle

How they feed and providing food

Scotlands 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 lifes 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

Scotlands 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

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-d mr geal

Small white

Pieris rapae

Widespread resident

Dearbadan-d 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

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-d beag na h-oirean neamhnaid

Pearl-bordered fritillary

Boloria euphrosyne

Widespread resident

Dearbadan-d na h-oirean neamhnaid

Dark green fritillary

Argynnis aglaja

Widespread resident

Dearbadan-d drch-uaine

Marsh fritillary

Euphydryas aurinia

Resident, confined to Argyll

Dearbadan-d 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 mr 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-d, while for

Large copper).

caterpillar it is Ailseag, Bratag, Bratag a' chil or

Cnuimh-chil. 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 ladys 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.

7
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

doesnt 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 (devils-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.

10

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

12

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Pearl-bordered fritillary Boloria euphrosyne

Speckled wood Parage aegeria

Female (left) and male (right) Purple hairstreak Neozeophyrus quercus

13

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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

15

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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 caterpillars 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 Arthurs 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.

16

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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 Scotlands 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 Europes 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 caterpillars foodplant, devils-bit scabious, is one of

fritillary colony to increase again. This complex and

Scotlands 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.

18

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, birds-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.

Birds-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.

24

Orange-tip on bugle. This species has spread in

Scotland over the last 20 years

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Climate change
Another threat facing Scotlands 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 Scotlands 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.

Ladys 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
ladys smock (also known as cuckoo flower) for
Orange-tip, and birds-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
Scotlands 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

Trusts 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

Page 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 Scotlands 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

blu
e

Cl o
se
-u

Common

sty
of

lised

butterfly m otif

Art Nouveau cabinet with butterfly motifs designed

by Ernest Archibald Taylor (18741951),
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. Britains 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

Scotlands 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 Scotlands 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
Scotlands 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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Send order and cheque made payable to Scottish Natural Heritage to:
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35

www.snh.org.uk

07:50

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 Conservations 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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