Butterflies
Butterflies fly during the day. They belong to the same insect group, the Lepidoptera, as moths, and there are many similarities between them. However, if the antennae end in a noticeable club and the wings are held above the body when resting, you are probably looking at a butterfly. There are 59 species in the UK.
Below are some of the butterflies our Identification and Advisory Service team is most often asked about. Select one to find out more, including identification clues.
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Meadow brown, Maniola jurtina
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Large white, Pieris brassicae
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Common blue, Polyommatus icarus
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Speckled wood, Pararge aegeria
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Small copper, Lycaena phlaeas
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Silver-washed fritillary, Argynnis paphia
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Green-veined white, Pieris napi
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Small tortoiseshell, Aglais urticae
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Gatekeeper, Pyronia tithonus
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Ringlet, Aphantopus hyperantus
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Grayling, Hipparchia semele
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Red admiral, Vanessa atalanta
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Marbled white, Melanargia galathea
Can't find your butterfly?
If you want help identifying a butterfly but can't see it in this gallery, you can post your own image and ask our experts and enthusiasts in the Bug forum.
