LIST OF BUTTERFLIES REGULARLY RECORDED IN THE STOCKPORT AREA

Small Skipper (Thymelicus sylvestris)

A common and widespread resident, although virtually unknown in the area prior to the mid-1970’s. Single-brooded flying from mid-June to mid-August. Most numerous in areas of rough grassland, but also recorded in smaller numbers from the Pennine foothills.

Large Skipper (Ochlodes sylvanus)

A common and widespread resident, but some reduction in the size of colonies noted during the last few years. Single-brooded flying throughout June and July. Found in a range of habitats where uncultivated grasses are allowed to grow.

Clouded Yellow (Colias croceus)

An irregular immigrant. A few insects recorded in most years with the last year of abundance in 1983. Largest numbers normally found at coastal localities. Arrival times vary according to weather conditions beyond our borders, although peak numbers generally occur in late summer. Breeds in a range of habitats, but cultivated fields of clover are a favourite.

Brimstone (Gonepteryx rhamni)

A fairly common resident. As recently as the early1980’s there were no known breeding sites in the area. Single-brooded flying from late July to September, but most frequently recorded following emergence from hibernation in early spring. Breeding is confined to Alder Buckthorn (Frangula alnus).

Large White (Pieris brassicae)

A common and widespread resident with numbers sometimes augmented by immigrants. Double-brooded with the second emergence larger than the first and even a partial third brood in some years - recorded throughout the season. This is a highly mobile butterfly that occurs in a wide range of habitats, especially allotments and crop fields.

Small White (Pieris rapae)

An abundant and widespread resident, but seen in lower numbers in upland areas. Double-brooded with the second emergence larger than the first, although immigrants may augment these numbers. Occurs in a wide range of habitats and may be seen throughout the season from early April to early October.

Green-veined White (Pieris napi)

Widespread and abundant, especially in damp, sheltered areas. Breeds in a range of habitats from sea-level to the Pennine hills where it is the most likely “white” to be encountered. Double-brooded with the largest numbers normally encountered during the second emergence.

Orange Tip (Anthocharis cardamines)

A common and widespread resident, especially in damp grassy habitats. Despite the loss of traditional meadows due to modern farming methods it is presently more numerous than ever. Single-brooded flying from mid-April to mid-June.

Green Hairstreak (Callophrys rubi)

Less widely distributed than during the nineteenth century and now relatively scarce due to loss of habitat. Most populations are confined to the Pennine foothills where numbers appear stable. Single-brooded flying from late April to mid-June. Normally breeds on Bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus) or Cranberry (V. oxycoccos), but occasionally on Gorse (Ulex sp.).

Purple Hairstreak (Neozephyrus quercus)

Formerly considered scarce, but with recent survey work revealing many new breeding sites. This is an inconspicuous treetop butterfly that has probably been overlooked in the past, although there is evidence to suggest some range extension in recent years. Single-brooded flying from late June to mid-August.

Best observed high in Oak trees in the late afternoon and early evening on warm sunny days

White-letter Hairstreak (Satyrium w-album)

Elusive and probably still under-recorded. The results of extensive survey work in recent years have shown that it should not now be considered as a scarce insect. Evidence clearly indicates a gradual extension in its range, despite the extinction of many colonies due to the effects of Dutch Elm disease. Single-brooded flying from late June to mid-August.

Small Copper (Lycaena phlaeas)

A common and widespread resident normally recorded in small numbers, although significant fluctuations occur in populations from year-to-year. Double-brooded at most sites, but can be continuously brooded during favourable weather conditions. Breeds in a range of habitats on Common Sorrel (Rumex acetosa) and Sheep’s Sorrel (R. acetosella).

Common Blue (Polyommatus icarus)

Still a relatively widespread resident, but survey work has revealed significant losses extending over a number of years. Reductions at lowland sites can be attributed to loss of habitat caused by modern farming methods, but this does not explain why the butterfly has almost disappeared from the Pennine foothills. Normally double-brooded at most sites with breeding occurring in a range of habitats.

Holly Blue (Celastrina argiolus)

Normally a common and widespread resident, although cyclical fluctuations occur with rapid increases in population followed by equally sharp declines. Since the mid-1980’s peak numbers have been recorded in 1992, 1999 and 2008. Double-brooded flying from mid-April to late May, with the second generation seen from mid-July to early September.

Red Admiral (Vanessa atalanta)

An annual immigrant of varying abundance, generally common and widespread with a scattering of sightings in even the poorest years. Negligible, though increasing, numbers have hibernated successfully in the last few years. Breeds in a range of habitats with largest numbers generally recorded in late summer.

Painted Lady (Cynthia cardui)

An annual immigrant, sometimes in small numbers, although 1996 produced a massive influx. Breeds in a range of habitats, especially where thistles grow in abundance. Peak numbers occur at any time between late July and early September depending on levels of migration.

Small Tortoiseshell (Aglais urticae)

An abundant and widespread resident with immigration noted in some years. A recent population decline is disturbing, although there is little evidence of any long-term change of status. This is, however, a nomadic insect whose numbers tend to fluctuate from one year to another depending on weather conditions. It is normally double-brooded and also flies in early spring after hibernation.

Peacock (Inachis io)

An abundant and widespread resident, which has become more numerous since the 1970’s. It is a single-brooded butterfly with peak numbers recorded from late July and throughout August, but flies again in early spring after hibernation.

Comma (Polygonia c-album)

A common and widespread resident that has been slowly extending its range in the country since at least the 1940’s. This range extension accelerated from the early 1980’s with small numbers now often recorded in the Pennine foothills. This is a double-brooded insect that also hibernates to appear again in early spring. Its favoured habitats are woodlands and mature hedgerows.

Speckled Wood (Pararge aegeria)

An abundant and widespread resident. Since the late 1980’s its range has significantly extended in a north-easterly direction and it can now be found in small numbers in the Pennine foothills. It would appear that the species has benefited from woods becoming shadier places, although warmer weather conditions may also have helped. Two or three overlapping broods mean that sightings can occur throughout the year from April to October.

Wall (Lasiommata megera)

Formerly a widespread resident, but in recent years substantial losses has meant that it is now only thinly distributed in very small numbers. At times during the 1970’s and 1980’s it was much commoner and its subsequent decline cannot easily be explained, although it is known that the Wall has always undergone periodic fluctuations. Normally double-brooded with peak numbers seen in late May and again in August.

Gatekeeper (Pyronia tithonus)

Presently an abundant and widespread resident. In the 1930’s this butterfly was virtually unknown on the Cheshire Plain, but a range expansion has been underway since that time which seems to have accelerated since the early 1980’s. In the last few years many breeding colonies have even become established in the area. Single-brooded flying throughout July and August.

Meadow Brown (Maniola jurtina)

Nowadays an abundant and widespread resident, although in the early 1900’s it was quite scarce in some areas. Despite the loss of traditional farming methods which will have resulted in some declines in lowland areas, there does not appear to be any change of status in the less intensely farmed upland regions where numbers have always been lower. Favoured habitat is unimproved grassland. Single-brooded flying from early June to late August.

Small Heath (Coenonympha pamphilus)

Formerly common and widespread, but declined significantly during the twentieth century. Still resident in small numbers in the Pennine foothills. Preferred habitat is unimproved grassland on well-drained soils. Two overlapping broods with the larger first emergence peaking in mid-June and the second brood flying during July and August.