• National Status: Common throughout much of England with range expanding. Population trend 10 years -1%: since 1976 +1% 
• West Midlands status: Widespread apart from the upland, western part of the area, range stable. Population trend 10 years – increasing. Hotspots: Brotheridge Green and Wyre Forest.
• Sites Whixall Moss, Grafton Wood, Monkwood.Habitat: Woodland margins, hedges, scrubby areas, thickets and gardens where the foodplant is present. 
• Flight period: One brood emerging in mid to late July. Hibernates over winter to re-emerge the following spring. One of the first butterflies seen each year and one of the longest living, up to one year. It may be seen in any month but April, May and August are the best. Wingspan 50–74 mm.

• The Charts show the distribution over the last 5 years – Complete Coverage
• The Population Trend from Casual Records Considered stable
• Phenology from All Records

Caterpillar Food Plant – Alder and Purging Buckthorn

Atlas and Trend 2020 to 2025 inclusive

Life Cycle

Members Photographs