• National Status: Annual long-distance migrant reaching all parts of the UK in good years. Numbers vary greatly from year to year. Population trend 10 years -84%; since 1976 +133%.
• West Midlands Status: In a good year, this highly mobile species can be found almost anywhere. Population trend 10 years – decreasing.

• Hotspots: Hilltops for early migrants. Bredon Hill in Worcestershire and The Malverns are often good places to see the first arrivals.

• Habitat: Fields of thistles Cirsium spp. and Carduus spp. for breeding. In autumn often nectaring in gardens especially on buddleias (Buddleja spp).

• Flight Period: Usually start to arrive in May but can be earlier in good years. June is the peak month for migration.

• Wingspan 58–74 mm with females larger than males.

Caterpillar Food Plant – The main foodplant is Thistles (various) (Cirsium spp. and Carduus spp.). Common Nettle (Urtica dioica), Mallows (various) (Malva spp.) and Viper’s-bugloss (Echium vulgare) are also used.

Life Cycle:

• The Charts show the distribution over the last 5 years Complete coverage 2020 to 2025
• The Population Trend from Transect Records shows significant increase 2021 to 2025
• Phenology from Casual Records

Members Photographs