Butterflies

Introduction

Butterflies are part of the insect order Lepidoptera, meaning 'scale-wings'. There are 59 resident species in Britain plus a few migrants that arrive here occasionally from the continent.

Leicestershire and Rutland Resources

There isn't a Leicestershire and Rutland group dedicated to butterflies but as popular and relatively easy to see insects they are well recorded.

The County Recorder for butterflies and moths is Adrian Russell.

Facebook Group: Butterflies and Moths of Leicestershire & Rutland - this is a lively and active group and a great place for sharing news and getting help with identifying photos. This is the quickest and easiest way to get answers or suggestions – often in a matter of minutes.

Other Useful Websites and Publications

internet	books
UK Butterflies - an excellent site with many images plus comprehensive information about all the British found species.	Pocket Guide to the Butterflies of Great Britain and Ireland (Richard Lewington, BWP) - excellent compact field guide with accurate illustrations.
	Discover Butterflies in Britain - a lovely book describing every British species with good photographs and a very useful gazeteer of where and when to find them.

If you know of other websites or books that you would recommend, do let us know: info@naturespot.co.uk

Recording Schemes

As with all records, any submissions you make to NatureSpot will be automatically forwarded to both local and national recording schemes.

Identification

Butterflies are, on the whole, relatively easy to identify with just a few similar species to take particular care over. Small Skippers are easily confused with Essex Skippers, Brown Argus with female Common Blues, and all of the whites can be tricky!