| Butterflies by family |
There are a total of 59 species of butterfly which breed in Britain plus several extinct species and a few migrants. These are separated into five families, within which are several sub-families.
 Species list sorted by family and common name. |
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| European butterflies |
Just a few species that
I have encountered
during my travels in
Europe.
European butterflies |
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| Top Ten British Butterflies |
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Hesperiidae -
The Skippers
In Britain, the Hesperiidae family consists of eight (8) resident species and three (3) extinct species. Known commonly as "skippers" because of their rapid flight, these moth-like butterflies are split in to three sub-families, the Pyrginae, Hesperiinae and Heteropterinae .
Find out more about the butterflies of the family Hesperiidae. |
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Lycaenidae -
The Blues, Coppers, Hairstreaks & Metalmarks
The Lycaenidae family is a large group of small butterflies. These are some of our most beautiful yet most overlooked butterflies due to their size and habitat requirments.
The family consists of sixteen (16) resident and two (2) rare migrant species. it is split into two subfamilies, namely the Lycaeninae and Riodininae.
Find out more about the butterflies of the family Lycaenidae. |
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Nymphalidae -
The Emperors, Fritillaries, Admirals and Browns
The Nymphalidae family contains twenty-five (25) resident species and two (2) regular migrants plus several rare migrants and extinct species.
The family is split into seven sub families, the Apaturinae, Heliconiinae, Melitaeinae, Limenitinae, Nymphalinae, Satyrinae and Danainae.
Find out more about the butterflies of the family Nymphalidae. |
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Papilionidae -
The Swallowtails
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Papilionidae family consists of one (1) resident species. The Swallowtail, is a stunning butterfly which has evolved in to a sub-species due to its isolation in the UK. The European sub-species of the Swallowtail occurs as a rare migrant around the south coast of the UK.
Find out more about the butterflies of the family Papilionidae. |
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Pieridae -
The Whites and Sulphurs
The
Pieridae family consists of seven (7) resident species and one (1) regular migrant.
The family is split into three sub families, the Coliadinae, Pierinae and Dismorphiinae.
Find out more about the butterflies of the family Pieridae. |
| Flight charts |
When is the best time of year to look for Green Hairstreak? What butterflies can I expect to see this month? |
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| Lifecycle charts |
Charts illustrating the annual lifecycle of each species  currently unavailable |
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Butterflies of Britain ID Chart
Your personal guide to British Butterflies. This 8-panel laminated chart is designed for speedy butterfly identification in the field. Ideal for anyone interested in identifying butterflies, perfect for children and adults and ideal for outdoor use, laminated, shower-proof and robust. |
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Online store
Visit our online store for many more butterfly related books and gifts.
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| Alternative species list |
A list all of the species found in the UK with links to detailed information and photographs.
View
species list sorted by;
Common (vernacular) name
Latin name
Family
UK status
Bradley & Fletcher Number |
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