National Status

Range expanding nationally. Population trend 10 years +59%; since 1976 +10%.

West Midlands Status

Widespread, found in all areas, range stable. Population trend 10 years – increasing.

Habitat

Various grassy areas such as meadows, hedgerows, wood edges and gardens. Butterflies roam widely seeking out foodplants

Flight Period

One generation per year, with the males appearing first in late March in a warm spring. The flight period is over by mid-June with May the best time to see this species.

Hotspots

Melrose Farm and Hollybed Farm in Worcestershire, Grafton Wood, Portway Hill, Woodgate Valley.

Caterpillar Food Plant

The main foodplants are Cuckooflower (Cardamine pratensis) and Garlic Mustard (Alliaria petiolata). Charlock (Sinapis arvensis), Hairy Rock-cress (Arabis hirsuta), Hedge Mustard (Sisymbrium officinale), Large Bitter-cress (Cardamine amara), Turnip (Brassica rapa) and Winter-cress (Barbarea vulgaris) are also used