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.

Habitat

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 s

Hotspots

Brotheridge Green and Wyre Forest, Whixall Moss in Shropshire.

Caterpillar Food Plant

Mainly Alder Buckthorn Frangula alnus in the West Midlands.Buckthorn Rhamnus catharticus on calcareous sites.