National Status

One of the most common and widespread butterflies in the UK, range stable. Population trend 10 years -15%; since 1976 +1%.

West Midlands Status

Familiar sight throughout the whole area, range stable.Population trend 10 years – stable

Habitat

Favours warm, open meadows, sunny woodland rides, road verges, parks and larger gardens with plenty of flowers and fine or medium grasses.

Flight Period

June to September with peak numbers in July. Males emerge before females.

Hotspots

Any warm grassy site.

Caterpillar Food Plant

The main foodplants are Bents (various) (Agrostis spp.), Cock’s-foot (Dactylis glomerata), Downy Oat-grass (Helictotrichon pubescens), False Brome (Brachypodium sylvaticum), Fescues (various) (Festuca spp.) and Meadow-grasses (various) (Poa spp.)