This Introduction to rearing caterpillars and step by step guide on How to rear caterpillars of butterflies and moths has been added in response to the many questions asked. Hairy caterpillars

In contrast, early emergence may be causing species that are habitat specialists and have only a single life-cycle per year, to shrink in numbers and disappear from northern parts of the country within their historical range. in the sun are particularly eye catching against the dark body. When it opens its wings the scarlet red hind wings Two new studies led by the University of York, in collaboration with Butterfly Conservation and other partners, have shed further light on the factors that promote or constrain responses to climate change among British butterflies and moths. BC UK Conservation Strategy Appendix 3: Conservation status of threatened UK butterflies" (PDF). Butterfly Conservation. 2016 . Retrieved 15 June 2019.Species included in the Great Britain Lepidoptera numbering system, but believed never to have occurred naturally in a wild state This is a training course from the Field Studies Council, delivered by expert tutors with an approachable learning style. After attending this course, you may like to progress your learning with further relevant courses or branch out into other areas of natural history. The Field Studies Council offers both online and in-person courses, so you can choose the learning style that suits you best. FSC Day Flying Moth Guide features the 103 species which fly by day, including a few very common species that are not strictly day-flying but are regularly disturbed from vegetation

Moths can be seen throughout the year even in the winter, for instance we have the ‘December moth’ and the ‘November moth’ but they are most common through the summer. How to go moth watchingthroughout, except Scottish Highlands and Western Isles; expanding range throughout Scotland, including Western Isles If we are unable to reach viable numbers for this course, we will inform you of the course cancellation 4-5 weeks prior to the course run. We would recommend when purchasing accommodation and/or travel you should take out your own insurance. The caterpillars of this large family of insects known as Lepidoptera can vary greatly in size, colour, shape, pattern and behaviour. Even the number, position and type of legs can vary between species and features such as this can help with identification. Caterpillar identification queries

throughout, except far north and north-west; expanding range in Scotland and "infilling" in England and Wales Lycaenidae – hairstreaks, coppers and blues [ edit ] Brown hairstreak Brown argus Northern brown argus Chalkhill blue Holly blue throughout England (except north) and Wales (except south-west, central west and far north-west); expanding range north and "infilling" Grasslands are an incredibly valuable habitat for many of the UK’s moths and butterflies. Semi-natural grassland, pasture, arable land, urban parkland and any areas with rough unmanaged grass will all support a variety of butterfly species. In the height of summer these areas can be teeming with Skippers, Common Blues, Ringlets and Meadow Browns. Be sure to inspect any flowering plants (particularly thistles and knapweeds) as these can act as vital nectaring points for many butterflies. Pay close attention for the fast and subtle movements of smaller species as these can often disappear against such a busy environment. A prime example of this is the Small Copper which is notoriously hard to spot due to its minute size, fast flight and discrete colouration (when its wings are closed). LOOK OUT FOR: Many moths only fly at night (unless disturbed), but there are a lot of day-flying moth species, in fact there are more day-flying moth species in the UK than there are butterfly species. A lot of these day-flying moths might be mistaken for butterflies. Species include the humming-bird hawkmoths, broad-bodied bee hawkmoths, six-spot burnet and cinnabar moth. Do all moths eat clothes?Butterfly and Moth Pictures By Species: British Moths Butterfly and Moth Pictures By Species: British Moths Probably the main reason why we notice butterfliesmore than moths is that they are diurnal, i.e. they fly by day, whereas moths tend to be nocturnal. Because of this behavioural difference it is interesting to note that most moths have ears whereas most butterflies do not, having evolved to rely on sight as their dominant sense. Not all moth species feed as adults, but those that do feed, do so on nectar, sap and sugary liquids from plants and fruits.' Nine colourful and distinctive types of UK moths Pyrausta aurata and Pyrausta purpuralis are very similar. P. purpuralis is identified in this case by the cream