The
striking black-and-white checks of the marbled white are unmistakeable.
Watch out for it alighting on purple flowers, such as field scabious,
on chalk and limestone grasslands and along woodland rides.
About
The
marbled white is a distinctive, medium-sized, white butterfly, with
black-chequered markings. Adults are on the wing in the summer, from
June to August. Strong colonies can be found on warm, species-rich chalk
and limestone grasslands, but woodland rides, railways cuttings and
road verges are also frequented. The adults can often be seen feeding on
purple flowers, such as field scabious, common knapweed and wild
marjoram. The caterpillars feed on a variety of grasses, but red fescue
is especially important.How to identify
The Marbled white sports a black-and-white checked pattern that is unmistakeable.Distribution
Found across southern England and south Wales, and expanding northwards.Did you know?
The marbled white is expanding its range north and eastwards, possibly as a result of warming due to climate change.
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