Marbled White

• Latin name: Melanargia galathea
• Family group: Browns
• Countries: England, Wales
• Size: Medium, Large

Resident

Range expanding.

The Marbled White is a distinctive and attractive black and white butterfly, unlikely to be mistaken for any other species. In July it flies in areas of unimproved grassland and can occur in large numbers on southern downland. It shows a marked preference for purple flowers such as Wild Marjoram, Field Scabious, thistles, and knapweeds. Adults may be found roosting halfway down tall grass stems.

This species is widespread in southern Britain and has expanded northwards and eastwards over the last twenty years, despite some losses within its range.

Conservation status

• UK BAP status: not listed
• Butterfly Conservation priority: low
• European threat status: not threatened

European/world range

Most of Europe (except Scandinavia) and North Africa and eastwards to Iran. It is stable in most European countries.

Foodplants

Red Fescue (Festuca rubra) is thought to be essential in the diet of larvae but Sheep's-fescue (F. ovina), Yorkshire-fog (Holcus lanatus), and Tor-grass (Brachypodium pinnatum) are also eaten. It is thought that several other grasses may be used, but the full range is not known.

Habitat

Colonies occur on unimproved grassland where a range of grass species, including Red Fescue, form a tall sward that is cut or grazed infrequently. The strongest populations are found on chalk or limestone, but a range of habitats is used, including woodland rides and clearings, coastal grassland, waste ground, set-aside, road verges, and railway embankments.