Surveys

Knowing where populations of butterflies and moths are helps to direct our conservation resources so that we can carry out action where it is most needed. You can help us by taking part in these surveys that the branch are supporting.

Pearl-bordered Fritillary

Pearl-bordered Fritillary, Ramshorn Down, 25.4.23, (David Turrell)

The Pearl-bordered Fritillary is one of Scotland’s more elusive butterflies and has long been a priority for conservation. Most people only see the Pearl-bordered Fritillary when they make a special effort to seek it out, no doubt in part due to its early season emergence in mid-May. This under-recorded butterfly may have declined significantly in parts of Scotland and we need help in surveying known sites to see if the butterfly is still present.


Northern Brown Argus

Northern Brown Argus - Ian Cowe

The Northern Brown Argus is a nationally scarce species and one of Scotland’s most threatened butterflies. The butterfly mostly inhabits flower-rich grasslands either at the coast or in the uplands. The presence of Common Rock-rose is essential as this is the sole foodplant of the butterfly’s caterpillar. Sadly species-rich grasslands are under threat, having declined nationwide by over 97% in the last century. BC Scotland are currently carrying out an extensive survey of Northern Brown Argus sites in Scotland and are looking for willing volunteers to take on a local site to survey for Northern Brown Argus.


Clearwing moths

Large Red-belted Clearwing - Allan Drewitt

The Clearwings are a very elusive and scarce group of day-flying moths which mimic insects of other orders such as flies or wasps. In recent years the recording of the group has been transformed by the availability of pheromone lures that attract male moths to a synthetically produced sex pheromone. To enable a better understanding of their flight periods, habitats and distribution we are encouraging surveys for three Scottish species that are of significant conservation interest - Welsh, White-barred and Large Red-belted Clearwings. Surveys can be conducted with pheromone lures at known sites or in areas with suitable looking habitat.


Currant Shoot Borer (Lampronia capitella)

A photo of a Lampronia capitella larva poking out of a wilted shoot

The Currant Shoot Borer (Lampronia capitella) is a very scarce moth in Britain with less than ten known active colonies. There is currently just one known site in Scotland, located in the Scottish Borders, however the adult moth can be hard to find and there is very high probability that more colonies await discovery.


Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary - Glasgow and Lanarkshire Survey

This species occurs in damp, grassy habitats, woodland clearings and moorlands. The caterpillars feed on marsh and dog violets. This species has seen large and somewhat rapid declines elsewhere in the UK but is doing much better in Scotland. However it is vulnerable to habitat loss and habitat fragmentation especially in Urban and agricultural areas. In this area the species features in many council local biodiversity action plans and conservation projects. This is a key species to ensure is recorded when seen. This species is similar to Pearl Bordered Fritillary and the two species flight times do overlap, the species is not known from this area and is found in much more restricted habitat types, in bracken covered south facing slopes, where this is suspected positive identification requires a view of the underside of the wing. The Dark Green Fritillary does share the same flight time as this species and is found in this area, it is however a much bigger stronger flying butterfly with a green background to the underwing and a green tinge to the topside, especially on the body. It flies from early June to early August.

Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary (upperwing) - Iain Leach