Sussex Branch

Butterfly Species in Sussex

Description

A fairly-common butterfly of damp grassland and woodland rides, it tends to avoid dry, open habitats such as chalk downland. It is also a regular garden visitor but is generally out-numbered by Small Whites and Large Whites. There is a suggestion that climate change may adversely affect Green-veined Whites in Southern England. We shall see.

The first adults usually emerge in early April (but sometimes March, or even February) and peak in mid-May. A second, more numerous brood of adults emerge in July and August.

Where to find

This species is well-distributed over all parts of the county, but the Sussex Weald is its stronghold. For an early spring record, one location that is worth a visit in April is the North Stoke amphitheatre at TQ035106.

Image gallery

Green-veined White nectaring on Field Scabious – photo by Martin Kalaher

A view from the side

Male nectaring on Verbena Bonariensis

Resting on a leaf

Second-brood female with open wings, nectaring on Purple Loosestrife

A mating pair

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More information

Butterfly Conservation Green-veined White