Sussex Branch

Butterfly Species in Sussex

Description

This species is widely-distributed throughout Sussex, but it is the South Downs where we see them in greatest numbers. Some colonies are small, consisting of a dozen or so adults, but other colonies such as the one at Chantry Hill can number 3000-4000 in a good year, a truly amazing spectacle.

With its striking black-and-white pattern, the Marbled White is one of our loveliest butterflies of high summer and easy to identify.

The first adults emerge in the second or third week of June, with peak numbers seen in mid-July. This species has a relatively short flight period with very few seen beyond the first week of August.

Where to find

There are many downland sites where this is a common butterfly species, but for greatest numbers, consider visiting Castle Hill NNR from TQ369071 to TQ366069, Chantry Hill at TQ0812, Fairmile Bottom LNR at SU988093, Friston Forest and Lullington Heath NNR from TV527993 to TV544986 and TQ5401, and High and Over from TQ511014 to TQ488023.

Image gallery

Mating pair of Marbled Whites -photo by Martin Kalaher

Nectaring on Greater Knapweed

Perched on Ox-eye Daisy

With closed wings

With open wings

Nectaring on Greater Knapweed

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More information

Butterfly Conservation Marbled White