A butterfly of the dry heath land where heather
plants grow.
For it is on these plants that the female, will
lay her eggs.
It is on the wing from June to September.
It is the most abundant butterfly found on Slop
Bog.
Look for it on any heather covered area.
Speckled Wood
Is a butterfly of shady lanes and open clearings
in woods
where the sun filters through the trees
It is on the wing from April to the end of September
Feeds mainly out of sight drinking honeydew on treetops
Will also feed on bramble blossoms
At Slop Bog it is fairly common along the edge of
Hazel
Wood, and along Kingfisher Creek, and in Wet Wood.
Ringlet
The Ringlet has a velvety appearance and is dark
brown to almost black, with a white fringe to
the wings. Small ringed circles on the underwings
vary in number and size. Prefering damp conditions
in partial shade such as tall grasslands and woodland
glades. Egg laying takes place on several varieties
of grasses Cock's-foot, Tufted Hair-grass, Common
Couch and meadow-grasses.
Six spot Burnet Moth
Found in grassy areas, this distinctive day-flying
red and black moth indicates its poisonous taste
to other creatures. The caterpillars feed on wild
flowers such as bird's foot trefoil and clover
and eventually create a yellow cocoon being spun
high up on grass stems emerging in June / July.
Grayling
This is a shy
fast flying butterfly.
When at rest it becomes almost invisible.
It is to be found on dry heaths, and in grassy places.
It is on the wing in July and August.
On Slop Bog look for it on the open heath land,
especially along the pathways cutting across the
heath.
Brimstone
Awakes from it
winters hibernation on warm sunny spring days.
It may be seen almost anywhere, as it is a very
active butterfly,
wandering through woods, and over the countryside.
It is on the wing, from February, through to November.
The female lays her eggs on buckthorne bushes.
May be seen flying almost anywhere on Slop Bog.
