ST201906

Don’t getin a fluttertryingtoidentifythat’fly.Ourhandyguidewill help

Dead leaf

So called because of its nifty camouf lage

trick, with underwings that are every bit

as appealing as a dead leaf.

Orange-tip

Found in pastures and woodlands from

Europe to Asia. Here’s a tip: you’ll only

find the orange markings on the male.

Purpleemperor

This emperor rules woodlands from

the UK to China. Feeding on dung,

urine and animal carcasses.

Malachite

Less totally tropical, more totally rancid,

as this South American butterf ly enjoys

to feast on the juice of rotting fruit.

Swallowtail
Hindwing resembles a swallow’s tail. It’s
rare in the UK, though, so head to the
Norfolk Broads to spot this beauty.

Painted lady

A well travelled lady, migrating more than

8,000 miles and found on every continent

bar South America and Antarctica.

Queen Alexandra’s birdwing

Largest butterf ly in the world. Named after

Queen Alexandra of Denmark. The female

rules here, being even larger than the male.

Redadmiral

We say “aye, aye admiral” to this chap’s

habit of hibernating over winter. Less so

to its diet of overripe fruit.

Crimson rose

Stop at the red. The crimson colour of this

Indian and Sri Lankan native indicates to

predators that it’s not for eating.

Put your butterf ly knowledge to the test with a round of Butterf ly Wings: A Matching Game. Match the

upper sides and undersides of the wings of 25 species of butterf ly from around the world. Get the game

from Laurence King (laurenceking.com). Illustrations by Christine Berrie.

• IDENTIFIER •

BUTTERFLIES