Resources

• Where and when to look
• Exotic Butterflies
• Conserving Butterflies
• Table of Kew butterflies

Twenty eight species of butterfly have been recorded at Kew in recent years. This is a very high number given the proximity of the Gardens to central London and reflects the variety of suitable habitats present. The wealth of nectar-bearing wild and cultivated flowers provides food for the adults while the larvae feed upon foliage of suitable wild plants which are managed in such a way as to allow them to complete their lifecycles. Ten of the species are grass-feeders in the larval stage and Kew’s extensive long-grass areas are cut in cycles of different lengths to enable each one to survive. For example the Large Skipper spends the winter as larvae on grasses and if the grass is cut during the winter then the larvae will be killed. Leaving grass standing through the winter overcomes this problem and substantial areas of grass are cut biennially enabling Large Skippers to survive in the uncut areas each year.

When and where to look

Like most insects butterflies are most active and numerous in summer but their season at Kew stretches from February in some years through until October. The Brimstones and Peacocks are usually the first to emerge from hibernation and capitalise on warm sunny days early in spring. Small Tortoiseshells, Commas, Speckled Woods and Holly Blues all appear later in spring and are followed by the whites and Orange Tips. In high summer Meadow Browns, Purple Hairstreaks and Gatekeepers are all active and are often joined by migrants like Painted Ladies, Clouded Yellows and Red Admirals. In some years Red Admirals can be seen until after the first frosts.

You will see butterflies throughout the Gardens under suitably warm, sunny and still conditions. The Order Beds in summer are good for those species which feed on nectar and the Dukes Garden, which offers shelter too, is also a popular feeding area. Look in the areas of longer grass towards the southern end of the Gardens to find skippers, Meadow Browns and Gatekeepers. To see Purple Hairstreaks look up at the tops of the oak trees surrounding Queen Charlotte’s Cottage where the butterflies will be fluttering round the highest twigs only descending very occasionally to feed from bramble flowers.

Exotic butterflies

The ready availability of the pupae and larvae of some tropical butterflies has given rise to an increasing number of sightings of escaped specimens each year. The most powerful like the South American Morpho species can survive for some days and a number are seen at Kew annually. Various swallowtail species have also been seen. To date none has yet managed to establish here but the Monarch, Danaus plexippus, laid eggs on Milkweed plants on the Order Beds some years ago.

Conserving Butterflies

Gardens are important refuges for butterflies which benefit from their shelter, stability and availability of food. Gardeners can help to conserve butterflies by providing nectar plants like Buddleia, Michaelmas Daisies and Scabious. Both Holly and Ivy are vital to the Holly Blue and Ivy is also valuable as cover for hibernating Brimstones and Peacocks. Learn much more about conserving butterflies by visiting www.butterfly-conservation.org.uk.