Butterfly of month - Grayling

Spot the Grayling! This is a real challenge
for you, as this butterfly is very difficult to see when at rest. It usually closes its wings and brings the forewings, which have two “eye” markings and an orange patch on
their undersides, inside its hind wings, so that their camouflage merges with the background wherever it settles. Whether it rests on a tree trunk, gravel or is nectaring on heather, it is very hard to see.

If it was to show its upperside, there are two ‘eye’ spots on the forewings and one
on the hind wings. They are mainly brown, but there is also some orange. The males are a darker brown, with even darker markings across the leading edges of the forewings where the scent scales are present. You may just detect the aroma from these, which is described as sandalwood or the smell of an old cigar box.

As well as being difficult to spot when settled, they are also hard to follow when flying. You are more likely to see the males, as the females tend to be fairly secretive unless they are egg-laying. Each male remains at his station for much of the day, but flies up when a female passes by.
They tend to be attracted to any moving object and are, therefore, more likely to be spotted if you disturb them.

The females lay white eggs throughout the day in late July. These are placed singly on tufts of Sheep’s Fescue grass and the light brown caterpillars emerge a fortnight later. They feed on the tender tips of the grass and, after two moults, they hibernate deep in the tussocks. When they resume feeding in the spring, they moult twice more and pupate below ground in mid-June.

July is the best month for seeing the butterflies, although some may still be around during August or even early September. Some of the best places to see them are Yateley Common, Wildmoor, Castle Bottom and Tweseldown. They are the largest of the ‘brown’ family of butterflies and are very swift fliers. As mentioned earlier, they are difficult to follow. This is not only due to their speed, but also their peculiar gliding and swooping flight - a real test for the butterfly enthusiast.

Peter Martin

Peter Martin is the author of Blackwater Valley Butterflies a handy A5-sized full-colour guide giving details about all the 32 different butterfly species that you are likely to come across in the Valley.                                                         More details >>>

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