Marbled White

Description:

The Marbled White (Melanargia galathea) is a butterfly in the family Nymphalidae. Found across most of Europe (not Scandinavia), north Africa, and as far east as Iran, the late twentieth century has seen an expansion of its range in the UK. Despite its common name, this butterfly is one of the "browns", of the subfamily Satyrinae. They are a common sight in unimproved grasslands across southern Britain, particularly on the South Downs. Like other members of its subfamily, the larvae feed on various grasses.

Habitat:

Colonies occur on unimproved grassland where a range of grass species, including Red Fescue, form a tall sward that is cut or grazed infrequently. The strongest populations are found on chalk or limestone, but a range of habitats is used, including woodland rides and clearings, coastal grassland, waste ground, set-aside, road verges, and railway embankments.