Friends of Selsdon Wood

Brown Butterflies & Moths

Gatekeeper (Pyronia tithonus)

Also known as Hedge Brown. Adult Gatekeepers consume nectar from a variety of flowering plants including the Wild Marjoram and Ragwort growing on the bank. Their caterpillars feed on grasses.

First sighting on the BB - 5 July 2025

Meadow Brown

This is the butterfly we see most on the bank. It is abundant throughout the UK. Adults nectar on a range of flowers particularly Knapweed which is growing copiously on our bank. Their caterpillars feed on grasses.

First sighting on the BB - 20 June 2024

Burnet Companion Moth (Euclidean glyphica)

One of the few day-flying moths, it gets its name from the fact that it is often found in company with Burnet Moths. Great numbers of the adults have been seen feeding together on a patch of Horseshoe Vetch on our bank. Its caterpillars feed on a variety of plants including the Bird’s Foot Trefoil provided for them on the bank.

First sighting on the BB - 8 June 2024.

Also seen on 31 May 2025