Red Butterflies and Moths
Peacock (Aglais io)
The Peacock’s spectacular pattern of eyespots, which evolved to startle or confuse predators, make it one of the most easily recognised species. The adults drink nectar from a variety of flowering plants including the Wild Marjoram on the bank.  Its caterpillars rely on the leaves of stinging nettles for food. We are therefore starting a small patch of nettles on the bank.
First sighting 20 May 2025
Red Admiral (Vanessa atalanta)
A migratory species, its most important larval food plant is the Common Nettle. We will be providing a patch on the bank. The adults feed on nectar from flowers and fallen and rotting fruit. We are considering throwing some windfalls onto the bank later in the year.
First sighting 7th June 2024
6 Spot Burnet Moth (Zygaena filipendulae)
A day-flying moth that flies with a slow fluttering  pattern. The adults feed on the nectar of Knapweeds and Thistles and their caterpillars feed on Bird’s Foot Trefoil. All these plants are available to them on the bank.