Butterflies and Moths

This course introduces the subject of butterflies and moths in a practical and enjoyable way and will include:
An introduction to the differences between butterflies and moths and their classification
Helpful identification hints for the commoner species of butterflies and moths
A study of the scarce moths found in Yorkshire with illustrated slide shows
Help and advice on ways of observing and recording Lepidoptera.
Expeditions to special habitats

Yorkshire is one of the most interesting counties in Britain for lepidoptera and up to 606 macro moth species have been recorded over the last 100 years, many of which are Nationally Scarce. The unique diversity of habitats such as moorland, limestone grassland, deciduous woodland, fens, mosses and wetlands contribute to an interesting list of species.

Each year this course has proved successful with a diverse range of species recorded, including one rare migrant in 1999 that had not been sighted in Yorkshire for 100 years!

Electric observation lights will be operated in the Field Centre grounds to attract the local July moth specialities. Many rare and interesting northern species breed at Malham Tarn such as The Red Carpet, Welsh Wave, Fen Square-spot, Gold Spangle, Haworth's Minor and Large Ear.

A visit will be made to Arnside Knott in Lancashire to study the Scotch Argus at its most southerly station and the High Brown Fritillary at its most northerly, along with Graylings and other grassland species.

There will also be a visit to Meathop Moss to see day-flying moths such as Manchester Treble Bar, Bordered Grey and possibly the Large Heath butterfly. Nearby Witherslack Woodlands have populations of Silver Washed Fritillary and High Brown Fritillary.

David Brown is the Warwickshire county recorder for Lepidoptera and the author of The Larger Moths of Warwickshire. He has led courses at Malham Tarn and other FSC Centres over a number of years. A lecturer at Birmingham and Warwick Universities Extramural and Open Studies departments for the past 25 years, he is an active field entomologist.

Further Information

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