Wildlife Review 2024: Butterflies

The site was not spared from the nationally decline in butterfly numbers with the damp spring having a notable impact, especially amongst grassland species. Those seemingly most affected were Large Skipper, Small Copper, Brown Argus and Common Blue. Migrant species were also fewer compared with previous years particularly Large White and Red Admiral.

Although usually recorded in small numbers annually, there were no records this year of Ringlet, for the first time since they were first recorded in 2008, or Brimstone.

Small Skipper 

A summer butterfly of grass meadows; and the commonest skipper on site. The first of the year was on 5th June with multiple sightings until 31st July. Peak number was 20 on 27th June.

Small Skipper 25th June - Dean Hall

Large Skipper

A declining species with just four recording days (cf. five in 2023 and eight in 2022) and only found in ones or twos in grass meadows between 2nd June and 1st July.

Large Skipper 12th June - Alan Keatley

Orange-tip

The butterfly that represents spring at Dawlish Warren, with another welcome increase following a barren period. The first of the year was on 12th April and it was a continuing feature throughout April and May with mating pairs and competing males in the flower meadows. The final sighting of the year was on 2nd June.

Orange-tip 28th April - Kevin Rylands

Large White

Less numerous than Small White with 23 recorded days (cf. 30 in 2023). A migratory species, but also breeds on site with caterpillars noted on Sea Rocket and pre-pupation on buildings. First record of the year was on 18th March with one in April, two in May, one in June, three in July and four in August. An expected migrant increase saw 10 recording days in September. The last of the year was on 19th October.

Small White

A common resident and migratory species recorded on 63 days between the first on 3rd May and last on 10th October (cf. 60 in 2023). Migrant numbers began to increase through August and September with 30 plus on 9th September. On many days in the autumn, it was the most numerous species.

Green-veined White

A two-generation butterfly, usually found in low numbers. The first of the spring was noted on 20th April with a further April sighting on 28th. Numbers peaked in May with eight recorded days, reducing to just two in early June. The summer generation started with one on 14th July, with two more sightings in July, two in August and finally one on 9th September.

Clouded Yellow

In line with other migrant butterflies a poor year with just three individuals, two on 18th September and one on 1st October. Not unprecedented and numbers vary from year to year (cf. eight recording days in 2023 with multiple sightings and four recording days in 2022).

Wall Brown 

A 'good' year for this dune species with ten recording days (cf. four in 2023), though still much declined. Seven sightings between 9th & 25th May represented the spring generation with single sightings on 30th August, 22nd September and 19th October the summer/autumn generations.

Wall Brown 19th October - Kevin Rylands

Speckled Wood

One of the commonest butterfly species on site with regular sightings between March and October in woodland areas. The first of the year was on 18th March. The species was recorded on five days in March, four in April and 12 in May. Numbers dropped in mid-summer with records on six days in June, five in July before picking up again with 13 days in August, 16 in September and 10 in October. The last record of the year was on 26th October.

Meadow Brown 

Probably the commonest summer species in flower and grassland meadows. Sixty recording days this year is a typical showing. The first sighting was on 25th May, with almost daily sightings until the last on 19th October.

Gatekeeper 

An abundant summer butterfly with a short flight period. A common species (although numbers were fewer this year) was recorded almost daily between 24th June and 17th August, favouring bramble bushes and found throughout the site.

Gatekeeper 13th July - Kevin Rylands

Marbled White

Three recording days is a typical showing in recent years for this summer grassland species. It has a short flight period with single sightings on 27th & 29th June and 13th July.

Marbled White 29th June - Lee Collins

Red Admiral 

Predictably the earliest butterfly of the year with one on the 5th January, the only January record. Winter appearances are sporadic as individuals emerge from hibernation, with just four records in February. There were none in March and only one in April, three in May and two in June. Numbers remained low with just ones or twos recorded on eight days in July and eight days in August. The usual autumn migrant movement was down, although recorded on most days in September and October, no large movement was noted with numbers barely reaching double figures. The last of the year were on the wing on 14-15th & 24th December. 

Painted Lady

Fewer recording days this year with 15 (cf. 16 in 2023). Widespread sightings between 15th May and 20th September covered three generations with four recording days in May, three in July and seven in September. Maximum was four on both 16th May and 12th September. Exceptionally late individuals were active on 25th November and 3rd December. 

Painted Lady 12th September - Alan Keatley

Peacock 

A reasonably showing with over wintering adults on 15th & 18th February. Spring generation emerged with seven recording dates in March, six in April and eight in May. The inter-generational lull produced one record in June, before picking up again with four in July. Numbers then tailed off abruptly with just one in August, none in September and last one on 17th October.

Small Tortoiseshell 

A species that had a better year with seven recording days (cf. six in 2023 and four in 2022), although still low by historical standards. Widespread records with one on 4th May, two in July, one in August and three in September, last on 21st.

Comma

A pick-up in numbers with 10 recording days, compared with five in 2023. Single records on 21st March and 18th April represented the spring generation. A stronger second generation recorded one in July, one in August, five September with the last one of the year on 1st October.

Comma 12th September - Alan Keatley

Small Copper

Another butterfly species with reduced numbers this year with only 35 recording days (cf. 60 in 2023). A two generation grassland species. The spring generation started with an early sighting on 18th April. There were 13 spring generation recording days and 22 in a protracted second generation between 22nd June and 23rd September.

Small Copper 1st May - Dean Hall

Holly Blue

A peripheral woodland species, sightings are sporadic, usually around Holly and Ivy. Similar to other species it had a poor year with only four recording days compared with 12 in 2023. Single sightings were on 13th April, 9th May, 27th June and 27th July.

Brown Argus 

Fewer this year with 13 recording days (cf. 19 in 2023). A species of short grassland, the spring generation was between 15th May and 8th June. The summer generation was on the wing from 14th July to 13th September.

Brown Argus 5th September - Alan Keatley

Common Blue

Another grassland species with reduced numbers with 41 recording days (cf. 53 in 2023).  Although it has two generations sightings were evenly spread between the first on  5th May and 10th October.

Data from the Recording Group's Birdtrack account.