Butterflies

Butterflies of Ireland

The photographs in the gallery are taken from “Discovering Irish butterflies & their Habitats” by J.M.Harding. The book contains advice on gardening for butterflies, gives details of the life cycle and distribution of all 35 Irish butterflies and provides a guide to the best sites in Ireland to see butterflies with directions and species lists.Contains over 150 photographs. Available by emailing author at deniseharding@eircom.net. Cost €12 plus p & p.

Ireland currently has thirty-five species of butterfly.There are thirty-two resident species and three regular migrants.

Irish butterflies are divided into five families.The butterflies are presented in their family groups.Information is given on each species together with a photograph.Where a marked sexual dimorphism exists both sexes are shown.The information (please click images across page) is placed under the following headings:

[1]Description:

The details given are colour, differences between sexes and wingspan.

[2]Foodplant:

The details refer to larval foodplant. Adult butterflies take nectar from flowers and some also feed on ripe fruit and tree sap.

[3]Flight time:

The flight period, the number of broods [generations] and when the species overwinters in the adult stage this is stated. Most species pass the coldest months in the immature stages.

[4]Habitats:

Favoured habitats are stated.

[5]Distribution:

The Irish distribution of each butterfly is stated.