Dave Barlow © Cleveland Naturalists’ Field Club. 3rd October 2018

Entomology in the Cleveland Area

Click on the images for a larger version

Click here (PDF) for a map of the distribution of the Brimstone butterfly.

Gatekeeper (Pyronia tithonus )

A species that is now spreading North recorded at Redcar in 2008. Recent strong holds for this species have been around the York area. I am not aware of this species having been recorded this far north in VC62

Dark Green Fritillary (Argynnis aglaja)

Uncommon, localised resident and wanderer, mainly found in the upland areas. Has been recorded at Boulby cliffs by myself 30-09-06 a very late record. Had good records in August 2008 at Fen bog.

Speckled Wood ( Pararge aegeria)

This species is well documented for its Northerly expansion. It can be seen in practically any suitable habitat having three broods a year.

Green Hairstreak (Callophrys rubi)

A species that has gone in to decline over the past few years. Associated with gorse and bilberry, found in the spring, one generation per year.

Red Admiral (Vanessa atalanta )

One of the larger species of butterflies seen usually on buddleia. Food plant usually nettles. This species can have two to three generations a year. Migrants from the continent can increase this species numbers.

Wall Brown (Lasiommata megera)

Two generation a year with this species. Food plant seems to be a variety of grasses found on most brown field sites throughout the Tees area. This butterfly is a wanderer and seems to be giving them the ability to accommodate new areas.

Large Skipper (Ochiodes venata)

One of two skippers to occur in the region the other been small skipper. Both skippers have one generation per year. Both species can overlap in flight periods. The diagnostic feature for large skipper is hooked antennae; small skipper has brown /dark tip to antennae.