Marbled White
Melanargia galathea
This record describes Melanargia galathea (species). Recorded family: Nymphalidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
This butterfly is unmistakable, its black and white markings distinguishing it from all other species found in the British Isles. The butterfly is found in unimproved grassland where the grass may grow up to 0.5m tall. The largest colonies are found on downland but even small strips of grassland, such as a road verge, field margins, woodland clearings and disused railway lines can contain smaller colonies Adults emerge in the second half of June, reaching a peak in mid-July. There is one generation each year. This butterfly is found in distinct and often large colonies. The main larval foodplants are grasses. Primarily found in the southern half of England and Wales, although its distribution extends as far north as Yorkshire. This butterfly is not found in Scotland or Ireland. Common at Ketton Quarry and also found at one or two other sites in Rutland and in the Wigston area. Uncommon or rare in rest of our area, although there are signs that it may be beginning to expand its range.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Lepidoptera
- Family
- Nymphalidae
- Genus
- Melanargia
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
The butterfly is found in unimproved grassland where the grass may grow up to 0.5m tall. The largest colonies are found on downland but even small strips of grassland, such as a road verge, field margins, woodland clearings and disused railway lines can contain smaller colonies
Seasonal Activity
Adults emerge in the second half of June, reaching a peak in mid-July. There is one generation each year.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
This butterfly is found in distinct and often large colonies. The main larval foodplants are grasses.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Primarily found in the southern half of England and Wales, although its distribution extends as far north as Yorkshire. This butterfly is not found in Scotland or Ireland.
About Butterflies and Moths: the wider group
Order-level background for Lepidoptera, the group containing Melanargia galathea. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Lepidoptera includes approximately 180,000 described species of butterflies and moths. Moths outnumber butterflies roughly 10:1. The monarch butterfly's eastern population has declined by more than 80% since the mid-1990s, and the western population by over 95% since the 1980s. The IUCN lists the migratory monarch as Vulnerable.
Ecological role of the group
Butterflies and moths are essential indicators of ecosystem health. As caterpillars, they are a primary food source for birds - a single nest of blue tit chicks requires ~10,000 caterpillars. Adult moths pollinate many night-blooming plants.
Economic and practical significance of the group
Lepidoptera are critical pollinators. In Europe, grassland butterfly species have declined by almost 50% since the early 1990s. In the UK, three-quarters of butterflies are in decline. In the U.S., five butterfly species have gone extinct since 1950, with 29 listed as endangered.
Recorded sources for this group: IUCN Red List, Xerces Society, USFWS, PNAS, WWF. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of Marbled White (10)
Frequently Asked Questions About Marbled White
What is Marbled White?
Marbled White (Melanargia galathea) is a species in the family Nymphalidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Marbled White found?
Habitat: The butterfly is found in unimproved grassland where the grass may grow up to 0.5m tall. The largest colonies are found on downland but even small strips of grassland, such as a road verge, field margins, woodland clearings and disused railway lines can contain smaller colonies
When is Marbled White active?
Marbled White: seasonal activity - Adults emerge in the second half of June, reaching a peak in mid-July. There is one generation each year..
What is the life cycle of a Marbled White?
This butterfly is found in distinct and often large colonies. The main larval foodplants are grasses.