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Butterflies in the Outer Hebrides
16 Species of butterfly
have been recorded in the Outer Hebrides.
Large White
A common and widespread
butterfly although not recorded from St. Kilda or North Rona.
Small White
There are old records
from South Uist, Eriskay and Barra
Green-veined White
Very common and
widespread, not recorded from St. Kilda or North Rona.
Clouded Yellow
A rare migrant visitor
from southern Europe.
Monarch
Accidental in Europe from
North America. There are two records: Torlum, Benbecula October 1951 and
Baleshare (more recent).
Small Tortoiseshell
Common and widespread.
(Terry Fountain)
Painted Lady
Common migrant from
southern Europe in varying numbers each year. In good years some will
produce a second local generation, emerging in September.
Red Admiral
A common migrant from
Europe each year.
Peacock
A scarce visitor to the
Outer Hebrides although frequency of sightings appears to be increasing.
(Tristan ap Rheinallt, Ness Sept. 06)
Dark Green Fritillary
Common in the most southern
islands of the Outer Hebrides, especially Mingulay, Fuday, Eriskay. Also
found in good numbers in South Uist in some years. The northerly edge
for this species in the islands is currently around Drimsdale /
Stilligarry, South Uist.
Common Grayling
Only found in the south
of the Outer Hebrides. Recent sightings have come from Fuday, Eriskay
and Glendale, South Uist.
Meadow Brown
Abundant although not
found on St. Kilda or North Rona.
Large Heath
Common on moorland from
South Uist - Lewis. It is represented in the islands by the sub-species
scotica which shows little spotting on the under-wing and is
generally duller than the subspecies davus found in lowland
England.
Small Heath
Only found in South Uist.
(photos: Steve Duffield and John Kemp)
Speckled Wood
Recorded regularly from
Castle Grounds in Stornoway, especially the drive running from Marybank
towards the college. Recent colonist.
(photo: Steve Duffield)
Common Blue
Common from Mingulay -
Lewis.
(photos: 1st two John Kemp; other Steve Duffield)
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