Download pdf - Butterfly Conservation Warwickshire

BUTTERFLY & MOTH 

ACTION PLAN 

A STRATEGY FOR RECORDING, MONITORING AND PROMOTING 

SPECIES RECOVERY WITHIN WARWICKSHIRE 

BY 

MIKE SLATER 

(May 2006) 

BUTTERFLY CONSERVATION 

A REGISTERED CHARITY AND NON-PROFIT MAKING COMPANY 

LIMITED BY GUARANTEE 

REGISTERED OFFICE: MANOR YARD, EAST LULWORTH, WAREHAM, DORSET BH20 5QP 

TELEPHONE: 0870 7744309. FAX: 01929 400210. EMAIL: info@butterfly-conservation.org 

REGISTERED IN ENGLAND NO 2206468 l REGISTERED CHARITY NO 254937 

VAT No. 565 9070 16

Contents 

1 Background 4 

2 General Aims 4 

3 Methods for Assessing Warwickshire’s Butterfly Priorities 5 

4 Sources of Information 6 

5 Warwickshire’s Butterflies – Historical Background 7 

5.1 Resident Butterfly Species Extinctions During 19 th Century 7 

5.1.1 Black Hairstreak 7 

5.1.2 Chequered Skipper 7 

5.1.3 Mazarine Blue 7 

5.1.4 Chalkhill Blue 7 

5.2 Resident Butterfly Species Extinctions During the Early or Middle 20 th Century 7 

5.2.1 Black-veined White 7 

5.2.2 Large Tortoiseshell 7 

5.2.3 Silver-studded Blue 7 

5.2.4 Marsh Fritillary 7 

5.2.5 High Brown Fritillary 8 

5.3 Resident Butterfly Species Extinctions Recent or During Latter Part of 20 th Century 8 

5.3.1 Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary 8 

5.3.2 Pearl-bordered Fritillary 8 

5.3.3 Duke of Burgandy 9 

6 Warwickshire Butterflies – Current Status 9 

6.1 Resident Butterfly Species with Uncertain Status 9 

6.1.1 Wall Brown 9 

6.1.2 Purple Emperor 9 

6.2 Regional High Priority Butterfly Species 10 

6.2.1 Wood White 10 

6.2.2 Small Blue 11 

6.2.3 Brown Hairstreak 12 

6.2.4 Dark Green Fritillary 12 

6.2.5 Grizzled Skipper 13 

6.2.6 Dingy Skipper 13 

6.2.7 Silver-washed Fritillary 14 

6.3 Regional Medium Priority Butterfly Species 15 

6.3.1 White-letter Hairstreak 15 

6.3.2 Small Heath 16 

6.3.3 Green Hairstreak 16 

6.3.4 White Admiral 17 

6.3.5 Brown Argus 17 

6.4 Warwickshire Local Priority Butterfly Species 18 

6.4.1 Small Copper 18 

6.4.2 Marbled White 18 

6.4.3 Essex Skipper 18 

6.5 Regional Low Priority Butterfly Species 19 

7 Monitoring 21 

7.1 Conservation Species Monitoring Targets 21 

8 Warwickshire Moths – Historical Background 22 

8.1 Resident Moth Species Extinctions Before 1950 22 

2

8.2 Resident Moth Species Extinctions Since 1950 or Species that are Probably Extinct 22 

9 Warwickshire Moths – Current Status 23 

9.1 Regional High Priority Moth Species 23 

9.2 Regional Medium Priority Moth Species 24 

9.3 Warwickshire Locally Important Moth Species 25 

9.4 Widespread but Rapidly Declining Moth Species 27 

10 Prime Lepidoptera Areas 28 

10.1 Southam Lias Grasslands and Quarries 28 

10.2 Great Central Disused Railway and Spoilbanks 30 

10.3 Princethorpe Woodlands 30 

10.4 South Western Woodlands and Associated Grasslands 32 

10.5 North Warwickshire Post Industrial Habitats and Associated Grasslands and Woods 33 

10.6 Sutton Park 35 

10.7 Whichford and Wolford Woods 35 

11 Management 37 

12 References 37 

13 Appendices 40 

Appendices 

1 Southam Lias Grassland (Southam) Map 40 

2 Southam Lias Grassland (Kineton) Map 41 

3 Great Central Disused Railways & Spoilbanks Area Map 42 

4 Princethorpe Woodlands (Princethorpe) Area Map 43 

5 Princethorpe Woodlands (Brandon) Area Map 44 

6 South Western Woodlands & Associated Grassland Area Map 45 

7 North Warwickshire Post Industrial Habitats & Associated Grasslands & Woods 46 

(Nuneaton) Area Map 

8 North Warwickshire Post Industrial Habitats & Associated Grasslands & Woods 47 

(North Warwickshire) Area Map 

9 Sutton Park Area Map 48 

10 Whichford & Wolford Woods Area Map 49 

3

1 Background 

At the 1992 Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro the UK Government signed the 

Convention on Biological Diversity which required the development of a 

national strategy. In 1994 the Government produced the UK Biodiversity 

Action Plan which adopted a systematic approach whereby targets are used to 

focus conservation action. This has ensured that there is now considerable 

effort going into the production of Local Biodiversity Action Plans through the 

Agenda 21 process. Butterfly Conservation is attempting to maximise the 

benefits for butterflies and moths and their habitats through the Action for 

Butterflies project. 

To support and further this process Butterfly Conservation has produced a 

series of Regional Action plans covering the whole of the United Kingdom, 

and 25 individual Butterfly Species Action Plans for all of our rarer species. 

The first Regional Action Plan to be produced was that for the West Midlands 

area in 1997. This plan was produced on behalf of the Gloucestershire, 

Warwickshire and West Midlands branches of Butterfly Conservation. 

In 2005 the Warwickshire Branch of Butterfly Conservation determined that it 

was appropriate for the Warwickshire part of the West Midlands Regional 

Action Plan to be revised and updated. This process coincided with the update 

of the rest of the West Midlands Regional Action Plan (Joy & Loram, in 

prep.). To aid the Warwickshire process 10 individual butterfly species 

recovery plans have been written for Warwickshire and key site registers have 

been produced for butterflies and moths. The butterfly and moth site registers 

identify all known sites where key butterfly and moth colonies exist. The 

butterfly register also identifies potential butterfly colony sites within species 

meta-population areas. These sites could be made suitable if suitable 

management was instigated or habitat creation undertaken. 

2 General Aims 

The aim of the new Warwickshire Action Plan will be to re-examine the 

Warwickshire part of the 1997 Regional Action Plan as follows: - 

i. To determine which key butterfly and moth species are most 

threatened in Warwickshire. 

ii. To identify the most important landscape areas within Warwickshire 

for key and most threatened species. 

iii. To highlight where further surveying, monitoring and research is 

required to conserve our butterflies and moths. 

iv. To initiate landscape habitat projects which would produce the greatest 

benefit for our most threatened species. 

While the Warwickshire Action Plan stands on its own, it is also an integral 

part of the West Midlands Regional Action Plan (Joy & Loram, in prep.). 

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3 Methods for Assessing Warwickshire’s Butterfly Priorities 

The national ratings for butterflies have changed significantly since the 1997 

Regional Action Plan. The revised national ratings have therefore been used 

as the basis for calculations in the updated West Midlands Regional Action 

Plan (Joy & Loram in prep.). As in 1997, a butterfly qualified for a higher 

Warwickshire regional than national rating if it fulfilled any one or more of the 

following four criteria: - 

Criteria 1 

The estimated rate of decline was > 50% loss of 2km squares in 25 years. 

Criteria 2 

The species occupied < 0.6% of the region’s area or there were less than 30 

regional colonies remaining or less than 6 in Warwickshire. 

Criteria 3 

The region contains > 20% of the national resource of the species. 

Criteria 4 

The species occupies less than 10% of the recording area which is equal to < 

60 tetrads in Warwickshire. 

Using this criteria the following butterflies have been identified as being 

priority butterflies in Warwickshire: - 

High Priority 

Wood White 

Small Blue 

Brown Hairstreak 

Dark Green Fritillary 

Grizzled Skipper 

Dingy Skipper 

Silver-washed Fritillary 

Medium Priority 

White-letter Hairstreak 

Small Heath 

Green Hairstreak 

White Admiral 

Brown Argus 

Locally Important in Warwickshire 

Small Copper 

Marbled White 

Essex Skipper 

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4 Sources of Information 

The production of this plan is due to the information provided by:- 

Mike Slater (Warwickshire Branch Butterfly Conservation Officer) 

David Brown (Warwickshire Branch Moth Conservation Officer and Moth 

Recorder) 

Keith Warmington (Warwickshire Branch Butterfly Recorder and Transect 

Co-ordinator) 

Phil Parr (Warwickshire Branch Rugby District Recorder and Conservation 

Officer 

Nigel Stone (Warwickshire Branch Moth Record Co-ordinator) 

Jenny Joy (Butterfly Conservation Regional Officer) 

Jane Ellis (Butterfly Conservation Regional Officer) 

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5 Warwickshire Butterflies - Historical Background 

5.1 Resident Butterfly Species Extinctions During 19 th Century 

5.1.1 Black Hairstreak Satyrium pruni 

Only one historical 19th Century site is known for this species in 

Warwickshire. The species was believed to have been resident in Wolford 

Wood. 

5.1.2 Chequered Skipper Carterocephalus palaemon 

This species may have been resident in the south of the county in the Wolford 

Woods area during the 19th Century. Probably only one definite colony 

existed. 

5.1.3 Mazarine Blue Polyommatus semiargus 

Records for the Mazarine Blue show that it was definitely present in the 

Shirley area and Coleshill Park. Two known historical colonies. 

5.1.4 Chalkhill Blue Polyommatus coridon 

There appear to be two historical records for the Chalkhill Blue in 

Warwickshire from Thurlaston and Bubbenhall. Two known historical 

colonies. 

5.2 Resident Butterfly Species Extinctions During the Early or Middle 20 th 

Century 

5.2.1 Black-veined White Aporia crataegi 

The Black-veined White was believed to have become extinct in the 19th 

Century with colonies being reported from Wolford and Allesley (Coventry). 

However two were seen in Ettington Park in 1910 which indicates a colony 

existed in this location. Three known historical colonies; last known sighting 

1910. 

5.2.2 Large Tortoiseshell Nymphalis polychloros 

In the 19th Century the Large Tortoiseshell was reported from the Stratford, 

Warwick and Allesley areas. Only three 20th Century records have been 

located from Rugby, Acocks Green and Great Barr, the latter two were 

probably escapes or migrants. The 1927 Rugby record may relate to a resident 

colony. Four known historical colonies; last known sighting 1927. 

5.2.3 Silver-studded Blue Plebeius argus 

Three locations are known for this species: Coleshill and Sutton Park in the 

19th Century and Packington in the 20th Century. Three historical colonies; 

last known date for this species was 1928 or 1929. 

5.2.4 Marsh Fritillary Euphydryas aurinia 

Historical colonies are known from Allesley (Coventry), Brandon, Coleshill, 

Knowle, Umberslade and Wolford. There are later records from Brandon 

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Wood, Clowes Wood, Coombe Abbey Hillmorton (Rugby), Ryton Wood, 

Sutton Park, Wilmcote Rough, and Wootton Wawen. Fourteen historical 

colonies have been identified. The last colony at Sutton Park is believed to 

have become extinct in 1951. 

5.2.5 High Brown Fritillary Argynnis adippe 

Historically the High Brown Fritillary has been recorded from 17 colony sites. 

19th Century colonies were known from Coombe Abbey, Earleswood, 

Knowle, Marston Green and Wolford Wood. Early 20th Century colonies have 

been recorded from Brandon Wood, Bubbenhall Wood, Chase Wood, Clowes 

Wood, Loxley/Wellesbourne Wood, Oversley Wood, Princethorpe Great 

Wood, Ryton Wood, Sutton Park, Ufton Wood, Wappenbury Wood and 

Weston/Waverley Wood. The last county record was from Oversley Wood in 

1958. 

5.3 Resident Butterfly Species Extinctions Recently or During the Latter Part 

of the 20 th Century 

5.3.1 Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary Boloria selene 

This species has been recorded historically from 12 colony sites: Chase 

Wood, Coleshill Pool, Earleswood, Edgebaston, Hillmorton (Rugby), 

Princethorpe Great Wood, Rough Hill Wood Ryton Wood, Sutton Park, Ufton 

Wood, Wappenbury Wood and Weston/Waverley Wood. The last county 

record was from Coleshill Pool in 1961. In 1995 an official Butterfly 

Conservation release supported by the Warwickshire Wildlife Trust and 

English Nature occurred in Ryton Wood. The habitat had been assessed as 

being suitable to hold a small to medium sized colony (5-10 at peak flight 

survey, Slater 2003). Despite the best endeavours of conservationists the 

species only bred for 2 years. The last sighting was in 1997. 

Conservation Targets 

There are no plans to reintroduce this species. 

5.3.2 Pearl-bordered Fritillary Boloria euphrosyne 

Historically this species has been recorded from 17 colony sites in 

Warwickshire: All Oakes Wood, Austy Wood, Brandon Wood, Earleswood, 

Loxley/Wellesbourne Wood, Oakley Wood, Oversley Wood Princethorpe 

Great Wood, Ryton Wood, Tilehill Wood, Ufton Wood, Umberslade, 

Wainbody Wood, Wappenbury Wood, Weston/Waverley Wood, Wilmcote 

Rough, and Wolford Wood. The last site known in Warwickshire was Oakley 

Wood in 1968. In 1997 an unofficial release occurred in Ryton Wood. The 

species successfully bred for 2 years. The last sighting was recorded in 1999. 

The habitat in Ryton Wood has been assessed as suitable only to contain a 

small population (1-4 at peak flight survey, Slater 2003). 

Conservation targets 

There are no official plans to reintroduce this species. 

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5.3.3 Duke of Burgundy Hamearis lucina 

Historically the Duke of Burgundy has been recorded from just 3 colony sites, 

Wolford Wood during the 19th Century and Ettington Park and Wilmcote 

Rough during the 20th Century. The last known sighting was from Ettington 

Park in 1987. 


There are no official plans to reintroduce this species 

6 Warwickshire Butterflies - Current Status 

6.1 Resident Butterfly Species with Uncertain Status 

6.1.1 Wall Brown Lasiommata megera 

The Wall Brown has both substantially and very rapidly declined in 

Warwickshire. Only two sighting were recorded in 2005, this follows several 

years where either very few sightings have been recorded in any particular 

year or in some years no sightings at all. The decline has been tracked in detail 

since the early 1990s. The species has declined from west to east and from the 

south to north. Though it is too early to officially declare this species extinct it 

is highly likely it will become extinct very soon. Though this species has 

suffered from habitat loss the sudden and rapid decline is more likely be 

related to some climatic change (Asher et al 2001). 


It is very unlikely that any conservation prescription could make 

Warwickshire a more suitable place for the Wall Brown and reverse its 

national decline. There are no plans to instigate any action to conserve this 

species. 

6.1.2 Purple Emperor Apatura iris 

The Purple Emperor was historically recorded in the 19th Century from Ansty 

(probably Brandon Wood Coombe Abbey area), Ettington Park, Oakley Wood 

Wolford Wood. In the 20th Century in was only reported from the 

Princethorpe Woodland complex from Princethorpe Great Wood and Ryton 

Wood. The last Warwickshire sighting was in Ryton Wood in 1943. There 

were probably five woodland areas where this species was historically located. 

In 2004 large unofficial releases occurred in Oversley Wood, Ryton Wood 

and Wappenbury Wood (per comms, Slater 2004). Though nearly 300 

individuals were released into 3 public access woods less than 15 sightings 

(per comms, Slater & Warmington 2004) of this elusive species were reported 

in 2004. Interestingly three of these sightings were of females egg laying. 

None of this egg laying was on Broad-leaved Sallows Salix caprea but on what 

appeared to be the hybrid between caprea and Common Sallow Salix cinerea. 

So far in 2005, 15 sightings at least have been reported: 12 at Ryton Wood 

over several days in July and 3 at Oversley Wood all on the same day and at a 

single congregation area. One of the sightings at Ryton Wood was again of an 

egg laying female. The habitat in the 19 woods that make up the 1068.2 acres 

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(432.47 hectares) Princethorpe complex of woodlands has been assessed as 

suitable to contain a medium to large colony of Purple Emperors: 5 – 10 

different males seen at a territorial site at peak flight (assessment, Slater 2003; 

research, Goodyear & Middleton 1999-2004). 


1 Monitor the Purple Emperor to determine if it has colonised the 

Princethorpe and Oversley complexes of woodlands. 

Assess both complexes of woodlands to ascertain how many suitable 

sallows are contained within each woodland complex and nearby. 

2 Liaise with woodland owners to insure large Broad-leaved Sallows are 

retained wherever possible. 

3 Survey woods to establish male congregation areas to enable the 

species to be monitored if it becomes established. 

6.2 Regional High Priority Butterfly Species 

(Highest Warwickshire Conservation Priorities) 

6.2.1 Wood White Laptidea sinapis 

In the West Midlands Regional Action Plan of 1997 the Wood White was 

reported as having become extinct in Warwickshire in 1986. The Millennium 

Atlas survey proved this to be incorrect as a strong colony was found at 

Wolford Wood (History of the Wood White in Warwickshire, Slater 2005). In 

addition, following a series of intermittent sightings of the Wood White at 

Ryton Wood during the late 80s and 90s, the species appears to have now 

become established. The Wood White has been recorded for the last 6 

successive years (2000-2005) and numbers have dramatically increased as 

active woodland management has been re-established. In 2005, 46 transect 

records were recorded. The habitats at both woods have been assessed as 

suitable to contain large colonies of the Wood White with 20 + individuals 

seen at peak flight. The Wolford Wood colony is currently the largest in 

Warwickshire and is distributed throughout the entire wood (survey and egg 

search, Slater 2003). The Ryton Wood colony is mainly confined to the centre 

of the wood but there is evidence that it is starting to spread to other areas (egg 

search and habitat mapping, Slater 2004). Historically 17 colony sites have 

been identified. Binley Wood, Brandon Wood, Fenny Compton Tunnels, 

Flecknoe Embankment, Harbury Spoilbank North, Harbury Spoilbank South, 

Hay Wood, Nelsons Quarry, Ryton Wood, Snitterfield Bushes, Snowford 

Cutting, Stockton Cutting, Ufton Fields, Ufton Wood, Wappenbury Wood, 

Weston/Waverley Wood and Wolford Wood. With only 2 colonies remaining 

this equates to a 88% decline. 


1 Increase the number of colonies within the Wolford complex of 

woodlands to 2 by 2010. Target woods are Bourton Wood, Ash Hale 

or Dunsden Coppice (all Gloucesteshire woods). 

2 Increase the number of colonies within both the Princethorpe 

complex of woodlands to 4 by 2010. Target woods are 

Weston/Waverley Wood, Bubbenhall Wood, Bull & Butcher Wood, 

Wappenbury Wood and Brandon Wood. 

10

3 Survey all woods in the Princethorpe complex of woodlands by 2006 

and assess their suitability to contain Wood White colonies. 

4 Liaise with woodland owners through the Princethorpe woodlands 

project to encourage management which benefits the Wood White. 

5 Survey all woods in the Wolford complex of woodlands by 2006 and 

assess their suitability to contain Wood White colonies. 

6 Liaise with woodland owners in the Wolford complex of woodlands to 

encourage management which benefits the Wood White. 

7 Continue to monitor the Wood White at Ryton Wood by the 5 transects 

that cover the site. 

8 Re-establish monitoring of the Wood White at Wolford Wood. 

Monitoring should be by 30 minute time counts at peak flight periods 

to cover both the spring and summer broods. 

9 As colonies become established at other sites set up monitoring by at 

least 30 minute timed counts. 

6.2.2 Small Blue Cupido minimus 

Historically 19 Small Blue colony locations have been identified within 

Warwickshire. Wolford area in the 19 th Century and the following 18 sites 

from the 20 th Century onwards, Banbury Road Verge, Bishops Bowl Fishing, 

Bishops Hill, Bishops Bowl Sports, Broom (Bidford), Harbury Spoilbank 

North, Harbury Spoilbank South, Nelson’s Quarry, Newbold Quarry, New 

Bilton Quarry, Oakley Wood Verge, Oxhouse Farm Cutting, Southam Quarry, 

Stockton Cutting, Ufton Fields (Man Orchid) Ufton Fields (Car Park), 

Weddington Cutting North, and Wilmcote Rough. The Millennium Atlas 

survey confirmed that other than introductions Warwickshire was the only 

county in the West Midlands to contain colonies of the Small Blue. At this 

time Warwickshire had 5 colonies. All known sites and sites where the 

species had been recently lost were assessed in 1995 for their suitability as 

Small Blue habitat (Barker 1995). The Small Blue colonies at the two 

Warwickshire Wildlife Trust nature reserves, Harbury Spoilbank and Ufton 

Fields, both biological SSSIs, have now become extinct. All of the remaining 

sites are under threat to some degree, but despite this the colonies have 

continued to prosper. The Bishops Bowl water sports site has actually formed 

a further small, satellite colony around the fishing lakes. The two colonies at 

Bishops Hill and Long Itchington Quarry remain very large (100+ individuals 

at peak flight). The new colony at Bishops Bowl fishing lakes gives 

Warwickshire 4 colonies distributed over three sites. The Bishops Bowl water 

sports colony is medium sized (10+ individuals at peak flight) and the Bishops 

Bowl fishing area is small (1-5 individuals at peak flight). With only 4 

colonies remaining this equates to a 79% decline. 


1 Between 2006 and 2010 make an intensive survey of the surrounding 

landscape area within 3 kilometres of known colonies. 

2 Continue to monitor all 4 known colonies by at least species transect or 

timed counts. 

3 Liaise with land owners where, with the appropriate active 

management, Small Blue colonies could be established. Target 

Nelsons Quarry, Stockton Quarry, disused railway Long Itchington, 

Southam Bypass (2 north sections), Harbury Spoilbank (2 sites) and 

11

land near Stockton Tip and Ufton Fields. Target increase number of 

colonies to 7 by 2010 by creating suitable habitat within natural 

colonisation range. 

6.2.3 Brown Hairstreak Thecla betulae 

The Regional Action Plan of 1997 reported that the Brown Hairstreak had first 

been discovered in 1970 at four sites but by 1972 had become extinct. The 

extinction was confirmed by carrying out egg searches which failed to find 

any Brown Hairstreak eggs. The four sites were also surveyed, and all had 

either suffered large scale hedgerow removal or the hedgerow management 

had drastically changed to heavy mechanical flailing. It is known from 

research elsewhere in Britain that mechanical flailing can remove 90% of 

Brown Hairstreak eggs. In December 2004, while searching a hedgerow for 

White-letter Hairstreak eggs, a Brown Hairstreak egg was discovered. A 

further 2 hour search of the circumference of this field led to the discovery of a 

further 6 eggs. Another search of a blackthorn thicket 0.5km away located a 

further 3 eggs (per comms, Slater). Preliminary searches in 2006 also located 

further eggs. Historically 5 locations are known for the Brown Hairstreak in 

Warwickshire: Wolford Wood area in the 19th Century, and in the 20th 

Century, Warwick Castle area, Austy Wood, Broadwell and the Princethorpe 

woodlands. In 2006 1 egg was found on the borders of Worcestershire near 

Rough Hill Wood. This Brown Hairstreak egg is part of the Worcestershire 

Grafton Woods colony. With only one colony remaining this equates to an 

80% decline. 


1 During the 2005/06 winter carry out complete egg searches of the 

hedgerows between Wappenbury Wood, Burnthurst Coppice, 

Burnthurst Wood, Bubbenhall Wood, Shrubs Wood, Forest Wood and 

Ryton Wood to determine the potential geographical size of the 

population. 

2 Contact the 3 main land owners who own the farm land and hedgerows 

between these woods. Encourage them not to flail their hedgerows. 

3 During 2006, 2007 search woods and hedgerows in the Weethly 

Woods Salford Priors areas to ascertain how far the Grafton Wood 

colony has penetrated Warwickshire. 

4 Establish an annual egg count system. 

6.2.4 Dark Green Fritillary Argynnis aglaja 

In 1997 the Regional Action Plan reported the Dark Green Fritillary as extinct 

in Warwickshire, the last sighting being in 1985. This was an error due 

incorrect colony site information being recorded. The last known site, 

Oxhouse Farm contains two SSSI meadows. It is now known that other than 

vagrants the Dark Green Fritillary has only occurred in the top meadow. The 

top meadow is located by traversing an overgrown, nearly impenetrable 

disused railway. It was not until the Millennium Atlas survey when Oxhouse 

Farm was thoroughly surveyed that the species was rediscovered in the top 

meadow. The top meadow has recently been fenced and is now consistently 

grazed and a habitat appraisal has been carried out (Warwickshire BC News, 

Slater In Press). The Dark Green Fritillary appears to be prospering though 

the site itself is small. The colony appears stable and is assessed as small to 

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medium in size with 3 to 7 individuals seen at peak. Historically 11 colonies 

of Dark Green Fritillary have been identified in Warwickshire: Austy Wood, 

Brandon Wood, Clowes Wood, Earlswood, Harbury Spoilbank, 

Loxley/Wellesbourne Wood, New Close Wood, Oxhouse Farm, Ryton Wood, 

Weston/Waverley Wood, and Wilmcote Rough. With only 1 definite colony 

remaining this equates to a 91% decline. 


1 Re-establish annual monitoring at Oxhouse Farm. Monitoring 

should be by annual 30 minute timed counts. 

2 Encourage the owner at Oxhouse Farm to continue with the current 

grazing regime. 

3 Increase the number of Dark Green Fritillary colonies in Warwickshire 

to 3 by 2010 by creating suitable habitat within natural colonisation 

range. Target sites should be Bishops Hill, Bishops Bowl, Long 

Itchington Quarry and Nelsons Quarry, Ryton Wood and 

Weston/Waverley Wood. 



6.2.5 Grizzled Skipper Pyrgus malvae 

The Millennium Atlas survey identified 43 colonies of the Grizzled Skipper in 

7 meta-populations (Conservation Report, Slater, 1997). Not every one of 

these known colonies was surveyed between 2000 and 2005, but it is known 

that we have gained and lost colonies during this period, so it is still probable 

that we have between 39 and 48 colonies. Historically 84 colonies have 

existed in Warwickshire. If only 39 colonies exist now this equates to a 54% 

decline. 


1 Between 2006 and 2010 resurvey all known and potential sites for the 

Grizzled Skipper and establish a system to ensure every colony or 

potential colony is surveyed during every 5 year period. 

2 Increase the number of colonies to 45 by 2010 by creating suitable 

habitat within natural colonisation range. 

3 Liaise with all owners of known and potential sites to encourage 

management, which benefits the Grizzled Skipper. 

4 Continue with the existing monitoring of 8 colonies. 

5 Increase monitoring to ensure 10 colonies are monitored by full 

transect, species transect or timed counts by 2010. 

6.2.6 Dingy Skipper Erynnis tages 

The Millennium Atlas survey identified 51 colonies of the Dingy Skipper 

contained in 9 meta-population areas. The majority of the colonies were found 

to be very small and vulnerable to extinction. Some colonies were not 

confirmed at all during this time. Therefore the Millennium Atlas survey 

probably under recorded the number of colonies in Warwickshire. Since this 

survey Warwickshire has lost colonies, especially from brown field postindustrial 

habitats in the north of the county. As a result the Dingy Skipper is 

probably our most rapidly declining rare species. Despite this recent and rapid 

decline it is still probable that we have between 31 and 44 colonies. 

13

Historically 79 colonies have existed in Warwickshire. If only 31 colonies 

exist this equates to a 61% decline. 



Dingy Skipper and establish a system to ensure every colony or 

potential colony is surveyed during every 5 year period. 

2 Increase/confirm 40 colonies by 2010 by creating suitable habitat 

within natural colonisation range. 

3 Liaise with all owners of known and potential sites to encourage 

management or habitat creation which would benefit the Dingy 

Skipper. 



transect, species transect or timed counts by 2010. 

6.2.7 Silver-washed Fritillary Argynnis paphia 

It was thought that the Silver-washed Fritillary became extinct in 

Warwickshire in the mid 1970s. However new research has now shown that it 

probably survived in very low numbers by breeding over the entire area of the 

Princethorpe Woodlands (Warwickshire BC News, Slater, 2000). Whatever 

the true history, unofficial releases occurred in Wappenbury Wood in 1987 

and 1988. Though these releases failed in Wappenbury Wood the butterfly did 

established a definite colony at Ryton Wood. Between 1990 and 1998 

numbers of Silver-washed Fritillaries remained low. From 1999 onwards the 

colony dramatically increased in size. In 2004 there were 36 transect records 

and 80 sightings overall. The Silver-washed Fritillary has now become 

established at a minimum of 3 sites within Warwickshire: Wolford Wood, 

Ryton Wood and Snitterfield Bushes. Wolford Wood is the largest colony, 

Ryton Wood the second largest; both colonies are classified as medium in size 

(10 to 20 seen at peak flight period). The Snitterfield Bushes colony is small 

with 3 to 5 individuals expected to be seen at peak flight. It is also possible 

that 3 further colonies now exist in Warwickshire at Ufton Wood, 

Wappenbury Wood and Oakley Wood. Historically 18 colonies have existed 

in Warwickshire. Alne Wood, Austy Wood, Brandon Wood, Bannans Wood, 

Bubbenhall Wood, Clowes Wood, Coughton Park, Loxley/Wellesbourne 

Wood, Oakley Wood, Oversley Wood, Princethorpe Great Wood, Ryton 

Wood, Snitterfield Bushes, Tilehill Wood, Ufton Wood, Wappenbury Wood, 

Weston/Waverley Wood, and Wolford Wood. If only 3 colonies remain this 

equates to a 83% decline. 


1 Between 2006 and 2010 survey all potential sites for the 

Silver-washed Fritillary. 

2 Survey all 19 woods (8 woodland blocks) within the Princethorpe 

complex and assess their suitability for the establishment of Silverwashed 

Fritillary colonies. 

3 Establish a minimum of 6 Silver-washed Fritillary colonies by 2010 

by creating suitable habitat within natural colonisation range. Target 

sites should be Wappenbury/Great Princethorpe Wood, Ufton Wood, 

Oakley Wood and Weston/Waverley Wood). 

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4 Liaise with woodland owners in the Princethorpe woodlands, using the 

Princethorpe Woodlands project, to encourage management which 

benefits the Silver-washed Fritillary. 

5 Liaise with woodland owners in all target woods and where 

colonies exist to encourage management which will benefit the Silverwashed 

Fritillary. 

6 Continue to monitor the Silver-washed Fritillary at Ryton Wood by the 

5 transects that cover the site and the species transect that covers 

Snitterfield Bushes. 

7 Re-establish monitoring of the Silver-washed Fritillary at Wolford 

Wood. Monitoring should be by 30 minute timed counts at peak flight 

period. 



6.3 Regional Medium Priority Butterfly Species 

(Medium Warwickshire Conservation Priorities) 

6.3.1 White-letter Hairstreak Satyrium w-album 

The White-letter Hairstreak is a UK BAP Priority Species Candidate. 

However, in Warwickshire it is still relatively widespread and is currently 

assessed as a Medium Priority Species for conservation action within 

Warwickshire. 

Despite the return of Dutch Elm disease causing the loss of many elms and as 

a consequence, the extinction of some colonies of White-letter Hairstreak, this 

species remains widespread in Warwickshire. The butterfly is still probably 

found in the majority of 10 kilometre squares in the Warwickshire recording 

area. Recording during the Millennium Atlas Survey indicated that the Whiteletter 

Hairstreak was rarer in urban areas. The scarcity of records from urban 

areas may be related to the need for the species to exist in a meta-population 

structure. Suitable elms are usually less widely distributed in most urban 

areas, whereas Warwickshire has many rural areas with elm-rich hedgerows. 

Specialist recording for eggs or by evening walks also indicates that the 

White-letter Hairstreak is probably under-recorded; most casual recorders 

appear to have difficulty in finding this species, even when there is a large 

colony nearby e.g. Sutton Park case study. Historically the White-letter 

Hairstreak has been found in eighteen 10 kilometre squares (Lepidoptera of 

Warwickshire a provisional list, Smith & Brown 1978). Records from 1995- 

99 recorded the White-letter Hairstreak in twenty-eight 10 kilometre squares 

which indicates a 54% increase in range. During the less intensive recording 

period from 2000-04 the White-letter Hairstreak was still recorded in thirteen 

10 kilometre squares. This equates to 28% decrease in range. It is likely that 

the White-letter Hairstreak is still far more widespread than current records 

indicate 


1 Monitor the range of this species through 10 kilometre casual 

recording, specialist evening hairstreak recording and egg searches. 

2 Monitor the abundance of this species through transect recording and 

evening hairstreak transect monitoring. 

15

6.3.2 Small Heath Coenonympha pamphilus 

The Small Heath is a UK BAP Priority Species Candidate. However, in 

Warwickshire it is still relatively widespread and is currently assessed as a 

Medium Priority Species for conservation action within Warwickshire. 

The Millennium Atlas Project indicated that the Small Heath was widespread 

in Warwickshire at the 10 kilometre square resolution. However, the 

distribution of the Small Heath at a 2 kilometre square resolution showed that 

the species had substantially declined (Asher et al 2001). This decline appears 

to be related to the intensity of farming and the destruction of natural and 

semi-natural grasslands. This decline appears to be continuing. Historically 

the Small Heath has been found in twenty-nine 10 kilometre squares 

(Lepidoptera of Warwickshire a provisional list, Smith & Brown 1978). The 

Small Heath was recorded from thirty-two 10 kilometre squares during the 

Millennium Atlas survey (1995-99). This could equate to an expansion in 

range of 10% however it is more likely the result of more intensive surveying. 

During the less intensive survey of 2000-04 the Small Heath was still recorded 

in twenty-five 10 kilometre squares. This could equate to a 14% decline since 

the 1970’s. The truth is likely to be that the Small Heath has and continues to 

decline at a 2 kilometre resolution but is probably fairly stable at a 10 

kilometre recording standard. 


1 Monitor the range of this species through 10 kilometre square casual 

recording. 

2 Monitor the abundance of this species through transect monitoring 

6.3.3 Green Hairstreak Callophrys rubi 

During the Millennium Atlas survey 19 of colonies (not counting Sutton Park) 

were discovered in Warwickshire. With the exception of Sutton Park, Harbury 

Spoilbank and the Navigation Cutting all of the colonies were assessed as 

small. Many of the sites contained colonies of the Green Hairstreak so small 

that a sighting could not be guaranteed even during peak flight. Since the 

Millennium Atlas several new or rediscovered colonies of the Green 

Hairstreak have been located including Bishops Bowl, Snowford Cutting and 

Bubbenhall. Historically 34 colonies (not counting Sutton Park) have been 

located. It is believed between 11 and 17 colonies currently exist. If only 11 

colonies exist this equates to a 68% decline. 



Green Hairstreak to discover if colonies still survive or exist. 

2 Establish a system to ensure every colony or potential colony is 

surveyed during every 5 year recording period. 

3 Increase the number of known colonies to 15 by 2010 by creating 

suitable habitat within natural colonisation range. (not counting Sutton 

Park). Target sites should be Nelsons Quarry, Ashlawn Cutting, 

Rainsbrook Embankment, Harbury Spoilbank North, Ufton Fields, 

Bishops Bowl Fishing, Bishops Bowl Sports. 

4 Intensively survey Sutton Park to establish if breeding occurs over the 

majority of the site. 

16

5 Liaise with all landowners of known and potential sites to encourage 

management which benefits the Green Hairstreak. 



transect, species transect or timed count by 2010. 

6.3.4 White Admiral Limenitis camilla 

During the Millennium Atlas survey all large and medium sized woods in 

Warwickshire were intensively surveyed for the White Admiral. Many of 

these woods looked apparently suitable for the butterfly having semi-shaded 

drapes of honeysuckle. Though many colonies of the White Admiral were 

discovered or rediscovered it appeared absent from many more of these 

apparently suitable woods. Recent research in Ryton Wood (Slater 2004) 

indicates that the White Admiral benefits from woods that have a large area of 

woodland edge. Therefore, woods with a well developed ride system 

generally have larger populations. Casual recording also indicates that rides 

with abundant bramble blooms in full sun on ride edges allow the White 

Admiral to be more visible. 99% of recorded nectaring at Ryton Wood was on 

bramble blossom (Butterfly nectar usage transect research, Slater 1990-1995). 

Ova and larval searches in 2005 discovered and rediscovered many new 

colonies. During 2005, 24 colonies of White Admiral were confirmed. It is 

now thought that many more very small colonies remain to be discovered in 

Warwickshire, as many as 32 or more colonies may exist. Historically 35 

colonies have existed in Warwickshire. If only 24 colonies exist this equates 

to 31% decline. 



White Admiral to discover the true baseline for Warwickshire. 

Surveying should also include searches for eggs and larvae during late 

July and August. 

2 Establish a system to ensure every colony or potential colony is 

surveyed during every 5 year recording period. 

3 Increase the number of known colonies to 30 by 2010 by creating 

suitable habitat within natural colonisation range. 

4 Liaise with all landowners of known and potential sites to encourage 

management, which benefits the White Admiral. 


6.3.5 Brown Argus Aricia agestis 

Surveys during the 1990s showed that the Brown Argus in Warwickshire was 

far more widely distributed than historical information indicated. This 

expansion was thought to be related to a larval foodplant preference change 

and the introduction of farming set aside and its rotational management. The 

majority of colonies in Warwickshire appear to use the geranium species, Cut 

Leaved Cranesbill and Dovesfoot Cranesbill as foodplants. Since 2000 Brown 

Argus numbers, like many other Lycaenidaes, have been in the doldrums. 

Despite this it is likely that the Brown Argus remains widespread. Historically 

the Brown Argus has been found in six 10 kilometre squares (Lepidoptera of 

Warwickshire a provisional list, Smith & Brown 1978). Records from 1995- 

99 recorded the Brown Argus in twenty six 10 kilometre squares which 

17

indicates a 333% increase in range. During the less intensive recording period 

from 2000-04 the Brown Argus was still recorded in sixteen 10 kilometre 

squares. This equates to 167% increase in range. It is likely that the Brown 

Argus is still far more widespread than traditional records indicate. 


1 Monitor the range of this species through 10 kilometre square casual 

recording. 

2 Monitor the abundance of this species through transect monitoring. 

6.4 Warwickshire Local Priority Butterfly Species 

6.4.1 Small Copper Lycaena phlaeas 

Nationally the Small Copper is believed to have declined substantially and is a 

UK BAP Priority Species. However, though it has declined it is a species that 

one can expect to turn up anywhere, all be it in small numbers. It is still 

regularly seen in Warwickshire gardens and is currently a local priority species 

for conservation action within Warwickshire. During the Millennium Atlas 

survey it was recorded in 318 out of 705 tetrads and 34 of 40 10 kilometre 

recording squares that cover Warwickshire. In the less intensive recording 

period 2000 to 2004 it was still recorded in 29 10 kilometre squares which 

indicates a decline of 15%. 

6.4.2 Marbled White Melanargia galathea 

The Millennium Atlas revealed that the Marbled White is expanding in 

Warwickshire and is no longer confined to calcareous grasslands which are 

found in the south of the county. This expansion is possibly linked to climate 

change related to global warming. The Millennium Atlas also demonstrated 

that the Marbled White has taken advantage of motorway systems and other 

dual carriageway roads to expand its range in Warwickshire e.g. M40, M42 

A46 and A45 and that it favours the newly created flower-rich grasslands at 

roadsides. Historically the Marbled White has been found in seventeen 10 

kilometre squares (Lepidoptera of Warwickshire a provisional list, Smith & 

Brown 1978). During the Millennium Atlas survey 1995-1999 the Marbled 

White was recorded in twenty nine 10 kilometre squares. During the less 

intensive recording period of 2000-04 it was still recorded in twenty four 10 

kilometre squares. Both date sets confirmed by other casual recording indicate 

a large expansion in range for the Marbled White. This range expansion is 

thought to be between 41 and 71% since the 1970’s. 


1 Monitor the range expansion of this species through 10 kilometre 

square casual recording. 


6.4.3 Essex Skipper Thymelicus lineola 

The Essex Skipper was first recorded in Warwickshire in 1992. The 

Millennium Atlas revealed that the Essex Skipper is expanding in 

Warwickshire, being found during that recording period in ten 10 kilometre 

squares. It first colonised Warwickshire from the Northampton border in the 

South East. It then made further inroads from the Oxford border in the South. 

18

The Millennium Atlas also demonstrated that the Essex Skipper had taken 

advantage of motorway and other dual carriageway roads to expand its range 

in Warwickshire e.g. M6, M40, M42, A444, A5, A46 and A45. Unlike the 

Marbled White the Essex Skipper has shown a preference for rank flower-poor 

grasslands, especially those roadside verges rarely or never cut by highway 

agencies, or new woodland plantations planted on equally flower-poor 

improved grasslands. The Essex Skipper by 2004 was believed to be found in 

minimum of twenty three 10 kilometre squares this equates to a 130% 

expansion. It is likely that if the Essex Skipper continues to expand at its 

current rate it will be declassified to a low priority species in 2010. 


1 Monitor the expansion in range of this species through 10 kilometre 

square casual recording. 


6.5 Regional Low Priority Butterfly Species 

The following species are all believed to be widespread. During the 

Millennium Atlas survey all of the 705 tetrads (2 kilometre squares) were 

surveyed and a minimum of 10 species was found in every square. The 

following indicates how widespread many species are in Warwickshire. The 

Warwickshire recording area comprises 39 10k squares. 

Species 1995-99 tetrads 1995-99 10k sq. 2000-04 10k sq. 

Small Skipper 650 37 37 

Large Skipper 592 37 35 

Clouded Yellow 65 27 22 

Brimstone 428 36 33 

Large White 650 39 37 

Small White 689 39 37 

Green-veined White 698 39 37 

Orange Tip 696 39 32 

Purple Hairstreak 197 30 32 

Common Blue 390 36 33 

Holly Blue 490 39 31 

Red Admiral 498 38 31 

Painted Lady 401 36 31 

Small Tortoiseshell 691 39 37 

Peacock 688 39 35 

Comma 440 34 34 

Speckled Wood 668 39 34 

Gatekeeper 699 39 38 

Meadow Brown 699 39 39 

Ringlet 541 37 35 

For conservation to be successful, even for currently widespread species, it is 

necessary to know where they occur. Recording is the first step to conservation. 

19

There is still a need to confirm during every 5 year recording period that 

widespread species can still be found in every 10 kilometre square. The 

importance of this can be demonstrated by the recent and sudden decline of the 

Wall Brown to near extinction and, conversely, the rapid expansion of the 

Marbled White and Essex Skipper. To enable limited resources to be targeted at a 

key species and their conservation, recording effort for widespread species will 

only be targeted at the 10 kilometre square resolution. However it is important 

that recording at this 10 kilometre resolution is very systematic. During the 

recording period 2000-2004 the recording effort in Warwickshire was less 

intensive this has caused problems interpreting declines. Despite some apparent 

declines shown above it is likely that every one of our 21 widespread species is 

still found or in the case of migrants could be found in at least thirty six 10 

kilometre squares or 90% of our recording area. 


1 During every 5 year recording period survey every one of the 

forty 10 kilometre squares that cover Warwickshire’s recording area 

and target recording to confirm that every one of the 21 widespread 

species is still present in a minimum of 90% of our recording area.. 

20

7 Monitoring 

7.1 Conservation Species Monitoring Targets 

The aim of the Warwickshire branch is to effectively monitor every butterfly 

species that occurs within Warwickshire’s recording area. To achieve this aim 

the following targets have been established. 

1 Widespread Butterfly Species 

Ensure that during every 5 year recording period every one of the forty 

10 kilometre squares that cover Warwickshire’s recording area is 

surveyed to confirm that every one of the 21 widespread species is still 

present. 

2 Local Priority Butterfly Species 

Where a species has been recorded previously ensure that during every 

5 year recording period every 10 kilometre square containing a colony 

is re-surveyed. Focus casual recording to identify as many colonies as 

possible. 

3 Medium Priority Butterfly Species 

Survey every known colony and suitable location during every 5 year 

recording period. Monitor a minimum of 50% of known colonies by 

transect, species transect or timed counts. 

4 High Priority Butterfly Species 

Monitor every known colony annually by transect species, transect or 

timed counts. 

21

8 Warwickshire Moths - Historical Background 

8.1 Resident Moth Species Extinctions Before 1950 

Species 

Last record 

Royal Mantle Catarhoe cuculata 1869 

Lunar Yellow Underwing Noctua orbona 1870 

Scarce Vapourer Orgyia recens 1880 

Dark Tussock Dicallomera fascelina 1880 

Small Chocolate-tip Clostera pigra 1888 

Light Crimson Underwing Catocala promissa 1888 

Triangle Heterogenea asella 1890 

Silvery Arches Polia trimaculosa 1890 

Light Knot Grass Acronicta menyanthidis ssp. menyanthidis 1899 

Dingy Mocha Cyclophora pendularia 1904 (VCH) 

Marsh Carpet Perizoma sagittata 1904 (VCH) 

Waved Carpet Hydrelia sylvata 1904 (VCH) 

Brussels Lace Cleorodes lichenaria 1904 (VCH) 

Bordered Gothic Heliophobus reticulata ssp. marginosa 1904 (VCH) 

Beautiful Brocade Lacanobia contigua 1904 (VCH) 

Silver Barred Deltote bankiana 1904 (VCH) 

Dark Crimson Underwing Catocala sponsa 1904 (VCH) 

Clouded Buff Diacrisia sannio 1916 

Narrow-bordered Bee Hawk-moth Hemaris tityus 1936 

8.2 Resident Moth Species Extinctions Since 1950 or Species that are 

Probably Extinct 

Species 

Last record 

Small Eggar Eriogaster lanestris 1950 

Sword Grass Xylena exsoleta 1950 

White-barred Clearwing Synanthedon spheciformis 1953 

Lead-coloured Pug Eupithecia plumbeolata 1956 

Speckled Yellow Pseudopanthera macularia 1956 

Broad-bordered Bee Hawk-moth Hemaris fuciformis 1956 

Four-spotted Tyta luctuosa 1957 

Beech Green Carpet Colostygia olivata 1960s 

Grey Scalloped Bar Dyscia fagaria 1960s 

Plain Clay Eugnorisma depuncta 1960s 

Square-spotted Clay Xestia rhomboidea 1960s 

Common Fan-foot Pechipogo strigilata 1960s 

Neglected Rustic Xestia castanea 1970s 

Small Purple-barred Phytometra vividaria 1970s 

Wood Tiger Parasemia plantaginis ssp. plantaginis 1971 

Lobster Moth Stauropus fagi 1974 

Lace Border Scopula ornata 1979 

White-spotted Pinion Cosmia diffinis 1979 

22

Hornet Moth Sesia apiformis 1979 

Galium Carpet Epirrhoe galiata 1980 

Scarce Prominent Odontosia carmelita 1987 

Stout Dart Spaelotis ravida 1988 

Barred Tooth-striped Trichopteryx polycommata 1989 

Light Feathered Rustic Agrotis cinerea 1992 

Pale Shining Brown Polia bombycina 1994 

Argent and Sable Rheumaptera hastata ssp. hastata 1997 

9 Warwickshire Moths - Current Status 

9.1 Regional High Priority Moth Species 

(List taken from Butterfly Conservation’s Regional Action Plan Update, Joy & 

Loram in prep.) 

Species 

Sites 

Goat Moth Cossus cossus*3 Thinly distributed. Last 

Stoneleigh 1993. 

Forester Adscita statices*2 Ashlawn Cutting. 

False Mocha Cyclophora porata*3 Weethley Wood & Oversley 

Wood. 

Chalk Carpet 

Scotopteryx bipunctaria ssp. 

cretata*1 

Bishops Hill & Long 

Itchington Quarry. 

Campanula Pug 

Eupithecia denotata ssp. 

denotata 

Whichford Wood & Redhill 

Wood. 

Broom-tip Chesias rufata ssp. Rufata*2 Only 2 records; last Bidford 

1995. Residency not certain. 

May be vagrants. 

Silver Cloud Egira conspicillaris South-west VC38. 

Sciota hostilis*3 

Oversley Wood. 

Salebriopsis albicilla*4 Oversley Wood. 

Phyllonorycter sagitella*3 Oversley Wood. 

*1 Existing UK BAP Priority Species 

*2 Existing UK BAP Species of Conservation Concern 

*3 Currently UK BAP Priority Species Candidate 

*4 RDB Species 

23

9.2 Regional Medium Priority Moth Species 

(Notable moths occurring in Warwickshire) 

Species 

Sites 

Currant Clearwing Synanthedon tipuliformis Very Locally distributed. 

Yellow-legged Clearwing Synanthedon vespiformis Packington Park. 

Orange-tailed Clearwing Synanthedon andrenaeformis Burton Dassett Hills CP. 

Red-belted Clearwing Synanthedon myopaeformis Central & South-west VC38. 

Red-tipped Clearwing Synanthedon formicaeformis Brandon Marsh. 

Large Red-belted Clearwing Synanthedon culiciformis Snitterfield Bushes, Sutton Park Last 

1988. May still exist. 

Six-belted Clearwing Bembecia ichneumoniformis Very Locally Distributed. 

Oak Lutestring Cymatophorima diluta Rough Hill, Crackley Wood, Ufton 

Fields. 

Light Orange Underwing Archiearis notha Clowes Wood, Snitterfield Bushes, 

Oversley Wood. Ryton Wood, 

Wappenbury Wood and Ufton Wood. 

Mocha Cyclophora annularia Only 3 records; last Wolverton 1983. May 

still exist. 

Mullein Wave Scopula marginepunctata Rugby. 

Oblique Carpet Orthonama vittata Hampton Wood. 

Ruddy Carpet Catarhoe rubidata Grove Hill, Goldicote Cutting. 

Cloaked Carpet Euphyia biangulata Ryton Wood & Oakley Wood. 

Pinion-spotted Pug Eupithecia insigniata South-west VC38 & Rugby. 

Valerian Pug Eupithecia valerianata Very locally distributed. 

V Moth Macaria wauaria Hillmorton. 

Little Thorn Cepphis advenaria Oversley Wood 1 record (07/06/2004). 

Status uncertain. 

Great Oak Beauty Hypomecis roboraria Ryton Wood. 

Square-spot Dart Euxoa obelisca ssp. grisea Rugby, Coventry, Grendon Common. 

Garden Dart Euxoa nigricans Status unknown. 

Double Dart Graphiphora augur Hillmorton. 

Hedge Rustic Tholera cespitis Sutton Park, Witton. 

Wormwood Cucullia absinthii Very Locally distributed. 

Dark Brocade Blepharita adusta Nelsons Quarry. 

Dotted Chestnut Conistra rubiginea South-west VC38. 

Flounced Chestnut Agrochola helvola Hampton, Oakley and Oversley Woods. 

Dusky-lemon Sallow Xanthia gilvago Mid Warwickshire/Coventry area. 

Stratford District, Bearley and Charlecote. 

Angle-striped Sallow Enargia paleacea Sutton Park, Old Park Wood & Oversley 

Wood. 

Mere Wainscot Chortodes fluxa Princethorpe Woodlands, Oversley Wood 

& Ladywalk bird reserve. Bowshot 

Wood. 

Cream-bordered Green Pea Earias clorana Brandon Marsh, Very Locally distributed 

in Southern Half of VC38. 

Waved Black Parascotia fuliginaria Locally distributed in the Southern Half 

of VC38. 

24

9.3 Warwickshire Locally Important Moth Species 

Species 

Sites 

Map-winged Swift Hepialus fusconebulosa Clowes Wood, Crackley Wood. 

Pale Egger Trichiura crataegi Oakley Wood, Oversley Wood. 

Lackey Malacosoma neustria Widespread in Warwickshire. 

Fox Moth common Macrothylacia rubi Sutton Park. 

Emperor Moth Saturnia pavonia Sutton Park. 

Poplar Lutestring Tethea or Oversley Wood, Snitterfield Bushes, 

Weethley Wood, Rough Hill Wood. 

Satin Lutestring Tetheella fluctuosa No known colonies. Last record from 

Marton on 01/08/1975. 

Blotched Emerald Comibaena bajularia National Local Warwickshire Fairly 

Widespread. 

Small Emerald Hemistola chrysoprasaria Oversley Wood. 

Spinach Eulithis mellinata Local (Gardens). 

Tissue Triphosa dubitata Local. 

Brown Scallop Philereme vetulata Local. 

Dark Umber Philereme transversata Nationally local Warwickshire fairly 

widespread. 

Grass Rivulet Perizoma albulata Locally fairly common. 

Netted Pug Eupithecia venosata Bishops Hill. 

Ling Pug 

Eupithecia absinthiata Sutton Park, Grendon Common. 

goossensiata 

Pimpernel Pug Eupithecia pimpinellata Dosthill, Hartshill Hayes. 

Small Seraphim Pterapherapteryx sexalata Wolford Wood, Coughton Park, 

Oversley Wood. 

Pretty Chalk Carpet Melanthia procellata South West Warwickshire. 

Streak Chesias legatella Waverley Wood, Sutton Park. 

Barred Umber Plagodis pulveraria Very Local. 

Lilac Beauty Apeira syringaria Nationally local Warwickshire Fairly 

Widespread. 

August Thorn Ennomos quercinaria Clowes Wood, Ettington Park, Waverley 

Wood, Sutton Park, Oversley Wood, 

Cubbington Hay, Ufton Fields. 

Small Brindled Beauty Apocheima hispidaria Very Local. 

Pale Oak Beauty Hypomecis punctinalis Ryton Wood, Oversley Wood, Oakley 

Wood. 

Square Spot Paradarisa consonaria Oversley Wood. 

Brindled White Spot Parectropis similaria National Local Warwickshire Fairly 

Widespread. 

Annulet Charissa obscurata Judkins Quarry. 

Grass Wave Perconia strigillaria Sutton Park. 

Alder Kitten Furcula bicuspis Local. 

Great Prominent Peridea anceps Princethorpe Woodland Complex, Old 

Park Wood. 

Marbled Brown Drymonia dodonaea Very Local. 

25

Figure of Eight Diloba caeruleocephala Gardens and hedgerows. Oakley Wood, 

Snitterfield Bushes, Oversley, Hampton, 

Ryton, Tocil, and Clowes Woods. 

White Satin Leucoma salicis Nationally Local Warwickshire Locally 

Common. 

Black Arches Lymantria monacha Local. 

Rosy Footman Miltochrista miniata Oversley Wood, Wolford Wood. 

Muslin Footman Nudaria mundana Very Local. 

Red-necked Footman Atolmis rubricollis Oversley Wood, Oakley Wood. 

Orange Footman Eilema sororcula Ryton Wood, Oversley Wood. 

Garden Tiger Arctia caja South Warwickshire. 

White-line Dart Euxoa tritici Hillmorton (1997), Charlecote (1998) 

and Sutton Park (2000). 

Heart and Club Agrotis clavis Local. 

Autumnal Rustic Eugnorisma glareosa Local. 

Barred Chestnut Diarsia dahlii Sutton Park. 

Heath Rustic Xestia agathina agathina Sutton Park, Grendon. 

Beautiful Yellow Underwing Anarta myrtilli Sutton Park. 

Broom Moth Melanchra pisi Bishops Hill, Mid and North 


Blossom Underwing Orthosia miniosa Oakley Wood, Ryton Wood, Oversley 

Wood. 

Minor Shoulder-knot Brachylomia viminalis Snitterfield Bushes, Oversley, Ryton and 

Wappenbury Woods. 

Sprawler Asteroscopus spinx Oversley, Ryton and Wolford Woods. 

Red Sword Grass Xylena vetusta Vagrant, transient resident. 

Suspected Parastichtis suspecta Local. 

Coronet Craniophora ligustri Very local. 

Bird’s wing Dypterygia scabriuscula Nationally Local Warwickshire fairly 

widespread but uncommon 

Large Nutmeg Apamea anceps Nationally local, widespread 


Ear Moth Amphipoea oculea Local. 

Rosy Minor Mesoligia literosa North Warwickshire brownfield sites. 

Crescent 

Celaena leucostigma 

leucostigma 

Branden, Coombe Abbey, Wyken 

Slough. 

Brown-veined Wainscot Archanara dissoluta Very Local. 

Large Wainscot Rhizedra lutosa Local. 

Small Rufous Coenobia rufa Local. 

Silky Wainscot Chilodes maritimus Brandon Marsh, Whitacre Heath, 

Coombe Abbey. 

Small Yellow Underwing Panemeria tenebrata Locally fairly common. 

Bordered Sallow Pyrrhia umbra Very local. 

Mother Shipton Callistege mi Locally fairly common. 

Burnet Companion Euclidia glyphica Locally fairly common. 

Blackneck Lygephila pastinum Locally fairly Common. 

26

9.4 Widespread but Rapidly Declining Moth Species 

The following additional species have been put forward as UK Priority 

Species Candidates on the basis that they are a widespread but rapidly 

declining group. 

Ghost Moth 

Oak Hook-tip 

Blood-vein 

Dark-barred Twin-spot Carpet 

Shaded Broad-bar 

Small Phoenix 

Latticed Heath 

Dusky Thorn 

September Thorn 

Brindled Beauty 

White Ermine 

Buff Ermine 

Cinnabar 

Small Square-spot 

Dot Moth 

Feathered Gothic 

Powdered Quaker 

Shoulder-striped Wainscot 

Deep-brown Dart 

Green-brindled Crescent 

Brown-spot Pinion 

Beaded Chestnut 

Centre-barred Sallow 

Sallow 

Grey Dagger 

Knot Grass 

Mouse Moth 

Dusky Brocade 

Large Nutmeg 

Rosy Rustic 

Rustic 

Mottled Rustic 

Hepialus humuli 

Watsonalla binaria 

Timandra comae 

Xanthorhoe ferrugata 

Scotopteryx chenopodiata 

Ecliptopera silaceata 

Chiasmia clathrata 

Ennomos fuscantaria 

Ennomos erosaria 

Lycia hirtaria 

Spilosoma lubricipeda 

Spilosoma luteum 

Tyria jacobaeae 

Diarsia rubi 

Melanchra persicariae 

Tholera decimalis 

Orthosia gracilis 

Mythimna comma 

Aporophyla lutulenta 

Allophyes oxyacanthae 

Agrochola litura 

Agrochola lychnidis 

Atethmia centrago 

Xanthia icteritia 

Acronicta psi 

Acronicta rumicis 

Amphipyra tragopoginis 

Apamea remissa 

Apamea anceps 

Hydraecia micacea 

Hoplodrina blanda 

Caradrina morpheus 

27

10 Prime Lepidoptera Areas 

The original West Midland Regional Action Plan of 1997 identified 7 Prime 

Lepidoptera Areas within Warwickshire. The Millennium Atlas (1995-1999) 

proved that these areas were generally too crude to be entirely useful for the 

instigation of landscape conservation projects. The 2005 Warwickshire 

Butterfly Conservation Action Plan has endeavoured to build on the work of 

the 1997 regional action plan and as a consequence has identified 10 Prime 

Lepidoptera areas. The aim of this development is to create areas which link 

sites together to enable landscape conservation projects to be instigated. The 

Millennium Atlas and subsequent surveying has identified approximately 79 

conservation sites that contain or are thought to colonies of high and medium 

priority butterfly species. A further 100 to 150 sites have been identified that 

have either recently lost high and medium priority butterfly species or are sites 

with the potential for colonisation by these species if suitable management or 

habitat creation is undertaken. 

10.1 Southam Lias Grasslands and Quarries 

The Southam Lias Grasslands identified in the 1987 RAP have now been 

subdivided into two areas. 

1 Southam Lias Grasslands and Quarries (Southam) 

This area is the only Prime Lepidoptera Area that not only still retains 

colonies of the Small Blue but also most of the sites where the Small 

Blue has recently become extinct. This is also the only area that 

contains a colony of the Chalk Carpet moth. Many of the key 

Lepidoptera sites are either biological or geological SSSIs. Since the 

last Regional Action Plan this area has lost one species the Wall, and 

has possibly gained one species the Silver-washed Fritillary. There are 

currently 13 key Lepidoptera sites containing high and medium priority 

species in this key Lepidoptera area Bishops Bowl Fishing, Bishops 

Bowl Sports, Bishops Hill, Harbury Spoilbank North, Harbury 

Spoilbank South, Napton Quarry, Nelsons Quarry, Print Wood, 

Southam Quarry, Southam Quarry Old Site, Stockton Cutting, Ufton 

Fields (Man Orchid) and Ufton Wood. 

Natural Area: Midland Clay Pastures 

Southam Lias Grassland & Quarries (Southam) Area Map: 

Appendix 1 

Key Butterfly Species: 

High Priority Medium Priority Local Priority 

Dingy Skipper Green Hairstreak Essex Skipper 

Grizzled Skipper White-letter Hairstreak Brown Argus 

Small Blue White Admiral Marbled White 

Silver-washed Fritillary Small Heath 

28

Key Moth Species: 


Chalk Carpet Six-belted Clearwing Lackey 

Small Purple-barred Oak Lutestring Spinach 

Netted Pug 

August Thorn 

Garden Dart 

Garden Tiger 

Dark Brocade 

Heart and Club 

Small Yellow Underwing Broom Moth 

Bordered Sallow 

Blackneck 

Large Nutmeg 

Mother Shipton 

Burnet Companion 

2 Southam Lias Grasslands (Kineton) 

The main site in this key Lepidoptera area is the very large Kineton 

army camp, which covers 1000ha or 2,500 acres. The Rover Car 

Gaydon proving ground is also a very large site covering 5 square 

kilometres. Access to both sites is very difficult. This area contains 

Warwickshire’s only colony of the Dark Green Fritillary. There are 

currently 14 key Lepidoptera sites containing high and medium priority 

species in this key Lepidoptera area, Coombe Farm Embankment, 

Ettington Cutting, Heritage Motor Museum, Kineton Boundary Farm, 

Kineton Demo Ground, Kineton Fleabane, Kineton Grace Ground, 

Kineton Lower Oaks, Kineton Marshalling Area, Kineton Pheasantries, 

Lighthorn Heath, Oxhouse Farm Top Meadow, Rover Gaydon and The 

Tunnels at Fenny Compton. 


Southam Lias Grassland (Kineton) Area Map: 

Appendix 2 





Dark Green Fritillary White Admiral Marbled White 

Small Heath 



Garden Dart 

Lackey 

Small Yellow Underwing Spinach 

Blackneck 

Brown Scallop 

Muslin Footman 

Garden Tiger 

Large Nutmeg 



29

10.2 Great Central Disused Railways and Spoilbanks 

This key Lepidoptera area consists of a number of linked sites along disused 

and active railway lines in and around Rugby. Many of these sites are 

unmanaged and their floristic rich, large embankments have become heavily 

scrubbed. Despite this, the area contains a strong meta-population of Grizzled 

Skipper and has the only Warwickshire colony of the Forester moth. There 

are currently 6 key Lepidoptera sites containing high and medium priority 

species in this key Lepidoptera area Ashlawn Cutting, Flecknoe Embankment, 

Malpass Quarry, Navigation Cutting, Newbolds Grounds Farm and 

Wolfhampcote Cutting. 

Natural Area: Midland Clay Pastures (small part in Trent Valley and Rises) 

Great Central Disused Railways & Spoilbanks Area Map: Appendix 3 





Marbled White 

Small Heath 



Forester Six-belted Clearwing Lackey 

Mullein Wave 

Spinach 

Garden Dart 

Grass Rivulet 

Double Dart 

V Moth 

Small Yellow Underwing 

Blackneck 

White-line Dart 



10.3 Princethorpe Woodlands 

The Princethorpe woodlands have been divided into two since the first RAP 

report of 1997. 

1 Princethorpe Woodlands (Princethorpe) 

There are 19 woods in 8 blocks that make up the core area of this 

complex of woodlands. The woodland area covers 1068.2 acres 

(432.47 hectares). Within these woods and between them are 

important unimproved grasslands, many associated with sand and 

gravel quarrying. The Princethorpe Woods make up one of the richest 

Lepidoptera areas within Warwickshire, only two of the county’s 

resident butterflies, the Dark Green Fritillary and Small Blue, are not 

known to breed here. There are also over 570 species of moths. A 

project was instigated in 2004 to encourage more woodland owners 

and managers to manage their woodlands for the benefit of wildlife. 

There are currently 14 key Lepidoptera sites containing high and 

30

medium priority species in this key Lepidoptera area, Bubbenhall 

Wood, Bull and Butcher Wood, Draycote Water Farnborough, 

Draycote Water Water Treatment, North Cubbington Wood, 

Princethorpe Great Wood, Princethorpe Wood Area, Ryton Wood, 

Ryton Wood Meadows, Snowford Cutting, South Cubbington Wood, 

Tithe Farm Cutting, Wappenbury Wood and Weston/Waverley Wood. 


Princethorpe Woodlands (Princethorpe) Area Map: Appendix 4 



Grizzled Skipper White-letter Hairstreak Essex Skipper 

Dingy Skipper White Admiral Brown Argus 

Wood White Silver-washed Fritillary Marbled White 


Small Heath 

Purple Emperor 



Light Orange Underwing Pale Oak Beauty Lackey 

Cloaked Carpet Great Prominent Spinach 

Great Oak Beauty Orange Footman Barred Umber 

Mere Wainscot Garden Dart Lilac Beauty 

Blossom Underwing August Thorn 

Small Brindled Beauty 

Marbled Brown 

Black Arches 

2 Princethorpe Woodlands (Brandon) 

Though no high priority species are found in this area now, historically 

it was a very rich area with species such as the Marsh Fritillary, Dark 

Green Fritillary and Grizzled Skipper all being found here. With 

active management this area has the potential to once again become a 

rich area for Lepidoptera. There are currently 2 key Lepidoptera sites 

containing high and medium priority species in this key Lepidoptera 

area, Brandon Wood and New Close/Birchley Wood. 


Princethorpe Woodlands (Brandon) Area Map: 

Appendix 5 

31




Essex Skipper 

White Admiral 

Brown Argus 

Marbled White 

Small Heath 



Valerian Pug Garden Dart Lackey 

Small Yellow Underwing Spinach 

White Satin 

Crescent 

10.4 South Western Woodlands and Associated Grasslands 

This area is made up of remnants of ancient and semi-ancient woodlands with 

fragments and highly scrubbed unimproved limestone grasslands. This area is 

probably the most fragmented of our key Lepidoptera areas. There are two 

components in this landscape area, woodlands that hold important populations 

of the White Admiral, rare moths and possible populations of the Silverwashed 

Fritillary and also important remnants of calcareous grasslands in old 

quarries, some woodlands and disused railways. These grasslands contain 

important Grizzled Skipper populations and possible Dingy Skipper. This area 

also contains one of the richest sites for moths in Warwickshire, Oversley 

Wood with 610 species. There are 14 key Lepidoptera sites containing high 

and medium priority species in this key Lepidoptera area, Austy Wood, 

Bearley Bushes, Chase Wood, Hampton Wood. Long Marston ex Army base 

Meadow area, Long Marston ex Army base Sidings, Long Marston ex Army 

base storage area, Mays Wood, Oakley Wood, Oversley Wood, Snitterfield 

Bushes, The Greenway Industrial Area, Wilmcote Quarry and Wilmcote 

Rough. 

Natural Area: Severn and Avon Vales 

South Western Woodlands & Associated Grassland Area Map: 

Appendix 6 



Dingy Skipper White-letter Hairstreak Essex Skipper 

Grizzled Skipper White Admiral Brown Argus 

Purple Emperor Silver-washed Fritillary Marbled White 

Small Heath 



Light Orange Underwing Poplar Lutestring Pale Eggar 

Pinion Spotted Pug Oak Lutestring Lackey 

32

Campanula Pug False Mocha Small Emerald 

Silver Cloud Oblique Carpet Spinach 

Dotted Chestnut Square Spot Barred Umber 

Angle-striped Sallow Rosy Footman Lilac Beauty 

Mere Wainscot Red-necked Footman August Thorn 

Scotia hostilis Orange Footman Small Brindled Beauty 

Phyllonorycter sagitella Beautiful Snout Alder Kitten 

Salibriopsis albicilla 

Figure of Eight 

White Satin 

Garden Tiger 

Autumnal Rustic 

Minor Shoulder-knot 

Sprawler 

10.5 North Warwickshire Post Industrial Habitats and Associated Grasslands 

and Woods 

The North Warwickshire post industrial habitat and associated grassland and 

woods identified in the 1987 RAP have now been subdivided into two areas. 

1 North Warwickshire Post Industrial Habitats and Associated 

Grasslands and Woods (North Warwickshire) 

In recent times this area has been the richest in Warwickshire for the 

Dingy Skipper. It contains many post industrial sites such as old coal 

workings, quarries and railway lines which have produced suitable 

habitat for this species. Unfortunately many of these are now classified 

as brown field sites by the government and as such are very vulnerable 

to development. The challenge in this area is to protect these post 

industrial habitats and encourage management that creates or recreates 

early successional habitats in the near vicinity of existing colonies. 5 

key Lepidoptera sites containing high and medium priority species in 

this key Lepidoptera area Alvecote Pooley Fields, Baddesley 

Spoilbank, Grendon Common, Kingsbury Rifle Range and Kingsbury 

Spoilheap. 

Natural Area: Part Trent Valley and Rises, part Midland Plateau 

North Warwickshire Post Industrial Habitats & Associated 

Grasslands & Woods (North Warwickshire) Area Map: 

Appendix 7 




Marbled White 

Small Heath 

33



Valarian Pug Six-belted Clearwing Lackey 

Pimpinel Pug Dark Spinach Spinach 

Annulet Tissue Dark Umber 

Square-spot Dart Garden Dart Autumnal Rustic 

Heath Rustic 

Birds Wing 

Rosy Minor 

2 North Warwickshire Post Industrial Habitats and Associated 

Grasslands and Woods (Nuneaton) 

This area was probably historically the second richest area in 

Warwickshire for the Dingy Skipper. This area also contained many 

post industrial sites which produced suitable habitat for this species. 

Again many of these sites are under threat. Some Dingy Skipper 

colonies have already been lost to development such as Foleshill gas 

works, Galley Common and Newdigate Pit. The challenge for 

conservation organisations is again to encourage management that 

creates or recreates early successional habitats, such as those often 

found in active quarries, within a colonising distance of an existing 

colony. There are 7 key Lepidoptera sites containing high and medium 

priority species in this key Lepidoptera area, Bentley Park Wood, 

Hartshill Hayes, Judkins Quarry, Mancetter Quarry, Newdigate Pit, 

Weddington Cutting South and Windmill Spoilbank. 

Natural Area: Part Trent Valley and Rises, part Midland Plateau 

North Warwickshire Post Industrial Habitats & Associated 

Grasslands & Woods (Nuneaton) Area Map: Appendix 8 




Marbled White 

Small Heath 



Valarian Pug Six-belted Clearwing Lackey 

Pimpinel Pug Dark Spinach Spinach 

Annulet Tissue Dark Umber 

Square-spot Dart Garden Dart Birds Wing 

Rosy Minor 

34

10.6 Sutton Park 

Sutton Park, our only national nature reserve, is one very large site comprising 

heathland and woodland. It is located in the north west of the Warwickshire 

area. This 970 hectare 2,400 acre park is isolated within and is surrounded by 

urban areas. Historically this site was much richer and contained colonies of 

both the Marsh Fritillary and Small-bordered Fritillary. There are currently 13 

sub sites containing high and medium priority species within this single key 

Lepidoptera area. 

Natural Area: Midland Plateau 

Sutton Park Area Map: Appendix 9 



Green Hairstreak 

Small Heath 




Angle-striped Sallow Fox Moth Map-winged Swift 

Dark Spinach 

Lackey 

Grass Wave 

Emperor 

Garden Dart 

Spinach 

Barred Chestnut 

Ling Pug 

Heath Rustic 

Beautiful Yellow Underwing 

Streak 

August Thorn 

Alder Kitten 

Autumnal Rustic 

Heath Rustic 

Suspected 

Brown-veined Wainscot 

Small Rufous 

10.7 Whichford and Wolford Woods 

Wolford Wood, historically, was probably the most important wooded area in 

Warwickshire for butterflies. This area contained colonies of Chequered 

Skipper, Black and Brown Hairstreak, Purple Emperor, Duke of Burgundy and 

several species of Fritillary. Wolford Wood is part of a key Lepidoptera area 

that extends into Gloucestershire. Overall it is now the second richest 

woodland area in Warwickshire and contains the largest colonies of Wood 

White and Silver-washed Fritillary. There are 2 key Lepidoptera sites 

containing high and medium priority species in this key Lepidoptera area 

Whichford and Wolford Wood. 

Natural Area: Cotswolds 

Whichford & Wolford Woods Map: Appendix 10 

35



Wood White 


White Admiral 

Silver-washed Fritillary 



Campanula Pug Small Seraphim Lackey 

Rosy Footman 

Blotched Emerald 

Garden Dart 

Coronet 

Spinach 

Pretty Chalk Carpet 

Lilac Beauty 

Brindled White Spot 

White Satin 

Garden Tiger 

Sprawler 

Large Nutmeg 

36

11 Management 

The aim of the Warwickshire Branch is to facilitate and promote habitat 

management which benefits all our native butterflies and moths. To achieve 

this aim the following targets have been established in priority order. 

1 Target site management advice to site managers where high priority 

species are located. 

2 Target site management advice to site managers within 3 kilometres of 

where a colony of a high priority species is located and effective 

management could facilitate natural colonisation. 

3 Target site management advice to site managers where medium 

priorities species are located. 

4 Target site management advice to site managers within the key 

Lepidoptera areas and within the boundaries of key medium priority 

metapopulation areas. 

5 Give specific and general management advice which will benefit the 

conservation of all butterflies and moths. 

12 References 

Species Report Author Year Published 

Brown Argus Brown Argus Butterfly in Worcestershire & Warwickshire Simon Barker 


Brown Hairstreak in Worcestershire 

Action for Brown Hairstreak - Sharing Good Practise 

Species Action Plan - Brown Hairstreak Thecla betulae 

Rob Mabbett & Mike 

Williams 

Wigglesworth 

Boune & Warren 

Dingy Skipper Species Action Plan - Dingy Skipper Erynus tages Bourne, Jeffcoate & Warren 

Green Hairstreak Local species Action Plan Callophrys rubi Mike Slater 

Grizzled Skipper Species Action Plan - Grizzled Skipper Pyrgus malvae Brereton, Bourne & Warren 

Grizzled Skipper Pygus malvae Regional Conservation Status 

Mike Slater 

Butterfly Conservation 

West Midlands Branch 

Conservation Report 

1994 




1994 


SO5-04 2005 


1998 


2000 


Warwickshire Branch 


1996 


1998 

Warwickshire News 

Vol. 4 1998 

Grizzled Skipper Pygus malvae in the West Midlands Region 

Simon Baker 




1999 

Conservation Report - Status of Grizzled Skipper Pygus malvae in 

Warwickshire 

Butterfly Fieldcraft - Grizzled Skipper Pygus malvae 

Mike Slater 

Mike Slater 




2000 


Vol. 15 2004 

37

Pearl-bordered 

Fritillary 

Species Action Plan - Pearl-bordered Fritillary Boloria euphrosyne 

Action for Pearl-bordered Fritillary Progress 1997/98 

Search in Wyre Forest for Pearl-bordered Fritillary Boloria euphrosyne 

Breeding Areas in 2002 

The Ecology & Dynamics of the Pearl-bordered Fritillary Boloria 

euphrosyne in Glocestershire Woodlands. 

Barnett & Warren 

Brereton, Roberts & Warren 

J Joy 

Mathew Oaks 

Purple Emperor Species Action Plan - Purple Emperor Apatura iris Bourne & Warren 


1995 


1999 

Report for English 

Nature 2003 


Report SO3-12 2003 


2000 

The Hertfordshire Purple Emperors Apatura iris 

Liz Goodyear & Andrew 

Middleton 


Hertfordshire & 

Middlesex Branch 


2003 

Silver-washed 

Fritillary 

The Hertfordshire Purple Emperors Apatura iris 

Progress Report 

Field Craft Lesson 3 The Purple Emperor – rare or just elusive? 

Local Species Action Plan - Silver-washed Fritillary Argynnis paphia, 

Warwickshire Vice County 38 

Liz Goodyear & Andrew 

Middleton 

Mike Slater 

Mike Slater 


Hertfordshire & 

Middlesex Branch 


2004 



Magazine January 2006 




1997 

The History of the Silver-washed Fritillary in Warwickshire - Facts from 

Fiction 

Mike Slater 

Small Blue Conservation of the Small Blue in Warwickshire Barker 

Small Pearl-bordered 

Fritillary 

Species Action Plan Small Blue Cupido minimus 

Species Action Plan - Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary Boloria selene 

Local Species Action Plan - Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary Boloria selene, 

Warwickshire Vice County 38 

Bourne & Warren 

Barnett & Warren 

Mike Slater 

Wall Brown Egg laying cues of the Wall Brown Lasiommata megra Dennis 


Vol. 8 2000 




1995 

Butterfly 

Conservation 2000 

Butterfly 

Conservation 1995 




1995 

Entomologist 

Gazette 

(1983) Vol. 34 

White Admiral 

Choice of Oviposition Sites by Ladoga camilla, White Admiral at 

Dudmaston Plantation & Wyre Forest in Shropshire - A Comparative Study 

Hinde 1999 

Population Ecology and Change in Range of White Admiral Ladogo 

camilla in England 

Local Species Action Plan - White Admiral Ladoga Camilla Warwickshire 

Vice County 38 

Butterfly Fieldcraft - White Admiral Ladogo camilla 

E Pollard 

Mike Slater 

Mike Slater 

Ecological Entomology 

(1979) 4 61-74 




1996 


Vol. 14 2004 

Wood White Species Action Plan - Wood White Leptidea sinapis Warren & Bourne 

Wood White Leptidea sinapsis - Observations from Warwickshire colony 

2003 

Biodiversity Action Plan - Wood White Leptidea sinapis 

Mike Slater 

Ellis 


1998 


Vol. 13 2003 

Warwickshire County 

Council and Solihull 

2004 

38

Influence of shade on butterfly numbers in woodland rides with special 

reference to the Wood White Leptidea sinapsis 

Annual and long term trends in a population of Wood White Butterflies 

Leptidea sinapsis 

The Biology and Status of the Wood White Butterfly Leptidea sinapsis in 

the British Isles 

M S Warren 

Warren, Pollard & Bibby 

M S Warren 

General Warwickshire Butterfly Sites Register Mike Slater 

Warwickshire Moth Sites Register 

The Millennium Atlas of Butterflies in Britain and Ireland. 

The Butterflies of Britain & Ireland 

Mike Slater per comms 

David Brown 

Jim Asher, Martin Warren, 

Richard Fox, Paul Harding, 

Gail Jeffcoate & Stephen 

Jeffcoate 

Jeremy Thomas & Richard 

Lewington 

Biological Conservation 

33 (1985) 147-164 

Journal of Animal 

Ecology (1986) 55 707- 

717 

Entomological Gazette 

1964 Vol. 35 



2005 



Brown & Stone 2006 

Oxford University Press 

2001 

National Trust 1991 

The Larger Moths of Warwickshire David C G Brown Atropos Publishing 2006 

39

13 Appendices 

Appendix 1 

Southam Lias Grassland (Southam) Area Map 

40

Appendix 2 

Southam Lias Grassland (Kineton) Area Map 

41

Appendix 3 

Great Central Disused Railways & Spoilbanks Area Map 

42

Appendix 4 

Princethorpe Woodlands (Princethorpe) Area Map 

43

Appendix 5 

Princethorpe Woodland (Brandon) Area Map 

44

Appendix 6 

South Western Woodlands & Associated Grassland Area Map 

45

Appendix 7 

North Warwickshire Post Industrial Habitats & Associated Grasslands & 

Woods (Nuneaton) Area Map 

46

Appendix 8 

North Warwickshire Post Industrial Habitats & Associated Grasslands & 

Woods (North Warwickshire) Area Map 

47

Appendix 9 

Sutton Park Area Map 

48

Appendix 10 

Whichford & Wolford Woods Area Map 

49

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