Blues
A meadow shimmering with blue butterflies is one of the delights of summer. Sadly, some of these species are in long-term decline and their survival depends on dedicated conservation efforts to maintain their grassland habitats. There are 9 species of Lycaenids (Blues) in Britain, including 3 here in Derbyshire.
Browns
All of these species are various shades of brown, with the notable exception of the beautiful Marbled White. They are not altogether plain however, and often have patterns of orange spots or blotches. There are 11 species in Britain, 6 of which are found in Derbyshire. Unusually for British butterflies, two of this group are virtually restricted to Scotland.
Fritillaries
The fritillaries are attractive orange butterflies with varying striped and spotted black patterned wings. Many have declined dramatically in the last 100 years and are very sensitive to habitat disturbance. This family includes some of Britain's most threatened butterfly species. Eight species are found in Britain, and only one - the widespread Dark Green Fritillary - can be seen in Derbyshire.
Nymphalids & miscellaneous
The Nymphalids are among the most spectacular of Britain's butterflies, and some of the most familiar summer butterflies come from this family.
Skippers & Hairstreaks
The Skippers are the most unusual of Britain's butterflies as far as appearance goes - they look more like moths than butterflies. There are eight species in Britain, and found are found in Derbyshire. The Hairstreaks are elusive butterflies, named for the fine-lined markings on their underwings. There are five species in Britain, of which three can be seen here in Derbyshire.
Whites
The whites (Pieridae) comprise some of our most familar butterflies, including the ubiquitous 'Cabbage White', which is actually two similar species - the Small and Large White. This family also contains the delicate Wood White, one of our most threatened butterflies.