Photo © Mike Wall

Marbled White

Melanargia galathea

Checklist Number
59.012 [B&F: 1620]

Verification
Record will be accepted (subject to date and location checks)

Classification

Family:Nymphalidae
Subfamily:Satyrinae
Genus:Melanargia
Species:galathea
Authority:(Linnaeus, 1758)

Common on downland, sea cliffs, grassland, woodland clearings, roadside verges and embankments throughout much of southern England, with records north to Yorkshire; it has expanded in range and abundance over recent decades and is one of the relatively few species that is not a priority species for conservation concern. In Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight common and widespread in suitable habitat. Wingspan 53-58 mm. Larva feeds on Red Fescue, Sheep's-fescue, Timothy, Cock's-foot and Tor-grass.