Butterfly species recorded for first time at wildlife reserve near Aberdour

Two wall brown butterflies were recorded this summer by volunteers Lesley Gordon and George Lees, who monitor a transect on the reserve on behalf of Butterfly Conservation.

A number of speckled wood butterflies were spotted by chance by reserve convenor, Grahame Boath on a recent visit.

The wall brown butterfly is a coastal species found in hot, sunny spaces including open grasslands and gardens. Its name comes from often being regularly spotted resting on walls. The speckled wood is a woodland butterfly that feeds on honeydew in the treetops.

Mr Boath said: “These are exciting new arrivals to the reserve.

“Five years ago it would be unlikely to see a speckled wood butterfly in Fife, but this species has gradually been extending its range up the east coast of Scotland and is now working its way inland to sites such as Cullaloe.

“The wall brown is another recent arrival. Sadly this species is increasingly rare in Britain. It has been lost from many inland areas of England due to the changing climate, but we’re hopeful it has found a safe haven at Cullaloe.

“The varied habitat at Cullaloe Wildlife Reserve provides fantastic conditions for a huge range of butterflies. In addition to these new arrivals fifteen other species are regularly spotted here. It is also a key site for moths including the lunar hornet, which breeds on the reserve.”

Tracy Lambert, Scottish Wildlife Trust Reserves Manager for East Central Scotland, said: “It’s great to be able to add two new species to the list of wildlife found at Cullaloe.

“I’m grateful to the volunteers who donate their time to help us look after valuable habitat, and thankful to the citizen scientists who provide us with regular and useful information about the amazing range of butterflies found on the reserve.”

Cullaloe Wildlife Reserve is two miles north of Aberdour. It features a mosaic of scrub, meadow and wetland habitats.

It is designated as a Local Nature Reserve as well as being part of a Site of Special Scientific Interest.

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