Working to save Dorset's butterflies and moths

75% of British butterflies and 66% of common moths have declined in living memory. Our efforts include conservation work, monitoring butterflies and moths, and raising awareness of the problems they face. There are lots of ways you can help.  Find out more

For Butterfly Conservation’s national HQ visit butterfly-conservation.org
An orange and brown butterfly with a white fringe to the wings and black markings on a green plant
Glanville Fritillary. Photo: Tracy Whincup

Glanville Fritillary, Compton Down

Tracy took these photos of Glanville Fritillaries at Compton Down on 08/05/2026 and sent them in as she had noticed Read more...

Posted: 13 May 2026
A green larva in a folded green leaf
Lulworth Skipper Larva. Photo: Martin Warren

Lulworth Skipper Larvae, Portland

An update from Martin after a visit to Portland on 11/05/2026 where he found several Lulworth Skipper larvae on Wood False-brome Brachypodium sylvaticum instead of on the usual Tor Grass B. pinnatum. Read more...

Posted: 12 May 2026
A green caterpillar wraooed in a green plant leaf
Lulworth Skipper 5th (final) instar Larva. Photo: Martin Warren

Lulworth Skipper Larvae, Lulworth Cove

Martin Warren sent in three photos telling us that he found quite a lot of Lulworth Skipper feeding damage on the ungrazed cliffs by Lulworth Cove and a few larvae. Read more...

Posted: 28 April 2026

Could you head up Hod Hill?

Our regular butterfly counting (transect) walk on Hod Hill has been going for 44 years, but needs more walkers if we are not to lose the value of the data already gathered. Read more...

Posted: 17 April 2026
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Events diary

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Recent sightings

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Photo gallery

Large brownish grey moth with four large dark blotches in centre
Lime hawkmoth. Photo: Paul Harris

Paul ran his Weymouth garden trap on 03/05/26 and trapped this large Lime Hawkmoth. It has one generation May- early August, and comes to light. Feeds on flowers after dusk, particularly Honeysuckle. Read more...

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Species spotlight

A green butterfly with a small line of white streaks on the underside of its hindwing See profile

Green Hairstreak

  • Family: Coppers and Hairstreaks
  • Size: Small  Wingspan: 33mm
  • Regional priority: Low

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