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
A greenish yellow butterfly with some brown markings
Brimstone. Photo: Shona Refoy

Mystery of Brimstones on Portland

Our County Butterfly Recorder, Robin George writes: Portland Bird Observatory alerted us to a question about Brimstones recently in a post on their website : “We’re forever puzzled by the status of the Brimstone butterfly at Portland. Read more...

An orange butterfly with black and yellow markings on a tree trunk
Large Tortoiseshell, Hengistbury Head, March 2026. Photo: Mike KIrby

Large Tortoiseshell – Dorset statistics

Following the press release from Butterfly Conservation HQ, suggesting the Large Tortoiseshell may be going to be counted as a UK species again, we have been looking at our data. Read more...

An orange butterfly with black and yellow markings on some brown vegetation
Large Tortoiseshell. Photo: Shona Refoy

Large Tortoiseshells in Dorset now

To our suprise, we’ve had not one, but two reports of Large Tortoiseshells, both on 5 March, but some way apart. Read more...

A dark brown, black and reddish orange butterfly with black and white markings
Red Admiral. Photo: Lynda Lambert

The butterfly season is underway

The sunshine we’ve had recently has been welcomed not just by we humans but by the butterflies too. Read more...

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Events diary

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Recent sightings

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Photo gallery

A greenish white butterfly with blackish markings on a white flower
Green-veined White. Photo: Donald Simcock

"Today, 05/04/2026 in our Moordown garden we had 2 Speckled Woods, 1 Holly Blue and this lovely Green-veined White who stayed around for a couple of hours" Read more...

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Species spotlight

One butterfly with open wings and one with closed wings, showing the huge difference between them See profile

Small Tortoiseshell

  • Family: Vanessids
  • Size: Medium  Wingspan: 54mm
  • Regional priority: Low

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