I too am a complete beginner but in the absence of any other replies I can only relay what I learn from the pictures in my book. The Chalkhill in my book doesn't show those orange spots so clearly, nor have that diagonal line of spots on the hindwing but the Adonis does, however the book seems to no...

Despite above comment I am still trawling internet for picture for that eureka moment - starting to obsess me(!)

Golly - I'd no idea this is so difficult! Following the suggestion of Camberwell Beauty/Mourning Cloak I've looked up lots of pics and videos. I have a very clear image in my mind. Unfortunately there's a lack of pics of it flying - only disappearing off screen! But the glimpses seem to suggest it f...

Interesting idea - looked this up, and alongside were pics of Painted Lady Moth (with wings folded) and Black Witch Moth (similar colour). Possible I suppose. Moths often seem to beat their wings quite fast but I suppose they don't all.

Thank you for the idea - I see what you mean re colour (pics of wings folded) but I think the wings were smooth edged whereas closed wings of Peacock look in book as if more jagged. In flight when wings upwards, shape rather like book pics of large white folded wings. Also I think I will recognise a...

I can't give a lot of helpful information but wonder if anyone has suggestions what butterfly this may be. Location - East Sussex coast - just inland and downhill from cliffs 13 Oct 2016 Colour and habitat: I was walking down hill, wind behind me, when a black butterfly flew out of the roadside blac...