www.ukbutterflies.co.uk

Hey all, this is my first post on this forum. Basically i am looking at conducting some research into three species of butterfly. These being Large Heath, Scotch Argus amd Brown Argus. My objective is to visit a number of sites for each one and see if populations are still present as well as the plants they feed on. So my question is, are there more sites that are listed here on the website? As i would like to visit as many as possible, so if there are additonal sites where a six figure gird reference is given i would greatly appreciate it. Thank you

Hi - and welcome.

There are absolutely more sites than listed on UK Butterflies for several reasons:

1. We don't publish sensitive sites (where either the site is itself is fragile, or the species found there are in low numbers).

2. Two of your species (and arguably the third), namely Scotch Argus and Brown Argus, are widespread within their range and can be found almost anywhere there is suitable habitat.

3. The kind of recording you're looking to do is already addressed via (literally) thousands of recorders across the country - and I'd suggest that the best way forward would be for you to join their ranks by hooking up with your local branch of Butterfly Conservation. Not only will you meet like-minded individuals, but also get a better understanding of, for example, under-recorded areas where you can make a real difference.

My 2p

Cheers,

- Pete

Pete Eeles wrote:Hi - and welcome.

There are absolutely more sites than listed on UK Butterflies for several reasons:

1. We don't publish sensitive sites (where either the site is itself is fragile, or the species found there are in low numbers).

2. Two of your species (and arguably the third), namely Scotch Argus and Brown Argus, are widespread within their range and can be found almost anywhere there is suitable habitat.

3. The kind of recording you're looking to do is already addressed via (literally) thousands of recorders across the country - and I'd suggest that the best way forward would be for you to join their ranks by hooking up with your local branch of Butterfly Conservation. Not only will you meet like-minded individuals, but also get a better understanding of, for example, under-recorded areas where you can make a real difference.

My 2p

Cheers,

- Pete

Thanks for that info, its really helpful! Im using the information as part of my dissertation, looking into the poleward distribution of butterflies. I like the idea of looking at under recorded areas, especially if these areas are further North than the species are currently recorded as this would fit in with the poleward advancement. Thanks again!

May I suggest that for Scotch Argus & possibly Large Heath that you are better looking at Northward movement of their Southern limit rather than the Northern limit?
Reason being that they basically exist all the way up to the Northern tip of mainland UK (& on at least a few of the Northern islands too).