The Butterflies of Dunstable Downs

This is an introduction to the butterflies that can be found on Dunstable Downs in Spring and Summer.

If you walk along the lower slopes on a sunny day between the end of May and late August you are likely to see between 15 and 20 species of butterfly. This page will show photographs of several of the more interesting butterflies that can be found.

Marbled White

This butterfly can be found on the grassy,open sunny areas of the downs between late June and early August. The female is smaller than the male. It can be found roosting on grass stems in the evenings.

Chalkhill Blue

During July and August the Chalkhill Blue can be found in the areas of the downs with short grass.The female is brown with orange markings on the wings.In some summers it is quite common on Dunstable Downs.The markings are quite variable.

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How to get there-The best areas of the downs to see butterflies.