butterfly family derived county england specimens great_britain collected english naturalist species occurs locally asia minor north_africa population considered stable numbers declined leading european status vulnerable range britain restricted south coast locally abundant numbers currently greatest discovery wingspan millimetres females larger males small butterfly smallest member genus europe smallest butterflies britain aside size difference sexes distinguished females having distinct circle golden marks likeness rays eye feather known sun ray markings appear males taxonomy described german butterfly discovered britain august specimens taken english naturalist introduced following year remained unchanged britain vernacular butterfly names proposed substitute description male wingspan millimetres female makes britain smallest butterflies europe smallest member genus britain golden silver spotted large small essex smallest small size distinguished particularly dark coloured wings appear olive brown especially apparent males variations known occur north west africa fore hind wing darker hints greenish brown similarly coloured races occur spain islands endemic displays colour variations fore wing showing defined yellow orange markings butterfly sexually females distinct circle golden marks called sun ray markings likeness rays eye feather males markings noticeably illustration distribution habitat found locally southern central europe asia minor north_africa population considered stable northern europe numbers range severely declined notably netherlands extinct decline led butterfly european status vulnerable isolated populations species armenia threatened included listed threatened great_britain butterfly reaches northern limit range distribution restricted southern coastline county population range changed little recent decades locally abundant majority colonies found coast ridge line inland chalk hills outlying colonies exist cause colony portland unknown natural released specimens evidence suggest abundant time discovery colonies existed devon species single records seen county 1930s similarly records occurrences exist cornwall verified native colonies habitats primarily grassland includes chalk download coastal grassland britain habits grass illustration butterfly sole food plant lays eggs widespread tall grass favoured habitat development benefited away tight grazing sheep century recently rabbit populations maintain lower grass height evidence suggest minimal grazing detrimental species fact beneficial encourages growth flowers act adult sources behaviour life cycle females lay eggs rows recorded flower grass preferring dead tall plants care taken females lay eggs considered remarkable breeding process considered common hatching long spins compact site week april point eat way making small hole search tender grass blades feed margin time live separately tube composed edges blade bound silk fresh tubes grows larger live zone grass height centimetres stage lasts weeks beginning june onwards late july formed inside loose nest silk grass spun deep inside grass begin emerge early middle july finish emerging middle september typically live days normal lifespan non butterfly seasonal stage fly strong sunshine tend form colonies largest containing individuals literature novel return native possible reference strange amber coloured butterflies seen
Lulworth skipper