Butterflies
Chalkhill Blue
The largest of the six species of blue butterfly found on Portland the Chalkhill Blue is found on chalk and limestone downs of southern England but is not a common species. It prefers the warm south-facing where there is an abundance of its larval food-plant horseshoe vetch. Sadly decreasing in parts of Dorset, Portland is now a stronghold and it can be seen on the wing from late July through August in many of the old quarries and on the eastern undercliffs, the males often seen seeking nectar on plants such as knapweed and carline thistle.
Chalkhill Blue Male
Chalk Hill Blue Male
Chalk Hill Blue Female
Silver Studded Blue
An uncommon butterfly mainly found on the heathland of central and southern England with Dorset and the New Forest particular strongholds. There are scattered populations on the coasts of Cornwall, North Wales and here on Portland that are found in grassland the larvae feeding on Bird’s-foot-trefoil. There are only a handful of populations remaining on Portland mostly found in sheltered sites in and around old quarry workings and is on the wing from early June to mid July.
Other Notable Blues found on Portland
