Butterflies & Moths: London's Lepidoptera

Witness the summer varieties of these fascinating creatures within the stunning surroundings of Woodberry Wetlands.

With over 30 butterfly and 800 moth species living in London and 23 recorded at the reserve, there is a huge range of Lepidoptera to discover. From the charismatic and colourful to the smaller and more inconspicuous, these wonderful insects are enormously important to our biodiversity and are good gauge of the environment.

 The walk will meet for an introduction to the main species found in the area and an overview of their natural history, habitat, lifecycle, feeding and breeding patterns by the tour leader  before heading out to the reservoir to observe and discuss the range of butterflies and day-flying moths active throughout the reserve. You will additionally be able to examine the evening moths which will have been caught the night before in the range of special light traps before setting them free.

The reserve proffers the opportunity to observe such distinctive moths as the sizeable black & white spotted Leopard Moth and Large Yellow Underwing with a wingspan of 5 – 6 centimeters and the more petite Small Magpie and literally clear-winged Red-Tipped Clearwing to the more common members of the Tortricidae family, Tortrix, Clover Seed and Holly Tortrix moths, and the micro moths of the Eriocraniidae, Gracillariidae, Momphidae and Oecophoridae families.

The butterflies that you will most likely spot are the orange and brown winged Large and Essex Skippers representing the Hesperiidae family and Lycaenidaes Holly Blue, identified by their bright blue upperwings and pale blue spotted undersides, the very handsome Purple Hairstreak and Common Blue. The Peacock with its red wings and brilliant eyespots and striking orange & black patterned Small Tortoiseshell are amongst the most spectacularly coloured and easily spotted of the Nymphalidae family whilst the Meadow Brown, Speckled Wood and Red Admiral are also present. 

This event is All Ages. Children under 4 receive free admission.

Please note: No dogs are allowed at Woodberry Wetlands except guide dogs for the sight impaired.

Disabled Access Information:  Please visit our WEBSITE  or email events@woodberrywetlands.org.uk for facilities information or to arrange access requirements