No Mow May has arrived and with it an excuse to put the mower away and put your feet up instead. The annual campaign from conservation charity Plantlife encourages people to let their lawns grow long to benefit wildlife, and this year, Butterfly Conservation is encouraging people to keep the mower in the shed for even longer to help the UK’s struggling butterflies and moths.
Butterflies and moths need long grass throughout the spring and summer. Recent research from Butterfly Conservation has shown that allowing patches of grass to grow long can boost butterfly numbers by up to 93%.
With more than half of the UK’s butterflies now in long-term decline, and gardens making up more than 728,000 hectares in Great Britain (that’s the equivalent of over a million football pitches!) it’s more important than ever that gardeners make space for butterflies.
Taking the small step of leaving a patch of grass to grow long in each of these gardens could make a huge difference for butterflies and moths.
Over 3,000 people have already pledged to grow their grass long this summer. If you allow some of your grass to grow long too, here are some of the top grass-loving butterfly and moth species to look out for in your new wildlife-friendly lawn.
Speckled Wood
Speckled Wood – Bob Eade
This beautifully patterned brown and cream butterfly, which flies from April to October, likes to perch in sunny spots and is a fan of gardens. Its vivid green caterpillars are partial to feasting on grass.
Gatekeeper
Gatekeeper – Andrew Cooper
The Gatekeeper is a vibrant little butterfly which likes to show off the bright orange on its upperwings as it basks and enjoys nectar. The more muted colours of its caterpillars help them blend in with the various grasses on which they feed. Last year, the Gatekeeper made its way to Scotland for the first time – so, if you’re north of the border, make sure to grow some grass to support these new residents!
Common Swift
Common Swift – Paul Kitchener
This pretty moth with a fluffy head can be spotted across the UK in gardens and grasslands. Its caterpillars live underground where they feed on the roots of different grasses.
Meadow Brown
Meadow Brown – John Money
Flying from June to September, the Meadow Brown is, as the name suggests, the quintessential meadow butterfly, flitting over long grasses in gardens, parks and other grasslands. Although similar to the Gatekeeper, it is slightly larger and has less orange on its wings. Its caterpillars enjoy eating a wide range of grasses.
Ringlet
Ringlet – Tamas Nestor
Similar to the Meadow Brown, though with distinctive rings on its wings and a dark, velvety appearance. The Ringlet flies from late June to August, and its caterpillars spend the winter tucked away at the base of a clump of grass, emerging to feed on the grasses in the spring.
Large Yellow Underwing
Large Yellow Underwing – Ryszard Szczygieł
This large moth, although appearing rather drab at first, hides vibrant yellow underwings, which you might get a flash of if you disturb it from vegetation during the day. Its caterpillars are nocturnal and come out at night to feed on grasses.
Large Skipper
Large Skipper – Allan Drewitt
The Large Skipper’s distinctive wing posture makes it stand out from other butterflies, as it holds its forewings angled above the hindwings when resting. It favours grassy areas, including in urban areas, and is able to manoeuvre expertly through tall grass stems. Its caterpillars, which are lime green and have a black head, eat various species of grasses.
