This butterfly is perfectly camouflaged against earth or stones, magically vanishing when it lands on bare ground, which is essential in its habitat. It breeds on fine-leaved grasses. It is still widespread around the coast but very rare in land. It is however found very near the Scottish Parliament on Arthur’s Seat.
Action Needed
1.Raise awareness of importance and better protection of ‘brownfield’ sites
2. Support protection of dune grassland
3. Ensure the Scottish Biodiversity Strategy is fully implemented.
Threats
- Loss of semi-natural grasslands, especially brownfield sites.
- Climate change and nitrogen deposition may also be contributing to its decline.
