Engaging in doll play: British butterflies
How about heading out on a butterfly hunt?
My collection of British butterfly dolls showcase five species that are relatively common in the UK – here are some tips for searching them out:
BRIMSTONE – GONEPTERYX RHAMNI
- My habitats (where I like to live) are scrubby grasslands and woodlands.
- My caterpillars are found on buckthorn and alder buckthorn.
- My wingspan is 6 cm.
- When I am in a bush I hide; my colour, closed shape and the strong veins on my wings makes me look like a leaf!
HOLLY BLUE – CELASTRINA ARGIOLUS
- You can find me on holly in spring and ivy in summer.
- My wing span is 3.5 cm.
- I’m found in gardens, parks, churchyards, hedgerows and woodlands.
- My wings are bright blue.
- The underside of my wings are pale blue with black spots.
GATEKEEPER – PYRONIA TITHONUS
- Look for me amongst clumps of flowers growing in gateways and along hedgerows and field edges.
- I’m also called Hedge Brown.
- My wing span varies from 4 cm to 5.3 cm.
- The colour and pattern of my wings are very variable so I might look a bit different when you find me!
RED ADMIRAL – VANESSA ATALANTA
- My caterpillars like to feed on nettles.
- I can be found in almost any habitat from gardens to sea-shores and from town centres to the top of mountains!
- My wing span varies from 6.7 cm to 7.2 cm.
- You might find me overwintering in log piles, sheds and other sheltered places.
LARGE WHITE – PIERIS BRASSICAE
- I’m good at flying.
- My wingspan varies from 6.3 cm to 7 cm.
- My caterpillars love to feed on cabbages and brussel sprouts!
- I’m particularly fond of gardens and allotments where cabbages are grown.
- I’m also called Cabbage White.
What to know more? Whilst researching I found these websites really useful:
Fallen in love with a particular butterfly? Visit my shop to buy a beautiful handmade doll and support traditional toymaking.