09/08/2025
Exciting news from Landguard Nature Reserve! 🦋
A new chapter in British wildlife history has been written with the first-ever recording of a female Southern Small White Butterfly on British soil. The historic sighting was made by William Brame from the Landguard Bird Observatory.
The Southern Small White (Pieris mannii) is a species that has been rapidly expanding its range in a north-westerly direction across Europe. Previously confined to southern and southeastern Europe, it has been making its way across the continent at a rate of over 100km per year, with recent sightings in France and the Netherlands. Its appearance in the UK is a significant milestone, and it's a testament to the changing climate and the incredible adaptability of these creatures.
🌍 Species Overview
• The Southern Small White (Pieris mannii) was historically a Mediterranean butterfly, found in warm, rocky habitats across southern Europe.
• It closely resembles the native Small White, making it easy to overlook.
🔍 Identification Tips
• Looks similar to Small White, but key differences include:
o More extensive apical and discal wing spots (near the wing tip and centre)
o Dark-headed larvae in early instars
• Identification is tricky and requires careful observation of multiple features.
• For more information about the Southern Small White and how to identify, visit Southern Small White | Butterfly Conservation
