Butterflies
at Dunsany
Butterflies are vital pollinators and indicators of environmental health, supporting plant reproduction and biodiversity while adding colour and life to rewilded habitats like Dunsany.
The Importance of butterflies in Rewilding
At Dunsany, butterflies are a vital component of rewilding, serving as both pollinators and indicators of ecosystem health. By transferring pollen between native plants, they contribute to the regeneration of wildflower meadows, hedgerows, and woodland edges, which in turn sustain a wide range of other species.
Their sensitivity to habitat quality means an increase in butterfly diversity often reflects real progress in habitat restoration. Through the creation of pesticide-free, species-rich habitats, Dunsany supports robust butterfly populations, helping to drive the ecological recovery of the estate.
Learn about the Butterflies in Dunsany Estate
Butterflies in Dunsany Estate
Small tortoiseshell (Aglais urticae)
Widespread across parks, forest clearings, grassy fields, and gardens
Wingspan: 45–60 mm
Distinct black and yellow stripes on the forewings
Dark spots on the orange midwings
White and black mottling on the hindwings
Bivoltine (two broods per year), active from February to October depending on brood
Irish name: Ruán beag
Butterflies in Dunsany Estate
Ringlet (Aphantopus hyperantus)
Widespread in areas with abundant grass
Wingspan: 42–46 mm
Dark brown wings with haloed eyespots and an outer white border
Univoltine (one brood per year), active from June to August
Irish name: Fáinneog
Butterflies in Dunsany Estate
Silver-washed fritillary (Argynnis paphia)
Widespread in forest clearings, parks, tall herb areas, and woodlands
Wingspan: 70–80 mm
Dark spots on bright orange upperwings
Silver stripes on yellow-green underwings
Univoltine (one brood per year), active from July to September
Irish name: Fritileán geal
Butterflies in Dunsany Estate
Peacock (Inachis io)
Wingspan: 55–60 mm
Brown with bright orange markings
Large eyespots on the hindwings
Dull underside for effective camouflage
Univoltine (one brood per year), active from March to September
Adults die shortly after laying eggs
Butterflies in Dunsany Estate
Meadow Brown Butterfly (Maniola jurtina)
Widespread in grasslands, parks, and coastal areas
Wingspan: 40–60 mm
Grey and brown underwings
Orange upperwings with a distinctive eyespot at the edge
Univoltine (one brood per year), active from May to September
Irish name: Donnóg fhéir
Butterflies in Dunsany Estate
Speckled wood (Pararge aegeria)
Widespread in orchards, parks, gardens, tall herb areas, and woodland edges
Wingspan: 45–55 mm
Dark brown wings with cream spots and haloed eyespots on the upperwings
Multivoltine (three generations per year), active from April to August
Irish name: Breacfhéileacán coille
Butterflies in Dunsany Estate
Large white (Pieris brassicae)
Widespread across many habitats, including gardens and fallow crops
Wingspan: 58–63 mm
White wings with a black body
Females feature a black stripe on the outer wing tips and two black spots
Bivoltine (two broods per year), active from April to October
Irish name: Bánóg mhór
Butterflies in Dunsany Estate
Comma Butterfly (Polygonia c-album)
Found mainly in southeastern and central areas, in habitats such as orchards, parks, crops, and tall herb stands
First recorded in Ireland in 2000
Wingspan: 50–65 mm
Dark orange wings with dark brown spots and a brown outer border
Bivoltine (two broods per year), active from April to August, with annual migrants from Europe and Britain
Irish name: Camóg
