Grayling
Hipparchia semeleThe Grayling is a master of disguise, blending seamlessly into rocks, soil and tree trunks. Their mottled grey undersides can make them almost invisible, especially when they shorten their shadow by lining themselves up with the sun. If disturbed, they suddenly reveal bold eye-like spots on dark wings to deter predators. In more romantic times, the males seek to seduce by performing an intricate courtship display.
They might be grey, but they’re certainly not boring
The Grayling is a butterfly that would really prefer not to be seen. Upon landing, they close their large mottled grey wings to blend perfectly with rocks, tree trunks and patches of bare ground. A master of evasion, they will also often line themselves up with the sun to keep their own shadow to an absolute minimum.
When the romance takes a hold of them, though, they know how to grab your attention. Males are known to carry out an elaborate courtship ritual – a sequence of quivering their wings, spinning their antennae, and bowing to their potential mate.
Their caterpillars will feed on Sheep’s-fescue and other fine grasses before creating a little silk-lined hole in the soil – a perfect spot to undergo the transformation into a wonderful adult butterfly.
Graylings like it warm, seeking sheltered sunny spots with patches of bare ground and sparse plant coverage. They are scattered across most of the UK, usually at the coast, but also venturing inland to heathland, old quarries, railway lines and other brownfield sites. Their numbers, though, are sadly in decline and they are now considered endangered.
Vibes
Each butterfly is scored out of 100 across a set of traits, from how bold and visible it is to how far it travels or how particular it is about where it lives. These scores compare each species with the other butterflies in Britain, helping you see their differences at a glance. Here’s what makes the Grayling special.
Bright colours, bold patterns, and a love of the spotlight. Some butterflies just can’t help showing off.
Fast, or throwing some seriously impressive moves, these butterflies are in a flutter.
Always on guard, ready to hide or defend - these butterflies have self-preservation down to an art.
It’s ok to be a little… well, weird. These butterflies have been certified with the freak factor.
Like Goldilocks, everything has to be just right for these perfectionists.
Hard to spot and even harder to forget, these butterflies are a true one of a kind.
Bold, curious, and ready to explore, these brave butterflies live for the thrill and aren’t afraid to travel.
Weather-resistant, battle-hardened, and built to survive, these butterflies know how to take it on the wing.
Graylings can vanish against rocks in seconds, but if startled they suddenly flash eye-spots like hidden warning signals.
Test your knowledge
What do Graylings do when they feel threatened?When disturbed, Graylings reveal bold eye-spots on their dark wings to scare off predators.
Does the Grayling get your vote?