Poplar Hawk-moth caterpillars will happily munch their way through willow (Salix sp.).
Photo: Ray Surridge
Poplar Hawk-moth
Privet Hawkmoth
This lovely Privet Hawkmoth was spotted at Caerthillian, resting on a fence.
Photo: Steve Townsend
Purple Hairstreak
This pretty butterfly is not uncommon, but hard to spot as it spends most of its time flying at the tops of oak trees. You might see one in July to August, when they occasionally come down to feed on bramble nectar; they have been seen at Erisey Barton on The Lizard.
Photo: Sharp Photography (via Wiki Commons)
Red Admiral
The migratory Red Admiral butterfly can be spotted from spring until winter in the milder climate of the south-west.
Photo: Amanda Scott
Ringlet
Ringlets may not be as showy as some other butterflies, but they have their own gentle charm.
Photo: © Allan Drewitt/Natural England
Silver-washed Fritillary
The Silver-washed Fritillary is the largest of the UK Fritillaries. Look out for it at the height of summer, in July and August.
Photo: Ray Surridge
Six-spot Burnet Moth
This day-flying moth is a common sight in mid- to late summer, with its flashes of red colour amongst the knapweed and thistles.
Photo: Steve Townsend
Small Copper
The fast-flying Small Copper is on the wing into autumn; watch out on warmer days for its coppery colours.
Photo: Ray Surridge
Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary
On the Lizard, this pretty butterfly is mainly a coastal species.
Photo: Amanda Scott
Small Tortoiseshell
Small Tortoiseshells usually produce two broods in a year, and so a second-generation of adults emerges in August.
Photo: Amanda Scott