Currently unavailable. Resident in the British Isles until the 1920's, it has been conjectured that climatic fluctuations in the form of warmer winters, and heavy predation by birds have been key factors leading to its eventual extinction in the UK. The black veined white is still, however, relatively common in Europe. The larvae of this species live gregariously in silken webs on species of hawthorn and sloe on which they form a small, dense tent in which to spend the winter.
Feeding resumes in the spring and development is quick, with the adult butterfly taking to the wing in the UK during July or August. A fascinating opportunity to experience and / or photograph the life-cycle of this once resident species.
Photographs: final instar larvae on hawthorn (crataegus).
Larval foodplants: hawthorn (crataegus); sloe (prunus).
Rearing: sleeves.
