| UK BAP status: | Not listed |
| Local status: | Some individuals are seen most years, but their origin is uncertain.
May now be resident in one or two mid-Bedfordshire woods, but breeding not yet confirmed.
2006 saw a large influx from outside the county, possibly combined with local breeding success. Whether colonies established in this year remains to be seen... |
| Size: | Large. |
| Larval foodplant: | Violets |
| No. of broods: | One |
| Flight time(s): | Early July to late August |
| Winter: | Larva hibernate after hatching |
| Habits: | Males relentlessly patrol looking for females, pausing only briefly for nectar. Females are more secretive and are less often seen, possibly hiding in shadier areas where breeding occurs.Eggs are laid 1-2m up a tree, from where the larvae descend to the ground in the spring to eat on violets. |
| Habitats: | Woodlands with a semi-open canopy with dappled shade and sunny rides or glades. |
