Marbled White (Melanargia galathea)

There were plenty of these flying around on the coastal path at Durdle Door, Dorset today. All four of us swam through the arch - the water was lovely!

Despite its name, the Marbled White is more closely related to the subfamily known as the "browns" that the "whites". This butterfly is unmistakable, its black and white markings distinguishing it from all other species found in the British Isles. This butterfly is found in distinct and often large colonies, south of a line between Glamorganshire in the west and North-east Yorkshire in the east, although it is not found in much of eastern England. It is absent from Scotland, Ireland and the Isle of Man. (source www.ukbutterflies.co.uk)