Overview

Unlike its close look alike, the Pearl Bordered, the Small Pearl Bordered is much more common and widespread throughout Cumbria. In fact if you see a likely candidate elsewhere than in the broadleaved woodlands around Morecambe Bay then it is probable you have seen a Small Pearl Bordered. It will also fly in the Morecambe Bay woodlands however so you need to be careful with identification in that area. The Small Pearl Bordered is most often seen in WET GRASSLAND where its preferred larval foodplant, Marsh Violet grows. In coastal areas it will use other types of violet as well and probably also wild pansy. The Small Pearl Bordered will also colonise habitat at altitude, for example there is a good colony behind Gummers How on the south-east side of Windermere.

Where to look

Barkbooth Lot in the Winster Valley SD 416 907, Smardale Gill Nature Reserve SD 729 072, Finglandrigg NNR NY 283 572, to name only a few. Probably the best place of all however is at Drigg dunes SD 050 985 on the coast.

When to look

Mid May until early July