Silver Y

Habitat: Preferably in open areas such as cultivated landscapes and gardens. Usually a very common migratory butterfly.

Appearance: A migratory butterfly from Central Europe, but also reproduces here. Very common in Belgium and the Netherlands, where it can be observed throughout the country.

Flying time: Several generations, April to October and sometimes in the winter months.

Characteristics: Wingspan 30 – 45 mm.

Life cycle: Host plants are all kinds of herbaceous plants, such as alfalfa (Medicago sativa), Common nettle (Urtica dioica), Wild cabbage (Brassica oleracea), etc. The speed of development depends on the temperature. The eggs are laid by the female on the underside of the leaves of the host plant. Pupation takes place in a shiny silver cocoon on a leaf of the host plant. Hibernation usually takes place as a caterpillar, but sometimes also as a butterfly. In our regions (Belgium and the Netherlands), the butterfly can only overwinter if the winter is mild. They are mainly active at night but can often be found on flowers during the day.