This marker on the Cambridge Butterfly Trail is at Coldham's Common local nature reserve – see the map above.

This butterfly is a striking and easily recognisable butterfly, with bold black and white markings that resemble a chessboard.

Despite its name, it is actually a member of the ‘brown’ butterfly family. It favours unimproved grasslands, meadows, and chalk downland, where its caterpillars feed on various grasses, especially red fescue.

Adults are most active in high summer and are often seen fluttering low over long grass, feeding on wildflowers such as knapweed and thistles.

Although once more restricted to southern England, the marbled white has expanded its range northwards in recent decades, likely due to climate change. It is a favourite among butterfly watchers thanks to its distinctive appearance and graceful flight.

For more information, please visit Butterfly Conservation’s page on this species – Marbled white.