The chart below provides a guide the typical flight periods of Hampshire's butterflies. The two-tone graphic format is intended to depict the profile of the flight period from the start of emergence (orange), though to its peak (red), followed by a gradual tail-off (orange).

It can only provide a guide since variations will occur due to;

• Seasonal fluctuations. The emergence of spring butterflies in particular can vary by a week or two from year to year. By mid-summer the effects of seasonal variations tends to be less pronounced.
• The ecology of individual sites. The emergence and resulting flight periods of  species which are found in more than one habitat type (eg downland, heathland or woodland clearings) can vary by at least one week. Variations of a few days occur even from site to site of the same type.
• The size of a colony. Smaller than average colonies tend to have shorter flight periods.

The chart should be read in conjunction with the species descriptions and in particular 'When To See' for additional contextual information about flight periods.