On 26 June a courting pair was followed along the central ride at Whitecross Green Wood. One was much smaller and darker than the other and was presumed male. They circled each other briefly and then settled on chickweed in open short vegetation in the centre of the ride about 15cm above ground. After some antenna stroking they very quickly paired and remained en.cop. for 38 minutes, both very still.

Close observation showed white antenna tips on the larger butterfly which was therefore the male. Within 15 minutes the dark female was as large and pale as the male. Several other small dark individuals were seen during the season. Therefore, Wood Whites will fly and females at least, will mate before the wings are fully expanded. After 38 minutes the male flew away and the female flew off one minute later.

While settled so near the ground they were vulnerable to trampling. Four people passed without seeing them and one couple, deep in conversation, would have walked on them if I had not stepped in the way. No one noticed the Wood Whites.