Gatekeeper Pyronia tithonus

Habitat

The Gatekeeper is a widespread and common butterfly in the southern half of Britain and has extended its range northwards during recent years. If frequents lanes and hedgerows, woodland rides and scrubby downland and heaths where tall grasses occur.

Identification

The Gatekeeper may be confused with the duller Meadow Brown, but is distinguished by the notably brighter colouring with distinctive orange and chocolate patterning on both wings, its twin white dots in the eye spots of the forewings, and the uneven line of white spots on the underside hindwing. The male has a bold dark scent brand across each forewing.

Flight times

The Gatekeeper has a single brood, flying between mid-July and late August.

Food plants

Eggs are laid or dropped among grasses including Cock's-foot, Common Couch and meadow grasses.