Dusky Heath
Common NameDusky Heath
Scientific NameCoenonympha dorus
FamilyNymphalidae
SubfamilySatyrinae
Wingspan (mm)35
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorsorange, brown, white
HabitatDry grasslands, heathlands, rocky slopes, open scrub, and forest clearings.
Geographic RangeSouthwestern Europe (Iberian Peninsula, southern France, Italy) and parts of North Africa.
Host PlantsBrachypodium, Festuca, Poa
Flight PeriodJune to August
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on grass blades. Larvae feed on various grasses and typically overwinter as a small larva before pupating in spring.
Identification TipsLook for the single large, prominent black eyespot on the forewing and the distinctive white band with a series of smaller ocelli on the hindwing underside, set against a mottled brown and grey background.
Description
A small to medium-sized butterfly with an orange-brown forewing featuring a prominent black eyespot. The hindwing underside is mottled brown and grey with a distinctive white band and a row of small, ringed eyespots.
