Gatekeeper
Image: Master of the First Prayerbook of Maximillian (CC0)
Common NameGatekeeper
Scientific NamePyronia tithonus
FamilyNymphalidae
SubfamilySatyrinae
Wingspan (mm)40
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorsorange, black
HabitatMeadows, grasslands, hedgerows, woodland edges
Geographic RangeEurope, North Africa
Host Plantsfescues, bents, meadow-grasses
Flight PeriodJuly to September
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on grass blades; larvae feed on various grasses and overwinter as small caterpillars; pupation occurs in a loose cocoon near the ground.
Identification TipsLook for the distinctive orange-yellow wings with two prominent black eyespots on each forewing (often with white pupils) and usually one or two smaller eyespots on the hindwings.
Description
A medium-sized butterfly with bright orange-yellow wings featuring prominent black eyespots, each with a white pupil, on both forewings and hindwings.
