Gatekeeper
Common NameGatekeeper
Scientific NamePyronia tithonus
FamilyNymphalidae
SubfamilySatyrinae
Wingspan (mm)38
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorsorange, brown, black
HabitatMeadows, grasslands, hedgerows, woodland edges, gardens
Geographic RangeWestern Europe, North Africa, parts of Asia Minor
Host Plantscommon couch, yorkshire fog, meadow-grasses, fescues
Flight PeriodJuly to September
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on grass blades. Larvae are green with darker stripes and overwinter as small caterpillars before pupating low down in the grass.
Identification TipsLook for the distinctive black eyespot with a white pupil on the forewing apex. Males have a dark scent patch on the forewing. Often seen resting with wings partially open in sunny, sheltered spots.
Description
A medium-sized butterfly with warm orange-brown wings bordered by dark brown, featuring a prominent black eyespot with a white pupil near the tip of each forewing.
