Janita's Tussock
Common NameJanita's Tussock
Scientific NamePyronia tithonus
FamilyNymphalidae
SubfamilySatyrinae
Wingspan (mm)37
Primary Colorsorange, brown, black, white
HabitatGrasslands, hedgerows, woodland edges, gardens
Geographic RangeWestern Europe, North Africa
Host PlantsCommon Couch, Yorkshire Fog, Meadow-grasses
Flight PeriodJuly to September
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on grass blades. The larvae are green and feed on various grasses. Pupation occurs as a chrysalis suspended head-down. There is typically one generation per year.
Identification TipsLook for the distinctive orange forewing patches with a single black eyespot (often with two white pupils) and the overall warm brown coloration. It is commonly found basking on vegetation in sunny, sheltered areas.
Description
This butterfly, identified as a Gatekeeper (*Pyronia tithonus*), has a warm brown body and wings with prominent orange patches on the forewings, each featuring a black eyespot with a white pupil. The hindwings are mostly brown with smaller, less distinct eyespots.
