Scarce Heath
Common NameScarce Heath
Scientific NameCoenonympha hero
FamilyNymphalidae
SubfamilySatyrinae
Wingspan (mm)33
Wing Patterneyespot
Primary Colorsorange, brown, black
HabitatDamp meadows, bogs, forest clearings, often near water
Geographic RangeNorthern and Central Europe, across Russia to Siberia, Mongolia, Japan, and Korea
Host PlantsCarex spp., Molinia caerulea, Deschampsia cespitosa
Flight PeriodLate May to early August
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusvulnerable
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on host grasses. Larvae are green and overwinter, pupating in the spring.
Identification TipsLook for the prominent row of black, white-ringed eyespots on the underside of the hindwing, often set against a pale band. The upperside is generally plain orange-brown.
Description
A small butterfly with dull orange-brown wings, featuring a distinctive row of prominent black eyespots ringed with white on the underside of the hindwings.
