Spanish Gatekeeper
Common NameSpanish Gatekeeper
Scientific NamePyronia cecilia
FamilyNymphalidae
SubfamilySatyrinae
Wingspan (mm)36
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorsbrown, orange, cream
HabitatDry grasslands, scrubland, rocky areas, open woodlands, often near coasts
Geographic RangeSouthern Europe (Iberian Peninsula, France, Italy, Balkans), North Africa
Host PlantsBrachypodium, Poa, Festuca
Flight PeriodMay to September
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on grass blades. Larvae are green or brown, feeding on grasses, and pupation occurs near the ground among grass stems.
Identification TipsKey features include the distinctive pale cream band on the underside of the hindwing, contrasting with the darker brown, and the row of small eyespots along the hindwing margin. The large, single eyespot on the forewing is also characteristic.
Description
A medium-sized brown butterfly with a prominent orange patch on the forewing and a large black eyespot with a white pupil. The underside of the hindwing is mottled brown with a pale cream band and several smaller eyespots.
