Small Heath
Coenonympha pamphilus
This record describes Coenonympha pamphilus (species). Recorded family: Nymphalidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
This is the smallest of our 'browns' and is closer in size to a skipper, or Common Blue than its relatives, such as the Meadow Brown. However, its fluttering flight is quite different from that of the skippers and blues and is relatively easy to identify in the field. This charming little butterfly always settles with its wings closed, where the single eyespot on the underside of the forewing is usually visible, acting as a decoy to any predator. As the Small Heath is only seen at rest with its wings folded together, identification is based on the underwing pattern. The underside of the Gatekeeper is broadly similar so care is needed. Despite its name, the Small Heath is not confined to heathland and can be found in a wide variety of habitats especially those that are more open, such as grassland, heathland, railway embankments, disused quarries, meadows and sand dunes. It occurs only sparingly in woodland where it can be found in ones and twos along wide woodland rides. Wherever it occurs, the adults prefer a shorter grass sward than closely related species. Populations found in the north have one generation each year, while populations in the south have two generations each year and possibly three in exceptional years. Adults can be found continuously from late May until mid-September as a result. In all locations, it is the larva that over-winters, after having fed on grasses. This is a widespread butterfly and can be found over most of the British Isles.
Wikipedia reference for Coenonympha pamphilus: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coenonympha pamphilus.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Lepidoptera (Butterflies and Moths)
- Superfamily
- Papilionoidea
- Family
- Nymphalidae (Brush-footed Butterflies)
- Subfamily
- Satyrinae
- Tribe
- Satyrini
- Genus
- Coenonympha
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Despite its name, the Small Heath is not confined to heathland and can be found in a wide variety of habitats especially those that are more open, such as grassland, heathland, railway embankments, disused quarries, meadows and sand dunes. It occurs only sparingly in woodland where it can be found in ones and twos along wide woodland rides. Wherever it occurs, the adults prefer a shorter grass sward than closely related species.
Seasonal Activity
Populations found in the north have one generation each year, while populations in the south have two generations each year and possibly three in exceptional years. Adults can be found continuously from late May until mid-September as a result.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
In all locations, it is the larva that over-winters, after having fed on grasses.
Additional species information
Recorded status
This is a widespread butterfly and can be found over most of the British Isles.
About Butterflies and Moths: the wider group
Order-level background for Lepidoptera, the group containing Coenonympha pamphilus. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Lepidoptera includes approximately 180,000 described species of butterflies and moths. Moths outnumber butterflies roughly 10:1. The monarch butterfly's eastern population has declined by more than 80% since the mid-1990s, and the western population by over 95% since the 1980s. The IUCN lists the migratory monarch as Vulnerable.
Ecological role of the group
Butterflies and moths are essential indicators of ecosystem health. As caterpillars, they are a primary food source for birds - a single nest of blue tit chicks requires ~10,000 caterpillars. Adult moths pollinate many night-blooming plants.
Economic and practical significance of the group
Lepidoptera are critical pollinators. In Europe, grassland butterfly species have declined by almost 50% since the early 1990s. In the UK, three-quarters of butterflies are in decline. In the U.S., five butterfly species have gone extinct since 1950, with 29 listed as endangered.
Recorded sources for this group: IUCN Red List, Xerces Society, USFWS, PNAS, WWF. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of Small Heath (10)
Frequently Asked Questions About Small Heath
What is Small Heath?
Small Heath (Coenonympha pamphilus) is a species in the family Nymphalidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
How big is Small Heath?
to a skipper, or Common Blue than its relatives, such as the Meadow Brown. However, its fluttering flight is quite different from that of the skippers and blues and is relatively easy to identify in the field. This charming little butterfly always settles with its wings closed, where the single eyespot on the underside of the forewing is usually visible, acting as a decoy to any predator.
Where is Small Heath found?
Habitat: Despite its name, the Small Heath is not confined to heathland and can be found in a wide variety of habitats especially those that are more open, such as grassland, heathland, railway embankments, disused quarries, meadows and sand dunes. It occurs only sparingly in woodland where it can be found in ones and twos along wide woodland rides. Wherever it occurs, the adults prefer a shorter grass sward than closely related species.
When is Small Heath active?
Small Heath: seasonal activity - Populations found in the north have one generation each year, while populations in the south have two generations each year and possibly three in exceptional years. Adults can be found continuously from late May until mid-September as a result..
What is the life cycle of a Small Heath?
In all locations, it is the larva that over-winters, after having fed on grasses.