Satyrids (Browns)
This family contains mainly brown and muted orange coloured butterflies with white-pupiled eye-spots, generally prominent at the tips of the forewings. The exception is the Marbled White which superficially appears to be closer related to the Pierid family. All caterpillars feed on grasses or sedges, are cryptically camouflaged and have tapering projections at head and tail. Chrysalises can be suspended or formed amongst moss and stones.
Small Heath (Coenonympha pamphilus)
Small Heath (Coenonympha pamphilus)

Small Heath (Coenonympha pamphilus)
Family: Nymphalidae
Subfamily: Satyrinae
Tribe: Coenonymphini
Genus: Coenonympha
Species: pamphilus
Subspecies: pamphilus, rhoumensis

Key ID Features:
Weak low flight.
Tiny white pupils in place of eye-spots on underside of hindwings.
More contrast between areas of dark and pale on underside than Large Heath, with pale mark between the discal and post-discal areas.

Seen in UK: May-October

Despite its name, the Small Heath is not confined to heathland and can be found in a wide variety of habitats. The main distinguishing feature of this species is that this is the smallest of our 'browns' and is closer in size to a skipper, Common Blue or Brown Argus 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 eye spot on the underside of the forewing is usually visible, acting as a decoy to any predator. The forewings are tucked behind the hindwings when roosting for long periods, or in dull weather, the butterfly looking quite inconspicuous as the browns and greys of the underside of the hindwing blend in with their surroundings.

This is a widespread butterfly and can be found over most of the British Isles, with the exception of Orkney and Shetland and mountainous regions. It lives in discrete colonies and adults rarely venture far from the colony. However, the odd adult will venture further afield and will colonise nearby habitat if it is suitable.

Text (c) UK Butterflies, used with permission
For more information click here

Photographer: Tim Tapley

Small Heath (Coenonympha pamphilus)

Small Heath (Coenonympha pamphilus)
Family: Nymphalidae
Subfamily: Satyrinae
Tribe: Coenonymphini
Genus: Coenonympha
Species: pamphilus
Subspecies: pamphilus, rhoumensis

Key ID Features:
Weak low flight.
Tiny white pupils in place of eye-spots on underside of hindwings.
More contrast between areas of dark and pale on underside than Large Heath, with pale mark between the discal and post-discal areas.

Seen in UK: May-October

Despite its name, the Small Heath is not confined to heathland and can be found in a wide variety of habitats. The main distinguishing feature of this species is that this is the smallest of our 'browns' and is closer in size to a skipper, Common Blue or Brown Argus 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 eye spot on the underside of the forewing is usually visible, acting as a decoy to any predator. The forewings are tucked behind the hindwings when roosting for long periods, or in dull weather, the butterfly looking quite inconspicuous as the browns and greys of the underside of the hindwing blend in with their surroundings.

This is a widespread butterfly and can be found over most of the British Isles, with the exception of Orkney and Shetland and mountainous regions. It lives in discrete colonies and adults rarely venture far from the colony. However, the odd adult will venture further afield and will colonise nearby habitat if it is suitable.

Text (c) UK Butterflies, used with permission
For more information click here

Photographer: Tim Tapley