Gatekeeper
ExploreInsects
Gatekeeper
Pyronia tithonus
The Gatekeeper is a beautiful butterfly with orange wings and dark spots. It loves to flutter around sunny fields and gardens, bringing joy to everyone who sees it.
Habitat: Grasslands
Appearance
The Gatekeeper is a medium-sized butterfly with warm orange-brown wings outlined by dark brown margins. Each forewing features a distinct black 'eyespots' with a white pupil, making it easily identifiable. Its hindwings are duller, providing contrast to its vibrant forewings.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderLepidopteraFamilyNymphalidaeGenusPyronia
Category
InsectsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Did you know Gatekeeper butterflies only fly when the sun is shining brightly?
Gatekeepers get their name because they are often found near gates and hedgerows!
Their tiny caterpillars love to munch on different types of grass, not flowers!
These butterflies are real homebodies, rarely flying far from where they were born!
Special abilities
Ability
Eyespot Defense
Gatekeeper has prominent 'eyespots' on its wings that can startle predators or direct attacks to less vital body parts.
Ability
Blended Beauty
Gatekeeper's duller hindwing undersides help it blend into dry grasses and leaves when resting, hiding from sharp-eyed predators.
Ability
Sweet Nectar Seeker
Gatekeeper can detect specific flower scents, helping it quickly locate the best sources of sugary nectar for energy.
Measurements & details
- Wingspan
- 35-42 mm
- Size
- 18-22 mm
- Lifespan
- 10-20 days
- Flight Speed
- 15 km/h
- Leg Count
- 6
Diet & Feeding
Adult Gatekeepers enjoy sipping sweet nectar from flowers, while their caterpillars feast on a variety of grass types.
Age differences: Yes, caterpillars eat grass, but adults only drink nectar from flowers.
Primary Foods
- Nectar
- Bramble nectar
- Thistle nectar
- Cock's-foot grass
- Meadow grass
Foraging Method
- Foraging
Ecological connections
eaten by
Blue Tit
Cyanistes caeruleus
Predatory bird that catches adult butterflies.
pollinates
Bramble
Rubus fruticosus
Transfers pollen between flowers while feeding.
depends on
Cock's-foot
Dactylis glomerata
Its leaves are a primary food source for caterpillars.
eaten by
Garden Cross Spider
Araneus diadematus
Traps adult butterflies in its sticky web.
Traits
Spotted
Marked with spots or patches of a different color.
Solitary
Solitary animals live alone for most of their lives, only interacting with others for mating or parental care.
Colorful
Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors.
Grassland
Grassland habitats are terrestrial biomes dominated by grasses and herbaceous plants, supporting a variety of grazing animals.
Herbivorous
This trait characterizes organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of plant material.
Pollinator Magnet
Describes plants that are particularly attractive and beneficial to a wide range of pollinating organisms.
Diurnal
Diurnal animals are primarily active during daylight hours, typically resting or sleeping at night.
Pollinator
Describes organisms that transfer pollen, enabling the fertilization and reproduction of plants.
Also known as
Gatekeeper Butterfly
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Butterflies are gentle creatures, but it's best to watch them from a distance and not touch them.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Gatekeeper's wingspan?
35-42 mm
How big is Gatekeeper?
18-22 mm
How long does Gatekeeper live?
10-20 days
How fast can Gatekeeper fly?
15 km/h
What does Gatekeeper eat?
Adult Gatekeepers enjoy sipping sweet nectar from flowers, while their caterpillars feast on a variety of grass types.
Where is Gatekeeper usually found?
Grasslands
How does Gatekeeper hunt?
Foraging
How many legs does Gatekeeper have?
6
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