Small Heath

Coenonympha pamphilus

The Small Heath butterfly is a tiny, brown butterfly that flutters around fields and meadows. It loves to bask in the sun on warm days!

Habitat: Grasslands and meadows

Appearance

The Small Heath has orange-brown wings with a distinctive small black eyespot on each forewing. Its hindwings are mottled grey-brown underneath, helping it blend in. This small size helps differentiate it from similar brown butterflies.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderLepidopteraFamilyNymphalidaeGenusCoenonympha

Small Heath

Interesting facts

Its caterpillars are bright green, making them masters of disguise in grassy fields!

Small Heaths can have up to three generations of butterflies in just one year!

Some Small Heath caterpillars spend winter as tiny, tough grubs, waiting for spring!

They get their name from preferring sunny, open heathland and grassy areas.

Special abilities

Small Heath has subtly patterned hindwings that help them blend perfectly with dry grasses and leaves when at rest.

Small Heath can fly with a low, erratic, flickering motion close to the ground, making them hard for predators to catch.

Small Heath has dark scales on its wings that absorb sunlight, helping them quickly warm up for flight on cool mornings.

Small Heath has a single small black 'eye-spot' on each forewing, which might confuse predators into striking a non-vital part.

Measurements & details

Wingspan: 28-34 mm
Size: 10-15 mm
Lifespan: 7-21 days
Leg Count: 6

Diet & Feeding

Adult Small Heaths sip nectar from flowers, while their caterpillars munch on grass.

Age differences: Caterpillars feed on grasses, while adult butterflies drink nectar from flowers.

Primary Foods

Nectar
Bird's-foot Trefoil
Buttercup
Hawkweeds

Foraging Method

Foraging

Ecological connections

eaten by

Eurasian Blackbird

Turdus merula

Birds hunt adult butterflies.

eats

Red Fescue

Festuca rubra

Caterpillars feed on grass leaves.

pollinates

Bird's-foot Trefoil

Lotus corniculatus

Adults sip nectar and spread pollen.

Traits

Wildlife

Step into the incredible world of wild animals and plants living freely in nature. From tiny insects to towering trees, it's all part of the wild wonders around us!

Grassland

These wide-open spaces are covered in grasses, often home to grazing animals and incredible predators! Experience the vastness of the plains.

Herbivorous

Meet the peaceful munchers and grazers who find all their nourishment from plants, leaves, and fruits. They transform plant energy into life!

Diurnal

Wake up with creatures that are most active during the day! They love the sunshine for finding food, playing, and exploring.

Pollinator

Meet the busy helpers of the plant world! These creatures carry pollen from one flower to another, helping plants make seeds and grow fruits and vegetables.