Small Heath
ExploreInsects
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
Category
InsectsRarity
Common
Danger
2/5 · Low
Snaps
2
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
Ability
Camouflage Master
Small Heath has subtly patterned hindwings that help them blend perfectly with dry grasses and leaves when at rest.
Ability
Flickering Flight
Small Heath can fly with a low, erratic, flickering motion close to the ground, making them hard for predators to catch.
Ability
Sun-Powered Wings
Small Heath has dark scales on its wings that absorb sunlight, helping them quickly warm up for flight on cool mornings.
Ability
Eye-Spot Defence
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
Wildlife encompasses all undomesticated animal and plant life existing in their natural habitats.
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.
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
Common HeathHeath Butterfly
Collections
Safety
Danger
2/5 · Low
Do not touch or pick up. Some insects sting or bite. Ask an adult for help.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Small Heath's wingspan?
28-34 mm
How big is Small Heath?
10-15 mm
How long does Small Heath live?
7-21 days
What does Small Heath eat?
Adult Small Heaths sip nectar from flowers, while their caterpillars munch on grass.
Where is Small Heath usually found?
Grasslands and meadows
How does Small Heath hunt?
Foraging
How many legs does Small Heath have?
6
Snap Map
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