Butterfly ID
Get the free app
Field guide · Denmark
Brush-footed butterflies · Denmark

Large heath

Coenonympha tullia

Large heath is relatively rare in Denmark. The upperside of the wings is ochre-yellow to orange, often with a number of small eyespots. In warmer years, the species may begin flying as early as the last days of May, but otherwise, the first individuals typically begin flying around the first week of June. Primarily found in heathlands and Sphagnum bogs (areas with cotton grass).

Status in this countryRelatively rare in DenmarkNT (Near threatened)
Large heath

Flight period

In warm years, the species can begin migrating as early as the last days of May, but otherwise, the first individuals typically begin flying around a week into June. In typical years, the migration period can extend into some days of August.

Habitat

Primarily heathlands and Sphagnum bogs (areas with cotton grass).

Identifying features

The upperside of the wings is ochre-orange, often with a number of small eyespots. The undersides of the forewings are also ochre-orange, with 1-2 eyespots, as well as a pale stripe that runs in front of the eyespot, and 'may' connect to the 'similarly coloured' pale stripe that runs down the undersides of the hindwings (provided the forewing is held at the correct angle).

Similar species

Can easily be confused with the somewhat smaller and paler small heath. That species usually lacks the large heath’s distinctive eyespots, but eyespots can occur, so compare several features. The small heath can have a small pale stripe on the underside of the forewing.

Distribution

Widespread throughout all parts of Jutland (including Læsø, Rømø, and Fanø), but sparse in (particularly) West and East Jutland.

Biology

In Denmark large heath is mainly associated with quaking bogs and raised bogs with cotton grass, reflected in its Danish name. At several sites, particularly in West Jutland, it also lives on nutrient-poor heathland bogs or simply in damp areas with cotton grass.