Butterfly ID
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Field guide · Denmark
Brush-footed butterflies · Denmark

Small heath

Coenonympha pamphilus

Small heath is common in Denmark. Wing span: 24-34 mm. In Denmark, the species has two annual generations that overlap. The species is found in a wide range of diverse open (or semi-open) habitats, but has a preference for dry – often sandy – areas with grasses.

Status in this countryCommon in DenmarkLC (Least concern)
Small heath

Flight period

In Denmark, the species has two annual generations that overlap. The imago flies from May to September, while the larva can be found from September to April (overwintering offspring of the 2nd.

Habitat

The species is found in a wide range of different open (or semi-open) habitats, but has a preference for dry – often sandy – areas with grasses.

Identifying features

Wingspan: 24–34 mm. The wing uppersides are ochre-yellow to orange, with a black eyespot at the forewing tip and faint pale markings on the hindwings.

Similar species

It can be easily confused with large heath, but this one is larger and darker, and ‘almost always’ has a series of large, clear eye spots along the inner edge of the hind wing, which is rarely the case with small heath (but not impossible). Large heath also has a stronger stripe of light on the underside of the forewing than small heath does.

Distribution

Widespread and common throughout Denmark, even on the smallest islands.

Biology

Pamphilus is actively seeking flowers (especially in warmer weather). It does not appear to have specific preferences in flower selection, but is nevertheless frequently observed on buttercups, thistles, or bluebells.