Identifying features
The forewing upper side is orange, with clear, dark ribs, and a dark wing margin, while the hindwing upper side is brownish. The forewing underside is orange, with a faint dark wing margin.
Similar species
Can be confused with its relative, scarce heath, Coenonympha hero. This species can be distinguished from pearly heath by the complete row of eyespots on the underside of the hindwing, whereas in pearly heath, there is a single short row of eyespots, and a single isolated spot at the end.
Distribution
Pearly heath has only been found in Denmark at a handful of locations in Jutland, almost all in the vicinity of Viborg. "Højborgen" referred to Hald Ege, where the species was found in numbers from its discovery in 1924 until 1996, when it disappeared from the location.
Biology
Like many other browns, the pearly heath flies very low among grasses and other plants. It spends much of its time basking and also feeds on nectar from low-growing plants.