Brush-footed butterflies · Sweden

Small heath

Coenonympha pamphilus

A small grass butterfly with light brown and yellow wings and a distinct black eye spot on the underside of its forewings. It is found throughout Sweden, except in the mountainous regions, where it is common in the south and rare in the north.

Status in this countryCommon in SwedenLC (Least concern)

Flight period

In coastal areas of southern Sweden, approximately two generations later: from mid-May to the end of June, and from July to August; in the rest of the country, typically one generation in May-June.

Habitat

Short grasslands in open terrain: heathland, sand dunes, quarries, rock outcrops, and dry patches in forested areas.

Identifying features

Wingspan 24–33 millimetres. On top, the wings are light brown and yellowish, with darkened edges; the underside of the forewing has a distinct black eye spot, and the underside of the hindwing is grey with an irregular white band. The upper side of the wings is more glossy than in large heath.

Similar species

No similar species are described in the sources consulted.

Distribution

Occurs throughout Sweden, except in the mountain regions; common in the south, rare in the north.

Biology

The larvae live on various grass species; on the Öland dunes, sheep’s fescue is the primary host plant. Most larvae overwinter almost fully grown.