Description

Wingspan 37 - 48mm. A bright, orange and brown butterfly. The black eye-spots at the corners of the fore-wings have two white spots in them. The fore and hind-wings are orange with a brown rear border. The male also has a brown patch in the middle of the orange of the fore-wing.

Habitat

Grasslands, woodland edge and hedgerows. The caterpillars feed on grasses and the adults feed on nectar from brambles, thistles, ragwort and other plants.

Status and distribution

Common and widespread in southern Britain. Common in Nottinghamshire and at Netherfield Lagoons.

Best time to see

July to August.