Scientific name: Coenonympha   Common name: Small Heath 

About:

The small heath is a small butterfly that often flies close to the ground and is most commonly spotted in sunshine. Although still widespread this small insect has had a decrease in distribution since 1970.  However this insect is abundant across all parts of the UK.  Even though considered a 'high priority' in the UK the European status once again is not threatened. This butterfly will often feed on the nectar from Yarrow flowers (the flower it is standing on in the above image)  due to their high concentration of minerals.

          Key Information:

Wingspan: 30-40mm

Habitat: Dry, warm grasslands

When to see: May to September

Family: Nymphalidae

Order: Lepidoptera

Biological rank: Species 

Fun Fact:  Within this species sub family, the Satyrinae or more commonly known as the browns , this type of butterfly is the smallest

How to Identify:

Both the female and the male of this species are a shade of brown with the males being dark and the females being light. They have a distinctive dark spot visible on their underwing and they often have a brown border around the edge of their wing. The females of this species tend to be slightly bigger than that of the males , however this is not a huge difference and maybe hard to spot.