Photograph by Tony Mainwood
DESCRIPTION
Male is dark brown with one eye marking on the apex of each forewing. Females have a larger area of orange surrounding the eye marking.
Wingspan 40 - 55mm (male), 42 - 60mm (female).
LIFE CYCLE
Single brooded. Ova laid singly on grass blades, hatching in about 2 weeks. Larvae overwinter, feeding during mild spells. Pupation occurs in early June and this stage lasts up to a month.
FLIGHT TIMES
Usually mid June to September.
REGIONAL DISTRIBUTION
A common and widespread species, absent only from Shetland.
LINKS