Small Heath at Loch Fleet, SE Sutherland,
in June 2007.
Photograph by Tony Mainwood.
DESCRIPTION
Upperside of wings are a dull orange colour with darker margins. The usual view of this butterfly can be seen in the picture opposite, with an eye spot on a paler streak of orange.
Wingspan about 33mm (male), 37mm (female).
LIFE CYCLE
Single brooded in this area. Ova laid singly on a range of grass species, hatching in about 14 days. Larvae overwinter, feeding during mild periods. Pupal stage lasts about 3 weeks.
FLIGHT TIMES
June and July are the best months in which to find this species on the wing..
REGIONAL DISTRIBUTION
Appears to be widely distributed in Moray and Highland, and has been recorded in the Western Isles. Not thought to be present in Orkney, and absent from Shetland.
LINKS