Small Heath - Coenonympha pamphilus. Family Satyridae. This common little butterfly occurs almost everywhere in Europe except for the extreme north and its range extends into North Africa. It is widespread and often abundant in the British Isles. Habitats are meadows, heaths, roadsides and mountain slopes up to 1800 meters. The caterpillar is green with dark stripes along the back and sides. It feeds on various grasses but particularly on annual meadow grass (Poa annua), overwintering before completing its growth in spring. The pale green pupa is suspended upside down from a grass stem and produces a butterfly in about three weeks. While there is only one generation per year in northern regions, this species is usually double-brooded and in the south there is a succession of broods. Butterflies are on the wing from May until October, according to locality, and have a slow fluttering flight above the foliage.
Text: Butterflies and Moths in Britain and Europe (1982) David Carter. Pan Books
