Small Heath, Coenonympha pamphilus

Coenonympha pamphilus
Photo: John Bogle

Recorded sightings in 2009: 51

Recorded sightings in 2010: 215

Status in Rother: Sparsely distributed in Rother and possibly declining. This species is a UK priority for further research.

Habitat: This species occurs on grassland where there are fine grasses, especially in dry, well-drained situations where the sward is short and sparse. Colonies in Rother usually occur on coastal dunes but smaller populations occur in many other locations including roadside verges, waste ground, woodland rides and glades, and parkland.

ID Tips: Small and pale orange butterfly found very close to the ground where it can fly, even on windy days.

First sighting in Rother (2009): 10 May
Recorded by: Don & Clair Penney

First sighting in Rother (2010): 28 April
Recorded by: Lucy Dann

UK Distribution trend: -29%

Ten year UK Population trend (1995-2004): -29%

Long term UK population trend: -52%

Distribution map