Coenonympha pamphilus
This small brown butterfly is widely-distributed throughout the county but is most numerous on the South Downs. It is usually found where fine grasses dominate on a short, sparse sward. Most colonies are relatively small and number in the tens but on some downland sites they can be seen in the hundreds. It has a complicated growth pattern with overlapping broods.
It poses no particular difficulty with ID, as it is a small orange/brown butterfly with a rather weak flight action.
Early adults typically emerge mid-to-late April with first brood peaks in late May and late June. The second brood peaks in late August and in warm years there is often a small third brood which begins in mid/late September, and which lasts for 3-4 weeks. This species has a very long flight period.
The largest colonies are found on the South Downs and include Chantry Hill at TQ0812, Cissbury Ring from TQ137076 to TQ145080 (via TQ139082), Heyshott Escarpment at SU899168, High and Over from TQ511014 to TQ488023 and Windover Hill from TQ532032 to TQ543033.
Small Heath nectaring on Germander Speedwell – photo by Martin Kalaher
A male resting on the seed head of Yellow Rattle
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Uppersides showing whilst this individual nectared on Marjoram
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Perched on Yarrow
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Nectaring on Devilsbit Scabious
Perched on the flowerhead of Ribwort Plantain
Butterfly Conservation Small Heath
