Butterfly identification

Butterflies of the Satyridae family (Browns)

The Satyridae (Browns) butterflies are predominantly brown in colour and most are average-sized butterflies (similar in size to the Small White). The Small Heath is much smaller. The Marbled White belongs to this family although the male is best described as black & white.

Gatekeeper (Pyronia tithonus). Slightly smaller than the Meadow Brown. 2 white dots in the black eyespot of the forewing.

Meadow Brown (Maniola jurtina). One white spot in the black eyespot of the forewing.

male Marbled White (Melanargia galathea). Male is black & white; female is brown & white.

Ringlet (Aphantopus hyperantus). Look for the ringed spots on the underside of the hindwing.

Small Heath (Coenonympha pamphilus). Almost like a tiny version of the Meadow Brown.

Speckled Wood (Pararge aegeria). Pale yellow markings on brown background. Hedgerow/wood is the habitat.

 

This page last updated April 14, 2004