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Gatekeeper - Pyronia tithonus

Bradley & Fletcher No.: 1625
Agassiz No.: 59.011

As its English names suggest, the Gatekeeper (also known as the Hedge Brown) is often encountered where clumps of flowers grow in gateways and along hedgerows and field edges. It is often seen together with the Meadow Brown and Ringlet, from which it is easily distinguished when basking or nectaring with open wings. The colour and patterning of the wings are very variable and about a dozen aberrations have been named. Favourite nectar sources include Wild Marjoram, Common Fleabane, ragworts, and Bramble. It is widespread in southern Britain and its range has extended northwards in recent years.

Post-2000 records
Pre-2000 records

Flight Times

References

More detailed information on this species can be found on the UK Butterflies website.