Scarce Heath (Coenonympha hero)

Scarce Heath (Coenonympha hero)

The Scarce Heath is a delicate and uncommon species of satyrid butterfly found in temperate parts of Europe and Asia. Preferring moist meadows and forest clearings, it is a rather elusive species that often goes unnoticed due to its quiet behavior and subtle coloring. Its rarity in many parts of its range makes it of significant conservation interest.

🦋 Identification

• Wingspan: 28–36 mm
• Flight: Weak and fluttery, close to vegetation

Appearance:

• Upperside: Uniform brown to orange-brown; not often seen as the butterfly usually rests with wings closed.
• Underside of hindwings:
  • Pale brown to greyish
  • Distinctive white band with a row of black eyespots (ocelli), each ringed with yellow
• Forewing underside: Orange-brown, often with lighter shading

Compared to similar species like the Small Heath (Coenonympha pamphilus), the Scarce Heath has a more sharply defined row of eyespots on the hindwing underside.

🌿 Habitat

• Prefers moist, sunny meadows, wet grasslands, and forest edges with tall herbaceous vegetation
• Often found in river valleys, boggy clearings, or damp pastures

The presence of host plants and a mosaic of open and semi-shaded areas is crucial.

🍽️ Diet

Caterpillars feed on grasses, including:

• Poa (bluegrass)
• Festuca (fescue)
• Possibly Molinia (purple moor-grass) and other damp-loving grasses

Adults:

• Feed on nectar from low-growing wildflowers, especially:
  • Buttercups
  • Vetches
  • Clovers
  • Wild thyme (regionally)

🔁 Behavior & Life Cycle

• Flight period:
  • Typically May to July, depending on latitude and altitude
• Voltinism:
  • Univoltine (one generation per year)

Life cycle:

• Eggs laid singly on or near host grasses
• Caterpillars develop slowly and overwinter in the larval stage
• Pupation occurs in spring, with adults emerging in early summer

Behavior:

• Males patrol low over vegetation for females
• Adults rest with closed wings and are difficult to spot
• Timid and rarely stray far from suitable habitat

🌍 Distribution

• Found in central and eastern Europe, extending into:
  • Russia, Ukraine, Baltic States
  • Scandinavia (locally)
  • Parts of northern and central Asia

Absent from much of western and southern Europe.

🧬 Interesting Facts

• The name “Scarce Heath” reflects its limited and fragmented distribution in much of Europe.
• Sensitive to habitat changes; survives best in traditional wet meadow systems.
• Part of a genus (Coenonympha) known for cryptic species with subtle wing differences.

🛡️ Conservation Status

• IUCN Red List: Least Concern (globally), but locally threatened or rare in parts of Europe
• Threats include:
  • Drainage of wetlands
  • Intensive agriculture
  • Habitat fragmentation
  • Succession due to cessation of traditional grazing or mowing

Conservation actions focus on:

• Preserving wet meadows
• Restoring traditional land management (mowing, grazing)
• Protecting known populations through habitat maintenance

The Scarce Heath (Coenonympha hero) is a quiet symbol of Europe’s wet grasslands and forest glades. Its understated beauty and sensitivity to ecological changes make it an important species for conservation, representing the delicate balance of semi-natural habitats.

Common blue (Polyommatus icarus)

Common tiger (Danaus genutia)

Orange Tip Butterfly (Anthocharis cardamines)

Comma butterfly (Polygonia c-album)

Old World Swallowtail (Papilio machaon)

Orange gull (Cepora judith)

Green hairstreak (Callophrys rubi)

Common copper (Lycaena phlaeas)

Mazarine Blue (Cyaniris semiargus)

Blue glassy tiger (Ideopsis similis)

Scarce Swallowtail (Iphiclides podalirius)

Download full size image The Small Tortoiseshell (Aglais urticae) is a charming butterfly species belonging to the family Nymphalidae, known for its striking appearance and widespread distribution across Europe and parts of Asia. Here's a detailed description: Physical Characteristics: The Small Tortoiseshell butterfly is of medium size, with a wingspan typically ranging from 45 to 55 millimeters. It displays a distinctive pattern of bright orange wings bordered by a black band with white spots. The forewings also feature a row of blue crescents near the outer edge, while the hindwings have a series of blue spots and a border of black and yellow. The undersides of the wings are mottled brown, providing effective camouflage when the butterfly is at rest. Habitat and Distribution: Small Tortoiseshell butterflies are commonly found in a variety of habitats, including meadows, grasslands, woodlands, gardens, and urban areas. They are distributed across much of Europe, including the British Isles, Scandinavia, and the Mediterranean region, as well as parts of Asia, such as Siberia, Central Asia, and the Middle East. They are particularly abundant in temperate regions with diverse plant species. Behavior and Life Cycle: Small Tortoiseshell butterflies are diurnal and active during the warmer months of the year, especially in spring and summer. They are strong and agile flyers, often seen fluttering among flowers in search of nectar and mates. The females lay eggs singly on the leaves of stinging nettles (Urtica spp.), which serve as the primary larval host plant. The caterpillars hatch from the eggs and feed on the leaves of the host plants before pupating and emerging as adult butterflies. Conservation Status: The Small Tortoiseshell is not considered globally threatened and is generally common and widespread throughout its range. However, like many butterfly species, it may face localized threats due to habitat loss, fragmentation, and degradation caused by agricultural intensification, urbanization, and climate change. Conservation efforts focused on preserving and restoring habitats, protecting larval host plants, and minimizing human disturbance are crucial for ensuring the long-term survival of this iconic butterfly species. Overall, the Small Tortoiseshell butterfly is a beautiful and ecologically important species, valued for its striking appearance, graceful flight, and role in pollination and ecosystem functioning. Its presence adds vibrancy and vitality to natural landscapes and serves as a symbol of the rich biodiversity of the regions where it is found.

Common blue (Polyommatus icarus)

Common blue (Polyommatus icarus)

False heath fritillary (Melitaea diamina)

Common blue (Polyommatus icarus)

Northern chequered skipper (Carterocephalus silvicola)

Mazarine Blue (Cyaniris semiargus)

Chestnut heath (Coenonympha glycerion)

Lesser marbled fritillary (Brenthis ino)

Common tiger (Danaus genutia)

European peacock (Inachis io)

Green hairstreak (Callophrys rubi)

Julia Heliconian (Dryas iulia)

Mazarine Blue (Cyaniris semiargus)

Common blue (Polyommatus icarus)

Common blue (Polyommatus icarus)

Scarce Swallowtail (Iphiclides podalirius)

Old World Swallowtail (Papilio machaon)

Common blue (Polyommatus icarus)

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