Small heath butterfly  (Coenonympha pamphilus)

This butterfly has a large range and is found throughout most of the UK and Europe to latitude 69ºN. It also occurs in north Africa and eastwards to Mongolia.

This species is essentially a grassland butterfly, but it has a preference for short grazed turf and heathland. It likes sandy or well-drained soils, but can also be seen on roadsides, parks and sometimes in gardens.