Small heath butterfly  (Coenonympha pamphilus)

Learn about the scientific name of this species and how it fits into the tree of life at Nature Navigator.

Range

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.

You can view distribution information for this species at the National Biodiversity Network Gateway.

Habitat

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.

left