Gatekeeper

Pyronia tithonus

Geatóir [IRL]

Amaryllis [F]

Rotbraunes Ochsenauge [D]

$Distribution Map (dark areas indicate presence) and Flight Times of this species - \nNB See General Information page for accuracy information$

photo

Hedgerows, grasslands.

Restricted to the south and south/east coasts.

Grasses.

40-47mm (1.58 inches)
[Small Tortoiseshell 50mm]

This butterfly is not common, found only in the southern coastal regions of Ireland. It is mainly orange with a dark brown border.
It has one eyespot on each wing, similar to the Meadow Brown, but here the eyespot has two pupils.
It can often be seen in woodlands and hedgerows basking in the sun.