Gatekeeper, Pyronia tihonus

Identification

Medium sized: wingspan 40mm to 50mm.

Both sexes have dusky brown upper sides to their wings with a bright, orange-brown patch on the inner three quarters of the forewings and a similarly coloured smaller patch on the hind wings. There is a single dark brown eyespot towards the tip of the forewings, which has a double white pupil. There is a dark brown eyespot with a single white pupil on the hindwing immediately behind the orange-brown patch. Males have a broad dark brown scent gland on their forewings. The undersides of the forewings are a paler orange-brown with an identical eyespot to that of the upper wings. The underside of the hind wings is a mid-brown with a dull yellow-brown transverse bar and four small white dots; two towards the leading edge and two towards the trailing edge of each hindwing.

Behaviour and life history

This species is also known as the Hedge Brown which is rather more descriptive of the species since it tends to be associated with hedgerows where it forms its colonies. It spends much of its time flying around the colony, settling frequently to sun itself on sunny vantage points. Eggs are laid towards the end of July and August and after three or four weeks the caterpillars emerge. The young caterpillars overwinter before pupating in late June and July. Adults emerge in July. The caterpillars feed on a range of grasses.

Where to look for it

The Gatekeeper colonises hedgerows, lanes, woodland, edges and clearings but also comes into the citys parks and gardens.

Distribution and status

Common and certainly more widespread in Plymouth than indicated by the Distribution Map.

When to look for it

It is most plentiful in July and August.

Similar species

It is most likely to be confused with the Meadow Brown, Maniola jurtina. However, the Meadow Brown only has a single white pupil in its eyespot on the forewing, no eyespot on the hindwing and lacks the orange-brown patch on the hind wing as found in the Gatekeeper.

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