Chestnut heath (Coenonympha glycerion)

Chestnut Heath (Coenonympha glycerion)

The Chestnut Heath is a small, subtly beautiful butterfly in the Nymphalidae family (subfamily Satyrinae — the browns and heaths). It is closely related to other Coenonympha species but is distinguished by its darker, rich chestnut hues and delicate eyespots. The species thrives in warm, flower-rich grasslands, forest clearings, and hilly meadows.

🦋 Identification

• Wingspan: 30–36 mm
• Upperside:
  • Generally brown to dark chestnut, sometimes with an orange tinge
  • Often lacks prominent markings on the upper wings
• Underside (hindwings):
  • Greyish to brownish background
  • A delicate row of small white-ringed eyespots along the edge (submarginal ocelli), sometimes nearly absent or reduced in some individuals
  • The hindwing underside often has a silvery or dusted appearance
• The overall coloring gives it a soft, muted look compared to more brightly marked heaths.

🌿 Habitat

• Prefers warm, dry to moderately moist grasslands, including:
  • Open meadows
  • Forest edges and clearings
  • Hilly pastures and steppe grasslands
  • Occasionally in sparse woodland glades
• Often found where grasses grow tall and wildflowers are abundant.

🌱 Food Plants

Larval host plants:

• Grasses, particularly:
  • Sheep’s fescue (Festuca ovina)
  • Tufted hair-grass (Deschampsia cespitosa)
  • Other meadow grasses

Adult nectar sources:

• Feeds on a variety of flowers, including:
  • Thistles
  • Knapweeds
  • Dandelions
  • Wild marjoram

🔁 Life Cycle

• Univoltine: One generation per year
• Flight period: May to August, depending on region and altitude
• Eggs: Laid singly on grasses
• Larvae:
  • Feed on grass blades
  • Overwinter as partially grown caterpillars
• Pupation: Occurs low in vegetation in spring

🌍 Distribution

• Found across central and eastern Europe, extending into:
  • The Balkans
  • Russia
  • Parts of Western Siberia
• More localized in Western Europe, generally absent from the far west and the British Isles

🛡️ Conservation Status

• IUCN Red List: Not globally threatened
• Locally vulnerable to:
  • Habitat loss due to agricultural intensification
  • Succession (loss of open grasslands to shrubs and forest)
  • Overgrazing or complete abandonment of traditional grazing practices
• Conservation relies on maintaining semi-natural grasslands through extensive grazing or mowing.

🧬 Interesting Facts

• The degree of eyespot development varies considerably among individuals and populations.
• Often flies low over the grass, making short, weak fluttering flights.
• Its subtle beauty makes it a favorite among butterfly specialists and nature photographers who appreciate Europe’s grassland biodiversity.

The Chestnut Heath (Coenonympha glycerion) is a quiet but important part of Europe’s rich butterfly fauna. Its dependence on healthy, traditionally managed grasslands makes it a good indicator species for grassland conservation.

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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