By becoming a member of Butterfly Conservation today you can do something important not just for Britain's butterflies and moths but for the planet as whole.
What you'll receive
Members will receive a fantastic pack including a set of collectible postcards, access to our nature reserves, a subscription to our exclusive magazine 3 times a year, plus more!
Orange and brown, with black eyespot on forewing tip. Eyespots have two white pupils, not one, as in the Meadow Brown.
As its English names suggest, the Gatekeeper (also known as the Hedge Brown) is often encountered where clumps of flowers grow in gateways and along hedgerows and field edges. It is often seen together with the Meadow Brown and Ringlet, from which it is easily distinguished when basking or nectaring with open wings.
The colour and patterning of the wings are very variable and about a dozen aberrations have been named. Favourite nectar sources include Wild Marjoram, Common Fleabane, ragworts, and Bramble.
It is widespread in southern Britain and its range has extended northwards in recent years. Its range is far more localized in southern Ireland.
Size and Family
Family – Browns
Medium Sized
Wing Span Range (male to female) - 40-47mm
Conservation status
UK BAP status: Not listed
Butterfly Conservation priority: Low
European status: Not threatened
Caterpillar Foodplants
Various grasses are used, with a preference for fine grasses such as bents (Agrostis spp.), fescues (Festuca spp.), and meadow-grasses (Poa spp.). Common Couch (Elytrigia repens) is also used. The full range of other species used is not known.
Distribution
Countries – England, Wales and Ireland
Southern Britain and the far south of Ireland
Distribution Trend Since 1970’s = Britain: -12%
Habitat
Found where tall grasses grow close to hedges, trees or scrub. Typical habitats are along hedgerows and in woodland rides. The butterfly can also occur in habitats such as; undercliffs, heathland and downland where there are patches of scrub.
