- Lifespan
- 2–4 weeks as adults in the wild
- Size & Weight
- Wingspan 32–37 mm
- Habitat
- Woodland edges, rides, clearings, and rough grassland areas with tall grass and damp conditions.
- UK Distribution
- Found throughout England, Wales, and southern Scotland; absent from Ireland and the far north. Resident species with single annual generation.
- Diet
- Adults feed on nectar from bramble, marjoram, and other wildflowers; caterpillars feed on various grass species including purple moor-grass and tor-grass.
- Predators
- Birds such as robins and chaffinches; spiders; small mammals.
- Mating Season
- June to August
- Breeding
- Females lay eggs singly on grass stems in late summer. Single brood per year. Eggs hatch in autumn and caterpillars overwinter at the base of grasses before pupating in spring.
- Behaviour
- Adults are relatively weak, fluttery fliers that stay close to ground vegetation. They are active in warm, sunny weather and rest with wings closed. Males perch on grass stems and fly up to investigate passing insects.