Small Heath Butterfly

The Small Heath is not confined to heathland and can be found in a wide variety of habitats. The main distinguishing feature of this species is that this is the smallest of our 'browns' and is closer in size to a skipper. However, its fluttering flight is quite different from that of the skippers and is relatively easy to identify in the field. This little butterfly always settles with its wings closed, where the eye spot on the underside of the fore-wing is usually visible, acting as a decoy to any predator.