Gatekeeper vs High Brown Fritillary

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Gatekeeper High Brown Fritillary
Scientific Name Pyronia tithonus Fabriciana adippe
Order Lepidoptera Lepidoptera
Family Nymphalidae Nymphalidae
Size 34-38 mm wingspan 55-65 mm wingspan
Habitat Woodlands Grasslands
Diet Nectar Feeders Nectar Feeders
Regions Western Europe, Southern Europe Western Europe, Central Europe, Southern Europe
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Gatekeeper

A common warm-brown butterfly often seen basking on hedgerow flowers in high summer. It has distinctive twin white pupils within the eye-spots on its forewings.

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Did You Know?

Its alternative name 'Hedge Brown' reflects its strong association with hedgerow habitats.

High Brown Fritillary

A large, fast-flying fritillary with rich tawny-orange wings and a complex pattern of silver spots beneath. It is one of Europe's most rapidly declining butterflies.

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Did You Know?

In Britain it is the country's most endangered butterfly, having lost over 80% of its colonies.