French Jura, June 2008

French Jura, June 2008

French Jura, June 2008

French Jura, June 2008

French Jura, June 2008

This wetland species flies in heaths in much of Europe from Eastern France eastwards but is generally uncommon, llike many wetland butterflies. It is easily identified by its very smooth underside forewing, with a grey border and generally no white, but sometimes with a small ocellus. The central white mark on the hindwing does not reach the costa. In flight it really does look chestnut coloured, having a rather dark upperside.

I saw my first individuals in a marshy heath in France in 2008. It was locally common but like the large heath, with which it flew, difficult to photograph. It did seem to enjoy nectaring on bistort and this was the best way to get a picture unobscured by grass!