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Description: Wingspan 4-4.5cm. Wings brown with pale yellow spots, especially on forewings; forewing with one eye-spot, hindwing with three; in the female (pictured) the pattern of yellowish spots is more extensive than in the male; underside of hind wing marbled brown yellow. The intensity of the colours varies greatly from place to place. Didtributed throughout the UK, but decreasing in numbers the farther north you travel. Found in open deciduous woods, on the edges of woods, in clearings, and along forest rides. Prefers to remain in shade and half-shade; readily rests on the leaves of shrubs and herbaceous plants; feeds on nectar and the juice of overripe berries, also on excrement and flowing tree sap. The male will vigorously defend his territory against intruders; the female lays her eggs singly on grass stems and the leaves of the caterpillar's food plants. Caterpillar is matt green with a short, pale, forked tail, with very short hairs. Feeds on Wood Sedge, False Brome, Bearded Couch, Cocksfoot, Yorkshire Fog and other species of grass. Chrysalis green or dark brown, suspended from the base of grass stems or beneath loose stones. |
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