Description
widespread on the coast of britain and ireland and on heathland in southern britain. rests with wings closed. underwing mottled-brown. appears larger in flight when pale yellow-orange bands can be seen. cryptic colouring provides the grayling with excellent camouflage, making it difficult to see when at rest on bare ground, tree trunks, or stones. the wings are kept closed when not in flight and the forewings are usually tucked behind the hind wings, concealing the eyespots and making the butterfly appear smaller. in flight this is a distinctive, large butterfly with a looping and gliding flight, during which the paler bands on the upper wings are visible. the grayling is widespread on the coast and southern heaths but is declining in many areas, particularly inland.
Habitat
Many colonies occur on coastal habitats such as; dunes, saltmarsh, undercliffs and clifftops.
Countries
Countries: England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland
Wing span range
0mm
