This butterfly is quite inconspicuous and is probably easily overlooked. It is similar to the Small Heath found in Ireland but is slightly smaller and as its name suggests has a duskier appearance which helps it blend into its dry stony habitats perfectly. I have found it to be scarce in southern Portugal (where I have seen it once), but quite common in southern Spain. In both cases it, individuals frequently basked in dappled shade under pine trees.  Like the other heaths it never rests with open wings.

Distribution: SW Europe, and parts of peninsular Italy.

Flight Period: June-July in 1 brood.

Habitat: Dry, stony scrub, dry meadows, maquis, lightly shaded woodland up to 2200m.

Foodplants: Various grasses such as Fescue (Festuca).

Nectar Sources: Not an avid nectar feeder, but has been observed on Eryngium, brambles (Rubus), thistles (Cirsium) and several other flowers.

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