The Large Heath is a bogland specialist. It is similar in appearance to the Small Heath but is greyer in colour and is usually found in different habitats, which aids identification. It is a wary species in warm sunshine, periodically resting for long periods but often flying off when disturbed and not landing again for some time. In Ireland it is probably under-recorded due to its habitat preferences and short flight period, especially in many of the western bogs. It is listed as vulnerable in Europe which makes Ireland’s strong populations all the more significant.

Distribution: Northern and Central Europe, from France eastwards. and as far south as Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Flight Period: June-July in 1 brood.

Habitat: A variety of bogland habitats, as well as heath and acidic grassland. Usually with sparse trees and abundant heather.

Foodplants: Hair’s-tail cottongrass (Eriophorum vaginatum).

Nectar Sources: Cross-leaved Heath (Erica tetralix) is a much-favoured nectar source. Brambles (Rubus), Tormentil (Potentilla erecta) and clovers (Trifolium) may also be used, although it is not a particularly avid nectar feeder.

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