The Gatekeeper (also known as the Hedge Brown) is one of the most abundant butterflies in the south of England, but is much less common in the north. There are a couple of 19th century records from Scotland – from Dundonald in Ayrshire and Kirkcudbright – but unfortunately there are no specimens so the records cannot be verified.

It has been present in north Cumbria for many years, edging ever closer, but in 2024 may have finally colonised Scotland, with confirmed records from the Canonbie/Lockerbie area and other possibly sightings further west.

Identification

The Gatekeeper is slightly smaller, and more brightly coloured than the otherwise very similar Meadow Brown. The eyespot on the forewings has two white ‘pupils’ whereas the Meadow Brown normally only has one. This is not an infallible feature because occasionally Meadow Browns can have two pupils.

Life cycle & flight period

A similar life cycle to the Meadow Brown, with one generation a year, the adults peaking in July. Overwinters as a caterpillar.

Larval foodplant

The caterpillars feed on a variety of grasses.

Habitats

In England the Gatekeeper can be found in the same places and at the same time as the Meadow Brown but may prefer slightly drier habitats with scrub. The adults favour bramble flowers.