Identification - The Heath fritillary is a small butterfly with distinct dusky wing colours and pattern. See photo.
General ecology - its main habitats are ancient woodland and coppiced areas. Its main food plants include Common Cow-wheat (Melampyrum pratense), Ribwort Plantain (Plantago lanceolata) and Germander speedwell (Veronica chamaedrys).
In Essex there is no current loss or decline but factors that have affected its range in the past are loss of habitat, fragmentation and degradation of habitats.
Surveying tips - For a full survey methodology see the Butterfly Conservation recording scheme which uses regular transect recording. Please see the link below for more details and record forms.
Links - Butterfly conservation
Photo - Mark Iley