Insect
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Size
51–62 mm wingspanAbout the width of a large smartphone
Weight
0.3 gLighter than a paperclip
Lifespan
One generation a year; adults fly for several weeks in summer
M vs F
Females are larger than males, with paler, more strongly marked wings
Habitat
Dry coastal grassland, cliffs, dunes and heathland
Best time
June–September
Conservation
UK: Red
LC
💡 Did you know?
The Grayling almost always lands and instantly closes its wings, then leans over to reduce its shadow — making it one of the hardest UK butterflies to spot at rest
It is the largest of the UK's 'brown' butterflies, and though classed as globally Least Concern, its UK numbers have fallen so sharply it's now on the Red List as Endangered
Often confused with
Other 'browns' like the Meadow Brown
but the Grayling always rests with wings closed and tilts to avoid casting a shadow
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