Gatekeepers, also known as hedge browns are attractive butterflies which often rest with their wings open. The males are easily distinguishable from the females by their ‘sex bands’ on the wings.
These gatekeepers were in fact outside of the gate at the woodlands at Wigpool in the Forest of Dean .
This lovely area is a mixture of scrubland with Exmoor ponies keeping it clear, broadleaf woodland and coniferous planting. The area also has an interesting history , in the Second World War there were American servicemen based at Wigpool and they had an entertainment area where the woods are now.
The Forest of Dean is full of interesting stories of mining and industry as well as the animals and plants.
The Male above has definite bands on its wings,the female below has no bands.
NATURE TABLE EXPLORER 