Help with ID for beginner please

[bob.phillips]

Still trying to get to grips with butterfly ID's. Are the first 3 picture all meadow brown or are any of them small heath?. How can I easily tell the difference between the two.

Also, what is the 4th picture????

Regards,

Bob P.

[aeshna5]

Originally Posted by bob.phillips

Still trying to get to grips with butterfly ID's. Are the first 3 picture all meadow brown or are any of them small heath?. How can I easily tell the difference between the two.

Also, what is the 4th picture????

Regards,

Bob P.

1+3 are Meadow Brown, the first a male.

2 is a male Gatekeeper.

4 I think is a male Essex Skipper as the sex brand is short + straight (I can't see the antennae well enough to use that feature!)

[bob.phillips]

Thanks aeshna. Very helpful.

Bob

[Treehawk]

I would have said the 3rd is a male Meadow Brown too, from the smaller spot on the forewing.