Small heath vs Ringlet
These two are easy to mix up. Here's how to tell a small heath from a ringlet, and whether either one bites or stings.
Small heath
Coenonympha pamphilus
Ringlet
Aphantopus hyperantus
≠The key differences
Ringlet has multiple prominent eyespots on the underside hindwing and a darker overall colour; Small heath has a single small forewing spot and lighter hindwing.
Small Heath is smaller with a more rounded wing shape and usually only one or two small eye-spots; Ringlet is larger with multiple spots on the hindwing underside.
⚖︎Side by side
| Small heath | Ringlet | |
|---|---|---|
| To humans | Non-toxic | Non-toxic |
| Size | Wingspan 32-38 mm | Wingspan 38-46 mm |
| Colours | Orange-brown, Warm brown, Cream, Grey-brown, Black | Dark brown, Medium brown, Pale cream (eye-spot rings), Black (eye-spots), Reddish-brown (underside) |
| Family | Nymphalidae | Nymphalidae |
| Habitat | Open grassy places: meadows, dune slacks, heathland, road verges, rough pasture and brownfield sites. | Damp meadows, grassy rides and clearings in woodland, hedgerows and well-vegetated roadside verges |
| Range | Widespread across Europe, parts of temperate Asia, and North Africa; common in many regions but locally variable. | Widespread across much of Europe and into temperate parts of Asia |
| Active | Spring to autumn (commonly May-September); adults fly in warm, sunny weather and are most active in daylight, flying low over vegetation. | Mainly June to August (peaks in July); flies by day, often in dull weather and late afternoon |
| Pest? | No | No |
🔍How to spot a small heath
- Small size with wingspan about 32-38 mm and rounded wing shape.
- Single small black eyespot on the underside of the forewing, ringed pale yellow.
- Upper side plain orange-brown without strong markings; underside hindwing greyish-brown with subtle bands.
- Flies low and fast close to the ground in short bursts; often seen settling with wings closed.
🔍How to spot a ringlet
- Uniform dark brown upper wings with velvety appearance (no bold bands or bright markings).
- Multiple black eye-spots with pale rings on the underside of wings, commonly 4-6 on the hindwing.
- Slow, low flight among tall grasses and along woodland edges.
- Lack of the central pale band that distinguishes Meadow Brown (Maniola jurtina).
?Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a small heath and a ringlet?
Ringlet has multiple prominent eyespots on the underside hindwing and a darker overall colour; Small heath has a single small forewing spot and lighter hindwing. Small Heath is smaller with a more rounded wing shape and usually only one or two small eye-spots; Ringlet is larger with multiple spots on the hindwing underside.
Is a small heath or a ringlet more dangerous?
Small heath: Non-toxic. Ringlet: Non-toxic. Harmless to people — does not bite or sting. Ringlets do not bite or sting and are harmless to people.
Identification from photos is never certain: don't handle insects you can't identify, and get medical advice for bites, stings or allergic reactions.