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Gatekeeper

Gatekeeper

Pyronia tithonus

A species of Pyronia

Contrary to what you may believe of its name, the gatekeeper (Pyronia tithonus) is a butterfly, not a heavily armored guard standing at an iron fence. The gatekeeper seems to have its own gate based on weather, as it cannot survive well in colder climates. It also survives through the two eyespots on the end of each of their wings, protecting them against bird attacks.

General Info About Gatekeeper
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Attributes of Gatekeeper
Colors
Brown
Black
Yellow
Habitat
grassland; woodland ride; lane; hedgerow; vegetation
Adult Food Sources
Buddleia, asters, ivy, thistles, knapweeds
Larva Food Source
Grasses, cereals
Biting/stinging
Not reported
Allergy-causing
Not reported
Defensive attack
Not reported
Venomous
Not reported
Non-poisonous
The Gatekeeper is non-toxic and generally doesn't pose a risk to human health. No need for excessive worry.
Borer
Not reported
Pollinator
The Gatekeeper is often found near the corolla, where its fluffy hairs easily pick up pollen, assisting in the pollination of the plant.
Pest-Eating Predatory
Not reported
Phytophagous
The Gatekeeper feeds on plants, usually without causing significant harm. However, it's important to take the situation seriously if their numbers begin to increase significantly.
Predatory
Not reported
Biting animal or pet
Not reported
Mouthparts Type
Siphoning mouthparts
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Species Status of Gatekeeper
It is found in Britain. The population contracted before re-expanding beginning in the 1940s.
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Distribution Area of Gatekeeper
Southern and eastern Britain, South and south-east Ireland
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Appearance of Gatekeeper
The gatekeeper is orange with two large brown spots on its wings and a brown pattern on the edge of its wings. The male has a dark patch on the upper side of the fore wing that contains scent-producing scales known as the androconia. Females typically have more spots than males. Males have more costally placed eyespots, compared to the females, whose eyespots are more spread over the wing margin. Initially, larvae are yellow, but soon develop brown patches and continue to darken as they develop within the egg.
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How to Identify Gatekeeper?

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Life Cycle of Gatekeeper
Egg The egg of gatekeeper marks the beginning of the life cycle. Laid on host plants, these eggs are small, spherical, and often possess protective coloration to evade predators. The egg stage lasts until the conditions are favorable for hatching.
Larva Upon hatching, the larva of gatekeeper emerges as a caterpillar. This stage is characterized by rapid growth and molting, where the larva eats voraciously, increasing in size, and sheds its skin multiple times.
Pupal Entering the pupal stage, gatekeeper forms a chrysalis. During this stage, it undergoes a remarkable transformation. The insect is immobile, and its tissues are reorganized into the adult form. The chrysalis may exhibit cryptic coloration for camouflage.
Adult Emerging from the pupa, the adult gatekeeper's development is marked by the presence of wings and functional reproductive organs. The body is fully formed and hardened, the adult gatekeeper is mobile, focusing on reproduction and may display sexual dimorphism.
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Adult Size of Gatekeeper
1.8 - 1.9 cm
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Predators of Gatekeeper Larvae
Rodents, birds, insects (such as ants and wasps)
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Predators of Adult Gatekeeper
Birds, spiders, insects (such as ants and wasps), small mammals
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Interesting Facts About Gatekeeper
Gatekeeper can detect polarized light, which aids in navigation and orientation during their flight.
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Scientific Classification of Gatekeeper
Tips for Finding Gatekeeper
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Youth Habitat of Gatekeeper
Grasslands and Prairies, Forests and Woodlands
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Adult Habitat of Gatekeeper
Grasslands and Prairies, Forests and Woodlands, Agricultural and Cultivated Areas, Urban and Suburban Areas
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How Can You Attract Gatekeeper
Since gatekeeper is a butterfly, trap food could include bait such as fruit, or artificial nectar sources. Butterfly feeders can be used to attract adult gatekeeper when they are searching for nectar.
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Habitat Preferences of Gatekeeper Through Different Life Stages
The eggs of gatekeeper are typically found on grass blades in sunny meadows or field margins. As caterpillars, they often reside near the ground in tufts of grass, camouflaging well with their environment. Seeking out these caterpillars may require gently parting grass clumps during the day. The chrysalides are hidden amongst dense vegetation or at the base of plants; thus, inspecting leaf litter and soil near host plants can be successful. Adults prefer gardens, hedgerows, and woodland edges rich in nectar sources, so observing these areas, especially on warm, sunny days, can yield sightings of gatekeeper fluttering from flower to flower.
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When is the Best Time to Observe Gatekeeper
The best time to find adult gatekeeper is typically on warm, sunny days when they are most active, usually mid-morning to early afternoon. Caterpillars and pupae may be found throughout the day if the temperature is suitable.
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What is the Best Weather to Observe Gatekeeper
Adult gatekeeper prefer sunny weather with little to no wind for optimal flying conditions. To find larvae and pupae, moist conditions might be essential but excessive rain should be avoided as it can be harmful to all stages.
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How and Where Can You Find Gatekeeper at Different Life Stages
Egg Gatekeeper eggs are usually laid on or near host plants. Look for tiny, round or oval-shaped eggs on the undersides of leaves of host plants. An identification guide can help with recognizing the egg stage on specific host plant species.
Larva Gatekeeper caterpillars can be found on or near their host plants, which they feed on. Search for chewed leaves and frass (caterpillar droppings) as indicators of their presence and inspect the plant thoroughly.
Pupal Gatekeeper chrysalises are often attached to the host plant or nearby structures. They blend in well with their surroundings, so look for irregularities on branches, stems, or even the underside of leaves, such as a small, camouflaged structure that is the pupa.
Adult Gatekeeper as butterflies are attracted to nectar-rich flowers. Look for adult gatekeeper in gardens, meadows, or fields that have flowering plants known to attract butterflies. Sunny spots with some shelter from the wind are ideal.
Are Gatekeeper harmful?
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Usually, the gatekeeper won't threaten or hurt humans. But remember that even a worm will turn. Remember to still be cautious.

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Are Gatekeeper harmful to humans?

Some larvae of tortoiseshell butterflies feed on milkweed, which is a poisonous plant containing cardiac glycosides, so the larvae are poisonous. Although poisonous, these butterflies will not directly affect humans if not swallowed. Touching the larvae of certain tortoiseshell butterflies may cause a rash.
Beneficial Effects of Gatekeeper
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Explore how insects help as pollinators, pest predators, and biocontrol agents. From seed dispersal to decomposition, they play vital roles in our ecosystem.
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Pollinator
Pollinator
Prefer Plant Type
Asteraceae, Fruit Trees
Attract Plant Feature
Color, Smell
Pollination Behavior Reason
Eat Pollen Or Nectar
Gatekeeper is an effective pollinator which often visits a variety of flowering plants, displaying a preference for Asteraceae and fruit trees. This insect is attracted to flowers through their vibrant colors and enticing smells. Gatekeeper feeds on pollen as it flutters from bloom to bloom, inadvertently transferring pollen and facilitating plant reproduction.
Common Questions People Also Ask
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