Small heath?

[NickC]

I photographed this butterfly on a very hot day in July at RAF Marham in Norfolk (so plenty of open grassland, as is usual for airfields of course). From the wing underside markings I think it's a small heath. Am I correct please?

I presume from the size and shape of the abdomen, that it is a female with rather a lot of eggs on board?

[bugboy]

Definitely a Small Heath Nick and yes, a rather rotund female!

[NickC]

Thanks bugboy

[Chris Jackson]

... I think it's a small heath. Am I correct please? ...

Hi Nick and Bugboy,

Its markings are similar to C. pamphilus in the South of France in the later broods, called form lyllus.
From this week-end:

and here is one from the 9th August a couple of years ago:

Cheers,
Chris

[David M]

and here is one from the 9th August a couple of years ago:

Wow! Never seen one like that before, Chris.

Looks like pamphilus x dorus, if such a thing were possible.