Large Heath
Coenonympha tullia
National Status
Mainly found in Scotland but scattered colonies in Wales, Central and Northern England, range declining in England and Wales. Population trend 10 years to 2016 -49%; since 1976 +261%.
West Midlands Status
Shropshire, range stable. Population trend 10 years to 2016 – increasing.
Large Heath was recorded in 4 squares in 2026
10 Year Trend Analysis
Habitat
Wet bogs and damp acidic moorland
Caterpillar Food Plant
The main foodplant is Hare’s-tail Cottongrass (Eriophorum vaginatum). Common Cottongrass (Eriophorum angustifolium) and Jointed Rush (Juncus articulatus) are also used.
Life Cycle
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Egg | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Larva | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Pupa | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Adult | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Flight Period
Late May to mid-August. One generation with numbers peaking in late June/early July.
First/Last Sightings 2026
| First Sighting | Recorded by | Last Sighting | Recorded by |
| 26 May | Steven Croft | 12 July | Busby, Paul |
Distribution Map
Key
Total number of sightings per tetrad
Hotspots
Wem Moss (Shropshire) and Fenn’s, Whixall & Bettisfield Mosses National Nature Reserve (England-Wales border)