As its English names suggest, the Gatekeeper (also known as the Hedge Brown) is often encountered where clumps of flowers grow in gateways and along hedgerows and field edges. It is often seen together with the Meadow Brown and Ringlet, from which it is easily distinguished when basking or nectaring with open wings.

The colour and patterning of the wings are very variable and about a dozen aberrations have been named. Favourite nectar sources include Wild Marjoram, Common Fleabane, ragworts, and Bramble.

It is widespread in southern Britain and its range has extended northwards in recent years. 

All these images were taken handheld in bright sunlight. I found this butterfly the easiest of all butterflies to approach and photograph as it remained motionless either basking or feeding totally unaware or without fear of me. The hardest thing to overcome for these images was a slight breeze which was moving the leaves and plants on which it was sitting.

Top - Canon 30D Vivitar 100mm macro lens.