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The gatekeeper (Pyronia tithonus) is a species of butterfly in the Nymphalidae family, which is found across Europe.It is typically orange with two large brown spots on its wings and a brown pattern on the edge of its wings, although a large number of aberrant forms are known. The eyespots on the fore wings most likely reduce bird attacks, therefore the gatekeeper is often seen resting with its wings open. Colonies vary in size depending on the available habitat, and can range from a few dozen to several thousand butterflies. This male gatekeeper was photographed in Bernwood Forest, Buckinghamshire, England.Photograph credit: Charles J Sharp