The gatekeeper (Pyronia tithonus), sometimes called the hedge brown, is most commonly found in South and East Britain, and confined to coastal areas of south and southeast Ireland. It is also found in the Channel Islands, but not in Scotland nor the Isle of Man. Given its preference for warmer weather, it can be assumed that the restriction of range expansion is due to climate. Colonies will vary in size depending on the available habitat, and can range from a few dozen to several thousand butterflies.