Common wall
Common NameCommon wall
Scientific NameLasiommata megera
FamilyNymphalidae
SubfamilySatyrinae
Wingspan (mm)43
Primary Colorsorange, brown, black, grey
HabitatMeadows, grasslands, woodland edges, heathland, gardens, urban areas, often near walls and hedges
Geographic RangeEurope, North Africa, temperate Asia
Host PlantsPoa annua, Dactylis glomerata, Festuca rubra, Agrostis capillaris
Flight PeriodApril to October (multiple broods)
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on grass blades. Larvae are green and feed on various grasses. Pupae are green or brown and suspended head-down.
Identification TipsLook for the orange-brown forewings with a prominent apical eyespot and the series of eyespots on the mottled grey-brown underside of the hindwings. Often seen basking on walls or bare ground.
Description
A medium-sized butterfly with orange-brown forewings featuring a large black eyespot, and cryptically patterned grey-brown hindwings with multiple smaller eyespots on the underside.
