Meadow Brown
Common NameMeadow Brown
Scientific NameManiola jurtina
FamilyNymphalidae
SubfamilySatyrinae
Wingspan (mm)50
Primary Colorsbrown, orange, black, white
HabitatMeadows, grasslands, open woodlands, hedgerows, gardens
Geographic RangeEurope, North Africa, temperate Asia
Host PlantsPoa, Festuca, Dactylis, various grasses
Flight PeriodJune to September
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on grass blades. Larvae are green with a dark dorsal line and feed on various grasses. Pupae are green or brown and suspended head-down.
Identification TipsKey features include the overall dull brown coloration, the distinctive orange patch on the forewing, and a single large black eyespot with two white pupils within this patch.
Description
A medium-sized butterfly with dark brown hindwings and forewings featuring an orange patch containing a prominent black eyespot with two white pupils.
