Meadow Brown
Maniola jurtinaThe Meadow Brown is one of the UK’s most widespread butterflies, found in gardens, parks, cemeteries and grassy spaces across the UK. This unassuming but elegant brown butterfly is marked with soft orange patches and drifts slowly through the landscape, often flying even in dull, drizzly weather as long as it’s warm enough. Extremely abundant in many habitats, they can appear in large numbers, yet their simple, understated beauty makes them a favourite among butterfly watchers.
An understated meadow marvel
The Meadow Brown isn’t picky. This humble brown butterfly with smudges of orange on its wings can be found drifting lazily on the breeze wherever there’s lots of grass.
Females typically show larger orange areas than males and seem to prefer the quiet life. If they’re not feeding on flowers or laying their eggs, you’ll tend to find them tucked away at ground level.
The males, by contrast, are more active, and prefer to pass the hours patrolling their territory for outsiders.
Amazingly, Meadow Brown butterflies from different areas of the country have slightly different spotting patterns on their wings, which has drawn the attention of many genetic scientists over the years.
The most abundant species in many habitats across the UK, it can be seen flying in hundreds at some sites and, if you’re out in a meadow between June and September, there’s a good chance you’ll spot one.
Vibes
Each butterfly is scored out of 100 across a set of traits, from how bold and visible it is to how far it travels or how particular it is about where it lives. These scores compare each species with the other butterflies in Britain, helping you see their differences at a glance. Here’s what makes the Meadow Brown special.
Bright colours, bold patterns, and a love of the spotlight. Some butterflies just can’t help showing off.
Fast, or throwing some seriously impressive moves, these butterflies are in a flutter.
Always on guard, ready to hide or defend - these butterflies have self-preservation down to an art.
It’s ok to be a little… well, weird. These butterflies have been certified with the freak factor.
Like Goldilocks, everything has to be just right for these perfectionists.
Hard to spot and even harder to forget, these butterflies are a true one of a kind.
Bold, curious, and ready to explore, these brave butterflies live for the thrill and aren’t afraid to travel.
Weather-resistant, battle-hardened, and built to survive, these butterflies know how to take it on the wing.
Meadow Browns can still be active in dull, drizzly weather as long as it is warm enough, making them a true all-weather butterfly.
Test your knowledge
Where can Meadow Browns commonly be found?Meadow Browns are widespread across the UK and can be found in many grassy habitats, from gardens to parks and countryside.
Does the Meadow Brown get your vote?