Regional Species


Meadow Brown
Maniola jurtina

Photograph by Janet Graham

Regional Species

One of our commonest species, the Meadow Brown can be seen anywhere with tall grasses, and is present even in hill country if the sheep density is not too high. Wasteland, rough meadows, woodland rides and glades are all typical habitats and the butterfly also occurs in gardens that are not over-tidy. The butterfly is not found on heavily grazed farmland although it is more tolerant of grazing than the Small Skipper.

The Meadow Brown has an extended flight period which can start as early as May, peaks at the end of July, and the occasional individual may still be flying in early October. The larvae feed on a wide range of grasses, eating the leaves rather than the flowers or flower stalks. When not feeding they hide themselves low down at the base of the stems and it is here that they pass the winter months. In the spring, when the larvae are larger and more conspicuous, feeding becomes nocturnal. This helps in the defence against predation as does their sensitivity to vibration which causes them to drop to the ground if disturbed. These behavioural adaptations also provide some protection from grazing herbivores, thus accounting for the fact that Meadow Browns are still relatively common on farmland. (C.f. the case of the Small Skipper).

At a casual glance, it is possible to confuse this butterfly with some of the other ‘browns’ but it is actually quite distinct and with familiarity it can be identified at a distance by an intangible aggregate of characters (the ‘jizz’) which includes the manner in which it flies.