Meadow Brown

• Latin name: Maniola jurtina
• Family group: Browns
• Countries: England, Scotland, Wales, Ireland
• Size: Medium

Resident

Range stable.

The Meadow Brown is the most abundant butterfly species in many habitats. Hundreds may be seen together at some sites, flying low over the vegetation. Adults fly even in dull weather when most other butterflies are inactive.

Regional variations in the spotting pattern on the wings have led to it being studied extensively by geneticists over many years. Larger forms occur in Ireland and the north of Scotland.

It is one of our most widespread species, but many colonies have been lost due to agricultural intensification.

Conservation status

• UK BAP status: not listed
• Butterfly Conservation priority: low
• European threat status: not threatened

European/world range

Its range extends across Europe south of 62B:N, and eastwards to the Urals, Asia Minor and Iran. It is stable in most European countries.

Foodplants

A wide range of grasses is used. Those with finer leaves such as fescues (Festuca spp.), bents (Agrostis spp.), and meadow-grasses (Poa spp.) are preferred, but some coarser species such as Cock's-foot (Dactylis glomerata), Downy Oat-grass (Helictotrichon pubescens), and False Brome (Brachypodium sylvaticum) are also eaten by larger larvae. Other species of grass are also believed to be used.

Habitat

Grasslands, including downland, heathland, coastal dunes and undercliffs, hay meadows, roadside verges, hedgerows, woodland rides and clearings, and waste ground. Also occurs in parks, gardens, and cemeteries.