Skip to the content
When to look
JFMAMJJASOND
Meadow brown
Good to know
Six things about the meadow brown
WeatherFlies on dull days
Meadow browns will fly on cloudy days, and even in light rain, when most butterflies stay hidden.
EyespotA decoy eye
The eyespot near the wing tip draws a bird's peck away from the butterfly's body.
GrassCaterpillars on grass
The green caterpillars feed on grasses, mostly at night.
NumbersHundreds together
In a good meadow in July there can be hundreds of meadow browns on the wing at once.
NectarFavourite flowers
Adults feed on knapweed, thistles and bramble flowers.
PupilCount the pupils
A meadow brown's eyespot has one white dot. The similar gatekeeper has two.
The real thing
Photos of the meadow brown
Out and aboutHow to spot one
Walk through any long grass on a summer day, even a dull one. It flies low and lazily and settles often, with its wings closed.
Lend a handHow to help
Leave some lawn unmown until late summer. The caterpillars eat grass, and the adults need knapweed, thistles and bramble flowers.
Following youLadybird
Who should follow you?
Bees and hoverflies
Butterflies and moths
Dragonflies and damselflies
Beetles, hoppers and ants
Not insects at all
Snails and spiders aren't insects: a snail is a mollusc, and spiders have eight legs.
Garden birds
Pond animals live on the Pond page: choosing one takes you there.
Pond life
Night garden
Seashore animals live on the Seashore page: choosing one takes you there.
Rock pool life
Woodland animals
Under a log
Meadow life
River animals live on the River page: choosing one takes you there.
River life
_female.jpg){kind=link}
_male.jpg){kind=link}