Meadow Brown (Maniola jurtina)
The Meadow Brown is a very common and widespread grassland butterfly, found throughout Britain. When resting it most commonly displays its underwings, which has an orange forewing with a striking eyespot, and a brown hindwing with small black spots. Males are less colourful, with smaller eyespots.
Habitat
This butterfly is found in grassy habitats where grass is of medium height, such as meadows, woodland rides, hedgerows, road verges and overgrown gardens.
Behaviour
Males are most active, especially when seeking females. Apart from when feeding or egg-laying, females spend most of their time resting near the ground. When disturbed, they reveal a large eyespot that must appear somewhat threatening to any predator.Early morning is a good time to see this species, as it sits with its wings outstretched, warming up in the early morning sun.
Feeding
Adults are nectar feeders, and use a variety of nectar sources, especially Knapweed, Thistle and Bramble. Caterpillars feed on, Cock's-foot, False Brome, Red fescue and Meadow-grasses.
Life cycle
Eggs are laid singly on the caterpillars’ foodplant from July to August and emerge after 3 weeks. As they eat plant material they turn green. They hibernate over winter before the adults emerge in the following summer.