Insect
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Size
40–60 mm (wingspan)About the size of a large postage stamp
Weight
Under 1 gramLighter than a paperclip
Lifespan
Adults typically live 10–12 days, up to about 3 weeks in good conditions
Rarity
Common
M vs F
Males are darker brown with a small orange patch; females are paler with a larger, brighter orange patch on the forewing
Habitat
Grassland, meadows, hedgerows, woodland rides and road verges — almost anywhere with long grass
Best time
June–September, peaking in July
Conservation
LC
💡 Did you know?
The Meadow Brown is one of the UK's most numerous butterflies and keeps flying even in dull, overcast weather when most other butterflies stay hidden.
Meadow Brown eyespot size and number vary noticeably between individuals and regional populations, making it a classic subject for studying genetic variation within a single species.
Often confused with
Gatekeeper (smaller
brighter orange
double-pupilled eyespot)
Ringlet (darker chocolate-brown with ring-shaped eyespots)
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