Satyrids (Browns)
This family contains mainly brown and muted orange coloured butterflies with white-pupiled eye-spots, generally prominent at the tips of the forewings. The exception is the Marbled White which superficially appears to be closer related to the Pierid family. All caterpillars feed on grasses or sedges, are cryptically camouflaged and have tapering projections at head and tail. Chrysalises can be suspended or formed amongst moss and stones.
Meadow Brown (Maniola jurtina)
Meadow Brown (Maniola jurtina)

Meadow Brown (Maniola jurtina)
Family: Nymphalidae
Subfamily: Satyrinae
Tribe: Maniolini
Genus: Maniola k,
Species: jurtina
Subspecies: insularis, splendida, iernes, cassiteridum

Key ID Features:
Male is dark brown with a single white pupil in a black eye-spot, surrounded by a variable amount of orange.
Females are larger and brighter with a more extensive area of orange.
Small black spots on the underside of the hindwings is distinctive.

Seen in UK: June-Early October

The Meadow Brown is one of our commonest and most widespread butterflies, and a familiar sight throughout the summer months. This species can be found in all parts of the British Isles, with the exception of the most mountainous regions and Shetland. This is a highly variable species with four named subspecies found in the British Isles, although the differences between them are often subtle.

Text (c) UK Butterflies, used with permission
For more information click here

Photographer: Tim Tapley

Meadow Brown (Maniola jurtina)

Meadow Brown (Maniola jurtina)
Family: Nymphalidae
Subfamily: Satyrinae
Tribe: Maniolini
Genus: Maniola k,
Species: jurtina
Subspecies: insularis, splendida, iernes, cassiteridum

Key ID Features:
Male is dark brown with a single white pupil in a black eye-spot, surrounded by a variable amount of orange.
Females are larger and brighter with a more extensive area of orange.
Small black spots on the underside of the hindwings is distinctive.

Seen in UK: June-Early October

The Meadow Brown is one of our commonest and most widespread butterflies, and a familiar sight throughout the summer months. This species can be found in all parts of the British Isles, with the exception of the most mountainous regions and Shetland. This is a highly variable species with four named subspecies found in the British Isles, although the differences between them are often subtle.

Text (c) UK Butterflies, used with permission
For more information click here

Photographer: Tim Tapley