Butterfly ID
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Field guide · Denmark
Brush-footed butterflies · Denmark

Meadow brown

Maniola jurtina

Meadow brown is common in Denmark. Wing span: 31-47 mm. The flight period typically begins in early June and lasts until mid-September, when the last severely worn individuals disappear. The species can be found virtually everywhere where there is tall grass.

Status in this countryCommon in DenmarkLC (Least concern)
Meadow brown

Flight period

Flight time typically begins at the start of June and lasts until around mid-September, when the last severely worn individuals disappear. The larva can, in principle, be found from September to May, as this is the stage where overwintering occurs.

Habitat

The species can be found almost everywhere where there is tall grass. Sometimes, they also stray from their territories and can therefore be seen in gardens, etc.

Identifying features

Wingspan: 31-47 mm. The upperside is uniformly brown with a light, unbordered area in the middle of the forewing and a dark eyespot near its tip.

Similar species

Meadow brown may look somewhat like Pyronia tithonus, but the latter is much smaller and has a large, dominant yellowish area on the uppersides of both pairs of wings, inside a broad dark border. Pyronia tithonus has been recorded only once in Denmark, more than 140 years ago. Meadow brown is normally found together with ringlet.

Distribution

Meadow brown is widespread and very common throughout Denmark. Even on the smallest islands, it has been found.

Biology

Meadow brown is one of Denmark’s most common swallowtail butterflies, and besides being found almost everywhere, it is often very numerous. The flight, which is slow and deliberate, takes place by hopping at low heights, but meadow brown can certainly fly (relatively).