Meadow browns are common almost everywhere in the UK and are found in fields, roadsides and woodland margins.

Physical description
Meadow brown butterflies are a dull brown colour with bright orange-brown patches on their fore- and hind wings and a distinctive dark eyespot on their forewings.

Distribution
They are distributed throughout Europe, eastward to Urals.

Habitat
Meadow browns are common almost everywhere in the UK and are found in fields, roadsides and woodland margins from sea level to 1,800m. The caterpillars are yellowish-green with a darker line down the back and a narrow white stripe along each side.

Diet
The butterflies sip nectar from thistles and knapweed flowers. The caterpillars feed on grasses.

Reproduction
Meadow browns mate during July and lay their eggs on grasses.

Conservation status
They are not listed as endangered on IUCN Red List 2000.