Meadow brown

The meadow brown is found in open woodland and scrub in spring and at the beginning of summer; however, from July onwards it is more often found in shady places. Males are darker than the pale brown females. They first appear at the end of May and are on the wing until the end of September. In May-June many more males than females are seen because the latter are far less active and are less wont to fly. Mating takes places during these two months and then, from July onwards, the males gradually begin to disappear and the species is almost never seen. However, from the end of August onwards, the females, who have aestivated during the hottest days of summer, reappear and begin to lay their eggs in grassy areas. This is when this species is best seen in open areas. The larvae hibernate and feed on various types of grasses.
Scientific name: Maniola jurtina

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