Binomial name
Maniola jurtina
Family
Nymphalidae
Distribution
Southern and Central Europe, Russia, Asia Minor, Iran and Iraq. The Meadow Brown is the most common butterfly in the UK.
Photos and notes
Characteristics
Like the smaller Small Heath, the Meadow Brown has only one white dot within the black spot on the wings, but the underwing is much plainer without the clear wavy lines between the lighter and darker brown areas. The Meadow Brown often has its wings open when basking in the sun, which the Small Heath will keep its wings closed.