24 Jul 2020

Pollinator of the day #5 – Meadow brown (Maniola jurtina)

Ardd Fotaneg · Botanic Garden

One of our commonest butterflies, this species is often seen flying around Cae Trawscoed in high numbers on sunny days. The eyespot and orange patches on the forewing only are the distinctive features of this species, separating it from other brown butterflies. A range of grasses are eaten by this butterfly during its caterpillar stage, particularly fescues, bents and meadow-grasses. As adults, they feed on nectar from a variety of plants, including thistles, knapweed and bramble.