Species profile
About this species
The Meadow Brown is one of the most abundant butterflies in the British Isles, recognised by its warm brown wings adorned with an orange patch & a small eyespot on the forewings. It is a medium-sized butterfly that often rests with its wings closed, displaying a mottled underside that provides excellent camouflage amongst grasses & vegetation. The species is highly adaptable & can be found in a wide range of grassy habitats from coastal cliffs to woodland rides.
Grasslands, meadows, road verges, woodland rides, hedgerows & coastal grasslands across the British Isles & much of Europe, particularly where rough unmanaged grasses are present.
Where to photograph
Where our trips feature this species
You can photograph Meadow Brown with us in Bulgaria.
These departures are part of our Europe programme.
In the field, Pui Hang Miles helps guests make the most of these encounters.
Field notes
Photography notes
Mid-June to late August is the peak flight season, with warm sunny mornings between 9am & midday offering the best activity. Individuals are most approachable on cool or slightly overcast days when they rest on grass stems or flower heads.
Approach slowly through tall grass to avoid disturbing resting individuals, as they are easily startled when feeding on flowers. Use a macro lens or close-focusing zoom to capture the intricate eyespot detail on the forewing, & try shooting with a wide aperture to separate the subject from the background grasses. On overcast days the butterfly tends to rest with wings open, offering a better view of the upper wing markings compared to bright sunny conditions.
Available holidays
Trips featuring Meadow Brown
The holidays below are pulled from the same species relationship, so the guide stays tied to live departures rather than becoming a static article.