Sussex Branch

Butterfly Species in Sussex

Description

This is a very common butterfly of unfertilised grassland and is widely-distributed throughout Sussex. Colonies may range from a few dozen to many thousands. In a high-quality, wildflower meadow the numbers recorded can be quite staggering, with as many as 2,000 in a single hectare.

In flight there could be confusion with Ringlet or Gatekeeper, but when perched the ID should be straightforward enough.

The first adults emerge in the last week of May but most of us do not see this species until early June. Peak numbers occur in the second half of July and for most colonies the season is over by the end of August. In a few sheltered, sunny pockets of downland it may be seen well into October.

Where to find

This is the most widely distributed butterfly species in the county and may be seen more-or-less anywhere there is a decent-size patch of long grass!

Image gallery

Female Meadow Brown nectaring on Greater Knapweed – photo by Martin Kalaher

Female with open wings

Male with open wings

Male with closed wings

Female with open wings

A mating pair

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More information

Butterfly Conservation Meadow Brown