Meadow Brown vs Blue-winged Rove Beetle

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute	Meadow Brown	Blue-winged Rove Beetle
Scientific Name	Maniola jurtina	Platydracus chalcocephalus
Order	Lepidoptera	Coleoptera
Family	Nymphalidae	Staphylinidae
Size	Wingspan 40-55mm	12-17 mm
Habitat	Grasslands	Grasslands
Diet	Herbivores	Predators
Regions	Europe	Eastern North America
Conservation	Least Concern	Least Concern

Meadow Brown

The most abundant butterfly in Britain, a brown species with a single eyespot on each forewing.

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Did You Know?

So common it is often overlooked but plays a crucial role as a pollinator of wildflowers in grasslands.

Blue-winged Rove Beetle

A handsome rove beetle with a metallic blue-green head and pronotum contrasting with brown elytra. It is found in wooded areas and is a capable flier attracted to lights at night.

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Did You Know?

The metallic coloration of its head is produced by nanostructures in the cuticle that interfere with light, similar to how a soap bubble creates colors.