Meadow Brown vs Small Heath Butterfly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Meadow Brown | Small Heath Butterfly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Maniola jurtina | Coenonympha pamphilus |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Nymphalidae | Nymphalidae |
| Size | Wingspan 40-55mm | 26-33 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Grasslands | Grasslands |
| Diet | Herbivores | Nectar Feeders |
| Regions | Europe | Europe, North Africa, Western Asia |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Meadow Brown
The most abundant butterfly in Britain, a brown species with a single eyespot on each forewing.
Did You Know?
So common it is often overlooked but plays a crucial role as a pollinator of wildflowers in grasslands.
Small Heath Butterfly
A small, plain orange-brown butterfly that always rests with its wings closed. It is one of the most widespread grassland butterflies in Europe.
Did You Know?
It never opens its wings when at rest, always keeping the underwing eyespot visible as a predator deflection.