Meadow Brown

National Status

One of the most common and widespread butterflies in the UK, range stable. Population trend 10 years to 2016 -15%; since 1976 +1%.

West Midlands Status

Familiar sight throughout the whole area, range stable. Population trend 10 years to 2016 – stable

Meadow Brown was recorded in 990 squares in 2026

See chart of distribution

10 Year Trend Analysis

Habitat

Favours warm, open meadows, sunny woodland rides, road verges, parks and larger gardens with plenty of flowers and fine or medium grasses.

Caterpillar Food Plant

The main foodplants are Bents (various) (Agrostis spp.), Cock’s-foot (Dactylis glomerata), Downy Oat-grass (Helictotrichon pubescens), False Brome (Brachypodium sylvaticum), Fescues (various) (Festuca spp.) and Meadow-grasses (various) (Poa spp.)

Refer to the Gardening for butterflies website by Joseph Shaffery for more details about caterpillar food plants and nectar sources.