The Browns

Caterpillars of the Browns Feed on a Variety of Native Grasses Growing in Meadows or Woodland.

The Browns have a stronger claim than most to being butterflies of the wild flower meadow. Not only do many of the adults drink nectar from the flowers, but their caterpillars also eat the leaves of the grasses.

But not just any grass. A selection of NATIVE GRASSES in different locations is ideal so that the females can carefully select which type of grass they lay on, as the caterpillars of different species have different requirements.  The position of the clump of grass in relation to sun, shade, shelter, dampness is important. It doesn't have to be growing in a meadow. Clumps of native grasses growing on roadside verges, woodland edges or gardens may prove more attractive to the egg-laying females and supply the needs of the grass-eating caterpillars and shelter for the pupae better than grass in the middle of a field.

Always think NATIVE GRASSES, not Intensively bred agricultural ryegrasses that choke out native grasses and wildflowers, and grow so rapidly that they can be cut several times a year for hay. Even if the caterpillars can eat the grass, the agricultural mowers will show no mercy, wiping them out as they feed. 

RINGLET
Aphantopus hyperantus

Sunshine and butterflies tend to go together, but sunny skies are not essential for the Ringlet. One of our commonest and most widespread butterflies, it is often seen flying, with its characteristic up and down motion in cloudy conditions in summer when most butterflies are grounded.
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A velvety brown, the ringlets of its name - white dots surrounded by black circles - are on the underside of its rear wings. Adults are often seen feeding on the nectar of bramble and thistle flowers.

The female drops her eggs whilst in low flight onto various NATIVE GRASSES, often on clumps of COCK'S-FOOT (Dactylis glomerata) and WOOD FALSE-BROME (Brachypodium sylvaticum)

The Ringlet is found throughout the British Isles and Ireland but with big gaps in the North of England and parts of Scotland.

MEADOW BROWN
Maniola jurtina

Wherever there is flower-rich grassland you have a good chance of seeing the Meadow Brown flying around in search of nectar and suitable grasses on which to lay its eggs, as it occurs throughout most of the British Isles and Ireland.

The patches of orange on its brown wings is one distinguishing feature. It's on the wing from June to September. 

Its caterpillars feed on a variety of medium or soft leaved grasses such as MEADOW GRASSES (Poa spp.}, even ryegrass, as well as WOOD FALSE-BROME.

WALL BROWN 
Lasiommata megera

The Wall is on the wing in May and June with a second brood flying in August and September. 

It requires warm sunny grassland with bare patches, and In southern Scotland is most likely to be seen along the coast where these conditions are more likely.

Eggs are laid in dry spots on isolated tussocks of COCK'S-FOOT (Dactylis glomerata), WAVY HAIR-GRASS (Deschampsia flexuosa), BENTS (Agrostis spp.) and YORKSHIRE FOG (Holcus lanatus),  WOOD-FALSE BROME (Brachypodium sylvaticum).

The Wall is widely distributed throughout Britain and Ireland, but in Scotland is found mainly around the coasts. 

SPECKLED WOOD
Pararge aegeria

The caterpillars of the Speckled Wood also feed on grass. Despite this, it's not a butterfly of wildflower meadows but a woodland dweller that refreshes itself on APHID HONEYDEW on the leaves of trees and bushes, only rarely feeding on the nectar of wild flowers.

The female seeks out an isolated clump of its favourite grass in a sheltered spot to lay her eggs rather than needing whole meadows of it. COCK'S-FOOT, YORKSHIRE FOG and WOOD FALSE-BROME are common choices.

The Speckled Wood is unusual among British butterflies in being able to overwinter as either a caterpillar or pupa, depending on what stage of growth it finds itself in as winter approaches. For most species of butterfly it is one or the other.

The Speckled Wood is mainly a butterfly of south west England, Wales and Ireland, with a few outposts especially in the north west of Scotland.

Caterpillars of the Browns Feed on a Variety of Native Grasses