This is one of Ireland’s and indeed Europe’s commonest butterflies. It can be found in almost any grassy area, including intensive farmland and urban parks. It is fairly plain in appearance, but like most of the Browns it has the characteristic eyespots near the tip of the forewing. Similar species occur in southern Europe but these vary particularly with regard to their upperside markings. The form hispulla occurs in the Iberian peninsula which has much more orange-yellow colouration on its upperside.

Distribution: All Europe excluding northern Fennoscandia.

Flight Period: May-September in 1 brood, peaking in July.

Habitat: Grassy areas of all kinds.

Foodplant: Various grasses (Poaceae).

Nectar Sources: Brambles (Rubus), thistles (Cirsium, Carduus), hawkweeds (Hiercium), Marjoram (Origanum majorana), mints (Mentha), Hemp Agrimony (Eupatorium cannabinum), Ragwort (Jacobaea vulgaris), knapweeds (Centaurea) among others

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