This marker on the Cambridge Butterfly Trail is at Trumpington recreation ground – see the map above.

The Meadow brown is the UK’s most ubiquitous butterfly, abundantly fluttering over grasslands, parks, roadside verges, cemeteries and even garden lawns from mid-June to late September.

With a wingspan of 50 to 55mm, males display uniform brown wings with a single black eyespot edged in orange, while females show a more extensive orange patch.

These butterflies are unusually resilient, flying even in dull weather when many species remain grounded.

The caterpillars feed on a broad variety of grasses including fescues, bents and meadow-grass, and thrive in areas with slightly longer, less managed turf.

Genetic studies of their wing-spot variations have intrigued researchers, showing regional differences and adaptations.

Although still common, Meadow brown colonies have declined in some regions due to agricultural intensification, making wildflower meadows and lax lawn care, such as #NoMowMay, valuable conservation measures to support their numbers.

For more information, please visit Butterfly Conservation’s page on this species – Meadow brown.