Meadow brown vs Ringlet
These two are easy to mix up. Here's how to tell a meadow brown from a ringlet, and whether either one bites or stings.
Meadow brown
Maniola jurtina
Ringlet
Aphantopus hyperantus
≠The key differences
Ringlet has multiple small eyespots on the underside of all wings and a more uniformly dark brown appearance without the distinct orange forewing patch.
Meadow Brown usually has a single prominent eye-spot on the forewing upper surface and a paler central band on the upper wings; Ringlet is more uniformly dark with multiple hindwing spots visible on the underside.
⚖︎Side by side
| Meadow brown | Ringlet | |
|---|---|---|
| To humans | Non-toxic | Non-toxic |
| Size | 45-50 mm wingspan | Wingspan 38-46 mm |
| Colours | Brown, Orange, Black, Cream | Dark brown, Medium brown, Pale cream (eye-spot rings), Black (eye-spots), Reddish-brown (underside) |
| Family | Nymphalidae | Nymphalidae |
| Habitat | Grassy habitats: meadows, pastures, roadside verges, rough grassland, dune slacks and urban parks. | Damp meadows, grassy rides and clearings in woodland, hedgerows and well-vegetated roadside verges |
| Range | Widespread across Europe, including the British Isles, into northwest Africa and parts of western Asia. | Widespread across much of Europe and into temperate parts of Asia |
| Active | Main flight from late spring to early autumn (roughly May-September); one generation per year with a long flight period, and in hot southern areas females may rest through midsummer before laying eggs. Active during daylight, even in dull weather. | Mainly June to August (peaks in July); flies by day, often in dull weather and late afternoon |
| Pest? | No | No |
🔍How to spot a meadow brown
- Look for a brown butterfly with an orange patch on each forewing that usually contains one black eyespot with a white pupil.
- Wings closed: check the undersides of the hindwing for mottled brown and pale patterns that blend with dry grass.
- Note sex differences: females often have a larger orange patch and can appear darker than males.
- Compare size: meadow brown is medium-sized, larger than Small Heath but similar to some gatekeepers.
🔍How to spot a ringlet
- Uniform dark brown upper wings with velvety appearance (no bold bands or bright markings).
- Multiple black eye-spots with pale rings on the underside of wings, commonly 4-6 on the hindwing.
- Slow, low flight among tall grasses and along woodland edges.
- Lack of the central pale band that distinguishes Meadow Brown (Maniola jurtina).
?Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a meadow brown and a ringlet?
Ringlet has multiple small eyespots on the underside of all wings and a more uniformly dark brown appearance without the distinct orange forewing patch. Meadow Brown usually has a single prominent eye-spot on the forewing upper surface and a paler central band on the upper wings; Ringlet is more uniformly dark with multiple hindwing spots visible on the underside.
Is a meadow brown or a ringlet more dangerous?
Meadow brown: Non-toxic. Ringlet: Non-toxic. Meadow browns are harmless to people. Ringlets do not bite or sting and are harmless to people.
Identification from photos is never certain: don't handle insects you can't identify, and get medical advice for bites, stings or allergic reactions.