Meadow brown vs Small heath
These two are easy to mix up. Here's how to tell a meadow brown from a small heath, and whether either one bites or stings.
Meadow brown
Maniola jurtina
Small heath
Coenonympha pamphilus
≠The key differences
Smaller and has a more rounded wing shape and a less conspicuous orange patch; underside is more yellowish.
Meadow Brown is larger with a more conspicuous upper-side eyespot and darker hindwings; Small heath is smaller, paler and has a single small spot on the forewing underside.
⚖︎Side by side
| Meadow brown | Small heath | |
|---|---|---|
| To humans | Non-toxic | Non-toxic |
| Size | 45-50 mm wingspan | Wingspan 32-38 mm |
| Colours | Brown, Orange, Black, Cream | Orange-brown, Warm brown, Cream, Grey-brown, Black |
| Family | Nymphalidae | Nymphalidae |
| Habitat | Grassy habitats: meadows, pastures, roadside verges, rough grassland, dune slacks and urban parks. | Open grassy places: meadows, dune slacks, heathland, road verges, rough pasture and brownfield sites. |
| Range | Widespread across Europe, including the British Isles, into northwest Africa and parts of western Asia. | Widespread across Europe, parts of temperate Asia, and North Africa; common in many regions but locally variable. |
| 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. | Spring to autumn (commonly May-September); adults fly in warm, sunny weather and are most active in daylight, flying low over vegetation. |
| 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 small heath
- Small size with wingspan about 32-38 mm and rounded wing shape.
- Single small black eyespot on the underside of the forewing, ringed pale yellow.
- Upper side plain orange-brown without strong markings; underside hindwing greyish-brown with subtle bands.
- Flies low and fast close to the ground in short bursts; often seen settling with wings closed.
?Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a meadow brown and a small heath?
Smaller and has a more rounded wing shape and a less conspicuous orange patch; underside is more yellowish. Meadow Brown is larger with a more conspicuous upper-side eyespot and darker hindwings; Small heath is smaller, paler and has a single small spot on the forewing underside.
Is a meadow brown or a small heath more dangerous?
Meadow brown: Non-toxic. Small heath: Non-toxic. Meadow browns are harmless to people. Harmless to people — does not bite or sting.
Identification from photos is never certain: don't handle insects you can't identify, and get medical advice for bites, stings or allergic reactions.