Speckled wood vs Meadow brown
These two are easy to mix up. Here's how to tell a speckled wood from a meadow brown, and whether either one bites or stings.
Speckled wood
Pararge aegeria
Meadow brown
Maniola jurtina
≠The key differences
Larger, with mostly plain brown wings, an orange patch and a single white-pupilled eyespot on the forewing; lacks the cream speckling of the speckled wood.
⚖︎Side by side
| Speckled wood | Meadow brown | |
|---|---|---|
| To humans | Non-toxic | Non-toxic |
| Size | 40-50 mm wingspan | 45-50 mm wingspan |
| Colours | Dark brown, Chestnut brown, Cream yellow, Pale tan | Brown, Orange, Black, Cream |
| Family | Nymphalidae | Nymphalidae |
| Habitat | Woodland edges, shady glades, hedgerows, parks and gardens with trees | Grassy habitats: meadows, pastures, roadside verges, rough grassland, dune slacks and urban parks. |
| Range | Widespread in Europe (including the British Isles), parts of North Africa and western Asia | Widespread across Europe, including the British Isles, into northwest Africa and parts of western Asia. |
| Active | Spring to autumn (multiple broods in warm areas); active during daylight, especially in sunny patches | 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. |
| Pest? | No | No |
🔍How to spot a speckled wood
- Brown wings with several pale yellow-cream spots forming a speckled pattern; one small eyespot near the forewing tip and a row of small eyespots on the hindwing.
- Wingspan about 40-50 mm; underside similarly patterned but paler, aiding camouflage on leaf litter.
- Tendency to perch and fly in low, dappled sunlight—look for solitary males defending sunflecks.
🔍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.
?Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a speckled wood and a meadow brown?
Larger, with mostly plain brown wings, an orange patch and a single white-pupilled eyespot on the forewing; lacks the cream speckling of the speckled wood.
Is a speckled wood or a meadow brown more dangerous?
Speckled wood: Non-toxic. Meadow brown: Non-toxic. Harmless to people; does not sting or bite. Meadow browns 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.