Meadow Brown (Maniola jurtina) is probably the most common and widespread of our butterflies with the largest populations frequenting the chalk downlands of southern England but found in a wide range of habitats. A single brood flies from late May up until October. One of a few flutters that can be seen on overcast days but it does of course prefer the warmth of the sun that shone today. Females, like the one above, have more orange on the upper fore wing than the drab males but the amount of colour is very variable with races in the north and west being brighter and with bolder eye-spots.
Captured with 70-300 lens @ 300mm; ISO 200; F/8; 1/500; Exp Comp -0.67 and cropped. FAB.
