(Linnaeus, 1767)
Wall Brown
Description:
The Wall Brown inhabits many different sorts of grassland, natural grasslands, as well as not all too intensively farmed land. The butterflies are mostly very active, the males very alert. They fly up when disturbed from rocks or walls on which they often bask in the sun, and are therefore conspicuous. The males have a broad scent-brand on their forewings.
The female deposits her eggs on the blades of many different grasses, including fescues (Festuca spp.), false-bromes (Brachypodium spp.), cock's-foot (Dactylus spp.), bromes (Bromus spp.), and Crested Dog's-tail (Cynosurus aristatus).
When half-grown, the caterpillar hibernates in the litter layer, where it later, deep down, pupates. The Wall Brown has two to three broods a year.
Habitat:
Dry siliceous grasslands
Dry calcareous grasslands
Similar species:
Lasiommata paramegaera
Lasiommata petropolitana
Lasiommata maera