Wall Brown
ExploreInsects
Wall Brown
lasiommata megera
The Wall Brown (Lasiommata megera) is a delightful and active member of the brush-footed butterfly family, Nymphalidae. Named for its signature habit of basking on warm stone walls, gravel paths, and rocks, this insect is a sun-loving species that thrives in open, stony habitats. Its striking orange and dark brown pattern, dotted with deceptive eyespots, makes it an eye-catching encounter for nature enthusiasts. In flight, the Wall Brown exhibits a rapid, skipping pattern, moving quickly from one sunny patch to another. Despite its historic abundance across temperate climates, this butterfly has suffered mysterious and dramatic population declines in inland regions, making coastal sightings particularly treasured. It remains a fascinating subject of study due to its territorial nature and superb thermoregulatory tactics.
Habitat: Found in open, sunny environments with sparse vegetation and bare ground, such as disused quarries, railway embankments, rocky coastal cliffs, and gravel paths.
Appearance
This medium-sized butterfly features upperwings painted in a rich, marbled orange pattern with dark brown veins and bands. The most distinctive identifier is a large, black, white-pupiled eyespot near the tip of each forewing, complemented by a row of smaller eyespots along the edges of the hindwings. When resting, the Wall Brown typically folds its wings to reveal a mottled, cryptic underside of grey, brown, and cream, which provides outstanding camouflage against stones and dry earth. Males can be distinguished by a prominent dark brand of scent-scales on their forewings, and their wingspan generally ranges from 3 to 5 centimeters.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderLepidopteraFamilyNymphalidaeGenusLasiommata
Category
InsectsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Depending on the warmth of the region, the Wall Brown can produce up to three successive generations in a single year.
The butterfly gets its common name from its habitual behavior of basking on stone walls, rocks, and bare pathways to absorb solar heat.
To protect itself from predators while resting, the Wall Brown closes its wings to reveal a mottled grey-brown underside that perfectly mimics stone or dry soil.
Special abilities
Ability
Wall-Basking Heat Absorption
It spreads its wings flat against stone walls or bare earth to rapidly absorb solar radiation, allowing it to fly in cooler conditions.
Ability
Deceptive Eyespot Shield
Large, concentric eyespots on the wingtips draw the attacks of birds and other predators away from the vulnerable body.
Ability
Territorial Interception
Males actively patrol small, warm territories, darting out aggressively to intercept and investigate any passing insects.
Measurements & details
- Length
- 222010212000021+ cm
- Wingspan
- 3+ cm
- Weight
- 0.0001+ kg
- Lifespan
- 0+ years
- Top Speed
- 15 km/h
- Clutch Size
- 505001010315000+
- Incubation
- 101010000000000+ days
Diet & Feeding
As caterpillars, they feed exclusively on various wild grasses, whereas the adult butterflies forage for nectar on a variety of wildflowers.
Primary Foods
- Cock's-foot grass (Dactylis glomerata)
- Yorkshire Fog (Holcus lanatus)
- Bramble nectar (Rubus fruticosus)
- Common Knapweed nectar (Centaurea nigra)
Foraging Method
- Foraging20240417121043
Ecological connections
host plant
Cock's-foot Grass
Dactylis glomerata
The primary larval host plant, providing nutrition for the developing caterpillar.
mutualism
Bramble
Rubus fruticosus
Provides a crucial nectar source for adult butterflies during the summer months.
eaten by
Common Wasp
Vespula vulgaris
Acts as a major predator of both larvae and adult butterflies in scrub habitats.
Traits
No trait badges are assigned for this object yet.
Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
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Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
No special safety notes yet.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is Wall Brown?
222010212000021+ cm
What is Wall Brown's wingspan?
3+ cm
How much does Wall Brown weigh?
0.0001+ kg
How long does Wall Brown live?
0+ years
How fast can Wall Brown move?
15 km/h
What does Wall Brown eat?
As caterpillars, they feed exclusively on various wild grasses, whereas the adult butterflies forage for nectar on a variety of wildflowers.
Where is Wall Brown usually found?
Found in open, sunny environments with sparse vegetation and bare ground, such as disused quarries, railway embankments, rocky coastal cliffs, and gravel paths.
How does Wall Brown hunt?
Foraging20240417121043
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