Meadow Brown vs Water Treader
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Meadow Brown | Water Treader |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Maniola jurtina | Mesovelia mulsanti |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Hemiptera |
| Family | Nymphalidae | Mesoveliidae |
| Size | Wingspan 40-55mm | 3-4 mm |
| Habitat | Grasslands | Ponds & Lakes |
| Diet | Herbivores | Herbivores |
| Regions | Europe | Americas, from United States to South America |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Meadow Brown
The most abundant butterfly in Britain, a brown species with a single eyespot on each forewing.
Did You Know?
So common it is often overlooked but plays a crucial role as a pollinator of wildflowers in grasslands.
Water Treader
A tiny, bright green semi-aquatic bug that walks on the surface of still waters among floating vegetation. It is widespread across the Americas and is often found on lily pads and duckweed. Both winged and wingless forms exist.
Did You Know?
It hunts by detecting the tiny ripples made by struggling prey items on the water surface, running across lily pads and open water to reach them.